Natalie Recommends "Bad Motherfu*ker: The Life and Movies of Samuel L. Jackson, the Coolest Man in Hollywood"

The funny thing about scanning the New shelves is that you'll never know what you may find. The same can be said fore regular/not new books, but considering I stumbled upon this on our New Nonfiction shelf, the thought still stands. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular when I was checking out our New Nonfiction section. I was just curious to see what was there. So when I saw the title of this, I was both curious and amused.  Being familiar with some of Samuel L Jackson's movies (most notably Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, Jurassic Park, as Nick Fury in multiple movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Snakes on a Plane), I was kind of curious to check it out. Plus, with a title like this, which I find perfect for a Samuel L Jackson biography, I couldn't resist.

And I was not disappointed.  I learned a few things from this book and it had a nice discussion on movies he's been in. It's a good biography about Samuel L Jackson throughout his life and career.

Adult/Biography

Phil recommends "Nobody does it better: the complete, uncensored, unauthorized oral history of James Bond"

 

No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final outing as the world’s favorite British secret agent, releases on DVD and Blu-ray on December 21 so there is no better time to brush up on the history of Bond. With reflections from over 150 cast members, filmmakers, critics, and more, “Nobody Does it Better” provides plenty of fascinating insights, trivia, and nostalgic fun as contributors reminisce about the 60-year-old franchise. 

Even thought the book is a whopping 720 pages, it is broken down into small snippets making it easy to skip around so you can focus on your favorite Bonds and films. I like that the book also discusses the original source material, Ian Fleming’s Bond novels, and that it pulls no punches when discussing the problematic racism, sexism, and plenty of other isms in the franchise’s long history.

This book is appropriate for adults.

 

Mallory recommends Catana Comics

It was by complete chance that I saw these on the graphic novel shelf and checked them out. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. They are comics about being yourself together in a relationship. I found myself relating to most of these little comics! I thought, 'how does this book fit me exactly?'

I recommend this to any couple who enjoy being silly together! 

Kate B. recommends "No One Goes Alone"

If on a cold winter night you’re in the mood to listen to a ghost story try No One Goes Alone, by popular non-fiction author Erik Larson. Released only on audio and read beautifully by Julian Rhind-Tutt, this mysterious tale is Larson’s first published work of fiction. The story is set in 1905, when new inventions were expanding ideas of human capabilities and contact with “the other side” seemed almost within reach. A group of researchers from the Society for Psychical Research journey to an island in the North Atlantic to investigate strange occurrences at the island’s lone house. They are particularly interested in the disappearance of a whole family who had been vacationing there. As the characters explore all possibilities, natural and paranormal, the house and surrounding landscape seems to respond to their presence. This eerie story will keep you guessing to the end – and beyond!    

No One Goes Alone is best for adults and older teenagers. No swearing, no graphic violence or sexuality, however, some descriptions are frightening and the story is probably a bit complicated for most children.

 

 

 

Alicia recommends "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather" by Mark Seal

I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse, you will enjoy this dramatic story of the making of the first movie of the Godfather trilogy.  Learn how the movie was almost not made, how the politics of Hollywood almost derailed the movie, and how the Mob was involved with the making of the movie and the actors in the movie.  Mark Seal compiles interviews with the cast and crew and primary sources to make a readable book. Take a walk back in time, almost 50 years ago, to learn how the movie's famous lines evolved, such as, "leave the gun, take the cannoli." 

Adult

Justine recommends "The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor"

One dark and stormy night, Haley sees a stranger drowning in the river. Since her greatest passion is Gothic romance novels, she knows her moment has come. But when Haley leaps into the water to rescue the stranger, she awakens in Willowweep. It certainly looks like the setting of one of her favorite books: A stately manor. A sinister housekeeper. Three brooding brothers. There's even a ghost. Except Willowweep is not what it seems.

