Spring forward with our monthly picks.

Watch

Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)
This Irish dark comedy follows a close knit family, the Garvey sisters, who will do anything to protect each other. The question is how far have they gone to do that? highly recommend for a good laugh and great characters. (Catherine)

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
A really engaging, surprising, and dark thriller set on a fictional island in the Scottish Hebrides. The back and forth narration between the main characters gives juxtaposing perspectives on their relationship that slowly help you piece the puzzle together. More than one surprising twist at the end, and it’s short enough that it feels like watching a movie play out in your mind as you read. Plus I loved vicariously hanging out on a Scottish isle! (Christie)

Big Boys (Hulu)
Big Boys is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age comedy about two university students, Jack and Danny. Watch as they navigate the awkwardness of forming new friendships, the journey of self-discovery, the weight of grief and loss, and the generally overwhelming challenges of growing up. (Lauren)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Chungking Express
One of my all time favorite movies, from the master of romance director Wong Kar Wai. His style, especially with cinematographer Christopher Doyle at helm, is so distinct and the characters so quirky and endearing. This dual-storyline movie explores the idea of what it means to be a stranger to someone, and how even the shortest (or imagined) connection can have a lasting impact. What even is romance? What does it mean to be awake to life? What is the power of possibility? What does it take to break out of a rut? (Christie)

Ludwig (BBC One)
Ludwig is a mystery series starring David Mitchell (from Peep Show and That Mitchell and Webb Look) as a puzzle maker whose twin brother, a local detective chief inspector, disappears. Mitchell’s character steps in for his missing twin brother, uncovering hidden secrets, navigating dangerous twists, and cracking cases with his brilliant puzzle-solving mind. The show also offers plenty of humorous moments, with Mitchell’s signature deadpan delivery adding a touch of levity to the overall tension. Great supporting cast, too! (Lauren)

Rain Man
It had been years since I saw this Oscar-winning film and it mostly stands the test of time. Tom Cruise plays a jerk and Dustin Hoffman brilliantly plays an autistic savant, loosely based on the life of Kim Peek, who (among other things) correctly predicted that the plummeting Skylab space station would land near Perth, Western Australia. This movie also features an epic cross-country road trip. It’s a familiar movie trope, but is both gorgeous and touching in the hands of director Barry Levinson. (Janet)

Talk to Me (Kanopy)
A group of teens use an embalmed hand to make contact with spirits. Horrific highjinks ensue with solid jump scares, Australian accents, and some very gnarly special effects. (Liz)

X Trilogy (Max)
After a years-long break from watching horror, I’m baaaaaack! These movies are atmospheric, smart, and very R rated. (Amber)

Read

Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me by Whoopi Goldberg
When you miss hearing the voice of an audiobook narrator after the story is over, you know you’ve struck gold. In this case, that voice belongs to Whoopi Goldberg. This book is about her childhood and the amazing trajectory of her career. It is also about her close relationship with her brother Clyde. But most notably, it is an homage to her amazing mother Emma, who died in 2010. All these years later, Whoopi is still not over the death of her mother. I was crying in the car toward the end. You might too.

Dune and Dusted by Lyla Sage
This sweet but steamy contemporary cowboy romance will have you saying, “yee-HAWT!” (Liz)

Eager: The Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter by Ben Goldfarb
I love books about animals, and I learned so much about beavers and the role that play in our ecosystem. Well researched and engaging — and a nice change of pace from my usual novels! (Kate H.)

Finistère by Fritz Peters
Published in 1951 and set in the 1920s, this best-selling novel is considered an early example of unapologetically gay fiction. It is also a story of a teenage boy whose family and lover ultimately fail him, with tragic consequences. The writing is spare and gorgeous and I could not put this book down. (Janet)

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
I was worried this book was overhyped, but I was hooked from the beginning. I simultaneously wanted to get to the end so that all would be revealed, and also never get to the end so I could keep reading it forever. (Dana)

Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell by Sy Montgomery
Fans of The Soul of an Octopus might enjoy another book by author Sy Montgomery. I found this informative, enlightening, encouraging! (Deb)

A Stone is Most Precious Where it Belongs by Gulchehra Hoja 
A memoir showcasing cultural pride, and identity of the Uyghur people in the face of political control in China.  (Hannah G.) 

