|
Headquarters Staff Picks May 2019
|
|
|
|
|
Grief Cottageby Gail Godwin When 11 year old Marcus’s mother dies, there’s no one left to take care of the boy but his great-aunt, Charlotte, who lives a reclusive lifestyle on edge of the ocean in South Carolina. She makes her money from painting, and her most popular artwork is images of a desolate condemned home at the tip of the island. Marcus is entranced by the legendary story of the house--that a family of three were inside when the island was hit by Hurricane Hazel in the 1950s, and all three disappeared without a trace as the storm ravaged the coast. As Marcus develops friendships with the townspeople and starts to trust Charlotte, he becomes obsessed with the house and what might be lurking inside. Grief Cottage is a quiet story about how we deal with our grief, and the things we’ll connect with as we work through our emotions. Marcus, Charlotte and the sea islands are done justice here by Gail Godwin, author of the award winning Flora, and she ensures readers maintain just the right level of curiosity to keep the plot feeling swift. Grief Cottage is a small, gently emotional tale, but it’s a memorable one that falls into the same category as Kent Haruf’s atmospheric novels. Godwin’s novel is an excellent book for those who want their beach reads with a little more teeth. Jess
|
|
|
All the King's Menby Robert Penn Warren Willie Stark is the everyday man, a man of the people, hoping to ascend the political ladder to not only achieve personal success but to help aid the community he was raised in. Followed along by a loyal reporter, Jack Burden, who sees something new and genuine in the naive political candidate, Willie suddenly begins finding success in the political circuit. Jack, caught up in his friend's success, slowly begins to see Willie’s story as just another turn in the circular nature of history and the man himself as just another hometown hero turned corrupt politician by the demands of the system. Though the description of the plot might indicate a book heavy with political overtones, All the King’s Men is ultimately a character piece, exploring the life of not only Willie Stark but the protagonist and perspective character, Jack Burden, and the many people that surround them. Parts of the story unravel as mysteries, other as romances, but each element is beautifully presented in Robert Penn Warren’s poetic and slow moving prose, rich with detail and character moments. Though this novel is over sixty years old, its impact can be seen in storytelling today, especially in prestige television concerned with the corruption of initially good individuals, like Breaking Bad. All the King’s Men is an excellent character piece with a rich unfolding plot expanding over decades and exploring themes of political values, destiny, and the love of family and friends. Josiah
|
|
|
The Accidental Beauty Queenby Teri Wilson “I’ve somehow become the beauty pageant version of Jason Bourne.” – Charlotte Gorman The Accidental Beauty Queen is an epic mash-up of Miss Congeniality, The Parent Trap, Pride and Prejudice, and Harry Potter. Charlotte and Ginny Gorman are twenty-nine year old twins who could not be more different. Charlotte Gorman is an elementary school librarian who loves classic books and is a huge fan of all things Harry Potter; whereas, Ginny Gorman is a beauty pageant queen, Instagram influencer, and lover of all things that sparkle. Charlotte decides to support Ginny on her latest crown chasing adventure in the Miss American Treasure pageant, but is secretly hoping for a Harry Potter-filled vacation. What she does not expect is her sister to suffer a food allergy the night before the pageant that makes her unable to compete. Charlotte finds herself in the dreaded position of having to save the day, and the dream of the Miss American Treasure crown, by pretending to be Ginny and compete in her place. What ensues is a hilarious and heartwarming journey involving a French bulldog named Buttercup, a swoon worthy literature loving judge, and a realistic look into the world of pageants, aka scholarship programs. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Meg Cabot, The Accidental Beauty Queen is a light and charming read. From the introverted Charlotte to the family dynamic that makes us question our sanity at times, The Accidental Beauty Queen was entertaining and relatable. Charlotte was an endearing and quirky character and her inner monologue was witty and delightful. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Charlotte and Ginny and the sisterhood side of pageants Teri Wilson exposed. Teri Wilson just made a new fan! Brandi
|
|
|
