Warriors of History and Legend
Three new books examine the truths and myths surrounding the Spartans, the Vikings and the Spanish conquistadors.
Book Review: ‘San Fransicko,’ by Michael Shellenberger
Michael Shellenberger’s “San Fransicko” raises important questions about homelessness in San Francisco, but his answers are mired in controversy.
‘The Private Life of William Shakespeare’
James Shapiro reviews Lena Cowen Orlin’s book, which focuses on Shakespeare’s life in Stratford.
Mystery: November 2021
Drawn to puzzles? These books will provide you with a steady stream of who-dun-its for your solving delight. Monthly.
Delivered: 11/23/2021 12:00:00 AM
Delivered: 11/23/2021 12:00:00 AM
'The Sinner and the Saint' masterfully unpacks a Dostoevsky classic
Kevin Birmingham's deeply researched biography details the radical political fervor that almost destroyed Dostoevsky's life — and the real-life murder that inspired Crime and Punishment.
(Image credit: Penguin Random House)
The Thief
UnCovered review by Nancy Wessler, Librarian, ACLS Mays Landing Branch
This is going to be a review of The Thief, but it’s really a review of the entire Queen’s Thief series, which might just be my favorite book series of all time. The Thief, which reads as a middle-grade adventure story, tells the tale of Gen, an imprisoned boy who claims he can “steal anything” and his quest is to earn his freedom by finding an ancient artifact for a power-hungry king. Gen is a quintessential unreliable narrator, though he never actually lies, and there’s not much more that can be said about him without fear of spoilers.
By far, the hardest
thing about recommending these books is that it’s almost impossible to tell
anyone what they are about without ruining some surprise. It also doesn’t help
that The Thief is arguably a different sort of story than those
that follow. Suffice it to say, that what begins as a road trip featuring a
whiny brat, arrogant lord, kindhearted soldier, and grumpy academic soon
evolves into an epic story of legend.
The series lives in the Young Adult section but has a lot of appeal for older readers. At the height of Game of Thrones mania, it often showed up on recommended reading lists, and there is certainly plenty of crossover appeal without any of the gratuitousness. (And worry not; the final book was released last year and the ending is absolutely perfect!) There’s political intrigue, warring nations, and explorations of monarchial relationships. There’s no magic per say, but the gods are very much real and myth and reality often blend. There’s betrayal and brutality, true love and found family, divine intervention and absolute humanity. There are fierce battles and wars of subtlety, fake outs and foolhardy plans, and oh, so much heart! The characters are all complex and well crafted, and they exist in a world that is both fully realized and grounded in reality. (The setting is inspired by the Byzantium-era Mediterranean nations.)
The real hook of this series, however, is in the twists and the clever sleight of hand the author manages to pull off again…and again…and again. Every book has at least one smack-your-forehead moment–a turn you didn’t see coming but discover was intricately well laid. These books are ripe for multiple readings.
And because there
isn’t much more I can say, let me leave you with this exchange from the final
book, which really does sum things up quite nicely:
“I’m sure Gen has
a plan.”
“If that doesn’t terrify
you, it should.”
Historical Fiction: November 2021
Do you prefer novels with period detail? Become part of history, without having to slop through the mud or face the guillotine yourself. Monthly.
Delivered: 11/22/2021 12:00:00 AM
Delivered: 11/22/2021 12:00:00 AM
A Robot Wrote This Book Review
In “The Age of AI,” Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Daniel Huttenlocher explore how far artificial intelligence has come.
Fourth Time Around: The Final Volume of John Richardson’s Biography of Picasso
In her review, Siri Hustvedt casts a sharp eye on the most renowned painter of the 20th century.
Candyman [DVD]
Author: DaCosta, Nia, 1989- film director, screenwriter. Cooper, Ian (Producer), film producer. Peele, Jordan, 1979- screenwriter, film producer. Rosenfeld, Win, screenwriter, film producer. Abdul-Mateen, Yahya, II, 1986- actor.
Published: 2021
Call Number: CANDYMAN
Format: Video disc
Summary: For decades, the housing projects of Chicago's Cabrini-Green were terrorized by a ghost story about a supernatural, hook handed killer. In present day, an artist begins to explore the macabre history of Candyman, not knowing it would unravel his sanity and unleash a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.
Published: 2021
Call Number: CANDYMAN
Format: Video disc
Summary: For decades, the housing projects of Chicago's Cabrini-Green were terrorized by a ghost story about a supernatural, hook handed killer. In present day, an artist begins to explore the macabre history of Candyman, not knowing it would unravel his sanity and unleash a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.