Visible Mending by Arounna Khounnoraj
Anyone who has been paying attention to the Makerspace recently has seen my personal love of mending coming through. This book is great for beginners with detailed descriptions and full color pictures. There are great tips to make interesting and cool patterns no matter your skill level. I personally love this movement, and can help anyone get more life out of their clothes, towels and even upholstered items. (Alanna)

Listen

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, narrated by Aaliya Warbus and Jordan Waunch
I couldn’t stop listening! (Catherine)

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
A cozy fantasy romance novel following a pair of women opening a bookstore and selling tea. (Hannah G.)

Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers, narrated by Lucy Scott
The title of this new release caught my attention and was a really great listen. It’s a story about an artist who lived in seclusion for decades and the community that rallied to take care of him. It left me with a lot to think about and had a great ending. (Kate H.)

Making It So: A Memoir by Patrick Stewart
Memoir from living legend Sir Patrick Stewart, also narrated by Sir Patrick. From Yorkshire and Shakespeare to the U.S.S. Enterprise and X-Men. Fun name-dropping. Cool behind-the-scenes Next Generation dirt. (Deb)

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, narrated by Robin Miles and Victoria Christopher Murray
Historical fiction based on the life of Belle da Costa Greene, the personal librarian of financier J.P. Morgan. An intriguing story of a powerful woman… very rare for the time & probably impossible if people knew her history. (Deb)

Talking Sopranos (podcast)
The Talking Sopranos podcast is a deep dive into the iconic TV show The Sopranos (yes, I’m just now watching it!). It’s hosted by former cast members Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri). This start-to-finish rewatch of the series shares so many neat behind-the-scenes stories and features interviews with cast members, crew, and writers. It provides unique insights into the making of The Sopranos and offers a fresh perspective on its characters and storylines. Also, production of the podcast began during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, during lockdown, which adds an extra layer of interest. Michael and Steve frequently discuss how the pandemic has changed their lives and influenced their experience revisiting the show. (Lauren)

Fill the shortest month of the year with these great picks.

Watch

The Diplomat (Netflix)
A political show about a bitter American diplomat sent to the UK, her husband and the failure of their marriage, and political intrigue. Filling the West Wing shaped hole in my heart. (Renee)

The Hidden
A deep cut, baby Kyle MacLachlan movie that’s super bizarre and full throttle. Not much substance but brilliant execution and camera work. Really fun to watch, especially with a group of friends. And the soundtrack is amazing! (Christie)

Read

Alas de Hiero by Rebecca Yarros
Cuando terminé de leer Alas de Sangre, no podia esperar para comenzar a leer el siguiente libro. En esta nueva entrega, Violet hace nuevos amigos, más enemigos, y aprenderá a como controlar su nuevo poder. (Claudia)

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
I’m late to this party, but Adjei-Brenyah’s debut novel (after the harrowing short story collection Friday Black) rocked me to the core. An extremely heavy, often upsetting glimpse into a not-too-distant alternate reality where the horrors of mass incarceration are televised as sports entertainment. (Renee)

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn
I love a story that alternates character point of view! Yes, it takes place at Christmas time, but it’s really a sweet teen romance with some great friendships and family dynamics. (Hazel)

Dog Man: Big Jim Begins by Dav Pilkey
We’ve had many eager kiddos asking for this new release, and our copies are in! The Dog Man hype is well deserved. They’re hilarious for kids and grown-ups alike, and Big Jim (a.k.a. Commander Cupcake) is my absolute favorite character in the series. (Kate H.)

Gather Me by Gloria Edim
What a powerful memoir from the creator of Well Read Black Girl! It reads like a novel, and the interwoven stories of authors that inspired her make it easy to add more books to your TBR. (Hazel)

Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice
I think the movie is better. (Kelly)

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
I love Matt Haig. I loved this book. It’s not my favorite of his, but I still found it captivating and hopeful and lovely. Like most of his other titles, it’s a little bit sci-fi, a little bit philosophy, and very thought-provoking. (Dana)

Matt Haig is always good for a change in perspective. This one has some ecology & environmentalism to it. There’s also a dash of Midnight Library/other possible life decisions sprinkled in. Good characters. (Deb)

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
Disarmingly quiet, deeply unsettling, and at times disturbing, while remaining very intimate. And not too long! (Christie)

Listen

A Man With One of Those Faces by Caimh McDonnell, narrated by Morgan C. Jones
Snappy, profane and hilarious–a diverting crime novel set in Dublin. I’m onto the third in the series already! (Jen)

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (audio available only on Audible)
I’m very selective when it comes to personal development books, and I’m really glad I listened to this one. It’s basically a very pragmatic, applied approach to radical acceptance in different areas of your life. The author reads the audiobook and is really engaging. (Kate H.)