The Bear and the Nightingaleby Katherine Arden Vasilisa’s mother Marina died the day she was born, but she didn’t die before she passed on her strange powers. Therefore, like her mother before her, Vasilisa is able to see and talk to spirits. The spirits are natural and a part of everyday life for Vasilisa, but when her father marries another woman who can see spirits, her new stepmother’s perspective is very different. Vasilisa’s stepmother Anna thinks all the spirits are demons and she has made it her mission to get rid of them. Yet when the spirits start fading a more sinister force begins to wreak havoc upon Vasilisa’s family and the surrounding villages. Everyone’s best chance for survival is to bring back the spirits Anna has banished. However, since everyone thinks the spirits are the cause of their misfortunes, finding a way to bring them back will be the hardest thing Vasilisa has ever done. I adored everything about this book, but there were several things in particular that Katherine Arden did in The Bear and the Nightingale that made the story come alive. Arden’s pacing in her novel is very deliberate and steady, but it also continually builds tension as the story progresses. Therefore, by the time you reach the climax, the anticipation is killing you. By creating a narrative that steadily builds pressure rather than a fast paced plot that begins with high tension, Arden allows her readers to get to know her characters more fully by seeing them both in high stress situations as well as in their everyday lives. Arden’s ability to capture the setting of her story was perhaps the book's greatest strength. The story takes place in northern Russia in the 14th century and Arden’s descriptions of Vasilisa’s home in northern Russia, Moscow, and especially the weather are so vivid that it feels like you’re right there next to the characters watching the events unfold. If a story that slowly sucks you in and feels like a Russian fairy tale come to life sounds interesting, then this is the book for you. Seth
|
|
|
Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoirby Ruth Reichl I really like food writing, and I have read many memoirs. There are many detailed memoirs of people in the food industry and I have read quite a few of them, to include Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert, and Alice Waters. I spent nearly two decades in the restaurant business and I love to page through cookbooks but I hardly ever cook. I love to read memoirs, particularly of chefs because I can understand their experiences--and remember some of the experiences I had working as a waitress in a wide range of restaurants. Save me the Plums is a different kind of food memoir. It is not about the experiences of the people in the trenches of restaurant life like all the others that I have enjoyed. For all my experience in food I have no experience in journalism. In fact, almost put the book down because I felt my to be read list calling and I had a hard time finding something to identify with. It occurred to me that this is WHY we read, and especially why I like to read memoir--to learn something new, or at least view something familiar with a different lens of experience. It is also to have a front seat to the growth and eventual death of major epicurean magazine Gourmet, which folded in 2009. I truly enjoyed this book, from the vivid experiences she shared with some of the biggest food celebrities before their careers began to the ups and downs she experienced with her staff. To keep reading is to keep exploring the relief of a restaurant reviewer who no longer has to dine out every single night; and to embark on a new career as a reluctant leader who learns and grows with the help of some pretty vivid coworkers and employees. Vanessa
|
|
|
Maisie Dobbsby Jacqueline Winspear Maisie lives in London in the late 1920s, where she works as a psychologist/private detective while still reeling from the physical and psychological wounds from her days as a field nurse during the Great War. Her current case is from a man wanting her to investigate his wife’s suspicious behavior; however, as Maisie begins to investigate what appears to be a straightforward case of marital infidelity, she quickly realizes there is much more at play. As the investigation deepens Maisie is forced to confront the ghosts that have haunted her since she left the front many years ago. Winspear weaves chapters about Maisie’s past and present throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys the Edwardian period, World War I, and/or the Roaring Twenties will get the best of all three in this charming historical mystery. Winspear’s simple but descriptive style makes the novel an enjoyable, easy read without sacrificing the suspense and intrigue I love in mystery novels. I devoured this book within a few days and quickly got my hands on the sequel, Birds of a Feather. Alaina
|
|
|
How to Be Bothby Ali Smith Ali Smith’s 2014 novel How to Be Both is a novel in two parts and a literary experiment in simultaneity. It is told through the dual stories of George, a young woman in modern-day London, and Francesco del Cosa, a Fifteenth Century Italian painter. The inventive joys of this book can be found in the numerous ways their stories overlap and the fast-paced rhythm of her prose style. George’s story is compressed, occurring chiefly in the wake of her mother’s death, as Smith situates us in the fog of her character’s grief and the period of clarity to follow. Del Cosa’s story, on the other hand, is more expansive, as his section spans his own century and region as well as the same contemporary England as George; it even opens with the disembodied perspective of the painter waking up in the purgatory of the Italian wing of a London museum. Smith uses stream-of-consciousness narration throughout, drawing us in to her characters’ roving experiences of the past within the present. I enjoyed this book because it read like a literary puzzle composed with a light touch. Smith’s thematic concerns – the relation between life and art, the multiple disappointments of families, and time’s indifference to human struggles – are often dour and ponderous in the hands of other writers. Yet, she handles these ideas delicately and resolves it all with a deeply satisfying ending that dares the reader to begin the book again. Joseph
