Birthday of E. M. Forster

British novelist E. M. Forster was born on this day in 1879. He died on June 7, 1970. Recently, he has gained a new appreciative audience thanks to screen translations of several of his novels. Depending on your mood and access to DVDs , you might pay homage to this gifted writer by watching one of the following:

• A Passage to India is Forster's award winning drama criticizing British colonial rule and demonstrating his affection for Indian mysticism.

• A Room with a View is an exquisite comedy of manners conveying Forster's scorn for individuals who are tethered by class distinctions and conformity.

• Howards End is a screen masterwork. Although set in Edwardian England, this drama speaks forcefully to contemporary concerns including spirituality, the gulf between the rich and the poor, the clash between opinionated men and women, and the sacred meaning a place can have for people. The overarching theme of the movie is the quest to see life whole and to heal the divisions which tear our souls apart.

One of the most quoted lines in Howards End is "Only connect." To honor Forster on this day, explore your connections to a special place — your home, your neighborhood, a favorite retreat locale. Each of us has a spot on earth that brings out the best in us.