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America by Barbara Ehrenreich, narrated by Cristine McMurdo-Wallis
Interesting perspective on achieving and maintaining gainful employment. Sometimes I felt the author leaned a tad condescending, but many worthwhile and empathetic points were made nonetheless.

Padre Rico, Padre Pobre by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Robert habla acerca de dos padres y la mentalidad de ambos con respecto al dinero.

A new year of Watching, Reading, and Listening! (And we have a new name!)

Watch

Alien: Romulus (Hulu)
Did we need another film in the Alien franchise? Yes we did, and this hits the spot! Great visuals and an expanded Alien universe makes this a success. (Liz)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Anatomy of a Fall (Kanopy)
This is a bilingual courtroom drama that manages to keep you on the edge of your seat even without a soundtrack and even though it’s 2.5hrs long. I got really emotional watching this; I haven’t been affected in such an intense way by a movie in a long time. I think this film is gorgeous in both how it looks and in the way it examines the intricacies of human relationships. 10/10 recommend. (Christie)

The Bold Type (Hulu)
Another rewatch for me. One of my favorite comfort shows all about people supporting each other in work and in life. Plus some fun queer rep, and every character is interesting. (Hazel)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Cobra Kai (Netflix)
Cobra Kai comienza siguiendo la vida de Johnny Lawrence despues de la gran perdida que tuvo en el combate en la pelicula “The Karate Kid.” Luego continua con la vida de los adolescentes en el Valle. Se enfrentaran a retos, desafios, que quieren hacer con sus vidas. Y finalmente, con la gran competencia que ocurre en Espana. (Claudia)

The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix)
Oh my gosh. This documentary brought up so many feelings. I felt like I was reliving the agonies, stresses, rages, and pure joy of 20 years ago. (Also can’t wrap my mind around 2004 being 20 years ago.) I thought this 3-part doc was very well done, and I want to watch it again…but I’m not sure my heart can take it again! (Dana)

I, Claudius (Hoopla)
“I, Claudius” is a 1976 BBC Television adaptation of Robert Graves’ novel “I, Claudius.” It somewhat covers the history of the early Roman Empire, told from the perspective of an elderly Emperor Claudius, but the inaccuracies and embellishments abound. The infamous Caligula is there, and the show features a few wildly NSFW scenes that cover the supposed debauchery of the times. If you took Latin in high school, you likely saw bits of this show throughout your classes. Most importantly, is a veritable “Who’s Who” of iconic British actors — Derek Jacobi, Patrick Stewart, John Hurt, and so many more familiar faces. The budget is stingy, but the acting is in peak form. Nevertheless, it is a delightful series — you feel smart watching it, and you see what a young Patrick Stewart would look like if he had terrible, terrible hair (spoiler: it’s a wig). (Lauren)

Shrinking (Apple TV+)
I am obsessed with this show! (Seana)

Read

Alas de Sangre by Rebecca Yarros
Violet habia estudiado toda su vida para convertirse en Escriba pero su madre la obligo a unirse al cuadrante de jinetes. Violet aprendera a como sobrevivir a los ataques de otros jinetes y a los enemigos de su madre que la quieren muerta. (Claudia)

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Gorgeous writing with multiple intersecting and diverging story lines. It takes a lot for me to stick with a 656 page book but Paul Murray made it easy. Completely engaging but some readers may not appreciate the open ending. (Janet)

The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
After angels destroy the city of Azril, the pride and joy of the demon Vitrine, she must rebuild, and learn to cope with her loss. (Hannah)

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
This book has been fun to read so far! With a setting reminiscent of Ogunquit and ghosts, how can you go wrong! (Seana)

The Iliad by Homer, translated by Emily R. Wilson
The introduction and forward to this translation convinced me I’d be able to understand (and enjoy) this epic poem. Be prepared to take notes along the way (or refer to the included maps and character list) to keep track of this enormous cast of characters and their alliances! (Kate S.)

