February 2025
Laura’s Picks:
The matrimonial advertisement by Mimi Matthews (2018)
The first book in the Parish orphans of Devon series. Helena Reynolds needs to escape London; ex-army captain Justin Thornhill needs someone to manage his household at a dreary abbey in Devon. Their marriage is meant to be only a business arrangement, but when Helena’s past catches up to her, Justin realizes his heart is wholly engaged.
Robot dreams (2024)
This wordless film follows Manhattan-dwelling Dog, who decides to fix his loneliness by assembling a robot. Robot and Dog become best friends and live life to the fullest in 1980s New York. But when an accident at the beach forces Dog to abandon Robot, will they ever find each other again?
John’s Picks:
Swing Fever by Rod Stewart featuring Jools Holland (2024)
A collaborative album between Stewart and composer Holland and featuring Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. The record contains covers of songs from the big band era such as “Pennies from Heaven,” “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” and “Frankie and Johnny.” The album debuted at number one on the UK Album Charts and was also positively received by music critics.
Early Daze by Neil Young (2024)
The 47th studio album by Young and one that sees him again collaborating with his original backing band Crazy Horse. The album features previously released songs from both Young and the band’s discography going as far back as 1969. That being said, some of the tracks are unreleased versions of the originals.
Saturday Night (2024)
A biographical dramedy directed by Jason Reitman about the airing of the first episode of NBC’s Saturday Night Live back on October 11, 1975. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Canadian actor, Gabriel LaBelle, who stars as showrunner, Lorne Michaels, the film depicts the night leading up to the debut of what would go on to become the longest running sketch comedy show in television history.
Lauren’s Picks:
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec (2021)
The witch Angrboda awakens at the edge of a forest, remembering little of what happened to her, save that she has been burned and that her heart is missing. A man appears, claiming to be the trickster Loki. He returns her missing heart, and Angrboda can’t help falling for him. Their union produces three unusual children whom she raises in the depths of the forest, hidden away from the gods. As time passes, it becomes clear that all of them have parts to play in the destiny of the nine worlds, though Angrboda will do anything to protect those she loves from a terrible fate.