Popular Culture November 2019 Upcoming releases Get your holds placed early! Click on the title and then click "request." The Way We All Became the Brady Bunch: How the Canceled Sitcom Became the Beloved Pop Culture Icon We Are Still Talking About Today by Kimberly Potts Published to coincide with the Brady Bunch’s 50th anniversary, a TV and pop-culture writer documents why The Brady Bunch was one of the most groundbreaking shows of its time – and why it remains to this day, unforgettable.  Jay-Z: Made in America by Michael Eric Dyson Examines the biggest themes of JAY-Z’s career, including hustling, and it recognizes the way that he’s always weaved politics into his music, making statements about race, criminal justice and black wealth. By the author of Tears We Cannout Stop.  Disney's land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World by Richard Snow A history of the conception and development of the iconic California theme park chronicles how Walt and Roy Disney and a small group of artists endured innumerable setbacks to create one of the world’s most popular destinations.  Life Isn't Everything: Mike Nichols, As Remembered by 150 of His Closest Friends by Ash Carter Drawing on candid conversations with his closest friends in show business and the arts, an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the life of the legendary filmmaker, theater director and comedian doubles as a snapshot of what it meant to be living, loving and making art in the 20th century. Stan Lee's Master Class: Lessons in Drawing, World-building, Storytelling, Manga, and Digital Comics ... by Stan Lee A co-creator of the Mighty Marvel universe and some of the most popular comic book characters of all time provides aspiring comics artists with the modern tools they need to succeed in the comic book creating world.  Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle Based on the popular Instagram of the same name, this adorable and profound universe in pink, blue, green and purple covers a full life cycle of the planet’s inhabitants.  Sidney Lumet: A Life by Maura Spiegel A portrait of the influential, 14-time Oscar-nominated director shares insights into his use of gritty realism in his stage and television productions as well as his acclaimed work on such Hollywood films as 12 Angry Men and Serpico.  Ian McKellen: The Biography by Garry O'Connor A biography of the esteemed actor follows his career, which includes roles in over 400 plays and films, from his debut in London’s West End in 1964 to playing Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings film adaptations. Older releases Wham! George Michael & Me by Andrew Ridgeley What it is: The music artist and second half of the famous 1980s band breaks decades of silence to trace his lifelong friendship with the late George Michael, the meteoric successes of Wham! and the iconic Wembley Stadium concert that ended their partnership. Who it's for: Vividly portraying the pandemonium of excited fans and tabloid frenzy, this fond memoir of friendship and fame will appeal to fans of 1980s pop.  Country Music: An Illustrated History by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns What it's about: the evolution of American country music in the 20th century and the influential musicians who have shaped the genre. What's inside: richly detailed illustrations, including album jackets, memorabilia, and rare concert photos.  Book buzz: Country Music is the companion to the eight-part PBS series of the same name. An Askew View 2: The Films of Kevin Smith by John Kenneth Muir What it does: Looks at the films of Kevin Smith, tracing their characters, controversy over the language and content, themes, and critical reception. Don't miss: Pop-culture vulture Muir's seven theories on why the characters of perennial stoners Jay and Silent Bob (the latter played by Smith himself) are so popular, and a glossary of “Smithisms." The Road to Oz : The Evolution, Creation, and Legacy of a Motion Picture Masterpiece by Jay Scarfone What is is: a complete retelling of how The Wizard of Oz was influenced and created, and attained its iconic status. What's inside: a synopsis of Baum's orginal book, an overview of prior productions and how they influenced the 1939 film, Judy Garland's trials and tribulations with the studio, revelations about the operetta that may have inspired "Over the Rainbow," and much more. Ultimate Star Wars: The Definitive Guide to the Star Wars Universe by Adam Bray What it does: This ideal go-to resource for old and new fans alike explores the characters, creatures, locations, vehicles and technology found throughout the enter Star Wars galaxy.  What sets it apart: All the important events that provide the foundations for the exciting Star Wars story are richly unpacked, with behind-the-scenes insights.  The Queens of Animation: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World... by Nathalia Holt Who it's about: Walt Disney Studios' pioneering women animators, who for decades were instrumental to the studio's many successes but received little recognition for their efforts.  Why you might like it: This resonant story of workplace sexism and harassment celebrates the creatives responsible for the stories loved by generations of Disney fans.  For fans of: Mallory O'Meara's The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick. NFL Century: The One-Hundred-Year Rise of America's Greatest Sports League by Joe Horrigan What it is: a richly detailed big-picture survey of the National Football League's first 100 years, laden with pub trivia-ready factoids.  Topics include: the league's origins in Canton, Ohio; its ever-evolving management and ownership; player eligibility requirements. Author alert: Former Pro Football Hall of Fame executive director Joe Horrigan brings his insider knowledge of the game to this lively and illuminating history.   A Team of Their Own: How an International Sisterhood Made Olympic History by Seth Berkman What it is: The inspiring, unlikely story of the American, Canadian, South Korean and even North Korean women who joined together to form Korea’s first Olympic ice hockey team. What sets it apart: Readers will find themselves cheering for a team who began as political pawns but who ultimately showed the world the Olympic spirit in action, despite losing every game they played. A must-read for its slice of Olympic history and its portrait of Korean culture.  God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop by Kathy Iandoli What it does: Paying tribute to the women of hip-hop, and exploring issues of gender, money, sexuality, violence, objectification and more, this important and monumental work of music journalism finally gives these influential artists the respect they have long deserved. Who it's for: Music lovers will celebrate this much-needed exploration of the overlooked experiences of women in hip-hop.  The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones by Kim Renfro What it's about: Spanning every episode across all eight seasons, INSIDER’s entertainment correspondent Kim Renfro goes deep into how the show was made, why it became such a phenomenon, and explores every detail you want to know. Who it's for:  It’s the perfect book to look back at all you may have missed or to jump-start you on a second viewing of the whole series. Check the new titles list every week for the latest additions to our collections. Scroll down on the Read page for more ways to discover your next book. Use this form to ask questions or make suggestions. Thanks so much for being an EVPL supporter!