|
|
|
The Joy of Cookies: Cookie Monster's Guide to Lifeby Cookie Monster "Cookie is like high five for stomach." In this adorable guide to life, Cookie Monster offers his profound wisdom on cookies, friendship, cookies, baking, cookies, self-acceptance, cookies … you seeing a pattern here? The Joy of Cookies: Cookie Monster's Guide to Life is a feel good book that is delightful, laugh out loud funny, and just like a good cookie, deliciously sweet. Cookie recipes included are an added bonus! Fans of the Cookie Monster will love this book because just like a warm chocolate chip cookie, it oozes ooey gooey happiness! The Joy of Cookies: Cookie Monster's Guide to Life is a quick read and can be consumed in one short sitting. Do yourself a favor and check out the hilarious copyright warning. And just remember, the “only thing between you and happiness is lid to cookie jar.” Brandi
|
|
|
Echo Northby Joanna Ruth Meyer Echo North is a retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon which is essentially Beauty and the Beast (with a quest to round out the ending). Echo is an outcast in her village because of some unsightly facial scars she endured as a child. She's had a rough go of it in life and things only get worse when, in order to save her father, she has to promise to live with the White Wolf for a year in his house. There's more to the wolf than meets the eye, and as the year ticks away, Echo makes it her mission to figure it out and to the keep the enchanted house from unraveling. Her actions ultimately propel her on a journey to the frozen North where she finds she must call on the old magic along with her inner strength to confront and destroy an ancient evil. Shall I say it? Yes! I am spellbound by this book! I thought it'd be a fresh retelling of a classic fairy tale. It is so much more. It's a mash-up of several fairy tales with the author's imaginative spin on the finer details. One of my favorite parts of this story is the magical library. Instead of books, they are book-mirrors that transport Echo into a story where she can follow the story or wander around in the world the author created. So cool! I really enjoyed this fantasy. It was a nice palate cleanser from my usual reading and also quickly became one of my top ten favorite reads. Crystal
|
|
|
Run Awayby Harlan Coben Harlan Coben is A New York Times best-selling author and is best known for his Myron Bolitar series. Coben’s newest book, Run Away, is an excellent read. Paige drops out of college, becomes addicted to drugs, and goes on the run. Her family’s refusal to stop looking for her puts them in jeopardy as they follow her into a dark, twisted world they never knew existed. Full of twists and turns, Run Away doesn’t disappoint. Definitely a must read! Shannon
|
|
Fighting With My Family I’m not big on wrestling, especially the WWE. But I have friends who love it, and I remember when a young woman named Paige blasted onto the WWE scene and won the Divas title (the women’s WWE championship) during her very first match. It changed the game for women in wrestling, and Paige’s sudden rise ushered in a new era of the WWE. But before she was Paige, she was Saraya, the youngest child in a close wrestling family in Norwich, England. Saraya started out wrestling in small clubs with her brother, Zak, who dreamed of wrestling for the WWE since he was in diapers. At 18, Saraya and Zak get the call they’ve been waiting for--a tryout to be part of the recruiting team for the WWE. The dream ends when only Saraya is chosen, leaving Zak rudderless in the storm. Paige’s story, and the story of her family, is a relatable one: they’re a weird family that doesn’t fit in, but they’re loving, and Saraya has to learn to find that love for herself when she’s away from home. Written and directed by Stephen Merchant (Hello Ladies, etc.), Fighting with My Family is a great film about the power of family and learning to believe in yourself, whatever that means for the people around you. Fighting with My Family has comedy, drama, and a lot of heart. And I mean...The Rock is in it. You can’t say no to that. Jess
|
|
|
Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation Once again, Ethan Hunt has been disavowed by the clandestine spy organization IMF (Impossible Mission Force for the uninitiated), and is on his own to hunt down the leader and origins of the equally mysterious evil society known only as the Syndicate. Along the way he’ll meet the mysterious Ilsa Faust, whose allegiances shift at every turn, and will have to rely on the help of his friends--Benji, Brandt, and Luther--to end the Syndicate before they collapse the governments of the world. Though perhaps a little overshadowed by the equally excellent Mission Impossible: Fallout (2017), Rogue Nation remains one of the greatest action films of modern cinema with stellar performances by Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and Sean Harris and mind boggling in-camera stunts. Every moment of the film is a burst of adrenaline and each character has something to offer to the twisting narrative. A great place to jump back into the Mission Impossible franchise or simply a great action movie for a Friday night. Josiah