Invisible Kitties: A Feline Study of Fluid Mechanics or the Spurious Incidents of the Cats in the Night Time by Yu Yoyo, translated by Jeremy Tiang
This is a delightful little book for anyone who loves cats. Whimsical, quirky, and imaginative – I’ve never read anything like it. Perfectly captures the experience of living with cats. (Kate H.)

Loveless by Alice Oseman
I think this is my third time reading this book. I love it so much for all the wonderful ace and aro rep and getting to know yourself in college. Plus the wonderful friendships and everything Alice Oseman brings to their books. (Hazel)

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
A thriller with multiple twists that leave you surprised until the end! Creepy rural folklore, multiple perspectives, and short chapters, it was a page turner. (Catherine)

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
Super cute & light mystery about a quirky maid involved in a murder in her hotel workplace. (Deb)

Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
I loved this book, which is pretty old at this point, but it’s an amazing love letter to Paris. (Kelly)

Poppies of Iraq by Brigitte Findakly and Lewis Trondheim, translated by Helge Dascher
This is a graphic memoir that covers a swath of Iraq’s complex history from the perspective and reflection on Findakly’s childhood and family experiences. Raised in Iraq from the 1950s through the 1970s, Findakly’s story gently unfolds and weaves through historical events to how they impacted her and her extended family. Though her immediate family moves to France in 1973, she continues to share the way regime changes and political upheaval affected her life abroad and the lives of loved ones and neighbors still living in Iraq. Beautiful art and a thoughtful, reflective book. (Lauren)

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary
This was a light rom-com, perfect for travel reading or a literary escape from winter. It features a back-and-forth storyline, bouncing between present-day – when the protagonists (who are exes) end up on an epic and awkward road trip together – and the past, which tells how they got together in the first place. Both present and past take place in the summer, so you can imagine you’re among vineyards in the south of France, or trapped in a tiny hot car on a British motorway, whichever appeals more! (Dana)

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
Cute story. Nice characters. Nothing controversial…the world is heavy these days…I needed that! (Deb)

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
These short, interconnected stories about cats improving people’s lives is charming. It’s a great example of the gentle fiction that can appeal to cat and dog lovers alike. (Liz)

Listen

Big in Sweden by Sally Franson
This book was light and fun. It’s about an American woman who finds herself on a Swedish reality show – looking for answers about her family history and finding herself along the way. It’s narrated by the actress Meg Ryan! (Kate H.)

The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden
Creepy! (Seana)

The Copenhagen Triology: Childhood, Youth, Dependency by Tove Ditlevsen
The first two parts of the book vividly portray the author’s childhood and young adulthood in Copenhagen in the first half of the 20th century and include details about the worldwide Great Depression and World War II. The third part, named “Dependency”, came as a complete surprise. I have never read such a graphic depiction of someone’s spiral down into the world of drug addiction. A tough but worthwhile listen. (Janet)

France’s Horrifying Rape Trial Has a Feminist Hero (NY Times The Daily podcast)
I didn’t think I could listen to this but I’m glad I did. Gisèle Pelicot really IS a feminist hero. (Janet)

I, Podius (Maximum Fun)
John Hodgman and Elliott Kalan recap the “I, Claudius” series, injecting historical insights into the production of the series, interviews with cast members, and a lot of humorous reflection on how formative and revelatory it was for Hodgeman to watch this show as a precocious twelve-year old in 1976. Pairs perfectly with the series I, Claudius. (Lauren)

Joy As An Act of Resistance by IDLES
IDLES is a band from the UK that has been described as punk rock, art rock, post-punk and experimental. Regardless of the label, this 2018 album holds up. My personal favorite track? Never Fight A Man With A Perm. (Liz)

Rodner Figueroa (YouTube)
Rodner entrevista personas famosas del espectaculo y la television. Pero lo hace de una forma mas humana, sin incluir chisme. Al final siempre le pregunta a sus invitados que les den un consejo a la audiencia de como perseguir sus suenos. (Claudia)

So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
I don’t usually listen to fantasy stories, but this one is easy to follow even with dual perspectives. Plus the two perspectives are sisters, and it’s not a love story! (Hazel)

The Trespasser by Tana French
Another banger from Tana French, focusing on newly partnered detectives Steven and Antoinette. This book had me *so mad* halfway through, in a good way but I was not having fun haha. It’s worth the read though, and I was not disappointed. French brings her usual nuance and insightfulness to this murder mystery, bringing the focus into Antoinette Conway’s head more than on the case itself. The narrator for this was amazing too! (Christie)

Our favorites this year.

