Gretchen recommends "Rachel to the Rescue"

 

Are you tired of the endless absurdities of the political landscape?  Elinor Lipman has an antidote with her satirical rom-com “Rachel to the Rescue,” replete with all the sensitivities of the current times. Rachel Klein commits the dreaded “Reply All” faux pas in grousing about her job in the White House Office of Records Management. As she is summarily escorted out, she is hit by a speeding car, driven by a woman she discovers is alleged to be the president’s paramour. Needing employment, she accepts an ambiguous job offer to be an assistant to a notorious muckraker with a canon of tawdry tell-all books. Will Rachel take down the president? Meanwhile a serendipitous set-up pairs her with a thoughtful second-generation wine merchant. Rachel’s prospects may be looking up. 

I enjoyed this light and funny read with engaging characters that brought a sense of respite from the reality and craziness of daily headlines.  As always with her novels, I enjoyed the witty tone which is Lipman’s signature style, along with her keen social observations.

This book is suitable for adults.

 

Natalie recommends "The Redemption of Wolf 302: From Renegade to Yellowstone Alpha Male"

The third book in Rick McIntyre's The Alphas of Yellowstone series, The Redemption of Wolf 302 details the journey of Wolf 302. Wolf 302 was a descendent of Wolf 21, but unlike 302's nephew, he didn't seem to have the same energy or drive to be an alpha unlike his predecessor and nephew. However, he does have a certain charisma with the female wolves.

"From the renowned wolf researcher and author of The Rise of Wolf 8 and The Reign of Wolf 21 comes a stunning account of an unconventional alpha male. A lover, not a fighter. That was wolf 302. A renegade with an eye for the ladies, 302 was anything but Yellowstone's perfect alpha male. For starters, he fled from danger. He begged for food from other wolves, ditched females he'd gotten pregnant, and even napped during a heated battle with a rival pack! But this is not the story of 302's failures. This is the story of his dramatic transformation. And legendary wolf writer Rick McIntyre witnessed it all from the sidelines. As McIntyre closely observed with his spotting scope, wolf 302 began to mature, and, much to McIntyre's surprise, became the leader of a new pack in his old age. But in a year when game was scarce, could the aging wolf provide for his family? Had he changed enough to live up to the legacies of the great alpha males before him? Recounted in McIntyre's captivating storytelling voice and peppered with fascinating insights into wolf behavior, The Redemption of Wolf 302 is a powerful coming-of-age tale that will strike a chord with anyone who has struggled to make a change, big or small."-- Provided by publisher.

This story follows Wolf 302's journey over his life and the impression he left on the author and the packs he associated with. It was a interesting read and ends with a prelude to the next book in the series focusing on Wolf 06 the fierce granddaughter of Wolf 21, which is set to be released some time in September 2022.

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