Reminiscence [DVD]
Author: Joy, Lisa, screenwriter, film producer, film director. De Luca, Michael, 1965- film producer. Nolan, Jonathan, film producer. Cameron, Paul, 1958- director of photography. Djawadi, Ramin, composer (expression)
Published: 2021
Call Number: REMINISC
Format: Video disc
Summary: A scientist discovers a way to relive your past and uses the technology to search for his long lost love. Whilst a private investigator uncovers a conspiracy while helping his clients recover lost memories.
Published: 2021
Call Number: REMINISC
Format: Video disc
Summary: A scientist discovers a way to relive your past and uses the technology to search for his long lost love. Whilst a private investigator uncovers a conspiracy while helping his clients recover lost memories.
Snowpiercer [DVD]. Season 2.
Author: Connelly, Jennifer, actor. Diggs, Daveed, actor. Sumner, Mickey, 1984- actor. Basso, Annalise, 1998- actor. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Firm), publisher.
Published: 2021
Call Number: SNOWPIER SEASON 2
Format: Video disc
Summary: As Season One ended, so did the revolution, with Layton emerging as Snowpiercer's leader and another threat to the survivors fast approaching in the form of a rival train. In Season Two, Mr. Wilford arrives, bringing a secret from Melanie's past. A new power struggle emerges, causing a dangerous rift as people are divided between their loyalties to Layton and to Mr. Wilford, who has a new train, new technology and a game plan that keeps everyone guessing. While Layton battles Wilford for the soul of Snowpiercer, Melanie leads the charge over a shocking new discovery that could change the fate of humanity.
Published: 2021
Call Number: SNOWPIER SEASON 2
Format: Video disc
Summary: As Season One ended, so did the revolution, with Layton emerging as Snowpiercer's leader and another threat to the survivors fast approaching in the form of a rival train. In Season Two, Mr. Wilford arrives, bringing a secret from Melanie's past. A new power struggle emerges, causing a dangerous rift as people are divided between their loyalties to Layton and to Mr. Wilford, who has a new train, new technology and a game plan that keeps everyone guessing. While Layton battles Wilford for the soul of Snowpiercer, Melanie leads the charge over a shocking new discovery that could change the fate of humanity.
The neighborhood [DVD]. Season 3
Author: Cendrowski, Mark, television director, actor, television producer. Honor, Dana, television producer. Kaplan, Aaron (TV producer), television producer. Burrows, James, 1940- television director. Ashley, Tracey, screenwriter.
Published: 2021 2020
Call Number: NEIGHBOR SEASON 3
Format: Video disc
Summary: Season three finds the Butlers and Johnsons continuing to find common ground. Two years after Dave and Gemma moved in next door to Calvin and his wife Tina, the families come together for pivotal moments in their lives, whether standing against injustice in their community or supporting Dave's enthusiastic run for city council. But when Calvin and Dave decide to take their first road trip together, will their growing friendship survive, or hit an insurmountable roadblock?
Published: 2021 2020
Call Number: NEIGHBOR SEASON 3
Format: Video disc
Summary: Season three finds the Butlers and Johnsons continuing to find common ground. Two years after Dave and Gemma moved in next door to Calvin and his wife Tina, the families come together for pivotal moments in their lives, whether standing against injustice in their community or supporting Dave's enthusiastic run for city council. But when Calvin and Dave decide to take their first road trip together, will their growing friendship survive, or hit an insurmountable roadblock?
Respect [DVD]
Author: Tommy, Liesl, film director. Wilson, Tracey Scott, screenwriter. Mason, Harvey, Jr. film producer. Bowers, Kris, 1989- composer. Ramos, Clint, costume designer.
Published: 2021
Call Number: RESPECT (DVD)
Format: Video disc
Summary: Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, 'Respect' is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.
Published: 2021
Call Number: RESPECT (DVD)
Format: Video disc
Summary: Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, 'Respect' is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.
Stillwater [DVD]
Author: McCarthy, Tom, 1966- film director, screenwriter, film producer. Hinchey, Marcus, screenwriter. Bidegain, Thomas, screenwriter. Debré, Noé, 1986- screenwriter. Golin, Steve, film producer.
Published: 2021
Call Number: STILLWAT
Format: Video disc
Summary: A father travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, who is in prison for a murder she claims she didn't commit.
Published: 2021
Call Number: STILLWAT
Format: Video disc
Summary: A father travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, who is in prison for a murder she claims she didn't commit.
Nine days [DVD]
Author: Oda, Edson, film director, screenwriter. Berman, Jason Michael, film producer. Kongsved, Mette-Marie, 1984- film producer. Tunstall, Laura, film producer. Lindner, Matthew, film producer.
