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Week 5 – If you love books, working at the library is like working in a bakery – there are so many wonderful things to consume, you don’t know where to start. And the best part is that reading has no calories

One of our favorite parts of the job is hearing our patron’s reviews of what they’re reading and watching. So please comment on this blog and tell us what you’re reading, watching and streaming. We’d love to know! And, if you can, join our librarians for their first virtual book club this Thursday, April 30^th at 2 PM…details are on the MPL website.

Here are some more staff recommendations for the fifth week of our blog:

Reading…
The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner – A sweeping family saga set on a romantic and beautiful Italian island. Fans of Beautiful Ruins will love it. I can’t put this book down!
Stephanie C., Circulation Available on Libby

11/22/63 by Stephen King – On November 22, 1963 President Kennedy was assassinated and the world changed. What if you could change it back? A suspenseful, believable, heart stopping, page turning time travel adventure.
Larry L., Reference Available on Libby

Atomic Habits by James Clear – A great motivational read, the book offers practical strategies to form good habits and break bad ones. This book is encouraging me to create good “work from home” habits!
Luisa M., Children’s Available on Libby

The Monkey’s Raincoat by Robert Crais – The first book in the Elvis Cole series. Elvis is a witty, Vietnam vet turned private eye with an affinity for Disney décor. This is a short read; a good introduction to a series that gets better. I also recommend IQ by Joe Ide – another first in a series, IQ is an inner city Sherlock Holmes.
Kristin G., Circulation Both books are available on Libby

Dead Wake and In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson – One of my favorite authors, Erik Larson writes non-fiction that reads like fiction. Easy to read but also beautifully crafted. If you love learning about history, this is an exciting way to do it!
Linda G., Circulation Available on Libby

And Watching…
Lady Bird – “Lady Bird” is a high school senior growing up on the “other side” of the tracks. The movie touches on mother/daughter relationships and the trials of being a teenager. Definitely a feel good movie. Elaine N., Circulation Available on Kanopy

Le Samourai – A film noir with a very suave Alain Delon playing a professional hitman who leaves a witness following a botched hit. A great treat for film buffs! Jazmin M., Reference Available on Kanopy

I’ve been watching some old favorites on Hoopla. From romances like Kate and Leopold (Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman) or Maid in Manhattan (Jennifer Lopez/Ralph Finnes); to more serious fare such as Good Will Hunting (Matt Damon/Ben Affleck), Life is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni) and even Midnight Cowboy (Jon Voight/Dustin Hoffman) there is so much available on Hoopla. Part of the fun is the search!
Stephanie C., Circulation

Mother’s Day Movies from Richard M., Adult Services

Definition- any feature film for one and/or the main character is a mother or the relationship with their mother is prominent in the film.  All available on hoopla or Kanopy 

Angela’s Ashes– hoopla
Life in impoverished Depression-era Ireland holds little promise for young Frank McCourt, the oldest son in a tightly-knit family.

Glassland– hoopla/Kanopy
John lives with his mother, Jean, in a social housing suburb and ekes out a meager existence as a taxi driver. After finding his mother unconscious from yet another night of binge drinking, John learns that without treatment, she will not have much longer to live

Room– Kanopy
After five-year old Jack and his Mom escape from the enclosed environment that Jack has known his entire life, the boy makes a miraculous discovery: the outside world.

Sophie’s Choice– hoopla
Sophie Zawistowska, a Polish Catholic beauty who survived Auschwitz, has settled in America after World War II. The time is 1947. Stingo, a 22-year-old aspiring writer from rural Virginia, is drawn to Sophie and Nathan–a madly romantic couple whose instability and flamboyance utterly capture this young man’s imagination. The deeper Stingo sinks into these people’s lives, the more he learns that each harbors terrible and terrifying secrets.

Stop or My Mom Will Shoot– hoopla
Fast-paced action-comedy about a Los Angeles police sergeant who has his life turned upside-down when his feisty mother comes to town for a rare visit.

Terms of Endearment– Kanopy
A comedy-drama about the evolving 30+ year relationship between a mother and daughter.

Mothers and Daughters-hoopla
Photographer Rigby Gray captures uplifting stories of motherhood, inspiring a decision even she wouldn’t expect.

Aerial America (Smithsonian) – This series offers glimpses of our nation’s landmarks, all seen from breathtaking heights. The history of each area is also included. Relaxing and informative!
Garry S., Building Maintenance

Traitors (Netflix) – British TV series set in 1945 London after the end of World War II. It tells the story of an English woman recruited by the Americans to identify a Soviet spy. Intriguing and well presented.
Linda G., Circulation Dept. 

Making the Cut (Amazon) – Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn are back with a new Project Runway-type show. This time they’re looking to find the next great international designer. Lots of fun!
Stephanie C., Circulation

And Listening …
Chopin: Ballades, Berceuse, Mazurkas – Who can resist such beautiful romantic music! Elaine N., Circulation Available on Hoopla

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris – Jack and Grace are the perfect couple, and to the outside world, seem to have the perfect marriage. The saying goes that you should not judge a book by its cover. This rings true in this compelling thriller. Kristin G., Circulation Audiobook available on Libby

In Our Time – Host Melvyn Bragg invites expert guests to discuss topics from history to science. Intelligent and educational. Linda G., Circulation Podcast