Ep 1: New Beginnings - Karate Kid & The Starless Sea

Welcome to the first episode of Parallel Fiction. Jeff and Heather review stories of New Beginnings to commemorate the start of Parallel Fiction. Heather will be talking about fantasy novel The Starless Sea, while Jeff will wax on/wax off the 80’s classic The Karate Kid. They break down the story and theme of these stories and give recommendations of what else you may enjoy.

Written by Erin Morgenstern, the Starless Sea covers the possibility of endless stories and countless new beginnings. Following the character of Zachary, the "rabbit hole" is a sea of honey that carries the characters through a fantasy where anything can happen. Morgenstern’s debut novel Night Circus is also available wherever books are sold. Heather relates the telling of these stories and the notion that nothing is ever lost as long as you keep it in your heart to that of losing a loved one, and holding on to innocence you may outgrow with age.

Fun Fact: Erin Morgenstern is also a painter specializing in acrylic!

Director by John Avildsen, the standard bearer of old school big fight movies such as Rocky, lends his expertise to Robert Mark Kamen’s (Co-creator of the Taken franshise) original screenplay. Jeff takes us through the events that lead spunky New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso from punching bag to Karate champion. The Karate Kid shows us that new beginnings can be tough, and that the help of friends and family can go a long way to make anywhere feel like home. Overcoming adversary and counting on others bring this story to life. Jeff points out how powerful the montage segments & unexpected break out performance from Pat Morita make this movie a timeless classic.

Did you know? The iconic Karate Kid headband was improvised by Morita, who had the handkerchief in his pocket the day of filming.

Tune in to hear Jeff and Heather’s candid thoughts on the masterpiece scenes of each story, how The Karate Kid and The Starless Sea compare, and how Jeff and Heather relate to aspects of each. Share this episode with anyone who you think would enjoy it and let us know your thoughts on these inspiring New Beginnings!

Heather’s Rating of The Starless Sea: Very Nice

Jeff’s Rating of The Karate Kid: Very Nice

Watch The Karate Kid here: www.amazon.com/Karate-Kid-Ralph-Macchio/dp/B000OLROWC

Find The Starless Sea here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/535366/the-starless-sea-by-erin-morgenstern/

About Parallel Fiction:

Parallel Fiction is the perfect supplemental companion to all of the stories you consume. We will be covering movies, television, books, graphic novels, video games, and music whenever it applies. Learn more about things you love, and get to know us a little bit better as we give you a peak into our lives and opinions.

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