|
|
|
Bohemian Rhapsody Director Bryan Singer’s Bohemian Rhapsody tells the complex and often tumultuous story of Queen’s Freddie Mercury from the band’s origins to their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. The film as a whole is a cinematic delight. Everything from the costumes, hair and makeup, and set design to the film editing and actors’ performances was meticulously detailed and true to era. Rami Malek’s Oscar winning performance as Mercury is truly something to watch. His commitment to Mercury’s flamboyant presence on and off stage is incredibly convincing and a joy to watch. At times, scenes from the film of Malek’s Mercury on stage were distinguishable from original videos of the band’s performances only by the high definition video and audio only found in 21st century filmmaking. Thematically, Bohemian Rhapsody has a little something for everyone. There is drama, history, music, romance, sexuality, and cultural assimilation. Much like Queen’s music, the film does not fit neatly into one genre. At one point in the film Mercury states the band is made up of “misfits playing for other misfits,” which the film explores at length. Queen changed the music industry, largely in part because of Mercury’s eccentricities and unflinching principals surrounding how he would let his music be produced. While the film portrays Mercury largely in a heroic light, it does not shy away from the more controversial and intense areas of his life. It shows how spectacular Mercury was, at times appearing godlike, but was ultimately just a man, flawed and human. Bohemian Rhapsody is a great film. Viewers adverse to media depicting drug and alcohol use may wish to skip this one, but I heartily recommend it not only for fans of Queen, but also moviegoers who enjoy period pieces or particularly well-acted and directed films. Alaina
|
|
|
A Dog's Way HomeLucas finds Bella as a puppy and gives her a loving home. When they get separated from each other, Bella is determined to find her way home. A Dog’s Way Home is a heartwarming movie and is based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron. If you liked A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll definitely want to see this movie. A great movie for the whole family! Shannon
|
|
|
|
Vampire Weekend I often struggle when a favorite band releases a record. What if I hate it? What if it doesn’t live up to my abnormally high expectations, especially considering that I don’t make music myself? I’m a snob, I admit it, and I don’t want my favorite bands hoisted by their own petards. And when it’s been six years since the last album, it’s even more nerve racking. But all that worry for naught, since Father of the Bride, an emotional 18 song trek through lead singer Ezra Koenig’s stresses, is brilliant. Vampire Weekend first came to prominence as a quirky white kid band with African influences singing about college life, but Father of the Bride has matured, just like its members. The hardships of personal relationships, panic over the government, and the anxiety of climate change all appear here, but with a stripped down subtlety that makes these emotional weights feel almost light. Nearly every song is a standout, and the addition of Danielle Haim as a female counterpoint to Koenig’s warble is an excellent choice. Many of the lyrics bite despite the airy feel of the album, and it’s easy to miss lineslike “Hallelujah, you’re still mine || and all I did was waste your time” (of “We Belong Together”), which pop up in nearly every song. If you’re going to force me to pick favorites, the album’s first single, “Harmony Hall” (produced in part by ex-band member Rostam Batmanglij, a talent in his own right), is a long, lively riff on surf pop and 90s jams. The final track on Father of the Bride, “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin”, is an emotional gutpunch detailing the Balfour Declaration and the difficult, complicated, disappointing history of the Jewish people since. All that to say: this album is fantastic, it’s on repeat, I’ve had to resist buying four copies and forcing all my friends to listen to it. Place it on hold, or check it out now on Freegal. Jess
|
|
