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Essential titles reviewed in our August 2019 print issue, spanning fiction, nonfiction, and media.
Essential for librarians, library employees, and board members who don’t want to be left in the dust when it comes to funding.
While community technology projects present multiple challenges, Heller demonstrates that they can succeed with effort and a willingness to adapt. For library technology managers, scholars, and project managers.
This practical, straightforward guide is highly recommended for those following in Geoffrey Chaucer’s footsteps who would gladly learn and gladly teach.
A must-see for anyone with an interest in WWII or military history.
Although containing useful elements, this work is limited by its basis in superseded learning theories.
PREMIUM
The Guilty
Reassigned to emergency dispatching duties while awaiting a disciplinary hearing, a sidelined cop (Jakob Cedergren) at the end of his shift gets a frantic call from a woman being abducted by her husband...
PREMIUM
Poetry in America: Season 1
Viewers should freely sample the videos from the series website if they are still unconvinced that poetry discussions can be that fascinating. A quality addition to libraries' literature collections.
PREMIUM
Angry Inuk
This beautifully shot production makes a strong case to viewers. However, the argument is complex, and the group's resources are tiny and no match for the organizations that apparently intend to stop all commercial seal hunting.
This is a fascinating look at the kinds of "mind-set, skill sets" academic libraries and librarians need to excel in the 21st century. For library science students and professionals seeking a worldwide perspective on the essential values of academic librarianship.
PREMIUM
Obsession
Wealthy New Orleans real estate developer Michael Courtland (Cliff Robertson) loses his wife, Elizabeth (Genevieve Bujold), and nine-year-old daughter during a bungled kidnap rescue...
PREMIUM
Purdah
A multilayered chronicle that highlights many of the challenges facing young women worldwide, this will appeal to those concerned with women's rights and the global climate for women's sports.
Recommended to listeners with an interest in contemporary working conditions and those who enjoyed Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed. ["An illuminating read that should inspire outrage, hope, and change": LJ 12/18 review of the Hachette hc.]
A fascinating film about a flawed man who shares his point of view, literally, this could inspire future photojournalists or anyone with a camera to look past the selfie and toward creating a narrative with a picture. [See Trailers, LJ Winter 2018.]
PREMIUM
No Offence: Series 2
Fast-moving and entertaining, No Offence features an outstandingly strong female cast. Recommended for viewers who enjoy a particular style of British irreverence.
Outreach librarians will appreciate the variety of institutions represented and the scope of activities described.
PREMIUM
Charly
Experimental brain surgery makes a genius out of a mentally challenged man who cannot outwit a mouse, but his emotional development does not keep up in Ralph Nelson's big-screen adaptation of the classic Daniel Keyes short story-cum-novel Flowers for Algernon...
PREMIUM
No Date, No Signature
A forensic pathologist (Amir Aghaee) blames himself when the boy he injured in a car accident turns up in the morgue, in spite of an autopsy showing food poisoning as the most probable cause of death...
PREMIUM
Berlin Alexanderplatz
Recently released from prison for murdering a prostitute, Franz Biberkopf (Günter Lamprecht) tries hard to go straight by taking a series a menial jobs in Depression-era Germany...
PREMIUM
When Giants Fall
This film is often difficult to watch. Though elephants have survived for two million years, human ambition for unlimited wealth and living space seem to be dooming these intelligent social behemoths. Environmentalists of all stripes will be intrigued.
PREMIUM
Black Leopard, Red Wolf
This challenging book rewards listeners willing to commit time and mental energy to contemplating the meaning of truth, the consequences of decisions, and the depths of pain. Unfortunately, the many maps and lists of characters that appear in the print and ebooks are not available here. ["An unglorified if gloriously delivered story that feels eminently real despite the hobgoblins": LJ 2/19 starred review of the Riverhead hc.]
PREMIUM
The Silent Patient
The book is receiving much-deserved buzz, but the audio production and exceptional narration make the characters feel real. ["Dark, edgy, and compulsively readable": LJ 11/1/18 review of the Celadon hc.]
PREMIUM
The Bird King
An emotional and often melancholy historical fantasy that will appeal to fans of Guy Gavriel Kay and Helene Wecker.
PREMIUM
The Dreamers
This dreamlike novel with sf overtones blends philosophical musings on dreams and the nature of reality with human interest stories that keep listeners riveted. Recommended for readers seeking an unusual and fanciful story told in elegant prose. ["A satisfying, suspenseful page-turner that leaves readers curious about the possibility of dreams": LJ 9/15/18 review of the Random hc.]