The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor is a lighthearted parody of Gothic romance novels such as Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, and Jane Eyre.  It's a great Fall read for those who don't want to be scared, but enjoy a spooky atmosphere every so often.

Kate B. recommends "Small Cures"

 

Accessible and comforting, yet powerful and honest, these poems really might be “small cures” for a broken heart. Whatever the source of grief, the poet’s compassionate message of self-love can soothe the pain and remind readers of their own strength.

Here’s an example:

darling,

survival isn’t something you do.

survival is what your heart is made of.

Adult

 

Filippa recommends "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle"

The book had me guessing from page one! It is great storytelling paired with an outlandish premise sprinkled with characters you love to hate and hate to love. If you are in the mood for a mystery thriller that doesn't stop, this is your book!

Uma recommends "Between Two Kingdoms"

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad is a profound chronicle of survivorship explored in a fierce, tender, and inspiring way of what it means to begin again. It is an awesome, graceful and tear-jerking book that delivers a clear view into the kingdom of illness.  We plan many things in life and sometimes it doesn't go as planned. In this book Jaoud portrays her personal story of life and death and how she handled the situation with courage.

I recommend this book as a good memoir of a life interrupted.

ADULT

 

 

 

 

Natalie recommends "The Daevabad Trilogy"

I am someone who will always look for a good fantasy book or series to try.  Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmirilion, Game of Thrones, and the Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs to name a few.  I picked up The City of Brass because it sounded like a good story.  

Nahri's life is thrown into a world of magic, conflict, and a world of myths after she unintentionally summons Dara, a Djinn (or Daeva as he prefers to be called).  From there, she is pulled from her life in Cairo and brought to Daevabad, a place plagued by division.  Along the way she finds out that she is a Nahid, a magical healer, and a Shafit, someone who is half human and half Djinn.  She finds herself making through her life in Daevabad after she is forced into an arranged marriage with the king's eldest.  All the while, Dara finds himself on the side of his people, who wish to overthrow the king and hopefully save Nahri.  And then there's Prince Ali, who finds himself in a new situation after he is exiled.

The Daevabad Trilogy mixes Middle Eastern Myth, action, love, and a pinch of historical fiction and is recommended for anyone looking for a good fantasy series.

Adult/Fantasy

Alicia recommends "The Handmade Charlotte"

Written by Rachel Faucett, The Handmade Charlotte Playbook: Crafts, Games, and Recipes for Families to Do Together Throughout the Year is exactly what the title implies with over 100 activities.  This book is for families with children under 12, grandparents and parents looking for activities and creative outlets for the kids. The book is arranged alphabetical but also includes several indices including projects, seasonal, holiday and recipe types.  Filled with color photos and step-by-step directions, even those who are not very crafty can create a fun, wholesome project with their kids.  Try the Hot Potato Game, the tasty cucumber cakes, or get adventurous and make a unicorn puppet.  Recommended for all ages.

Martin recommends "Charlie Brown's America"

If you think the classic comic strip featuring Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang was just for children, this book will prove very enlightening.  In Charlie Brown's America: The Popular Politics of Peanuts, history professor Blake Scott Ball details how comics legend Charles Schulz tackled topics of gender, religion, racism, the Vietnam War and the environment all within the confines of his daily four-panel strip.

Recommended for those who like to dig deeper into their pop culture and those who grew up with the Peanuts strip which ran for over six decades in newspapers in America and around the world.

Adult / Nonfiction

Natalie recommends "Trejo: my life of crime, redemption, and Hollywood"

Going into this, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I am familiar with Danny Trejo and some of his roles, but I never knew a whole lot about his personal life. This story is a real one, filled with tragedy, addiction and the road to recovery. He didn't hold back punches with what he went through or where his mind was at growing up.

Though a bit of a quicker read for me, it was a great read and brutally honest. I'm glad that I was able to give this book a read and would recommend it for anyone looking for a good memoir/autobiography. 

