52 Influential Books #5 - Vision

Out of Rosenheim (Bagdad Café) is a look into the minds and lives of some people most of us have met but few of us know much about. This tale exemplifies how one person in the right place can affect a community of lives. The book/movie seem to express the view that all change and "magic" comes from hard work and mutual acceptance. A well-crafted view of the lives of tourists everywhere and the difficulties they can face. A whimsical and lovingly photographed look at the vast wasteland that is too often ignored by much of humanity.


Bagdad Cafe may seem like a peculiar choice since the word "vision" does not appear in the title. However, there is a moment in the movie that is deeply moving and our heroine literally exhales the words, "My Vision". It is a truly breathless moment and so, just like that, Bagdad Cafe became Influential Book #5 on my list.