May 2023
Laura's Picks:
A house with good bones by T. Kingfisher (2023)
You can tell from the title’s clever double entendre that this Southern gothic is a book to savor. Sam has returned to her childhood home at the request of her brother: “Mom seems off.” But she quickly determines that it isn’t Alzheimer’s or dementia: mom is afraid. But of what? Or…of whom? The house itself feels different; vultures encircle the yard and keep a close watch. The slowly building dread will keep you turning pages quickly!
Once upon a tome : the misadventures of a rare bookseller, wherin the theory of the profession is partially explained, with a variety of insufficient examples... by Oliver Darkshire (2023)
Oliver is your witty guide to the strange and wonderful world of rare bookselling. As the voice behind Sotheran’s hugely popular Twitter account, he parts the curtain to show what it’s really like to work at one of the oldest bookstores in the world.
John's Picks:
Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan (1966)
The seventh studio album released by Dylan that completed his trio of rock albums that implemented his new electric sound at the time. Recorded in both New York City and Nashville with Dylan’s live touring band, the Hawks (who would later go on to become the Band), the album yielded two top-twenty singles, “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and “I Want You.” It is not only Dylan’s first double album, but also one of the first double albums of popular music ever released.
Who Made Who by AC/DC (1986)
A soundtrack album released by the band in conjunction with the movie, Maximum Overdrive, by Stephen King. While it is primarily a compilation album, there were three new songs written for the record, including the title track, which went on to be a top-twenty single. A collection of music videos was also filmed and released alongside the album. All in all, a good collection of old and new.
The Whale (2022)
A psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser in a career best performance based on the play written by Samuel D. Hunter. The film tells the story of Charlie, a reclusive, morbidly obese English professor who is trying to rebuild his relationship with his daughter whom he abandoned years earlier. Fraser won the Oscar for Best Actor with this performance and he rightfully earned it. It’s a hard film to watch at times, but worth it to finish nonetheless.
Lauren's Picks:
The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill by Rowenna Miller (2023)
The veil between the human world and the world of the Fae is thin on Prospect Hill. Alaine Fairborn, who is from one of the old families, learned how to bargain with the Fae as a child from her grandmother; how to ensure a good harvest and how to guarantee a clear sky for a wedding day. When her sister reveals her marriage isn’t what she thought it would be, Alaine vows to help her escape the only way she knows how, though the price for what she’s asking may be steeper than she imagined. Set in the early 20th century, this enchanting book explores sisterhood and the fight for women’s rights.
Jenna's Picture Books Picks:
When Mino Took the Bus by Simona Ciraolo (2022)
The bright and whimsical illustrations as well as the message of new beginnings make this beautiful picture book the perfect spring read. It is time for Mino the chipmunk to set off on their own and find a new home but in order to do this he must go on a long adventure on the bus. While Mino is tentative at first, he finds comfort in all of the adorable and friendly woodland creatures he meets on the way. The ultimate message that it is more about the journey than the destination will resonate with children of all ages.
You Are a Story by Bob Raczka (2023)
Children’s author and poet Bob Raczka is back with another story that will speak to not only book lovers, but anyone who is growing into their own unique person. Each colorful page of this picture book lyrically addresses what makes us different as well as what ultimately connects us as humans. Readers will love imagining all of the different directions their life could go while adults can facilitate discussion on how we can all be the best possible version for ourselves and others.