The end of 2017 is near so we thought we'd highlight some of our favorite books, movies, films, and more from this year. Take a look and hopefully you'll find something you really love, too!
Adult Fiction
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
Based on Truman Capote's real life relationships with Manhattan's socialites, this story has it all! History, scandal, romance, betrayal all amid the glamour of 1950's New York City. Truman Capote was living the high life until he brought about his own demise by publishing a story about his friends. This story is fascinating as well as heart breaking and my pick for the best book I read this year!
-Clare
14 by Peter Clines
This is a great Lovecraftian thriller with fun characters and tons of small mysteries to keep you turning the page. It's a quick read and once the action starts, I wasn't able to put it down. If you're a fan of authors like Stephen King and Joe Hill, but looking for something a bit lighter then this is a great pick.
-Theo
The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin
The conclusion to The Broken Earth trilogy is just as rich a vein of worldbuilding, heartbreak, and the nature of relationships as the first two books. This innovative and startling fantasy trilogy is perfect for anyone looking for something outside of the perceived norm of white, European-centric fantasy. Jemisin’s prose is brilliant and harsh when necessary. My fingers are crossed for a three-peat Hugo win for Best Novel with this book.
-Anna
Trajectory by Richard Russo
This short story compilation reminded me why I love Russo so much. There are four longish short stories that read like novels. Each story is tied together with themes of discovering your full potential while suffering from self-doubt. You’ll keep wondering about these characters long after you’ve finished reading.
-Tricia
Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber
The conclusion of the beloved Rose Harbor series, set in the picturesque town of Cedar Cove and featuring Jo Marie Rose and handyman Mark Taylor, as a new set of guests check into the Rose Harbor Inn and find happily-ever-after.
-Gerry
Nonfiction
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby
Irby’s essays about dating, the benefits of staying inside to watch reality TV, and more are both hilarious and emotional in the best possible way. Perfect for anyone who needs to find humor in pain or anyone who has considered applying to be a contestant on The Bachelor.
-Anna
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline
Together in one work are Lisa Scottoline's wildly popular "Philadelphia Inquirer "columns. In her column, Lisa lets her hair down, roots and all, to show the humorous side of life from a woman's perspective.
-Gerry
Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002 by David Sedaris
If you already love David Sedaris' sardonic essay collections and spoken word albums, you'll find his awkward and cockamamie diary entries utterly unputdownable. The Raleigh NC suburban misfit drops out, becomes a pothead house painter, dines at IHOP hundreds of times and eventually becomes a writer living in Paris. That's the happy arc of the story that Sedaris fans already know. The diary entries in this book represent hundreds of story starters about family, self-loathing, coming out as gay, work, beauty and love that strike Sedaris as worthy of observation and hanging onto.
-Stephanie A.
Young Adult
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
I loved the Wonder Woman movie this summer and thought it was so smart of DC to get an established YA author like Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows) to write a tie-in novel. I was a little surprised that the novel essentially rebooted the movie, rather than connect with what the movie established, but it ended up being a truly great read. Like the best of comics, it has a remarkably timely storyline and great pathos beneath its Amazonian armor.
-Renata
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez
When Julia's older and seemingly perfect sister Olga dies, Julia tries to learn more about the sister she never really knew. This is a great read for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't live up to expectations or felt stuck.
-Anna
Children's Books
Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares
Red and Lulu love living in their evergreen tree but when they are separated they are lost without each other, but when they are reunited they discover how special their tree really is.
-Beth K.
After the Fall: how Humpty Dumpty got back up again by Dan Santat
After the famous fall Humpty Dumpty has many fears, including heights. Will he ever get back up again?
-Beth K.
I am peace by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter Reynolds
In this picture book readers are reminded of what it means to be mindful, to appreciate the earth, to learn to be calm, and to embrace beautiful things around them.
-Beth K.
City moon by Rachael Cole
Take a nighttime walk with Mama and her little boy looking for the moon as it plays peekaboo in this quiet bedtime story.
-Beth K.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez
A funny and relatable story about a girl learning how to find her own voice through punk music. I especially loved the "everything old is new" vibe to this contemporary story, as Malu expresses herself through making old-school zines and listening to 80s punk music. A great choice for tweens who don't quite fit in--and like it that way.
-Renata
The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
A cursed child destined to die on her eleventh birthday is rescued and whisked away to a secret realm called Nevermoor and given the chance to compete for a place in a prestigious organization called the Wundrous Society. A fantasical pick for middle grade readers.
-Kate
The Wonderling by Mira Bartok
Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with only one ear and a desperate desire to belong, seeks his destiny. This Oliver Twist-esque fantasy with animal characters is great for grades 4-6.
-Kate
Comics
Black Panther: World of Wakanda by Roxane Gay, illustrated by Alitha E. Martinez
I've been very excited for Marvel's upcoming Black Panther movie, and I loved Roxane Gay's previous books like Bad Feminist and An Untamed State, so I was thrilled when I heard Roxane Gay was going to write Black Panther comics. World of Wakanda delivered; it's the origin story of the Midnight Angels, who are two of the Black Panther's most trusted bodyguards. Gay really gets to the heart of these characters and tells a beautifully human story set in the high-tech world of Wakanda.
