Staff Picks
July 2019
What is the Story of Scooby-Doo?
by M.D. Payne
Scooby-Doo’s first episode was on CBS network on September 13, 1969 and it’s still going strong to this day. This book tells the story of Scooby-Doo and the gang from the beginning to their current iteration, how the show won the hearts of fans, and the many changes and avenues the show has taken.
Recommended by: Holly Balasa, Youth Services Shelver
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life
by Julie Morgenstern
Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life, by Julie Morgenstern, is a very practical book that helps readers decide how they may want to simplify their lives and make space for new pursuits. The author addresses three areas including the physical things we collect, the habits we keep, and the time commitments we make. She also addresses some of the psychological reasons we might be holding on to certain things and provides various exercises to help readers become un-stuck. Unlike some of the other simplifying and organizing books I have read, this author does not propose to know how much stuff is the right amount for an individual to keep or shed; she believes that whatever amount makes the individual comfortable is the right amount.
Recommended by: Julie Pryor, Patron Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Merci Suarez Changes Gears
by Meg Medina
Merci deals with many changes in this heartwarming book. Her beloved grandfather is acting out of character; what’s happening? There’s a bully at school; how should she handle that? A boy maybe likes her; yikes!
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Instant Family
by Sean Anders
More like instant happiness! “Instant Family” handles foster care adoption with passion and care. This inclusive flick is the perfect combo of heartwarming and hilarious, with a smoothly paced plot to tout. This movie falls into that sweet spot – clearly not made with award season in mind, but just as clearly a step above a typical blockbuster. I was not expecting such endearing performances from the cast, but each character feels fully-realized and fleshed out.
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual material, language and some drug references.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Who Built the Moon?
by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
If you’re from my generation, you grew up an Oasis fan and were heartbroken when they called it quits in 2009. Luckily, Oasis’ chief songwriter, Noel Gallagher, has continued making fantastic music with his new group, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Their latest album, Who Built the Moon? is by far their best. Combining some of the catchiest moments on latter Oasis records with more experimental instrumentation, Who Built the Moon? has several ear worms that you’ll be humming for hours. “Holy Mountain” has the kitchen sink approach of some of the best songs by the The Beatles (think Sgt. Pepper’s…) and “Black & White Sunshine” has a soaring, instantly singable chorus. Album closer “Dead in the Water” will make you miss some of those old Oasis ballads; somber and beautiful, it’s the perfect bookend to an outrageous collection of tunes that showcase the elder Gallagher brother’s immense songwriting talents.
Recommended by: Ian Lashbrook, Digital Services Manager
Posted in: Music
Zodiac Legacy: Convergence
by Stan Lee
Would you like to be able to disappear in a poof and reappear somewhere else? How about have stupendous strength? A group of kids mysteriously obtain superpowers and band together to fight against the evil Maxwell who wants all the powers for himself. If you’re looking for non-stop action, then this is the book for you!
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Happy Death Day
by Christopher Landon
The sound of clock tower bells, a geeky guy’s friendly greeting, and 9:01 am on her cell phone marks the beginning of Tree’s birthday in Happy Death Day. Unfortunately for Tree, she walks this day again and again, groundhog day style, until her death at days’ end. The list of suspects grows as the movie progresses and Tree tries to figure out what is happening on the last and most special day of her life. Can she figure out who her murderer is or will she live the day over and over? I would recommend this movie for fans of the Scream franchise or even the TV series Scream Queens. It has a witty, sarcastic script, a decent cast of characters, and is not gory like most in the horror genre. Happy Death Day 2U has recently been released as well.
Rated PG-13 for violence/terror, crude sexual content, language, some drug material and partial nudity.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver
Posted in: Movies/TV
Glass
by M. Night Shyamalan
I recommend seeing Unbreakable and Split prior to watching Glass, as the trilogy is severely underrated and deserves more love. It’s a smart action movie full of twists and turns, and Shyamalan includes just the right amount of subdued details to remain true to the genre. This easily could have been a bland, stream-lined superhuman story, but he bends your mind just as much as he makes your heart pump, all the while effectively submersing you in his world without the theatrics required by big-budget superhero franchises.
Rated PG-13 for violence including some bloody images, thematic elements, and language.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
by Leslye Walton
Ava was born with a sparrow’s wings, but does not fly. Her twin does not speak and spends his life drawing maps. Ava initially remains within the house, but soon makes friends with a local girl and her brother. It is from there that she learns to embrace her identity and begins to understand the trials and values of humanity. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a difficult book to describe, however Walton’s writing style is so inviting and comfortable that it feels like a warm blanket of words which is reason enough to give it a shot.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
June 2019
Agatha Raisin
I have read many in this mystery series by MC Beaton and was delighted when British television made it a show. Those who enjoy mysteries on PBS/BBC such as Father Brown or Death in Paradise, will also find this an enjoyable series to watch. The main character, Agatha, in this nine episode DVD set, has recently retired to the English countryside but soon finds herself lonely and bored. In the first episode, Agatha enters a quiche cooking contest; there is a murder and Agatha becomes a suspect. In order to clear herself, she becomes an amateur sleuth and finds that she is quite good at it. This is a quick paced series with picturesque views of England that are so lovely that you will want to travel there.
Not Rated
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver
Posted in: Movies/TV