Though written for general consumption, this work will be of value to academics as well.
PREMIUM
Gift
Recommended for art and philosophy lovers. This film is especially valuable for its profile of the late Alfred (1981–2016).
This unusual sequel by visionary director Boorman delivers a powerful view of a world in which science, magic, and religion combine as an antidote to demonic horrors. Imperfections exist in editing and script, but the results remain boldly evocative.
PREMIUM
Chef Flynn
An examination of talent, ambition, maturity, and parent-child interaction in the context of exquisite cuisine.
PREMIUM
Elizabeth I and Her Enemies
Fans of the History Channel as well as readers who have devoured the novels of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir will be equally entertained.
PREMIUM
Left Behind America
The documentary sums up the region's problems astutely and is highly recommended to everyone with an interest in the region or the nation's economy overall.
PREMIUM
Yellowstone: Season 1
Complicated, violent, and tension-filled, this series for adults should appeal to Western fans as well as those who enjoy family drama.
Particularly useful to therapeutic riding instructors, horse rescue workers, and anyone who likes to spend time around horses.
Impeccably researched, this compelling historical novel, with its important message about social justice, is essential for fiction collections.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for adventure stories or tales of Wild West history. ["Fans of Dodge City and general readers will find this detail-laden volume appealing": Xpress Reviews 12/21/18 review of the St. Martin's hc.]
Music fans will be captivated, as will readers of character-driven fiction, not to mention the audience acknowledged in Daisy's Grammy speech—"all of you out there hung up on somebody or something"—that is, most listeners. Enthusiastically recommended. ["For music lovers, romance fans, and anyone who wants to feel invincible with youth, intoxicated by music, and a powerful longing for days gone by": LJ 3/19 review of the Random hc.]
A treat for Lipman followers, this romantic comedy/caper will divert anyone seeking clever but warmhearted fiction (e.g., Cathleen Schine), as well as fans of classic screwball comedies. Ideal for public libraries. ["Funny, warm, sharp, smart, and full of love for family, no matter how flawed": LJ 12/18 review of the Houghton Harcourt hc.]
A must-have for serious collections—appealing to casual TCM fans even if best treasured by die-hard film buffs. [See Trailers, LJ 10/1/18.]
This story of a life and death fight against an antibiotic-resistant superbug is pertinent to every person on the planet and written to be accessible to a general audience. Both fiction and nonfiction fans will relish this story.
An excellent resource for any library that serves graduate and professional students.
Like all great stories, they are best when told by those who lived them. An essential addition for all collections.
Fans of Kugel's work in the Times or his YouTube channel "Amigo Gringo" or Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, as well as anyone looking for unique travel experiences, will truly enjoy this fun audiobook.
Powerful and poignant, this audiobook is very highly recommended for adult fiction collections. ["Flawlessly translated and exquisitely written, this novel from the winner of the Naguib Mahfouz Prize is a genuine tour de force as well as a thoughtful and provocative examination of what it means to be alive": Xpress Reviews 4/19/19 starred review of the Farrar hc.]
Strongly recommended for public libraries, as well as education and history collections. Some of the film is graphic, and before viewing, students would need preparation, especially high school classes.
Emilio Estevez’s new film The Public, which puts the challenges and ideals of a large urban public library in the spotlight, held its premiere April 1 at the New York Public Library. Fans from both the film and library worlds packed the Celeste Bartos Forum, where NYPL president and CEO Anthony Marx introduced Estevez and members of The Public ’s cast, many of whom had a shout-out or two for libraries.
PREMIUM
Josephine Baker's Last Dance
Recommended for historical fiction fans and those with an interest in Baker.
PREMIUM
Intentional Marketing
Library administrators and marketers will find here many useful strategies and ideas.
PREMIUM
I Am Another You
Both Olsen and Wang unveil a growing awareness before viewers' eyes in this absorbing portrait of a young man.
PREMIUM
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
Established fans of Lamott's will likely enjoy this work, but the scattershot organization and less than stellar narration may leave others cold.
PREMIUM
Elementary: The Sixth Season
Recommended for viewers who are fans of the series as well as those who enjoy police dramedies. [See Trailers, LJ 10/1/18.]
PREMIUM
Horrors of Malformed Men
Based on works and themes by the classic Japanese detective writer Edogawa Rampo, this surrealist dream of mystery, imagination, and grotesque experimentation captures the author's fevered narratives, both beautiful and chilling.
