Author: Jeannette Walls
I finally got around to reading Walls’ first novel this past weekend. I read it within a day and I couldn’t help but embrace Walls’ rejection of strong female characters. Characterization of the fairer sex can be a bit daunting in books and movies (see this great article by the New Statesman) and we get used to the old stereotypes. The characters of Bean, Liz, and their Mom, Charlotte, all start out being typical “strong females”. But by the end, these women have defied that role and have been vulnerable, scared, incensed, forgotten, and annoyed. The relationship between Charlotte and her daughters is a strained one (to say the least)—yet the power struggle between them is so level that it is hard to tell who’s the mother and who are the daughters. But the fact remains: these women are real. They make mistakes, they sometimes don’t know what to do, and end up living out the consequences of their choices. You’ll end up rooting for them, even when they are completely in the wrong. The Silver Star is available at Acorn.
Author: Tommy Wiseau
I have to recommend this movie solely on the basis of it being the worst movie ever made (at least, as far as I know of). It’s like a train wreck: horrible to watch but you just can’t look away. There is some horrible acting, plot twists that don’t make sense, inconsistencies galore, and just really, REALLY bad acting (I can’t emphasize this fact enough). Tommy Wiseau—who is the writer, director, and lead actor for the film outdoes anything you’ve ever seen. If you’re a glutton for punishment, The Room is what you need to watch this weekend. It’s available through SWAN.
Author: James Bowen
Reviewer: Jennifer
An international bestseller recently released in the US, A Street Cat Named Bob tells the real-life account of a recovering heroin addict barely scraping by as a street musician in London, when he comes across a wounded stray cat in his apartment building. Bowen (who charmingly resembles a cleaned-up Kurt Cobain with a thoughtful-looking cat perched on his shoulder on the book’s cover) can hardly take care of himself and initially resists the added responsibility and expense of caring for a pet, but quickly the two form a unique and remarkable bond. Their relationship inspires Bowen to continue putting his life back together after several years of addiction, poverty and feelings of inadequacy and invisibility. Though Bowen’s circumstances are not entirely relatable for everyone, his feelings and emotions are, as is his bond with Bob. You can follow Bob on Facebook and Twitter, and pick up this great read at Acorn!
Author: S. Nassir Ghaemi
Ghaemi makes some pretty interesting claims in this 2011 nonfiction title. He thinks world leaders with mental illness or those that have a history of mental illness lead better under duress that those who are considered normal. While those who have mental illness are more unpredictable in their behavior, their point of view is more realistic and complex, allowing for them to solve problems more successfully.
While I’ve only listened to part of it so far, Ghaemi writes about the mental history of famous figures in a very intriguing way. He makes examples of Churchill and Chamberlain, Robert E. Lee and General Sherman, and even George W. Bush. (Apparently George W. was unsuccessful as president because he was too sane. Go figure.)
It’s an enlightening point of view to hear especially because it talks about the positive aspects of mental illness, something that we definitely do not hear about nowadays. It’s available as an eBook & eAudiobook through Media On Demand and through SWAN.
Author: Charles C. Mann
I’ve only read a third of the book, but it’s been an interesting read. The first lesson to take is that much, if not most, of what you learned about pre-Columbian America is considered inaccurate. Important discoveries have been made in pre-Clovis sites in South America, the hemispheric population was potentially more than that of Europe, and disease may have killed nearly half of the population before the first successful settlements were established. Mann is a journalist, not a historian and the book is written for a wide audience. If you’re interested in pre-Columbian history, it is a great place to start. It is also available as an ebook.
Author: Ellen Ruppel Shell
I’ve been listening to Cheap on audiobook. It delves into various aspects of America’s obsession with discount culture—including its often irrational psychology, sociological and environmental implications, and controversial inception in the 1920s. Shell is a fiery and provocative guide who forces you to consider all sides of a complex issue that has both local and international implications. It’s available from SWAN and as an eAudiobook from Media On Demand. And, really, what goes better with that ice-cold lemonade and those breezy summertime tunes than a sobering diatribe?
