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HQ Staff Picks August 18, 2017
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It is 1942 in German-occupied Paris and Jewish people are being hunted by the Nazis. Sadly for the Jews, most of the French people are indifferent to their plight, including Lucien Bernard. He’s an out of work architect desperately trying to make a living, and leave his architectural mark on Paris. He doesn’t dislike Jews, but he won’t go out of his way to help them either. So when a potential client, wealthy industrialist Auguste Manet, offers him a commission and a large sum of money, Lucien eagerly wants to accept but is hesitant to do so because the commission comes with a catch… a secret second commission: design hiding places for Jews. One of my favorite things about this book was the development of the characters. It was so well written that I found myself liking a Nazi! The review on the front of this book says "I dreamed about this novel." Well, I didn't have any dreams about it, but every time I put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it. So do yourself a favor and check out The Paris Architect! *Brandi*
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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas “She was an assassin with the blessing of a pretty face and sharp wits. She washed her hands with blood, and was just as likely to slit his throat as offer him a kind word.” Throne of Glass is basically chick-lit meets fantasy, and with that combination you get the best of both worlds. It has the familiar elements of magic, assassins, and treachery, but is watered down with talk of beautiful dresses and balls and handsome princes. It is a "young adult" book, so a certain amount of this (plus a cringe-y romance) is to be expected and is forgivable.
The book centers around Celaena Sardothian (which I was apparently pronouncing wrong the whole time -- it's sell-LAY-na, not sell-LEE-na), a former-assassin-now-slave-now-assassin-again. The premise is awesome and original: Celaena is given the option to compete against 24 other assassins, soldiers, and mercenaries for a chance to become the king's personal assassin. Sweet. If she wins, she serves him for 4 years and then earns her freedom. Very cool premise; I was definitely on board.
The book does get a bit tame throughout; as Celaena progresses through the competition, the story focuses more on her personal thoughts and relationships with the other characters while skating over the parts where she actually does cool, kick-butt assassin-y stuff.
Despite this, the book is a quick, interesting read, and I got exactly what I expected and wanted from it. This is isn't serious fantasy, but it's definitely a lot of fun. *Taylor*
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Funny Little Pregnant Things : (the good, the bad and the just plain gross things about pregnancy that other books aren't going to tell you) by Emily Doherty Reading Funny Little Pregnant Things was a joy because it was so easy to understand and get through. There are plenty of heavier, more academic pregnancy books on the market nowadays; those are certainly helpful to read during pregnancy. However, this book in particular caught my eye because it looked like more of a light-hearted read. The author straight-up acknowledges that she is not giving out any medical advice; instead, she focuses on the things that she went through during her two pregnancies and shares plenty of details relating to those things. Her tone is funny and down-to-earth, and it really makes the reader feel like she is sharing insider knowledge with them. I related to various situations that she described in the book. For instance, we shared the feeling of overwhelmedness when walking into a baby store for the first time and taking in the sheer amount of baby items! As a first-time, soon-to-be mom, it was nice reading Emily Doherty’s book because it made me feel like less of an outsider in the pregnancy world by validating plenty of my personal experiences. *Isabel*
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Wild: from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed After her mother’s death and her marriage’s demise, 26-year-old Cheryl Strayed decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail by herself. I expected Wild to be a meandering travelogue, full of detailed scenery, but it was so much more. Strayed had never done anything like this before, so she was woefully unprepared: she ran out of water, ran out of money, and her boots were a size too small for most of the trail. She had near run-ins with rattlesnakes and a possible sexual assailant, but she is able to rely on the generosity of strangers and fellow hikers to complete her journey. Strayed uses the 1,100-mile journey to process her mother’s death, her divorce, and her affair with a seriously bad-for-her guy. Strayed flashes back to her crazy and traumatic childhood and young adulthood, full of abuse, estrangement, and heroin. There are moments that will make readers laugh, cry, and gasp. Wild is a fascinating read for those who love journeys of self-discovery. *Katie*
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A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria SchwabThis is a tale that takes place in a world of multiple Londons and of Kell, an Arturi, who is one of only two magical beings who can pass between these cities. The Londons are coded by color and Kell originates from Red London - a place where magic smells of flowers and a healthy abundance, respect and balance of magic exists. There is Grey London, which has no magic at all and no real knowledge of it (a Muggle London if you will) and finally, White London, where magic is scarce and fought over for power and influence. White London is ruled by two dangerous and ruthless leaders who are monstrously magic-hungry. Though Kell is the royal ambassador of Red London, he also has an illegal side job transporting goods between the worlds. When he takes a package from a desperate and strange woman in White London, he comes into possession of a thing that shouldn't exist which threatens the delicate balance of magic between the worlds and their very existence. This is a fast-paced adventure fantasy with excellent writing and world-building. Violent and action packed. I'm definitely reading the rest in this trilogy. *Rebecca*
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Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt In the midst of skepticism and uncertainty there is Black Spring. Black Spring is a town where there are glistening creeks and streams, densely packed forests that contain natural vegetation and ferns, and beautiful residential areas that are picture perfect. Black Spring seems like the perfect town, but there is more to this residence than just its appealing terrain. A so-called witch named Katherine Van Wyler roams this picturesque town with her eyes and mouth stitched shut. Silently, yet destructively, Katherine terrorizes Black Spring’s residents as payback for the torment she was forced to endure. From the start I knew HEX was going to be an interesting read. The front cover captured my attention with the title designed with stitches. It sparked my curiosity as to what the novel could be about. Black Spring is not your ordinary town. A 350-year-old curse has devastated the town indefinitely trapping its residents into a world of surveillance, chaos, and confusion. As you become engrossed into the novel, you can feel the eeriness the author depicts which is perfect for the wicked activity that takes place. This creepy read takes horror to a new chilling level! *Bernadette*
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“What I am telling you, before you begin my story, is this -- two things: I crave truth. And I lie. ” Based on the cover, I was expecting a creepy mystery detective story. But this book is so much more. A deeply psychological book, In the Woods follows Rob Ryan, a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad, as he is sent back to his hometown to investigate a case involving a young girl who was found murdered in the very same woods he used to play in as a child.
