Staff Picks
December 2019
Carol
2015 was stacked with equally fantastic movies like “Spotlight” and “Room,” but “Carol” takes the cake. Another emotive love story, this one relying more on stolen glances than dialogue to portray the power of their affection. This also featured a standout score.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Interstellar
Going in blind and seeing this in theaters was the closest thing I’ve ever come to a religious experience in 2014. The score, the performances and the CGI, all meld together in such perfect coherence.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Before Midnight
Rounding out Richard Linklater’s trilogy, “Before Midnight” maintains the perfect amount of romanticism while remaining realistic about the trials of marriage.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
The Dark Knight Rises
Without fail, I still manage to get goosebumps at the end of “Dark Knight Rises.” Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy deliver in this cinematic and epic finale.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Bridesmaids
Women have always been funny, but the notion actually gained traction among men with Paul Feig’s release of “Bridesmaids.” I’m tough on comedies and rarely laugh out loud at things, but this is a flawless comedic masterpiece.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
The Taster
by V.S. Alexander
For those looking for a tame WWII historical fiction book, this may be a good match. Magda Ritter finds herself recruited by the Third Reich to be one of several tasters for the Fuhrer at his mountain retreat. While it was interesting to read about the people behind the scenes with the Third Reich, I felt that the plot line could have been stronger. Atrocities of the Holocaust are discovered by our Magda who conspires with others to eliminate Hitler. For those of you looking for an action packed wrap up to this story, you will be disappointed as the story falls flat.
Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
An authentic autobiography of basketball star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and his journey to Islam. He talks about growing up in Harlem, dealing with racism and finding many life coaches along the way.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction