This week, we want to talk about what we’re reading and watching now, as well as new releases to put on hold for the future.
First, here are the latest reviews – good and bad – from our staff. This is what we’re reading and watching right now:
My husband and I just burned through The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. It was tough to watch at times, but gripping and a grim warning of how quickly things can change when extremism takes hold. Both he original Margaret Atwood novel and sequel, The Testaments are Available on Libby -Mary H., Children’s
I recently watched the documentary Who is Arthur Chu?, which is available on Kanopy. Arthur Chu is an eleven-time Jeopardy champion and one of the most hated players of the game. A very relevant documentary considering all the turmoil we as a nation are experiencing because of racism. –Elaine N., Circulation
My most recent read has been The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. This classic depicts life in a Chinese village in the early part of the 20th century. A moving tale of the hardships of poverty and survival. Beautifully written. Available on Libby –Linda G., Circulation
I was lucky to get the newest Michael Connelly thriller, Fair Warning. As usual, it was a good, fast read that kept me interested. However, it is not a Harry Bosch novel, so it was a bit disappointing. Still, it’s highly recommended if you’re a fan. Available on Libby -Stephanie C., Circulation
I love watching Rosemary and Thyme on Amazon Prime. It takes me away from the present dilemmas and I get to visit beautiful gardens with my favorite sleuths. Alice P., Children’s
Recently, I’ve been watching Good Witch on Netflix. It’s small-town sweet, light, corny and romantic, with just a hint of magical powers. The perfect antidote after digesting the daily news on TV! –Nancy M., Circulation
I’ve been watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. It is the funniest show I have seen. Marvelous – highly recommend! –Larry L., Reference
And finally, some new books to put on hold:
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett – Identical twin sisters are born into a small Southern community in the 1960’s. They decide to run away from home and carve out new lives in New Orleans. But as they turn down separate paths, one returns home and one conjures a life of secrecy as a black woman passing for white. A tale of family, identity, race, history, and perception. Cheryl K., Reference Available on Libby
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins – The prequel to The Hunger Games series. Larry L. and Sharon R., Reference Available on Libby
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan – The latest from the Crazy Rich Asians author, based on A Room with a View. Sharon R., Reference Available on Libby
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – After a twenty year absence, a woman returns to her childhood home which was believed to be haunted. Was it really haunted, as her father had claimed? Kristin G., Circulation Available on Libby
The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack – An eye opening look at five ways the universe could end, and the mind-blowing lessons each scenario reveals about the most important concepts in cosmology. Larry L., Reference Coming Soon!
The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting – From Norway, this is the first book in a planned trilogy. Set in 1880 on a barren Norwegian peninsula, it weaves local legends with stories on a community on the brink of modernization. Liz R., Reference Coming Soon!
One by One by Ruth Ware – A beautiful chalet in the Alps is hosting a company retreat. An avalanche covers the resort, leaving everyone stranded. What could go wrong? Kristin G., Circulation Coming Soon!
Farm Girl by Beuna Coburn Carlson – Memoir of growing up on a farm in Wisconsin during the 1930’s. Reviews say it’s an updated Little House in the Big Woods. That alone makes me want to read it! Stephanie C., Circulation Coming Soon!
Here Comes the Body – by Maria DeRico – Mia Carina returns to her old Queens, NY neighborhood as an event planner for her Mafioso father’s catering business. This is the first book in the catering hall mystery series. Kristin G., Circulation Coming Soon!