Published: 2021 2020
Call Number: NINE
Format: Video disc
Summary: Will spends his days in a remote outpost watching the live Point of View (POV) on TV's of people going about their lives, until one subject perishes, leaving a vacancy for a new life on earth. Soon, several candidates, unborn souls, arrive at Will's to undergo tests determining their fitness, facing oblivion when they are deemed unsuitable. But Will soon faces his own existential challenge in the form of free-spirited Emma, a candidate who is not like the others, forcing him to turn within and reckon with his own tumultuous past. Fueled by unexpected power, he discovers a bold new path forward in his own life. A heartfelt and meditative vision of human souls in limbo, aching to be born against unimaginable odds, yet hindered by forces beyond their will.
Published: 2021 2020
Call Number: NINE
Format: Video disc
Summary: Will spends his days in a remote outpost watching the live Point of View (POV) on TV's of people going about their lives, until one subject perishes, leaving a vacancy for a new life on earth. Soon, several candidates, unborn souls, arrive at Will's to undergo tests determining their fitness, facing oblivion when they are deemed unsuitable. But Will soon faces his own existential challenge in the form of free-spirited Emma, a candidate who is not like the others, forcing him to turn within and reckon with his own tumultuous past. Fueled by unexpected power, he discovers a bold new path forward in his own life. A heartfelt and meditative vision of human souls in limbo, aching to be born against unimaginable odds, yet hindered by forces beyond their will.
The chosen [DVD]. Season 2
Author: Jenkins, Dallas, creator, screenwriter, television producer, television director. Gunderson, Chad, 1977- television producer. Juen, Chris, 1972- television producer. Swanson, Ryan (Screenwriter) Thompson, Tyler, screenwriter.
Published: 2021
Call Number: CHOSEN SEASON 2
Format: Video disc
Summary: "It's no longer hidden. The word is spreading that Jesus is the Messiah. Increased fame brings growing crowds, new disciples, and more miracles. It also brings trouble. between Simon and Matthew explodes. James & John battle their prejudices and fiery tempers. But they all continue to passionately pursue the man they don't always understand but will always follow. "Come and see" Season Two of the global phenomenon that is changing tens of millions of people with each new episode."--container.
Published: 2021
Call Number: CHOSEN SEASON 2
Format: Video disc
Summary: "It's no longer hidden. The word is spreading that Jesus is the Messiah. Increased fame brings growing crowds, new disciples, and more miracles. It also brings trouble. between Simon and Matthew explodes. James & John battle their prejudices and fiery tempers. But they all continue to passionately pursue the man they don't always understand but will always follow. "Come and see" Season Two of the global phenomenon that is changing tens of millions of people with each new episode."--container.
The eyes of Tammy Faye [DVD]
Author: Showalter, Michael, 1970- film director. Sylvia, Abe, screenwriter. Carmichael, Kelly, film producer. Pritzker, Gigi, film producer. Shane, Rachel (Producer), film producer.
Published: 2021
Call Number: EYES
Format: Video disc
Summary: In the 1970s and '80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world's largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance, and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn't long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.
Published: 2021
Call Number: EYES
Format: Video disc
Summary: In the 1970s and '80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world's largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance, and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn't long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.
Old Henry [DVD]
Author: Ponciroli, Potsy, film director, screenwriter. Matysiak, John, cinematographer. Nelson, Tim Blake, actor. Haze, Scott, actor. Lewis, Gavin, actor.
Published: 2021
Call Number: OLD
Format: Video disc
Summary: A farmer takes in an injured man who has a satchel of cash, but must decide who to trust when a posse comes looking for the money. An action western about a widowed farmer and his son who take in an injured man with a satchel of cash. Defending a siege, the farmer reveals a gunslinging talent, calling his true identity into question.
Published: 2021
Call Number: OLD
Format: Video disc
Summary: A farmer takes in an injured man who has a satchel of cash, but must decide who to trust when a posse comes looking for the money. An action western about a widowed farmer and his son who take in an injured man with a satchel of cash. Defending a siege, the farmer reveals a gunslinging talent, calling his true identity into question.
Prodigal son [DVD]. Season 1
Author: Fedak, Chris, creator. Sklaver, Sam, creator. Payne, Tom, 1982- actor. Phillips, Lou Diamond, 1962- actor. Sage, Halston, 1993- actor.
Published: 2020 2019
Call Number: PRODIGAL SEASON 1
Format: Video disc
Summary: A fresh take on a crime franchise with a provocative and outrageous lead character and a darkly comedic tone stars Tom Payne as the son of a convicted serial killer, who has made hunting murderers his life's work.
Published: 2020 2019
Call Number: PRODIGAL SEASON 1
Format: Video disc
Summary: A fresh take on a crime franchise with a provocative and outrageous lead character and a darkly comedic tone stars Tom Payne as the son of a convicted serial killer, who has made hunting murderers his life's work.
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