Kristy's Great Idea

Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
Youth Graphic Novels-Lower Level – BAB

The Baby-Sitter’s Club (BSC) has been released in Graphic Novel form. Rania Telgemeier has adapted the original BSC novels (penned by Ann M. Martin) into a greatly illustrated novel. The illustrations are black and white and one can really see the personalities of the Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey. Kristy’s Big Idea is the first in the famous and popular series. Kristy has come up with a great idea to start a baby sitting business. Kristy and her friends Claudia and Mary Anne always get called to babysit in the neighborhood. Claudia and Mary Anne are excited about the club but they decided they need one more member. Claudia nominates Stacey, the new girl to Stoneybrook. Once Kristy and Mary Anne meet Stacey they decide that she will be perfect for the club. The organization of the Baby-Sitter’s leads the girls to becoming best friends. Not only does the club help the girl’s friendship; it also helps Kristy accept that her mom is getting remarried and that her family of 5 will become a family of 8. Currently there are 3 other BSC novels in Graphic form:
The Truth About Stacey by Ann M. Martin
Youth Graphic Novels-Lower Level – BAB
Mary Anne Saves the Day by Ann M. Martin
Youth Graphic Novels-Lower Level – BAB
Claudia and Mean Janine by Ann M. Martin
Youth Graphic Novels-Lower Level – BAB

Harry and the Potters

Harry and the Potters by Harry and the Potters
CD Bins – Rock - H

This is the time of year when I start feeling nostalgic for Harry Potter – waiting in line for the new book, then discussing it with all my friends. Why not celebrate Harry’s birthday (July 31) and relive the magic with some wizard rock? Harry and the Potters is one of the first wizard rock bands to make it big. The two performers, brothers Paul and Joe DeGeorge, recorded their first album in their garage with not much but a whole lot of enthusiasm. Intonation and timing were sometimes a bit off, but I couldn’t help smiling as I listened to lyrics like, “You can’t take my best friend’s sister and get away with it,” or “Why’d you have to kill my parents, Lord Voldemort, I mean You-Know-Who?” The songs in this album are taken directly from the plot of the first two books and sung from Harry’s point of view. Plymouth has the first album, from their visit here several years ago. The band is still going strong, with several more albums (the most recent one is available only for download), and active tours – their web page says they’re now touring Amsterdam and Ireland.

For more Harry Potter-inspired music, try The Hogsemeade Diaries by Tonks and the Aurors, a local and more singer-songwriter-style take on wizard rock. Go more in depth into Harry Potter with The Sorcerer’s Companion by Kronzek and Kronzek. Feel the love with Kids’ Letters to Harry Potter from Around the World compiled by Adler, or knit yourself some Gryffindor gear from the patterns in Charmed Knits by Hansel.

The Unwritten

The Unwritten Vol 1: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity by Mike Carey and Peter Gross
Adult Graphic Novels – Main Level – UNW

Metafiction! With action! Tommy Taylor is the star of a Harry Potter-like series, only it’s even more popular. And Tommy Taylor is not grateful that his father made the real Tommy Taylor star of a fictional series, making the fictional character close enough to the real that some die-hard fans believe him to be the boy wizard. But his father disappeared years ago under mysterious circumstances, leaving Tommy penniless. Now, suddenly, evidence turns up that Tommy might not really be his father’s son. A young woman calling herself Lizzie Hexam might have some answers – if Tommy can survive that long. While the excerpts of the Tommy Taylor stories as presented don’t seem like they would actually rival Harry Potter, the fiction within fiction and fiction crossing the borders to the real world is fascinating. It’s an exciting story, filled with references to other great works of literature for the discerning reader. Fans of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books, which have more humor and less reflection on the capricious nature of fame and fan worship, may enjoy this as well.

Michiganfest 2002

Michiganfest 2002 by Bifocal Media and Makato Recordings DVD Collection - Main Level - Musicals MIC

Feeling a little disenchanted by the current state of the local music scene? Sick of generic pop music that purports to have some sort of artistic depth when in fact it’s as deep and sustainable as a kiddie pool? Tired of corporate created “artists” whose next relapse is of more merit than the handful of chords and auto tuned vocals they can muster? Well then step back into the year 2002, and behold Michiganfest. Containing performances and interviews from over 30 local and independent (at the time anyway) bands such as Hot Snakes, Ted Leo, Dismemberment Plan, Coalesce, Dillinger 4, Small Brown Bike and Death Cab for Cutie, Michiganfest 2002 is bursting at the seams with rocktainment. That’s right; this DVD is so cool I made up a word just to describe it. The now defunct festival ran for seven years and was a welcome remedy to larger festivals that were more focused on selling products from large corporations than they were providing excellent music. Not only did the shows have a more personal feel with bands, record labels, and fans all interacting on the same level, but a portion of the proceeds went to charitable causes. So instead of shelling out $175 for those Lady Gaga tickets, buy yourself some dignity and check out Michiganfest 2002.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks by Mark Frost and David Lynch
DVD Collection-Main Level TV TWI

In the northwestern town of Twin Peaks, Laura Palmer, the popular homecoming queen, is found murdered. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper arrives to help the local sheriff solve the crime. But as the investigation progresses, it is soon revealed that Twin Peaks is much more than a quiet small town: it is full of strange occurrences and strange people, often with something to hide. It is up to Agent Cooper to make sense of everything, sometimes by unconventional methods, such as interpreting dreams and visions.