-Renata
Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur an Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
A sweet comic for virtually all ages about an alien visiting earth is really about being an outsider and finding a family of your own. The alien’s misspelled words and curious naiveté will win over even the grumpiest Scrooge in your life.
-Anna
My Favorite Thing is Monsters vol. 1 by Emil Ferris
A gorgeously illustrated pen-and-ink graphic novel that touches upon themes of identity, race, cultural acceptance, and the horror of being a child, set amongst a backdrop of 1960’s era Chicago. First time graphic novelist Ferris exploded onto the scene this year with a work that is already being heralded as a classic of the medium.
-Justin
Movies and TV
Loving Vincent
This beautiful, haunting portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh's life and death is unlike anything I have seen. This is an animated film with each frame hand painted. Van Gogh's paintings come alive on the screen and are woven together into a riveting plot about a life cut tragically short.
-Theo
Longmire Seasons 1-6 Netflix and DVD
Nostalgic for old-fashioned stories of good guys fighting bad guys and winning most of the time? Try watching the modern Western/crime series Longmire, based on Craig Johnson’s mystery novels. Set in fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, and on the nearby Cheyenne reservation, Sheriff Longmire and his deputies are compelling companions for dark winter TV watching.
-Beth M.
IT (not yet available)
Great, classic horror film, but the biggest shocker about the 2017 adaptation of the Stephen King classic was that it felt nostalgic. As opposed to the creepy clown, the relationship between a group of pre-teen misfits choosing to fight a force they fear is bigger than themselves is what stays with you.
-Tricia
Blade Runner 2049 (not yet available)
Stunningly shot by Roger Deakins, this follow-up to Ridley Scott’s sci-fi cult classic expands upon the world of the original while staying true to the spirit of its roots. Director Denis Villenueve’s vision of a tattered Los Angeles in the near future features the claustrophobic neon-drenched exteriors of the first film contrasted with desolate desert landscapes and a post-apocalyptic nightmare Las Vegas.
-Justin
Audiobooks
My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
Mine's a 40 minute commute to and from the library, so I listen to a lot of audiobooks. Last summer I was on a P.G. Wodehouse kick and discovered that I absolutely love any book of his narrated by the late Jonathan Cecil, particularly the Jeeves stories. He voices each character exceptionally well and maginfies the stories' humor so much that at times I would laugh out loud uncontrollably -- sometimes so hard that it became unsafe to drive. Sadly, Cecil did not narrate all the Jeeves stories, but he did most of them, though I had to search the CD collections of several library networks, three OverDrive collections, and Hoopla Digital to get them all. They need not be listened to in order, but a good one to start with is My Man Jeeves, which happens to be available in MVLC on CD, through MVLC's OverDrive collection, as well as through Hoopla Digital. The printed books are, of course, excellent, and those looking for a video adaption are likely to enjoy our Jeeves & Wooster series on DVD, starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, but my favorite treatment will always be the audiobooks narrated by Jonathan Cecil.
-Dean
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
What a great book! He talks about growing up in South Africa during apartheid with parents of different races with humor and sensitivity. And listening to the audiobook he reads himself, gives the story another layer of depth. I would highly recommend this book.
-Darsana
Music
4:44 by Jay Z
One of the best rappers of all time returned with one of his strongest, most honest records. Covering racism, classism, sexuality, and thoughts on the legacy he will live behind, Jay Z gives us by far his most thoughtful album to date.
-Tricia
Rainbow by Kesha
I've been a fan of Kesha since her Autotuned Tik-Tok days, but in the last few years I've really admired her honesty about her struggles with sexual assault, eating disorders, and other difficult topics. Rainbow is an album that was delayed due to legal battles but in my opinion, was worth the wait--it's a beautiful album with something for everyone, including great dance tracks featuring the Eagles of Death Metal, a cover of a country ballad (featuring Dolly Parton), and the title track, a heartfelt anthem about overcoming struggles.
-Renata
Dear Evan Hansen: Original Broadway Cast Recording
Dear Evan Hansen is a pop-rock musical with a difficult premise to swallow--following the suicide of his loner classmate Connor, Evan Hansen pretends to have been best friends with Connor and makes up stories about him; at first, in order to comfort Connor's grieving family, but the situation spirals out of control quickly. The music is alternately fun and heart-rending, and the cast is incredible. For a taste, check out their performance at this year's Tony Awards:
https://www.billboard.com/video/2017-tony-awards-waving-through-a-window...
-Renata
Devil is Fine by Zeal and Ardor
An unholy mix of Alan Lomax’s chain recordings, Norwegian black metal, and spooky horror movie synthesizer music that works much, much better than it probably should. Zeal and Ardor is the creation of Manuel Gagneux, a one-man band of Swedish and American descent, who has been able to channel both aspects of his heritage into a wholly new form of music.
-Justin
If you'd like to borrow any of these titles, please call the Reference Desk at 978-623-8430 or email us at rdesk@mhl.org. Here's to many more great books, movies, and albums in 2018!