March 2024

Chris’ Audiobook Picks:

Dannie Kohan likes to plan. At 32 years old she has hit her personal targets of boyfriend, law school, NYC apartment and more. However, an unexpected glimpse at a future that she has not planned teaches her that the best laid plans often go awry. Narrated by Megan Hilty. Available as an e-audiobook on Libby.

Solito: a memoir by Javier Zamora

In this powerful personal narrative, we learn of poet Javier Zamora’s two-month journey as a nine-year old boy from his home country of El Salvador to be reunited with his parents in the U.S. Told in diary form and written in language reminiscent of the child that he was when he experienced this life altering odyssey. Narrated by the author. Available an e-audiobook on Libby.

Laura's Picks:

You are what you watch: how movies and TV affect everything by Walt Hickey (2023)

Why is Joker better at fighting crime than Batman? How did President Gerald Ford enable the blockbuster movie? Why do ads actually make TV episodes better? And why do little kids love watching the same movie over and over again? Find out in this book stuffed with fascinating facts and interesting infographics.

Rental person who does nothing: a memoir by Shoji Morimoto (2024)

Can a person make a difference just by doing nothing? Morimoto rents himself out to people who need somebody—a person to wait in line, someone to listen (but not respond, as that would be “doing something” rather than “doing nothing”), an inspiration to clean the house before company arrives—and in doing so, sheds a light on social interactions and interpersonal needs that all too often go unmet.

John's Picks:

What’s My Name by Ringo Starr (2019)

The twentieth studio album by the former Beatle and one that features familiar personnel from past works including Joe Walsh and Steve Lukather. The album contains a cover of John Lennon’s “Grow Old with Me,” as a duet with Paul McCartney as well as a solo version of the Motown hit, “Money (That’s What I Want),” which was previously recorded by the Beatles. Starr has stated that this would likely be his last full-length studio album and would instead release EPs going forward.

Bottle Shock (2008)

A dramedy directed by Randall Miller loosely based on the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine competition in which California famously defeated France in a blind taste test. Starring Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, and Chris Pine, the film shows that France is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to wine connoisseurship.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015)

The fifth installment of the Mission Impossible film series written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie. Tom Cruise once again returns as agent Ethan Hunt alongside Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames and Rebecca Ferguson. In the film, Ethan and his team go up against an anti-IMF group known as the Syndicate, who are bent on global terrorism. Featuring more of the series’ famous stunts, including Cruise hanging off the side of a flying airplane, the film is another entry in a series that keeps upping the ante with each chapter.

Lauren's Picks:

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (2023)

A cozy mystery perfect for fans of the Great British Bake Off. Six contestants are set to star in a week-long baking competition hosted by the legendary Betsey Martin at her childhood home, Grafton Manor. This year, things start to go wrong from the start. Small acts of sabotage appear within the first few days, culminating when a body is found. Would someone really kill to win the Golden Spoon trophy? Or is there something else at work?