Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For April, we’re looking at a modern literary tale of family life in rural Newfoundland, a charming memoir about familial culture clashes, and a new book in a long-running Canadian murder mystery series.
Continue reading “Book Buzz: Canadian Ennui, Heartwarming Memoirs, and Canadian Murders, Eh”
Collaborative sticker paintings of Van Gogh’s Starry Night?
Spring break camp devoted to nanotechnology for the tweens and teens?
Presentations on historic events?
Free tax-related printing?
Where’s all this happening in Berryville?
At the Berryville Public Library–and that’s not an April Fool’s Joke. 🙂
Continue reading “What’s Happening . . . at the Berryville Library”
Usually, I try to focus on newer movies and TV shows for my reviews, but while I was researching potential things to write about, I came across last year’s The Predator, a remake of the classic 1980s action/sci fi film Predator.
Now, if I were a fair-minded person, which I often claim to be, I would have given The Predator a chance.
However, I’m not really that fair-minded. Ever since I heard they were working on this remake, I just couldn’t get over the fact that there was no reason to remake the movie. I’d have been much happier if they’d just re-released the original in theater.
Because if you’re looking for a veneer of outrageous, over-the-top 80s action overlaying a far more complex science fiction tale, then you can’t do better than Predator.
So, for that reason, this week I’m reviewing the original (and best) Predator.
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)?
Later this week (March 21st to be exact) is World Poetry Day. Now, if you’re so inclined, you could definitely write some poems to commemorate this day, but if you’re like me and poetry-writing-impaired, then you’ll probably just have to settle for reading some good poetry instead.
And to that end, I can’t resist recommending a few of my favorite poets.
I’ve been meaning to read Liane Moriarty for awhile. Her books seem right up my alley, so to speak, and Mary-Esther recently suggested that I give Moriarty’s most recent book a try. Since I was home sick for a protracted amount of time, I thought, “What better way to feel better about myself than reading about somebody else’s hellish experience at a health resort?”
And although the book did not, in point of fact, heal me of my own bronchitis, it was a wonderfully engaging page-turner–one I enjoyed very much. So much so that I’ve already requested a bunch of Moriarty’s other books from the library.
Continue reading “Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers (2018)”
Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For March, we’re looking at a historical romance set during World War II, a classic farming almanac, and a not so-classic spin on a classic book of records.
Continue reading “Book Buzz: Ack Ack Romance, Planting by the Signs, and Gamer Trivia”
In the month of hearts and roses, it doesn’t hurt to let the library know you love them, too.
Every week, I tell you all about what I am reading and watching, but this week, it’s your turn to tell me what you’re reading and watching!
Last week was Valentine’s Day, but it’s still the perfect time to revisit your favorite literary love stories and discover new ones. . . .
Continue reading “Discussion Thread: Favorite Literary Love Story”
If you enjoy PBS as much as I do, chances are you’re also spending your Sunday nights watching Victoria. Even if you’re not following the show, if you like historical nonfiction with a hefty dose of fascinating interpersonal relationships, have I got a book for you! Not your typical Valentine’s Day read but full of romance nonetheless.
Deborah Cadbury transitioned to writing historical nonfiction after a long career as a BBC producer. Quite a few of her books have focused on royalty, though this one has a much broader focus and grander ambition.
At its heart is Queen Victoria in her later years and the various schemes she and her extended family concocted to marry off her grandchildren. Her overarching goal was one of balancing power and ensuring peace in Europe, and she firmly believed that marital alliances between her grandchildren scattered across the continent and their respective royal houses was the key to achieving this ambition. However, her interests were not entirely mercenary, as she also plotted to pair up those whom she felt were the most well-suited for each other. But as the old saying about the “best-laid plans of mice and men” acknowledges, nothing actually went according to plan. . . .
Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For February, we’re looking at an acclaimed new literary novel about contemporary urban Native American life, a zany Nigerian horror-comedy about siblings and serial murder, and a heartwarming memoir of friendship and the culture of cows in India.
Berryville Book Buzz 