Recommended where food-based memoirs by authors such as Ruth Reichl, Calvin Trillin, and Laurie Colwin are popular, though the print version will be a better fit for those who want to cook from it rather than just enjoying the essays. ["This warm, humorous, touching, and wonderfully readable book will appeal to food lovers and fans of culinary biographies": LJ Winter 2018 starred review of the Norton hc.]
PREMIUM
The Third Murder
Winner of seven Japanese Academy Awards, Hirokazu Kore-eda's (Like Father, Like Son; After the Storm) "murder mystery" unfolds more like a psychological thriller owing to an accused (Koji Yakusho) who, much to the consternation of his lawyer (Masaharu Fukuyama), keeps changing his story after having confessed...
An ultimately uplifting film not only about Circle of Dust but also about committing to creativity and continuing through adversity. Recommended for any fan of industrial music and the mid-1990s alternative music scene.
PREMIUM
Ghost Stories
A carefully paced modern take on traditional tales of phantoms and monsters, with some nifty, reality-rending twists and unusual filmmaking sleight of hand, the film delivers scares and dramatic storytelling equally. [See Trailers, LJ 8/18.]
This moving documentary is a must-see for students of history and anyone interested in World War II and the Holocaust.
PREMIUM
TVTV: Video Revolutionaries
Former members recall their hits and misses, proudly noting the roles of actor-comedian Bill Murray and future director Harold Ramis, plus their mixed legacy as reality TV pioneers.
An excellent tool for training and planning sessions for library staff, boards, and government officials.
Fans of British royalty and that particular kind of historic fiction that is interwoven with a strand of modernity—think Beatriz Williams and others' The Glass Ocean—should consider this novel. ["Historical details about fabric, embroidery, and the royal family are well incorporated into their stories, with light romance rounding out this charming work of historical fiction": LJ 9/15/18 review of the Morrow hc.]
Some scenes are unsuitable for children; overall, this film is highly recommended for a general audience.
PREMIUM
River Bodies
A solid first in a series. Recommended to fans of CJ Tudor's The Chalk Man. ["An engaging, solid mystery that will captivate lovers of the genre, especially those drawn to regional settings": LJ 11/1/18 review of the Thomas & Mercer hc.]
PREMIUM
Pandemic
The audio is highly recommended, though some longtime fans of the series may be disappointed that the characters are not as likable as they once were. But the autopsy descriptions and forensics are still interesting, the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is fascinating, and Guidall's narration keeps listener's interest and the plot moving along.
A genuine, intimate, and informative production on the all-too-short life of a comic genius. [See Trailers, LJ 12/18.]
PREMIUM
The Captain
A German army deserter (Max Hubacher) puts on a discarded captain's uniform only to allow the authority it confers to go to his head...
PREMIUM
Winning
Sage advice from five athletes who reached the pinnacle of their sport. Will appeal to young athletes looking for inspiration, coaches looking to motivate their athletes, and fans of the featured activities.
An undeniable treat for Potter fans and an indispensable reminder to all libraries, museums, and archives that connecting to the Potterverse is an ideal way to promote themselves as the places where magic lives.
Series 2 successfully expands viewers' understanding of the main players, while the Indian location and culture contribute a colorful setting. Recommended for serial drama devotees.
PREMIUM
The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg
Like Sigg himself, this documentary pulls off impressive tasks without pretension—a strong optional suggestion for general viewers interested in contemporary art or China.
An important and engaging film that will be of interest to history and art students as well as general audiences.
PREMIUM
The Outer Limits: Season Two
This essential companion volume to the first season showcases an original network TV series—a moody sf/horror anthology—with a cult following sure to appreciate this high-def update over prior releases.
PREMIUM
Someone Like Me
Recommended to all listeners with an interest in speculative fiction. ["A dark, supernatural thriller that blurs the edges of the world we know": LJ 10/15/18 review of the Orbit: Hachette hc.]
A solid playbook for managers overseeing all types of projects. Those who have struggled with this skill in the past, as well as those new to it, will find this title invaluable.
PREMIUM
Polluting Paradise
Viewers concerned about the environment and democracy in developing nations will be strongly disturbed by this horrific situation.
PREMIUM
The Bounty
The true story of mutiny on the high seas in 1787 benefits from a new perspective taken by scriptwriter Robert Bolt (Lawrence of Arabia) and New Zealand director Roger Donaldson (Smash Palace)...
A totally engaging series filled with unconventional characters and amusing situations; an A+ choice for public libraries.