ADULT

Uma Recommends "The Power of Positive Thinking"

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale teaches the importance of believing in oneself and having the right attitude in life. Peale emphasizes the fact that success lies in the mind and that breaking the habit of worrying can help you take control of your life. Through faith and positive thinking, your life can be happy. This is a great book to help change our outlook on life.

ADULT

 

 

Natalie recommends "The Missing Sister"

The seventh book in Lucinda Riley's Seven Sisters sees the six sisters trying to find out what happened to the seventh sister the Pa Salt never got to find.  With a picture of an emerald ring and an idea of who they're looking for, it's a game of cat and mouse as each sister tries to locate and contact the (adoptive) mother of Mary Kate, the young woman who was supposed to be the seventh sister.  They along with Mary Kate are looking for answers that brings them to New Zealand, Canada, England, and Ireland.  

And much like the previous books in the series, we get to see the life of a character from the past.  This time Nuala, a young woman from West Cork, Ireland during the 1920's, where tensions between the Irish and the British are at a high.  Nuala meets Philip, a young man who's father has ties to the British side of the conflict and had been through the traumas of war.  She is tasked to get whatever information she can while assisting him (she has medical training and he physical trauma including an amputated leg).  Along the way, a friendship between the two sparks, but end in tragedy.  As well as tensions during Ireland's fight for independence during this timeframe.  I enjoyed this section as I am a sap for a good Irish/Ireland based stories, and this section definitely explores an interesting time period in Irish history.

It also explores Merry's past a bit.  And while I may have mixed feelings about Merry in the present (of the story), more so towards the beginning, it was interesting to see what her life was like before then.  It helped explain why she was so evasive and how she connected to the six sisters.  It also helped explain the relationships she had with Nuala, her mentor Ambrose, and Pa Salt.  

This was a good addition to the Seven Sisters series, and it's definitely worth a read.

And while I thought this would be the final book in the series, there does appear to be a planned eighth about Pa Salt coming out in 2022.  However, it is also worth noting that Lucinda Riley sadly passed away June 11th of this year after battling cancer for a few years.  So depending on how far she may have been before her passing may determine when/if this eighth, and probably last, installment will get released.​  

Adult/Fiction/Historical Fiction

Uma Recommends "Together: The healing power of human connection in a sometimes lonely world"

“Together : the healing power of human connection in a sometimes lonely world” by Vivek H. Murthy, MD.

 Humans are social creatures by nature and the current pandemic is showing us the importance of human connection time and again. Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the hidden impacts of loneliness and even deems it a public health concern in his book, Together. Dr. Murthy suggests that loneliness is the root cause of many epidemics currently sweeping the world including: depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug addiction, and violence. The center of our loneliness is our innate desire to connect. So, what can we do? Find out by reading this self-help book that doesn’t just state the facts, but gives you practical solutions to the problem.

ADULT

 

 

Meghan recommends "Mollie Makes"

If you love Pinterest and follow #handmade on Instagram, you’ll be thrilled to know that Mollie Makes is part of the new magazine collection in Libby! Every issue has patterns, recipes and inspiration for a variety of DIY projects and crafts, from home décor and cooking, to sewing and fiber crafts. You’ll also find maker profiles, book reviews and how-to guides.

The best part is that more than 2 years’ worth of issues are always available on Libby/Overdrive! Just open your Libby app or visit Overdrive and search for Mollie Makes. You can check out as many magazines as you like; they do not count toward your checkout limit. Happy Making!

Uma recommends "Think Like a Monk"

 

“Think like a Monk” by Jay Shetty focuses on helping individuals implement a monk mindset into their lives. Rather than having a monkey mindset, which Jay describes as constantly moving from one thought to the next, we can bring peace and stillness to our minds through meditation. The book teaches you ways to remove the obstacles that may appear in your life by clearing your mind of negative thoughts and creating a true purpose. This is the perfect read for those who are looking to get closer with their inner selves.

