Staff Picks
November 2019
Meet Me in St. Louis
Not strictly a Christmas movie, this film opens in the sweltering summer of 1903 and follows the Smith family’s last few months in their beloved St. Louis before they move to New York City. Funny and heartwarming, this musical marks the screen debut of the classic song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” sung by the incomparable Judy Garland.
Recommended by: Katie Allen, Reference Librarian
Posted in: Movies/TV
The Good Liar
by Nicholas Searle
Now a motion picture playing in the theaters, and a book you can’t put down. An older gentleman whose appearance deceives the wealthy women he seeks to con, finds his next target online, a widow who appears to be vulnerable, but who actually has a secret of her own. You will find The Good Liar full of surprises!
Recommended by: Deborah Keuper, Reference Librarian
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Christmas shopaholic : a novel
by Sophie Kinsella
A lighthearted book that will make you laugh based upon the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, where Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood), a lovable character, finds herself in a variety of hilarious but difficult situations. Becky adores shopping, and what better time for it than Christmas. When her parents decide to move, her vegetarian sister and husband come to town, and Becky finds herself hosting Christmas, what could possibly go wrong? Becky’s husband Luke started Brandon Communications, the largest financial PR firm in London, and Becky has recently started working with her lifelong friend Suze, in a gift shop in Suze’s stately home.
You will find Christmas Shopaholic full of holiday cheer and unexpected gifts.
Recommended by: Deborah Keuper, Reference Librarian
Posted in: Adult Fiction
They Shall Not Grow Old
They Shall Not Grow Old is a fascinating look at World War One through the eyes of ordinary British soldiers. Composed almost entirely of footage made at the time, and with narration supplied by the veterans themselves, it provides an on-the-ground look at what it was like to fight in, and live through, the First World War. From the outbreak of war to training, shipping out, and daily life at the front, through battles and finally peace, They Shall Not Grow Old takes you through the Western Front, with the ordinary British soldiers as your guide.
Recommended by: Peter Tew, Reference Librarian
Posted in: Movies/TV
October 2019
A Dash of Trouble
by Anna Meriano
Leonora loves her big family and their family bakery. Every year, her family takes pride in crafting beautiful pastries for the town’s annual Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration and certainly this year Leonora will be invited to help out in the kitchen. After a frustrating day at school and being told by her mother that she’s still too little to help, Leonora decides to borrow the old family cookbook from the bakery. She’s determined to show everyone how great she is in the kitchen, but it turns out the cookbook is not just a cookbook. It’s a book of magic spells! This story of families, holidays, and magic is a real treat. If you want a story with magic, but find the world of Harry Potter a bit too much, this book is a great choice.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Tumble and Blue
by Cassie Beasley
For generations, members of the Montgomery family have received supernatural gifts, some lucky others not so lucky. There’s only one day in a century when a Montgomery can change their luck, under the blood moon deep in the Okefenokee swamp. Only one member of the family knows how to get to the island where luck can be changed. The one person is Granny Eve, who is grandmother and sole caretaker of our hero, Blue. Blue knows that his gift is pure bad luck, and he’s determined to be the one who gets the location out of Granny. But he has to contend with countless other cousins, Aunts, and Uncles who have arrived with the same goal in mind. One afternoon, he slinks out of the house, looking for some peace and meets his new neighbor, Tumble Wilson. Always ready for adventure, Tumble promises to help Blue explore the swamp and reverse his luck. This book is great for fans of adventure, spooky stories, and weird tales.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Wild and Crazy Guys: how the comedy mavericks from the ’80s changed Hollywood forever
by Nick De Semlyen
I stumbled on this book randomly on our new nonfiction shelf. It was so interesting. The author walks the reader through the careers of so many great comedians of the 1980s including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, Billy Murray, Eddie Murphy, and more. Wild and Crazy Guys gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the actors’ personal and professional lives, from TV to the big screen. If you’re a movie fan like me, you’ll wait with anticipation for Ghostbusters or The Blues Brothers to get mentioned. One side effect from reading this book is an increased DVD watch list.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
The Biggest Little Farm
This uplifting documentary warmed my heart to its core. The narrator’s soothing voice paired with shots at an equal caliber to “Planet Earth” made the entire viewing experience a wholesome one. Sure, it is mindless idealism at its finest, but I didn’t care and neither should you! This lovely couple followed their dream, built a farm and created an entire community dedicated to getting in touch with Mother Earth, and what’s to dislike about that?
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Documentary
Booksmart
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut has all the makings of an outstanding coming of age film: whip-smart dialogue, captivating teenage performances and a killer soundtrack. The unrealistic elements and some downright absurd dramatics may make some roll their eyes at first, but when you view it as a metaphor for the craziness of growing up it is fitting. Plus, it makes the more authentic scenes that hone in on the nitty gritty realities of high school senior woes that much more enjoyable.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
On the continent of Fódlan, three mighty nations coexist in an uneasy peace. The best and brightest students of each land are sent to the Officers Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery, an elite school of swords, sorcery, and statecraft. As a new professor, you are tasked with leading one of the three Houses and preparing your students to excel while also uncovering a sinister plot taking root at the Academy. With an easy to learn but intricate battle system, a huge cast of colorful and complex characters, and multiple story lines to choose from, this game will satisfy veterans of the series and newcomers alike.
Recommended by: DeAnna DeHoff, InterLibrary Loan Assistant
Posted in: Video Games