Author: Demetri Martin
Demetri Martin is an unlikely comedian. He graduated from Yale University, went to NYU’s School of Law on a full scholarship, and grew up in a traditional Greek family setting. Yet, his style of humor is soooooo off-the-wall. He’s known for his one-liners, incorporation of music, and – most importantly – his drawings that he does during routines. His newest book is filled of sketches that comment on current pop culture, dating, his extreme allergy to peanuts, and life in general. Some are really ridiculous (like his drawing comparing death to a game of golf) while others are extremely poignant and insightful, filled with wisdom and truth by someone twice his age. Fans of deadpan humor and unconventional essays will be pleasantly surprised with this collection. The book is available through SWAN.
Author: James Wan
James Wan’s latest horror movie tells of the story of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren’s experience helping a family deal with a supernatural presence in their new farm home. Horror fans will recognize the familiar plot, but Wan managed to make the movie feel original by avoiding cheesy cliches and cheap scare tactics. It remains thoroughly creepy throughout – the idea of playing “hide and clap” may be too much for you after watching this movie. Seeing this will remind you to do a little research on the property before you buy a home. Or, ask a librarian to help with the research!
Author: Anthony C. Ferrante
Reviewer: Jennifer
With Shark Week coming up in a little over a week, I have to recommend Syfy‘s recent made-for-TV movie, Sharknado. As the title suggests, there is a freak meteorological disturbance in California, causing sharks to rain down and attack the flooded population of Los Angeles. Though the premise is improbable and most of the plot points laughable, this is a really entertaining movie. Ian Ziering didn’t stray too far away from his former 90210 zip code, starring as our protagonist Fin Shepherd, who tries to rescue his ex-wife played by Tara Reid and their teenage daughter from the killer sharks and rising flood waters.
Though at one point Ziering chainsaws his way out of a shark’s digestive tract, rescuing himself and another character the shark had recently consumed, he gives a strong and relatively believable performance. Other performances aren’t quite as solid, but the outlandish plot twists and absorbing action more than make up for any other shortcomings.
Author: Kate Christensen
Novelist Kate Christensen’s recently released memoir frames her peripatetic life through her love of food. She describes how her mother–a domestic abuse survivor and single parent to three girls—lovingly assembled budget meals that transformed her impoverished Arizona youth into a nurturing pep rally. While working as an au pair in France she discovers that zucchini can be magical and Nutella should be a controlled substance. And as an adult, she evolves from reluctant ramen preparer into some kind of culinary alchemist as she comes into her own as a writer and full-fledged human being.
Christensen is frank, funny, and delightfully unpretentious about her lively, sometimes nutty, and occasionally harrowing experiences. Plus, she’s kind enough to share her recipes. Acorn owns this book, and you can request it through SWAN.
Author: Sarah Smiley
Sarah Smiley wrote Dinner with the Smileys: One Military Family, One Year of Heroes,and Lessons for a Lifetime (2013). Smiley’s husband, Dustin, was deployed to Africa for 1 year and she stayed in Maine with 3 boys, ages 11, 8 and 4. As the family talked about missing a husband and father at the dinner table, they decided that once a week for the whole year they would invite someone to dinner and call this event “dinner with the Smileys.” They had a wide range of people over including school teachers, politicians, athletes, authors, artists, friends, neighbors, and even a zookeeper.
This heartwarming story was enjoyable, honest, and gripping. Smiley skillfully weaves in stories of her sons, the guests, her foibles as a temporary single parent, her love and commitment she shared with her husband, and the beauty of the community as they rallied around the Smileys to help and care during this time of separation. I heartily recommend this book!
Author: Steven Soderbergh
Emily and Martin are rolling in the dough and are living out their own American dream – that is, until Martin is taken away in cuffs for insider trading. The scenario is all too real for Emily and tries to cope with the subsequent depression by taking antidepressant medication. However, when the newest drug on the market comes with surprise side effects, Emily does something terrible without even knowing it. Or does she? A financially struggling therapist, played by Jude Law, gets caught up in the chain of events and makes discoveries and decisions that will affect everyone involved – and change their lives forever. If you love plot twists, check this film out! It’s available through our new movie shelf or through SWAN.