Melissa recommends "Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood"

Although Gary Paulsen's book, Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood, is catalogued as juvenile biography, I thoroughly enjoyed it. My familiarity with the author was limited to my children's experience reading his books as elementary and junior high school students.  One of my daughters found Hatchet, in particular, difficult to read due to its visceral descriptions of a plane crash and a young passenger's subsequent fight for survival.  

Once I began reading Gone to the Woods, however, it became clear to me that Paulsen's themes of childhood loss and abandonment were rooted in his own tragic upbringing. With the exception of a short idyllic period living with a loving aunt and uncle in northern Minnesota and the  influence of a sensitive and nurturing librarian as a teenager, Paulsen's life was a continual struggle to survive.

This biography will interest readers for it's historical detail and inspire them by it's ultimately redeeming conclusion.  

Paulsen handles the gritty details of his life with discretion and tact, but I would recommend this book only for mature middle schoolers and above.​

Meghan recommends the 2021 Audie Award Nominees

        

 

The 2021 Audie Awards, presented to  “the very best in spoken-word entertainment” were presented earlier this month.

We own audio versions of several of the audiobooks nominated for the top honor, including More Myself by Alicia Keys, The Mountain Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai, and We’re Better Than This by Elijah Cummings. A few of my favorite listens from the last year were also nominated in various categories. Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby is a hilarious essay collection (she reads it herself), and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (read by Daniel Henning) is a light and sweet fantastical romance. I’ve heard great things about both The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (read by Carey Mulligan), and Deacon King Kong by James McBride (read by Dominic Hoffman.) Both were nominated for Audie Awards, so I’ve also moved them from my “To-Read” list to my Libby (Overdrive) eAudio list!

Listening to an audiobook is a great way to make your morning walk, afternoon gardening, or nightly dishwashing a lot more enjoyable, and you’re sure to find something great on the list of Audie Award honorees. Visit this link to find a full list of honored audiobooks in our collection.

 

 

Lisa recommends "A New Day"

With it being March is Reading Month, I am always on the lookout for picture books that would make a great classroom read.  This new book by Brad Meltzer fits that to a T.  Sunday quits working and the other days try to come up with a replacement. Their suggestions are hilarious. If you are looking to read a book to K-3rd graders, pick this one up!

Martin recommends "We Could Be Heroes"

"Jamie woke up in an empty apartment with no memory and only a few clues to his identity, but with the ability to read and erase other people's memories - a power he uses to hold up banks to buy coffee, cat food and books. Zoe is also searching for her past, and using her abilities of speed and strength... to deliver fast food. And she'll occasionally put on a cool suit and beat up bad guys, if she feels like it. When the archrivals meet in a memory-loss support group, they realize the only way to reveal their hidden pasts might be through each other. As they uncover an ongoing threat, suddenly much more is at stake than their fragile friendship."

Author Mike Chen delivers a refreshing take on the super-hero genre. This story is told with just the right amount of details, and the pacing is steady and focused. The characters are relatable, and their motivations and actions are logical.  As a lifelong fan of stories such as these, I enjoyed his approach as well as his infusion of personal elements into the world of the fantastic. This is more than just a story of super-humans; it is a story about being human and about being heroes.

Adult - Fiction/Science Fiction

Natalie recommends "A Promised Land"

​

In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency--a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil-- Provided by publisher.

I picked this book up because it sounded like an interesting read and I do enjoy a good biography from time to time. I felt that this would be an interesting book to hop into, even though I would not consider myself a political person. This isn't a memoir solely focused on politics, as it does provide information from Obama's younger years, but it does provide a solid insight in to his early political years and first term from his perspective. It's a longer read, but one that I would recommend if you're interested or curious.  I can say that I've learned a few things that I hadn't known prior to reading this. This autobiography can be found in our Adult section in both regular and large print.