The same woods that swallowed up his two best friends when he was 12 years old, never to be seen again.
As the investigation progresses, Rob and his partner Cassie hit dead end after dead end, and we see first-hand the devastatingly psychological effects that a case like this can have on a person. The author does a brilliant job of creating complex personalities, senses of humor, and relationships between the characters, the kind that make you really care for them and want things to turn out okay. There's a touch of love in this book - just a touch, not enough to be called a romance. But it's there, it's real, and it broke my heart. *Taylor*
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The Fact of a Body : a murder and a memoir by Alexandria Marzano-LesnevichThis book, written almost as a novel, is a narrative non-fiction (or in other words: factually accurate storytelling). It is part memoir, part true-crime. Our author, Alexandria, takes on an internship at a law firm that works to defend men accused of murder. And she is strictly anti-death penalty… until her internship focuses on a murderer/child molester named Ricky Langley. She finds herself wanting him to pay for what he did; to die. And also something about this case niggles at childhood memories that have haunted her for too long. Her obsession with this case and her own personal experiences interweave as a journey towards understanding. This is not easy reading but it is exceptionally well-written. It’s also one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read in a long time, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this author’s story. *Crystal*
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Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig Benjamin Ludwig has written a fantastic first novel about a 14 year old autistic girl named Ginny. Ginny Moon is one lucky girl. After a series of foster homes, she has finally found her "forever" mom and dad. She jeopardizes her stay at her "forever" home when she begins to act out because she wants to find her real mom and baby sister. Ginny Moon is a beautiful well-crafted story. Having a family member with autism, I feel Ludwig's portrayal of autism was spot on. Definitely a great read and would make a good book club selection. *Shannon*
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The Girls : a novel by Emma Cline Is there any one of us who hasn’t been swept up by something less than savory? Maybe it was a weird diet, or those acid wash jeans that’s everyone wore in the 90s. Or maybe it was a man or a woman who weren’t the right fit, but you couldn’t stop anyway. Or maybe, in the case of Evie Boyd, it was a cult. At the tail end of the 1960s, 14 year old Evie sits dully waiting for summer to end and for boarding school to start, but her trajectory of boredom changes when she encounters 19 year old Suzanne, whose mysterious air entrances her. Evie winnows her way into Suzanne’s life, meeting the people she lives with at a hippy-dippy ranch outside the city. Russell, the leader of the rag-tag team of mostly women and girls, is pretty shady, but Evie’s too enthralled with Suzanne to pull away. As summer bleeds on, Evie finds herself rebelling in predictable and unpredictable ways, which leads to disaster. The Girls is told from the perspective of middle-aged Evie, which adds levity to an otherwise youthful story. First time author Emma Cline has some minor kinks to work out in terms of developing her prose, but it’s clear she has talent. Her grasp of Evie’s teenage voice is especially strong. The Girls is an entertaining read, especially for those who want a glimpse into the world of cults without being bogged down in all the nitty gritty. *Jess*
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Table 19 Table 19 opens with Eloise (Anna Kendrick) waffling over whether to RSVP yes or no to her oldest friend Francie’s wedding. She’s agonizing over this decision due to an unfortunately timed breakup with the brother of the bride. She was meant to be maid of honor, but now has been demoted to Table 19, otherwise known as the table of guests “who should have known to send regrets.” The Table 19 misfits grow on you the longer you spend with them. As the story unfolds for each character, awkwardness, hilarity, and drama ensue. Table 19 is a sweet, quirky, funny movie and I really hope this is one invitation you accept! *Brandi*
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Zookeeper's Wife The Zookeeper’s Wife is based on a nonfiction book of the same name by Diane Ackerman; it is about the Warsaw Zoo owners who looked after Jews in Poland during WWII and offered up their zoo facilities as a safe haven of sorts. I absolutely loved the portrayal of the owners, Jan and Antonina Zabinski, who are played by Johan Heldenbergh and Jessica Chastain respectively. Chastain’s performance was particularly stunning to me because I hadn’t seen her act with any type of accent before. I think it’s safe to say she gave it her best shot…although some reviewers did not enjoy it, I didn’t mind it and I got used to it after about the first 20 minutes or so. I also really enjoyed the fact that the movie takes serious, heavy content and portrays it in a way that leaves viewers feeling inspired and hopeful instead of upset and dispirited. I have not yet read the book version, but I may try and give it a go soon for comparison’s sake. *Isabel*
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Best in Show Best in Show is a hilarious mockumentary that follows a colorful cast of crazies as they travel across the country to compete in a national dog show in Philadelphia. Gerry (Eugene Levy), Cookie (Catherine O’Hara) and dog, Winky, end up staying in the hotel’s storage closet after their credit card is declined. Meg (Parker Posey) and Hamilton (Michael Hitchcock) spend the movie projecting their tightly-wound, crazed anxieties on their super-mellow dog Beatrice. Harlan (Christopher Guest) is continuing his family’s tradition of raising bloodhounds, including Hubert who’s competing in the show, but harbors dreams of becoming a ventriloquist. Sherri Ann (Jennifer Coolidge), Leslie Ward (Patrick Cranshaw) and their dog Butch work with trainer/handler Christy Cummings (Jane Lynch). Scott (John Michael Higgins) and Stefan (Michael McKean) are a hilariously flamboyant couple sure their dog, Miss Agnes, will win. The eccentric cast comes together in the intense competition, hosted by expert Trevor (Jim Piddock) and comically-ignorant Buck (Fred Willard). Best in Show came out in 2000, but still holds up well. A great watch for fans of silly and absurd movies.
