Live and Learn English with Jean Lee

LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE Do you take delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it. #51. The Jungle (authored by Upton Sinclair) This novel was written by Upton Sinclair 120 years ago. The story centers on Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, and his family as they endure the brutal conditions of Chicago’s Packing town. Drawn by hopes of achieving the American dream, they instead find themselves caught in an unending fight to survive. Motivated by his socialist beliefs, the author Sinclair sought to reveal the harsh and exploitative working conditions faced by immigrants in industrial America. To do this, he even undercover in Chicago’s meatpacking plants, gathering firsthand evidence of worker mistreatment. W...

The History of the Route 66 U.S. Highway 66—widely recognized as Route 66—represents a deep and multifaceted history that extends far beyond a simple account of the roadway. Serving as a major transportation route, a catalyst for societal change, and a symbol of America’s heritage, it spans 2,400 miles across roughly two-thirds of the country.     Now, let’s dive into a fun Route 66 trivia quiz!   1.    Route 66 begins in Chicago and ends in what California city?   (2 words) ___________   ____________   2.    Route 66 passes through how many US states?   a.    6   b.    7   c.    8 d.    9   3.    Which state does the road spend the least amount of length in?   K___________   4.    Which John Steinbeck novel details the adventures of the Joad family as they traveled the Mother Road?   The __________ of ______...

LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE Do you take delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.   #50. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir (authored by Haruki Murakami) This book offers a personal exploration of writing and running, and the remarkable ways they connect, from acclaimed bestselling author Haruki Murakami. It is a memoir in which Murakami reflects on his dual passions for long-distance running and writing. He shares insights from his marathon training and explains how the discipline of running has influenced his creative journey of writing since he began in 1982. Blending elements of a training journal, travel narrative, and introspective essay, the book recounts his racing experiences, h...

LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE Do you take delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.   #49. Cider House Rules (authored by John Irving’s book, 1985) This is a novel authored by John Irving in 1985, which was made into a film in 1999. The story is taking place before and after World War II, following a young man named Homer Wells as he is raised in an orphanage under the care and tutelage of a troubled M.D. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician who also performs abortions. This coming-of-age story portrays Homer’s journey into adulthood as he ultimately leaves to find his own path.   (Dr. Wilbur Larch said): “People only ask questions when they're ready to hear the answers.” =>  This line of Dr. L...

LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE Do you take delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.   #48. The Good Girl (film, 2002) The narrative centers on a thirty-year-old woman named Justine (played by Jennifer Aniston) who works as a clerk in a discount store (called Rodeo retail). She feels deeply confined and frustrated by her repetitive, unfulfilling life, sharing a home with her unmotivated, pot-smoking husband. Over time, she becomes romantically involved with a younger coworker (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who sees himself as a modern-day version of Holden Caulfield, the central character from the once-controversial coming-of-age novel The Catcher in the Rye authored by J.D. Salinger.   (Justin said to...