Watch

Agatha All Along (Disney+)
Gothic horror is my favorite genre of anything, and Agatha surprisingly delivered. Not since Buffy has a show captivated me so emotionally. Full of intentional metaphor and themes, it’s a delicious treat for anyone who enjoys shows with depth. It’s also incredibly rewatchable, once you finish and figure out what’s really going on, you’ll want to start it all over again because there is always something new to discover. (Ash)
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch. 

The Fall Guy
Ryan Gosling, non-stop action, great music, and a cameo by Lee Majors! I *may* have stood [in my living room] and applauded when this was over. (Amber)

The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
Every season it’s a classic. I loved waiting for the new episode every week while trying to avoid spoilers. It’s my ideal comfort show. (Hazel)

Read

All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
An enthralling 600+ pages. I would have happily spent 600 more with these characters and the writing. (Amber)

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
I love anything by this author. Plus this time she included time travel in such a cool and goofy yet serious way. It’s about being afraid of the future and the past but also much more. (Hazel)

The Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste
This was my lone five star read of the year. It’s haunting and sad, and just what i wanted to read. There are several scenes that have stayed with me long after finishing. (Ash)

The It Girl by Ruth Ware
This book ticked so many boxes for me – mystery/thriller; twists; a whodunit that had me fooled; and set in Oxford. I wish I could read it for the first time again. (Dana)

The Secret Place by Tana French
Set in a private Catholic girls’ boarding school in the early 00’s, this detective novel follows the lives of a tight-knit group of teen girls leading up to the death of a boy at a neighboring school a year earlier, while in the present day the case has been brought back to the forefront by an anonymous note from someone claiming to know who killed him. Tana French’s prose is masterful and lyrical, and she really digs into the inner worlds of the girls and their complicated relationship politics as well as those of the detectives. She brings a magic into the nuances that make even the subtlest of things feel precious, and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. (Christie)

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall
The very Britishness of the cover is what drew me to the book, but the characters and plot kept me enthralled throughout. I’m not a big romance reader, but I really fell in love with Jonathan and Sam and their enemies-to-lovers story. (Dana)

Listen

All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson
I had been meaning to read the physical book sitting on my shelf for years, but the audio version read by the author is way better. What a powerful and inspirational stories for both kids and adults.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn
This was one of my five 5-star reviews of 2024. 1789. Maine. Midwife Martha Ballard gets called to examine the body of a man found dead in the icy Kennebec River. What ensues is part mystery, part small-town early America in all its gossipy glory, but also stories of sexual assault and feminism. Martha Ballard suffers no fools. She and her husband are more tolerant & liberal than my imagination assumes of people in the 18th century. And the ending! Whew! (Deb)

Noah Kahan
Kahan, a Vermont native, was everywhere this year so it feels slightly redundant to include him here, but Noah was my top played artist this year and is likely to retain that title in the coming year. (Amber)

This Ain’t the Way I Go Out by Lucy Rose
Lucy Rose wrote this album after recovering from pregnancy-induced osteoporosis. It’s a gorgeous jazz-influenced indie pop album with bittersweet music and lyrics. Brings me to tears in a satisfying, cathartic way. There’s also an album of remixes of the songs that add some spunk and funk! (Christie)

Wild Dreams by Westlife
This album was in heavy rotation for probably two-thirds of my 2024. Westlife played their first-ever US shows this year, and I just couldn’t stop listening to this and the rest of their back catalogue. (Dana)

The Women by Kristin Hannah
This is one of my five 5-star reviews of 2024. Gritty, brutal, heart-wrenching, difficult, honest. (Deb)

Ending the year with great picks.

Watch

Fallout (Amazon Prime)
Perfectly captures the aesthetic of Bethesda’s Fallout games: 1950s USA charm and futurism meets post-nuclear war survival, starring Walton Goggins (Righteous Gemstones, Vice Principals…need-I-say-more?). Great soundtrack, charming characters. A fun watch even if you are not familiar with the games. (Lauren)

Fantasmas (HBO)
Julio Torres is back with another surrealist, eerie and quirky series. Julio’s search for a lost earring (while avoiding other tasks) is interwoven with the stories of other characters he meets through dreamy vignettes. (Claire)