Although it only aired for two seasons in the early 1990s, Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, remains popular with a huge cult following. With its interesting and often bizarre characters and storylines, it is definitely a show worth watching. Be prepared to be confused at times; however, that is all part of the fun.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson
Adult New Book Display – Main Level Larsson

There are not many literary characters who can fascinate while bedridden and under arrest in a locked hospital room. Stieg Larsson’s Lisbeth Salander is one of the few who manage it. The brilliant, tiny, antisocial computer hacker with the vicious streak dominates his books despite seldom speaking. In this concluding volume of Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy she spends most of the book recovering from the events at the end of the previous volume “The Girl Who Played With Fire” while a massive legal and political chess game that could change Swedish history erupts around her. If you haven’t read the previous books, don’t start with this one; Larsson spends precious little time recapping or reintroducing existing characters. But for devoted Salanderphiles all the loose ends get tied up, the bad guys get what they deserve, and you’ll stay up far too late into the night unable to stop reading.

Hamster and Cheese

Hamster and Cheese by Colleen A.F. Venable
Youth Graphic Novels Lower Level- GUI

There is a sandwich thief at the pet shop. Everyday Mr. Venezi’s sandwich gets stolen. Everyone at the pet shop is a suspect. Hamsher, the Hamster (although he is labeled a Koala, all the pets are labeled wrong at the pet shop) hires Sasspants the Guinea Pig to solve the mystery. Detective Sasspants and Hamsher interview all the pets to determine who the sandwich thief is. This book is the first in a new graphic novel series written by Colleen A.F. Venable. Kids will the love the humor and antics of the animals in the shop. The full page graphics are nicely done as well. Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye is a great stepping stone for first time graphic novel readers. The next book titled And Then There Were Gnomes is due out in November of 2010.

Sainthood

Sainthood by Tegan & Sara
Cd Bins - Rock - T

One of the best concerts I have ever been to was one of Tegan and Sara's. There is an energy and emotion they have that most bands today lack. Their 2007 album, The Con, is what made me get into them, but their newest album, Sainthood, is just spectacular. It’s not as depressing and emotional as The Con; it really shows how they have grown. Tegan and Sara still sing about relationships and love, but their lyrics are a bit more abstract on this album. Sainthood also shows how they are in a good place in their lives right now. While working on and writing songs for The Con, both Tegan and Sara were going through some tough times; either trying to work through relationships or ending them. The awesome thing about Tegan and Sara is that they are one of the few groups these days who is continuously evolving and putting out a better record than the one before.

After listening to the album several times all the way through, I can say that there isn’t a bad song on here. I recommend not only checking out Sainthood, but also The Con and So Jealous; all of which are available at the library.

Here is the song Hell off their Sainthood album:




To get a taste of The Con album, here is the song Back in Your Head:

Daria: The Complete Series

Daria: The Complete Series by Glenn Eichler and Susie Lewis Lynn
DVD Collection - Main Level - TV DAR

Sarcastic, jaded, and disaffected youth rejoice, “Daria: The Complete Series” is now available in all it’s splendor. Well maybe not all it’s splendor considering music licensing issues have forced the creators to take out all that sweet 90’s music (I already miss “Gettin’ Jiggy With it”) and replace them with generic tracks. However, it’s a small price to pay to watch the trials and tribulations of Lawndale teenager Daria Morgendorffer as she suffers the unbearable idiocy of her peers, the ridiculous hypocrisy of her teachers, and the banal superficiality of her sister Quinn whose “shallowness is so thorough it’s almost like depth.”

Airing from 1997 to 2002 on MTV as a spin-off from Beavis and Butt-head, “Daria” was able to examine adolescent issues with more depth, heart, and humor than most live action teen dramas. While the animation isn’t ground-breaking, the writing and voice acting more than make up for any deficiencies it might have. In fact Daria might be one of the most quotable characters to appear on television. The great voice work stands out with regard to the members of Quinn’s fashion club and the brainless cheerleader Brittany. Although it would be a challenge for her character, Brittany would be just as hilarious reading the phone book.

So come back to a time when MTV actually played music videos, when there wasn’t just a plastering of self-absorbed, rich brats posturing in a so called “reality show,” when this now toxic waste dump of a television channel actually tried to produce interesting material. (Liquid Television, The Maxx, etc…) Come back to Daria.

Just Kids

Just Kids by Patti Smith
New Book Shelves-Upper Level - BIO SMITH

The year was 1967, the place, New York. Patti Smith had just left New Jersey to start a new life. She came to New York with nothing more than a small suitcase. By chance she happened to meet Robert Mapplethorpe. This was the beginning of a relationship and then a deep friendship that lasted twenty- two years until Robert’s death in 1989. Just Kids focuses mainly on Patti and Robert’s years spent together in New York before they were famous. The book depicts how they lived like starving artists while meeting famous ones; how they inspired each other which ultimately lead to Patti becoming a musician and Robert a photographer.

