Peter Heller’s The River (2019)

The River

Jack and Wynn have been best friends since their college freshmen orientation. In many ways, they couldn’t be more different–the former an engineering major, more pragmatic, raised on a Colorado ranch; the latter an art major, more optimistic, raised in a comfortable, well-to-do Vermont home. Still, they’re bonded by a love of the outdoors, of canoeing, of fishing, and of reading.

It’s no surprise that they decide to spend August on a canoe trip in northern Canada–their goal a small village on Hudson Bay after an approximately 150 mile-long trip. Things take an unexpected turn when they realize a large wildfire rages near the river. Then, they hear a couple arguing one day in the fog. The next day, a lone man paddles up the river. . . .

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Book Buzz: Neurotics Broadening Their Horizons, 19th Century Frontier Romances, Real-Life WWII Partisans

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For August, we’re looking at a surprisingly sweet romance, a trilogy of historical romances set in 19th century Oklahoma, and a history of British secret operations in France during WWII.

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You Like Westerns, We Like Westerns–Want to Watch More Westerns?

Our library patrons in Berryville really like Westerns. It’s one the most popular book genres we circulate, and of course, our Western movies also are checked out regularly.

And for any of you regular readers, you know I like Westerns, too.

But even when you love something, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to being stuck in a rut. We now have a solution to that for our Western-movie-loving patrons.

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Movie Review: Shin Godzilla (2016)

Shin Godzilla.jpg

Godzilla needs no introduction, right?

I mean, even if you’re not a fan of Godzilla movies, you know who he is. And you probably know about the current American reboot of the series, which started in 2014, included this year’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and will wrap up next year with Godzilla vs King Kong.

However, you may not be aware that a couple of years ago, Japanese filmmakers made their own original Godzilla movie, the first in over a decade.

I went into this movie not having the slightest clue what the plot was. Really, all I knew is that it was a Japanese Godzilla movie made in 2016. And I really liked it! Thanks to Julie for ordering this for me and adding it to the collection!

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Old Favorites: Raymond Chandler

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2019, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

Next week marks the 131st birthday of noted hardboiled writer Raymond Chandler. You may or may not recognize Chandler’s name, depending on your familiarity with the genre, but you’re sure to have heard of his most famous creation–private eye Philip Marlowe.

And what better way to celebrate Chandler’s birthday–or just get in touch with some great classic detective fiction–than to revisit his work and adaptations of it?

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Shawn Levy’s The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont (2019)

The Castle on Sunset

“If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont”–Harry Cohn

“If you want to be seen, go to the Beverly Hills Hotel. If you don’t want to be seen, go to Chateau Marmont.”–pretty much everyone who was anyone in Hollywood since the 1930s

Need a relatively quiet place to write a screenplay or stay while you film a project in town? Check into the Chateau Marmont!

Need a private place to stay after your spouse kicked you out of the marital home? Check into the Chateau Marmont!

Need a discrete place to stay for, ahem, extracurricular activities that could endanger your reputation? Check into the Chateau Marmont!

(Obviously I missed my calling writing ad copy for this place. . . .)

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Book Buzz: Literary Science Fiction, A Genteel but Murderous Groundhog Day, Regional Ozark Literature

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For July, we’re looking at a haunting story about families and scientific experimentation gone awry, a madcap mystery set on a British estate, and an anthology collection of local literature.

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The Mule (2018)

The Mule.jpg

I was raised on a steady diet of Clint Eastwood’s iconic 60s and 70s movies. These were mostly his Westerns, both those of the spaghetti and non-spaghetti persuasion, as well as his cop movies. Though Eastwood has gone on to be a noted director for a wide range of acclaimed films–many of which I have enjoyed–I always still think of Clint as, well, The Man with No Name, Dirty Harry, and Josey Wales.

Man with no Name.png
The Man With No Name (though he does actually have a name in all the movies 😉 )

As Eastwood’s career has shifted behind the camera, his own appearances on the other side of the lens have become somewhat rare. Mary-Esther recently suggested I review his latest movie–The Mule (which he stars in, directed, and produced)–and I’m glad I did! It was an interesting change of pace for him that still plays to his strengths as a performer. Thanks for the great suggestion, Mary-Esther!

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Old Favorites: Larry McMurtry

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2019, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

Larry McMurtry celebrated his 83rd birthday earlier this month. Anyone who’s known me any length of time knows I’m a big Lonesome Dove fan. But there is a lot more to McMurtry’s work than that series, great as it is on its own, or even just his Western novels. And if you’re interested in exploring more of his work, well, the library has you covered. . . .

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Exciting News and Announcements

"Our Library, Our Future"
We have a snazzy new logo. 🙂 But that’s not the big announcement.

Usually, I try to do a book review for the second week of every month, but I wanted to take a break from our regular blog programming to chat about some exciting new developments here at the Berryville Public Library. . . .

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