I Think You Should Leave (Netflix)
Depending on your definition of comedy this show may actually be more like horror. Social mishaps and awkward recovery attempts push this show forward. Weird but worth it! (Liz)

Joker: Folie à Deux (Amazon Prime, Apple TV+)
This film was not meant to be a DC comics blockbuster, but instead it’s intended to be a deep exploration of madness, trauma, and codependency. While awaiting trial in Arkham State Hospital, the Joker has seemingly disappeared and only a depressed broken Arthur Fleck remains. When he meets Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, she reignites his mania and the Joker is resurrected – sharp, funny, entertaining, and idolized by thousands. Dance and song sequences are cleverly integrated into the plot to reflect Fleck’s mental state during his dissociative episodes. Gaga and Phoenix give extraordinary, chilling performances. (Tessa)

Powwow Highway
A quirky buddy road trip movie that gives a glimpse into Native American life and perspective in the late 80’s, through the eyes of two guys who grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation together and are on their way to New Mexico to rescue one of their sisters from a wrongful arrest. The acting and writing is really tight, and I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. So many surprising and touching moments, and it turns expected stereotypes on their heads. Follow this up with Smoke Signals if you want to have fun seeing its influence a decade later! (Christie)

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (Disney+)
After growing up with the original Wizards of Waverly Place I was doubtful about its remake. But it’s so sweet and the new characters are fun and loving, similar to the original series. (Hazel)
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch. 

W1A (Kanopy)
Classic British cringe TV: a witty satire of the BBC’s Broadcasting House, starring Hugh Bonneville as the Head of Values at the BBC. It’s absurd and light-hearted, with excellent writing and cast. (Lauren)

Read

Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp
Gorgeous illustrations accompany a witty modern fairy-tale about being nice and respecting labor-rights (and the forest, of course). (Claire)

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Finished after her death by her daughter, Riley, this is an outstanding glimpse at Lisa Marie’s life and who she was. At its core, this book is a heartbreaking and emotional story of a daughter’s endless love for her father, and a mother’s endless love for her children. (Amber)

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, translated by Jesse Kirkwood
The Full Moon coffee shop is like no other. It has no fixed location, no menu, doesn’t accept cash or credit, and the staff are talking cats who will also ask to read your horoscope. Combining fantasy with astrology, this charming short novel centers around the idea that if you do good, good comes back to find you. Fans of Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking For Is in the Library will enjoy this story. (Tessa)

Grief Is An Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith
I was so touched by this picture book. Its description of grief is approachable for kids, but also poignant for adults. Beautiful illustrations too. (Kate H.)

The Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste
If you are a mood reader who just finished Agatha All Along and want to keep that feeling going, I suggest this haunting meditation of grief, longing, and how we carry our trauma into adulthood. (Ash)

How To Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie
A jaded director + a cursed movie camera + 80s nostalgia? This is horror novel gold! (Liz)

Mythos by Stephen Fry
I LOVE Greek myths (thanks classics major!) and I LOVE Stephen Fry. His retellings are both accurate and entertaining with his added comical dialogue. (Hazel)

The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained by Stanley Milford
This memoir of a Navajo Ranger’s experiences with the paranormal is perfect for fans of the X-Files. Milford is an approachable writer with a flair for the mysterious. (Liz)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Found this on an “Uplifting” list. It was, by the end, but a lot of hard things happened along the way! Kidd always writes strong, admirable women. (Deb)

The Secret Place by Tana French
Tana French is at it again with her incredibly intimate, psychologically and emotionally compelling mystery series, The Dublin Murder Squad. This book is a murder mystery but dives deep into the mystery and nature of friendship, coming of age, experiences of the sacred and profane, loyalty and love, and the way we learn to build our own personal definitions of all those things. All the flashbacks are written in present-tense third-person, which gives the scenes of the girls at their boarding school the sense that they’re narrated by some omniscient spring goddess. The detective whose perspective we experience the current day from is so outside the world the girls live in, and aware of the distance, that it creates a unique tension as you alternate between him and the girls. Highly recommend! (Christie)

Listen

Behind You Is The Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj, narrated by Rasha Zamamiri and Ali Nasser
I finished the audiobook in two days! A novel about Palestinian immigrant families in Baltimore, it explores themes of identity, shame, family. Each chapter follows a different character and packs in so much rich detail and feeling. (Kate H.)