*Katie*
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Life Eeeeeeek! That's what my dad text me after he watched this movie and I totally have to agree with the sentiment. I love a good space movie - the claustrophobia of the space station, the limitlessness and terrifying openness of space, the fact that a tiny minuscule mistake can have disastrous effects - all these elements come into play in an excellent and terrifying way in this film. When a team of scientists on the International Space Station intercept a pod with a specimen from Mars, they coax the being to life and as it grows, it becomes clear that this thing will do whatever it takes to survive and make it to planet Earth. Super engrossing and totally nerve-wracking. I loved it!
*Rebecca*
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Sydney White Sydney White has always dreamed of becoming a member of the sorority, Kappa Phi Nu. It is the one thing Sydney feels will give her a closer connection to her deceased mother. As Sydney’s freshman year of college begins, she pledges her mother’s sorority with the mentality that their bond of sisterhood is still the same. Little does Sydney know Kappa Phi Nu has changed and the president, Rachel Witchburn, has a special agenda for “the legacy.” Sydney White is a modern version of the fairy tale Snow White. In this movie you will notice that there are similar Snow White fairy tale elements such as an evil queen (the president of Kappa Phi Nu sorority), a handsome prince (the president of Beta fraternity), and seven dwarfs (seven socially awkward dorks). The guys, whom Sydney befriends, help her to see that there is more to college than just Greek life. This light-hearted, romantic comedy is a film that will bring out your inner dork! *Bernadette*
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Patriots Day This film is based on the Boston Marathon bombing that happened on April 15, 2013. The film reenacts the attack that took place just a short ways from the marathon finishing line where the Tsarnaev brothers set off two pressure cooker bombs that kill 3 spectators and wounded more than 260 people. An intense manhunt follows that shuts down the Boston area as the police and FBI hone in on capturing the Tsarnaev brothers. I feel that director/writer, Peter Berg, did an amazing job of conveying the emotions and adrenaline that something of this nature will cause. And according to real life witnesses from the bombing, this film is incredibly accurate. With an A-list cast and a positive message of hope, this film is an honor to watch. (WARNING: will most definitely require Kleenex) *Crystal*
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Boss Baby Boss Baby is a cute, entertaining film for the whole family. Tim's world has just changed in a big way. A baby has just arrived at his doorstep wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase. Tim becomes suspicious of his new baby brother, The Boss, when he hears him talking on a phone. After discovering he is on a secret mission to bring Puppy Co. down, they decide to work together to stop the reveal of the new puppy. Boss Baby is a hilarious movie based on the picture book by Marla Frazee. Definitely a must see! *Shannon*
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Logan I’ve instituted a moratorium on superhero movies in my life. They’re wearing me out. But I made an exception recently for Logan, the final Marvel film featuring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. I read such great reviews of Logan, praising its narrative and acting, that I had to check it out. And I was greatly impressed: Jackman’s Logan, washed up and no longer looking so great, attempts to care for an ailing Professor X (played by the great Patrick Stewart), whose vicious seizures that freeze time make him a threat to everyone around him. They end up on the run when they cross paths with a young semi-feral mutant (played excellently by Dafne Keen) who has recently escaped from a mysterious facility and whose staff will stop at nothing to get her back. Logan is part adventure film, part drama, and part violence, but every part of the film is necessary. Director and writer James Mangold has created one of the darkest, most emotional films in the Marvel canon with Logan, and that’s to his credit. The farewells of Stewart’s Professor X and Jackman’s Wolverine offer great emotional impact, even for viewers like me who aren’t invested in the Marvel universe. And Keen is a scene stealer, through and through. Take it from me: Logan is an excellent film, whether you like superhero films or not. *Jess*
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