Locke & Keyby Joe Hill Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode Locke’s father, Rendell, is dead. Not only that, but he was murdered by one of his own psychology patients. After Rendell’s funeral the Locke children and their mother Nina learn that they have inherited an old mansion in Massachusetts from Rendell. However, it is not long before Bode discovers that there is more to the old house they’ve moved into than meets the eye. The mansion contains special keys that can make the impossible possible. Yet unbeknownst to the Locke children the keys aren’t the only thing that the house contains. It is also home to a demon that wants to use the keys to take over the world and the only thing that is standing in its way is the Locke children, and they don’t even know it yet. Locke and Key has easily become one of my favorite graphic novel series of all time. You always know a book is good if you can’t stop thinking of it after you read it and this is one that I literally dreamed about after reading it. It can’t get much better than that. My favorite thing about the series is Gabriel Rodriguez and Joe Hill’s ability to create an immersive setting while continually amping up the suspense of the story. From the very beginning of the series the authors paint a picture of a world that is magical, but also dark and dangerous when the magic is in the wrong hands. In addition, by revealing the antagonist’s plots to the reader, while showing how the protagonists were completely unaware of the villainous schemes the authors were able to create a sense of suspense that made me want to scream at the heroes for their obliviousness. However, at the same time it also sucked me in so much that I was completely unable to put the book down because I needed to know what happened next. So if you’re looking for a good graphic novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish this is the series for you. Seth
|
|
|
Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaosby Lucy Knisley In my experience as an expectant mother people were ALWAYS offering unsolicited advice. I found plenty books in the library that inform new and expectant mothers about all facets of pregnancy. You can find books about birth plans, baby names, hiring a doula, breastfeeding and using a midwife, etc. There are also many books about infertility and miscarriage. Kid Gloves by Lucy Knisley details so many experiences in one graphic novel--and there is something for everyone, but especially for anyone who has had an experience that didn’t work out exactly as planned. This book explored so many different experiences in one person’s journey to motherhood with wonder and delight. Lucy’s art is detailed and imaginative and filled with optimism and honesty, regardless of some of the difficult experiences. Rarely do I read a book that I can’t wait to recommend to everyone but this is one of these books. I also promptly put her other books on hold and read several of them immediately. Lucy Knisley is no stranger to the SCPL staff picks list, so her work was already recommended to me--but this book is a real treat. I smiled, I laughed and I cried with recognition and compassion. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the careful chaos that is parenthood. Kid Gloves would be great especially for those who may have experienced any sort of struggles in the path to parenthood. This graphic novel is not only for people who want to have kids; it is informative, dynamic and beautifully done as a celebration of science and life as we know it. Vanessa
|
|
|
|
Diablo III: Eternal Collection Diablo III is not a new game, but its addition to the Nintendo Switch game library makes it new to me. This game might be one of the better virtual stress-relievers available for any system, if your idea of blowing off steam involves summoning hordes of skeletons to vanquish armies of demons or turning the bodies of defeated enemies into improvised explosive devices. The gameplay involves crawling through cathedrals, cellars, forests, graveyards, and infernal realms in search of weapons, improved abilities, and eventual plot advancement. The Switch version includes all of the expansions and additional characters for the original PC edition of Diablo III, as well as the popular online multiplayer seasons of the game. Experienced and novice players of this classic game will find much to enjoy in the latest version as the Switch edition also adds portability to a game previously confined to a desktop PC or a console, allowing players to battle infernal armies on a lunch-break or a long trip. I have played through the basic story mode of the game with the necromancer character, which I would recommend to anyone new to the series. Be honest with yourself: if you could command skeleton archers and an ice golem to do your bidding, would you pass up the chance? Joseph
|
|
The Changelingby Victor D. LaValle Apollo Kagwa is on the hunt for his wife, Emma. She has done the unthinkable to their newborn baby boy and then vanished, presumed dead by most. Apollo befriends a stranger who claims that yes, Emma is alive, and he knows how to find her. This begins Apollo's journey into a world of magic and witchcraft that he had no idea existed which in turn, changes his deadly motivation to find Emma into a new understanding of her supposedly evil actions. All he wants to do in salvage what he can of his fractured family. There is a lot to unpack with this novel. It delves into Apollo's murky childhood as well as immigrant legends but also magical creatures and witches. It's a really captivating urban fantasy with twists and turns that I couldn't have imagined. It's ultimately a story of the survival of a family. And it gave the ending I was hoping for and did so in such a thoughtful, unique way. Crystal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|