Martin Recommends "Hello, Molly!"

 

This autobiography really defied my expectations. Knowing her from her comedy work, I expected it to by full of laughs and other witty moments. I expected some behind-the-scenes SNL stories, to have that curtain peeled back. While there was all of that, there was also so much more. Right from the get-go, Molly lets the reader know this will be an open, honest, no-holds-barred story of her life. They often say comedy comes from tragedy, and her story certainly is an example of that.

More so, though, this book was a very easy, comfortable read. It was like getting together with an old friend who tells you stories from their life. "Remember when...?" or "have I ever told you about...?". From her entertainment work, you'd expect her to be a friendly, likeable person - and she certainly comes across that way as she unfolds her story. She tells it all like it is with no concern about hiding things (like her youthful indiscretions) or being concerned how something might come across. There is also some wisdom and life lessons in her tale. In a word, she is genuine - and so is her story.

Adult / Biography

Phil recommends "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI"

"Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI" by David Grann has been a nonfiction book club favorite since its release in 2017 but expect renewed interest later this year when the Martin Scorsese film comes out.  In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma, after oil was discovered on their lands.  Soon after, the Osage begin to be killed off one by one.  Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman, finds herself at the epicenter of these killings as multiple members of her family begin to die under mysterious circumstances.

Former Texas Ranger Tom White has been tasked by J. Edgar Hoover to solve the murders but he soon finds himself up against formidable foes and unprecedented levels of corruption.  This investigation forms the foundations of what would become the FBI.  “Killers of the Flower Moon” is the Let’s Get Real book discussion selection for June.

This book is appropriate for adults.

 

Lisa recommends "Endlessly Ever After"

I have been eagerly awaiting this new title to see if it held up to the pre-publishing buzz and it does! Endlessly Ever After is a story of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, Hansel, Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, a wolf, a witch, a goose, a grandmother, and some pigs. After each two page spread, you get to choose your own adventure and drive your own story. My story started with Little Red Riding Hood, visited the Three Pigs, and ended up in Hansel and Gretel’s cottage. Dan Santat’s illustrations pair well with the text.

One a five star scale, I would give it five stars.  Enjoy multiple readings and never read the same story twice!

Amy recommends "The Book of Cold Cases"

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James is an atmospheric thriller that reads like a true crime novel. Murder, ghosts and a plot that moves between decades make for a great story. I had to read it in two sittings because it was just creepy enough to make me wait for daylight to finish.

Recommended for adults.

 

 

Natalie recommends "The Power of the Dog"

As someone who doesn't particularly read or watch westerns, this sounded like a curious read. I decided to pick the book up around the time I caught the Netflix movie adaptation, which I ended up checking out after a recommendation on one of my socials. I really enjoyed the movie and took my time reading the book.  

This is the story of the Burbank brothers, who, in a lot of ways, are opposites. When George marries Rose Gordon, a widow, she and her son Peter find themselves the target of Phil's torment. But not everything is as it seems and beneath the surface secrets and strengths are revealed. Not every book should be judged by it's cover as the story goes on.  

While maybe not a book for everyone, this is a book I would recommend giving a read. The nuances and descriptions are things I found interesting.  

ADULT