Melissa recommends "Just As I Am"

 

​​​​

I highly recommend the late Cicely Tyson's memoir, Just As I Am.  I found it compelling reading, notable for just the right amount of honesty and raw emotion.  Without gratuitous detail, she informs and entertains the reader about the struggles and triumphs of her life.  She is particularly protective when writing about her daughter, Joan, whom she gave birth to as a teen.  

This book expanded my mind and heart and gave me a fresh appreciation and admiration for the legacy of this legendary actor.  When reflecting upon the untimely death of her fellow actor, Chadwick Boseman, Tyson writes, "Rest in power,​ Chadwick."  I can only echo her words, "Rest in power, Cicely, rest in power."

Recommended for mature young adults to adults.

Meghan recommends "The House in the Cerulean Sea"

 

 

Linus Baker is case worker with the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His reliable adherence to policy makes him the perfect person for Extremely Upper Management to send to investigate the Marsyas Island Orphanage. The six children housed there, under the care of Arthur Parnassus, could be dangerous. Mr. Baker is expected to make detailed reports on his findings. But he finds there much more than he ever knew to hope for.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was truly delightful, a feel-good story with enough fantastical weirdness to avoid predictability. In the eAudio version (available through Libby) narrator Daniel Henning does a phenomenal job making each character unique, though the title is also available as a book and eBook.

Recommended for teens and adults.

Natalie Recommends "Black Canary: Breaking Silence"

​​

The fifth installment of the DC Icons series, and with one of my favorite female heroes.  In a dystopian Gotham where Batman has passed and the Court of Owls rule Gotham, things have always been challenging for seventeen year old Dinah Lance.  Since their take over, women singing has been  outlawed and silenced in what was known as The Silencing.

Dinah has always had a fascination with singing, every since she heard a girl singing in an off limits opera house when she was eight.  When she tries to sneak into the  opera house years later, she and her friends Ty and Mandy  are caught by the Court's enforcers known as Talons.  After her police chief father, Larry Lance, brings her home, her senior year will become even more complicated. As Dinah finds herself pulled into trouble and a fight against the Court, she starts to learn more about herself and her late mother Dinah Lance (If you are unfamiliar, Dinah Lance was the original Black Canary back in the Golden Age of comics and was succeeded by her daughter Dinah Drake in the Silver Age onwards).  This novel shows us life in Gotham from the perspective of Dinah, who loved music and is trying to find her voice.  Along the way, she will make a new friend, find love, and powers she never knew she had. We also get to see some familiar faces, most notable an older Barbara Gordon who now is going by Oracle and was a close friend to Dinah's mother.  Along with faces like Lady Shiva, Oliver Queen (Green Arrow), and Rory Regan (Ragman).

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and is probably my favorite of the DC Icons novels (I have read Batman: Nightcrawlers and the graphic novelization of Wonder Woman: Warbringer).  This does not require you to read any of the other DC Icon novels to understand what is going on.  This is a great book for Young Adult audiences.

Martin recommends "Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics"

Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics provides an in-depth look at a decade-long period of the music and cultural scenes of Britain. Author Dylan Jones zooms in on the period from 1975 to 1985 and the second invasion of British music. This study goes from the heyday of punk to the peak of new-wave, through the birth of MTV and the culmination of Live-Aid.    

Written in a style reminiscent of a documentary script,  Jones presents the reader with an eye-witness account of this period by those who were key to it.  Through interviews, the reader hears from the likes of David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Adam Ant, Martin Fry, Malcolm McLaren, Sade, the members of bands like Culture Club, Duran Duran, the Eurythmics, Heaven 17, Spandau Ballet, and so many more.

For someone like me who is a music-nerd that came of age during this particular decade, this book is a fascinating read.  Even if you think you know a lot about these artists and their albums, I can guarantee you will find a number of interesting nuggets of trivia within these pages.  It might even inspire you to revisit some of your favorite music from this period.

Adult / Nonfiction