Patti Smith was a poet first and it is evident in this beautifully written and deeply moving autobiography. Anyone interested in learning more about Patti Smith, known by many as the Godmother of Punk and an important figure of the famous CBGB club, should read this book.

For those curious about listening to Patti Smith’s music, check out her first album, Horses (album cover by Robert Mapplethorpe).

Shop Class as Soulcraft

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford
Adult Non-Fiction-Upper Level 331 C

This book is about the value of making and fixing things and the ability to work with one's hands. The author posits that the generation of thinkers, who were educated for the "knowledge revolution" don't know how to DO anything. They don't value hard, physical work or appreciate hand-made items. This is a great choice for people who like to work with their hands and who appreciate hard work!

William Kunstler : Disturbing the Universe

William Kunstler : Disturbing the Universe
Dvd Collection-Main Level - DOCUMENT WIL

The first time I heard the name “Bill Kunstler” was while watching The Big Lebowski, as the Dude was thinking of a lawyer to defend him. I read up on him, learning that he was an important civil rights lawyer but didn’t think much about him again until I saw this recently released documentary on him.

Created by Bill Kunstler’s daughters, Sarah and Emily, William Kunstler : Disturbing the Universe is a very complete portrait of Bill Kunstler, for good and for bad. This film shows his modest suburban beginnings and his activation and radicalization with the Freedom Riders and the Chicago Conspiracy trial. While covering other highlights of his career, it also documents his downfall, from a public perception standpoint.

Through interviews with family, defendants, and colleagues, as well as audio and video footage of Kunstler himself, we get a well rounded view at this complex, passionate man. Bill Kunstler felt that anyone, no matter how outrageous or unpopular, deserved a great defense and that simply because the status quo was enshrined in legality, this did not mean that it was just.


Check out the trailer to try before you borrow!
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Wilson

Wilson by Daniel Clowes
Adult Graphic Novels-Main Level - WIL

Wilson by Daniel Clowes

It has been ten years since Daniel Clowes has released David Boring, his last full length graphic novel, so there was much anticipation surrounding Clowes’ new work. Also, this is his first original graphic novel; the first not to be serialized in his comic periodical, Eight Ball.

While Clowes’ previous graphic novels had been divided into serialized chapters, this work consists of over 70 standalone full page stories, rendered in different le. All these stories are connected, though, and follow the overall narrative, yet have their own punch line at the bottom of the page. The story follows a middle aged man named Wilson, who has very little connection to his family, no friends, and a complexly optimistic, yet misanthropist view towards society.

While Wilson does eventually manage to connect to family members, in dramatic and disastrous ways, the main story here is that of Wilson’s growth as a person. While Wilson does not truly lose his entire misanthropic outlook, he does grow to appreciate aspects of humanity in his own way.

Stepfather

The Stepfather
DVD Collection - Main Level - SciFi Horror STE

Jerry Blake (played by Terry O'Quinn, the well-known "John Locke" from Lost) believes in the American dream: family, picket fence, family dog, and perfect children. So much so, in fact, that he will do anything to get it. The movie starts out after Jerry murders his family, cleaning himself up and altering his appearance. Apparently things didn't turn out to be so perfect with that family! He moves on to another town, where he marries a widow who has a teenage daughter. Everything is perfect there for a while, but then the teenage daughter starts getting into trouble at school. Jerry's previous wife's brother is looking for him, and a newspaper article surfaces. Stephanie, the teenage daughter, puts two and two together and has a suspicious feeling that the missing murderous husband is her new stepfather. As Jerry's cover spirals out of control, he has to kill more people to keep his cover. He plots his next move: find a new family in a new city and dispose of his current one. Is he successful? Is he caught? Watch the movie to find out!



This movie was re-made last year starring Dylan Walsh (who played Sean on Nip/Tuck) and Penn Badgley (from Gossip Girl). It is also available at the library.
The Stepfather
New DVD Shelves - Main Level - SciFi Horror STE

Caught

Caught by Harlan Coben
Adult New Book Display-Main Level – MYSTERY COBEN

Hayley McWaid is a 17 year old all American girl next door. She is captain of her Lacrosse team and excited to head to college in the fall. One morning Haley just disappeared, her bed was empty when her mother came to wake her up. The trail was stone cold for 3 months so friends and family feared the worst.

Dan Mercer is a social worker who teens have come to trust. The community was shocked when he was busted in an undercover pedophile sting operation. Dan hired a lawyer and took off for parts unknown. Wendy Tynes is the investigative reporter who outs Dan as a pedophile. Little did she know that the story of Dan Mercer is very complicated and contains many important figures in the community. Wendy is determined to reveal the whole truth of Dan Mercer, is he really the pedophile everyone thinks? Did Dan have something to do with Hayley’s sudden disappearance three months ago? The answers will shock you. Just like Harlan Coben’s other novels, you will keep guessing until the end.