PREMIUM
Gosford Park
Featuring a who's who of British performers and a smattering of lesser-known but gifted American ones, Robert Altman's tongue-in-cheek comedy of manners laced with a period murder mystery à la Agatha Christie plays like a trial run for scripter Julian Fellowes's subsequent Downton Abbey...
This fascinating look at an important but poorly understood country reveals the gulf that lies between the government's harsh anti-American rhetoric and the feelings of ordinary Iranians. Highly recommended.
A valuable resource for students as well as an entertaining addition to Caine's previous autobiographies What's It All About?? and The Elephant to Hollywood.
Rape may be difficult to talk about, but we need to, Abdulali says. Especially when "we raise our children with such unclear standards that they don't have the tools to recognize rape when they see it." ["Guaranteed to become an important part of the canon on gender studies and sexual assault": LJ 12/18 starred review of the New Pr. hc.]
PREMIUM
Panique
Reclusive suburban-Paris photographer Monsieur Hire (Michel Simon) falls for his fetching new neighbor (Viviane Romance), fresh out of jail for taking a robbery rap for her boyfriend...
An additional purchase for librarians curious about library design.
This title is an essential purchase for libraries whose patrons appreciate literary fiction with a touch of the unreal. ["Recommended to readers who enjoy popular or historical fiction with gothic twists as well as fans of the author's other novels": LJ 9/15/18 starred review of the Atria hc.]
A colorful and diverting history of piracy in its heyday; will be of general interest and to pirate buffs. ["A colorful and well-researched study of piracy's glory days, rooted in historical context. Sure to appeal to pirate enthusiasts as well as serious researchers": LJ 8/18 review of the Norton hc.]
PREMIUM
The Punch
Of interest to fans of the author as well as those of well-written, clever, and offbeat familial stories.
PREMIUM
99 Ways To Die
Recommended for mystery/thriller fans, especially those already following the series.
PREMIUM
Cleopatra: I Am Fire and Air
Cleopatra is the classical world's beguiling superstar and is well worth getting to know through a Shakespearian lens. ["Recommended for Shakespeare enthusiasts and readers seeking a deeper understanding of one of his greatest creations": LJ 8/17 review of the Scribner hc.]
Fans of the English Premier League teams and players, along with those interested in how major sports leagues can alter history, will find this a fascinating audiobook.
Thanks to my stalwart reviewers for turning these around so quickly; you all deserve statuettes. The Oscar broadcast is on Sunday, February 24. How did we do?
Loaded with suspenseful psychological thrills, comedy, and dark humor, this genre-crossing work will appeal to a wide range of listeners as it is a little bit Maeve Binchy, Dean Koontz, and Lisa Scottoline. ["The story drags a bit in the middle, but the last third is on fire, with intense issues and a roller-coaster plot that will leave readers breathless": LJ 11/15/18 review of the Flatiron: Macmillan hc.]
A superb novel further enhanced by an exemplary reader; a timely acquisition for all libraries. ["With sparse prose and a deft pen, Ackerman writes a profound meditation on the liminal space between our past, present, and future": LJ 9/1/18 starred review of the Knopf hc; 2018 LJ Best Literary Fiction.]
PREMIUM
End of Life
A moving portrait of dying (the actual moment of death is not shown), as viewers are made privy to this phase of life in a most intimate way and are almost challenged to consider how they would approach death or help another approach that state.
PREMIUM
Some Like It Hot
On the lam with an all-female band after witnessing a mob hit, cross-dressing musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) both fall for sexy singer Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) in Billy Wilder's classic slapstick comedy...
Brilliant and tragic, this is essential for all fiction collections. ["Powerful work for a wide range of readers": LJ 8/18 review of the Houghton Harcourt hc.]
Essential for all libraries supporting business and management curricula. This work will appeal to fans of John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge's The Witch Doctors, David Craig's Rip-off!, and Matthew Stewart's The Management Myth. ["A must-read for tech entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the shifting dynamics of workplace culture": LJ 10/15/18 review of the Hachette hc.]
PREMIUM
Gas Food Lodging
Abandoned by her husband, single mom Nora (Brooke Adams) waitresses in a tiny New Mexico town, struggling to raise her teen daughtersmovie-matinee dreamer Shade (Independent Spirit Awardwinning Fairuza Balk) and cheekily guy-focused Trudi (Ione Skye)while trying to find a little romance herself...
PREMIUM
Who We Are Now
After ten years in prison, an embittered single mother (Julianne Nicholson) works with a public defender (Jimmy Smits), and later his more idealistic protégé (Emma Roberts), in a custody battle with the boy's legal guardiansher possessive sister and brother-in-law...
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