Tolstoy says “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” While we await the “new normal”, may we all enjoy and appreciate our families. Here are some of our favorite family sagas to get lost in this week:
Books and Movies:
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames – Historical novel about an Italian family who immigrate to America. It is a tale of family, magic and new beginnings. I couldn’t put it down. Stephanie C., Circulation Available as an audiobook and ebook on Libby
The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport – True story about the lives of the four Romanov sisters. The story captures their joys and their tragic end with great historical detail. A fascinating story. Linda G., Circulation Available on Libby
Roots by Alex Haley – First published in 1976, Roots is the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th-Century African who as an adolescent was sold into slavery and transported to North America. The book follows his life and the lives of his descendents in the United States all the way to Alex Haley himself. Larry L., Reference
Available on Libby and Hoopla
The Godfather by Mario Puzo – If you’ve only seen the movie, you are missing out on a great page-turner of a book. The novel introduces us to the Corleone family and their immigration to America. Kristin G., Circulation Available on Libby
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker – This is a compelling, at times heartbreaking, story of the Galvins family who had 12 children, 10 of them boys. As the boys grew older, some began to exhibit disturbing or violent behavior. Over time 6 of the 10 were diagnosed with schizophrenia. This book explores the impact of mental illness on the entire family, as well as changes in the treatment of schizophrenia over times. Cheryl K., Reference Available on Libby
Educated by Tara Westover – Award-winning memoir of a young girl growing up in an isolated, survivalist family. Her quest for a new kind of life transformed her. This is a real page-turner, and all true. Stephanie C., Circulation Available as an audiobook and ebook on Libby
The Roosevelts – A Ken Burns documentary focusing on the lives of the most prominent Roosevelts – Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor. An engrossing saga of the amazing strengths and weaknesses of these three giants of history. Linda G., Circulation Available on Kanopy
Big Night – A restaurant run by brothers sadly sits empty and is in danger of closing, until a celebrity night promises to turn their business around. You will walk away hungry! Cheryl K., Reference Available on Kanopy
For Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month:
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee – A sprawling family drama set in Korea and Japan during the 1900’s. There is love, sorrow, sacrifice, war and racism – all in this epic historical novel during another culture and time. I was drawn into the characters and invested in their fate. Nancy M., Circulation Available as an audiobook and ebook on Libby
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan – The relationship between four Chinese mothers and their daughters. Amy Tan’s debut novel was made into a hit movie (available on Amazon) and generated other great family sagas – The Kitchen God’s Wife, The Bonesetter’s Daughter and The Valley of Amazement. Kristin G., Circulation
All Available on Libby
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See – A fictional account of the woman of Jeju Island, who dive to great depths and in freezing water to harvest abalone from the sea floor. The society is matriarchal, with the women working and the men caring for the house and children. Diane M., Circulation Available as an audiobook and ebook on Libby
The British Royal Family: The ultimate experience of schadenfreude. They’re just like us…aren’t they?
The Crown (Netflix and on DVD) – this drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from childhood through old age. Season 1 is about her marriage to Prince Philip and her relationship with her sister, Margaret, as well as her respect for Winston Churchill. Season 2 focuses on the Suez crisis, the birth of her children and President Kennedy’s visit to Buckingham Palace. Season 3 starts with a new Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, and follows Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales. There is mystery, lies, scandals, and everything else the British Royal family can promise! Christine K., Circulation
The Crown Companion, Volume 1 – After watching The Crown, you will wonder – did this really happen? This book tells the true story of Elizabeth’s life. If you’re a fan of The Crown, you will love it. Stephanie C., Circulation Available on Libby
The Majestic Life of Queen Elizabeth – frames life in pre- and post-WWII Britain against the Royal family’s trials and tribulations. Told through photographs, video clips and interviews – not to be missed! Victoria C., Reference Available on Hoopla
The Queen (Hulu and Amazon) – If you are a royal-watcher, you will love this continuation of their story. With Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, this movie focuses on the Queen’s reaction to the death of Princess Diana. The movie shows Elizabeth as a real person with real emotions. Stephanie C., Circulation
Various Netflix Documentaries – For those of us obsessed with the British Royal Family, Netflix has fantastic documentaries – from The Royal House of Windsor to Diana in Her Own Words. Enjoy browsing and getting these glimpses of the Royals, who are just like us, only different! Christine K., and Stephanie C., Circulation