Page 6 March 2, 2017 EL SEGUNDO HERALD The Historical Fiction By Michelle Moran By Kristina Kora-Beckman, Librarian I, El Segundo Public Library I love historical fiction novels … they transport me to faraway places and long-ago times, immersing the reader in the details that make the past come alive. One of my favorite authors from this literary genre is Michelle Moran, whose novels often focus on influential--and often controversial--women such as Nefertiti and Mata Hari. Rich in vibrant detail, her titles set the scene of place and time that really help the reader feel what it might have been like to live in the particular time and locale. While readers often know how major historical events will end, the journey of how the characters get there and what drives their actions is what makes these books so enjoyable. From the French Revolution, Ancient Rome or 19th Century India, Moran’s books describe the motivations that drive the characters to make tough decisions in difficult situations. It would be easy for present-day readers to say they would have made different choices had they been in a particular situation, but Moran helps them understand the limited options these women often faced in primarily maledominated societies. These intelligent women have to use every ounce of cunning, connections and positioning to reach their personal and professional aspirations, often with great cost. My personal favorites are Rebel Queen, Madame Tussaud and Cleopatra’s Daughter. To check out these, or any other of Moran’s titles, please visit the library to apply for your free library card. For further assistance including helping to discover your next great read, please contact the reference staff. • Entertainment Film Review Check It Out Kristina Kora-Beckman. Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran. Best Picture Winner Moonlight Sweeps at the 32nd Film Independent Spirit Awards By Ryan Rojas for www.cinemacy.com Each year, on the day before the film industry’s biggest night that is the Oscars, the non-profit arts organization Film Independent hosts the Independent Spirit Awards--an annual event that brings out some of Hollywood’s finest indie filmmakers and stars to a beautiful Santa Monica beach setting to celebrate the films that are made outside of the mainstream studio system. This year, Cinemacy’s Editorin Chief Morgan and I covered the awards show from the pressroom. There was a diverse lineup of films being honored this year, from the Franco-Mexican drama Chronic to this year’s Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Moonlight (who will ever forget the massive flub that initially and incorrectly awarded the film to La La Land?). Despite their background or box office success, all nominees shared one common thread--a deep-rooted passion and love for independent films. In a politically-charged era that has viewers almost expecting Hollywood to comment on our nation’s current political happenings, comedians Nick Kroll and John Mulaney co-hosted the event with no shortage of sharp-witted jokes. Their buddy breeziness set a perfect atmosphere The cast and crew of Moonlight, which won Best Feature. Courtesy of Cinemacy. for a relaxed and casual evening (along with house band Gary Clark, Jr.). This being the day before the stress-filled night that is the Oscars is a much-appreciated thing. The Indie Spirit Awards recognized Moonlight with six top honors, including Best Feature, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography. The show brought out the film’s stars Mahershala Ali (who went on to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Naomie Harris, Janelle Monáe, and more, who all cheered on director Barry Jenkins as he received the Robert Altman Award on the film’s behalf. Speaking about Moonlight’s impact on the film industry, Jenkins was humbled by the acknowledgement and considered it a “beacon of inclusivity,” noting that the industry has to tell “more stories that speak truth to power.” It is available to rent on iTunes now. Voters awarded Casey Affleck, who would also win Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Academy Awards the following night, with the award for Best Male Lead for his performance as a grieving janitor in Manchester by the Sea (available to rent on Amazon). Best Female Lead was awarded to Isabelle Huppert for her performance as a woman assaulted in the amazing, but little-seen, French film Elle (available to rent on Vudu beginning March 14). Winning Best Supporting Male was Ben Foster for his bank-robbing bad boy character in Hell of High Water (available to rent on Amazon) and Best Supporting Female was an ecstatic Molly Shannon for her portrayal of a cancer-stricken mother in Other People (available to stream on Netflix). The theme of the day, celebrating both the diversity of filmmakers and the important stories they tell, resonated when more than a handful of winners thanked us--the members of the press--for their dedication to their job in a time when the media has faced so much attack from Washington. The feeling of unification we felt this day reminds us why stories are so essential to tell now more than ever, and independent cinema continues to prove that this is the place to do it. Morgan and I would like to express our sincere thanks to Film Independent and Ginsberg/ Libby for our inclusion in the event. • Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran. Every Visit our Website www.heraldpublications.com issue always available online! New Issues/Old Issues • Out-of-town? Read the Herald newspapers online • Interested in an article from a prior date? See it online • Excited about an ad, photo, or article? 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