The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson, narrated by Katie Schorr
Nice sequel…similar themes of prejudice, feminism & justice with a dose of hard-working librarian! (Deb)

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
This book has everything. RuPaul has such a sweet and charming voice. He chronicles his life from childhood to his rise to fame as a biggest icon in drag today. Full of light-hearted diversions and galvanizing moments in their life, it’s a very nice listen and an interesting, well-told story. (Lauren)

In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, narrated by the author
I’ve been meaning to read this memoir for awhile. It’s definitely intense and all the trigger warnings apply, but it was great to hear it from the author’s voice. Some very powerful moments and use of metaphors to process what life throws the author’s way. (Hazel)

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller, narrated by January LaVoy
This book masquerades as light and cute, and it is, but it covers weighty topics such as book banning, antisemitism, feminism, slavery and LGBTQ rights, among others. It actually presents these topics in a very down-to-earth, accessible story of a small town in Georgia. You get plenty of opposing viewpoints, but wrapped in a novel, not heavy academia. Highly recommend! (Deb)

This Ain’t The Way You Go Out by Lucy Rose
Lucy Rose wrote this album after recovering from pregnancy-induced osteoporosis. It’s full of refreshing, honest lyrics expressing contradictory emotions — optimism tinted with sadness, dejection alongside wonder — all to the sounds of her jazzy piano. There’s also a remix album with guest dj’s and producers that’s wonderful and funky! (Christie)

What The Dead Know: Learning About Life as a NYC Death Investigator by Barbara Butcher, narrated by the author
[TW: death by suicide, 9/11] This is a fascinating, if occasionally gruesome, look at the work of a death investigator within the NYC Medical Examiner’s office. Intelligent and extremely tough, Ms. Butcher ultimately must come to terms with the daily toll the job places on her well-being, particularly as a person in recovery. (Amber)

Feeling grateful for these great choices.

Watch

Agatha All Along (Disney+)
Who knew that the most layered, and accurate depiction of lesbians on television right now would be from Marvel/Disney? Not me. This show is so thoughtfully made; from the costuming, set design, and of course the writing. I’m obsessed. (Ash) 
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch. 

Black Widows (Hoopla)
This Finnish crime series features three women in abusive marriages whose husbands are killed in a “mysterious” boat explosion in the first episode. It’s full of surprises and it’s also so much fun to watch a show starring women with the male characters playing mostly secondary roles. (Janet)

I’m Alan Partridge
Steve Coogan is the King of Cringe. I’m on a personal Partrimilgrimage to enjoy every bit of the Alan Partridge content that is out there. I’m Alan Partridge is some of the best works of this character. Alan’s Wikipedia page summarizes himself best, “A parody of British television personalities, Partridge is a tactless and inept broadcaster with an inflated sense of celebrity.” A winning series, and character, for anyone who relishes the feeling of fremdschämen. (Lauren)

Laura
A classic noir from the 40s with a twist. I didn’t love it, but it was really well done and the cinematography is stellar. The film brings up interesting questions about para social relationships that are surprisingly relevant today. (Christie)

The Penguin (Max)
This series is a continuation of Colin Farrell’s character in The Batman. It’s dark (literally and metaphorically) and incredibly well acted: Colin Farrell deserves all the awards. (Amber)
Check out our Max Roku to watch.

Read

Cranberry Cove by Hailey Piper
This atmospheric horror novella combines an abandoned hotel, a crime syndicate and magic rituals gone awry. A great read for a tiny dose of terror. (Liz)

Death At Morning House by Maureen Johnson
Our main character is given a summer job as a tour guide at an old house on a private island. But it has a haunted past, and people start dying. Who is the killer and what really happened all those years ago? This was an excellent, fast paced, sapphic mystery. (Ash)

Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
Perfect for this time of year. The grown up, NYC -based youngest daughter of a dysfunctional family joins her siblings and spouses, parents, and nieces at a villa in Italy for vacation. It’s a horror story, but the main horror is the way the family interacts. It was honestly hard to read, but that means it did its job well. Short and fun, and also a nice escape to Italy! (Christie)

Hope It All Works Out by Reza Farazmand
This graphic novel collects the comics from “Poorly Drawn Lines,” a popular webcomic following Mouse, Snail, Turtle and Bird, among others. Their misguided optimism, sarcasm and tiny animal lives are very relatable. (Liz)

Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller
This is the story of Chanel Miller, a woman who was sexually assaulted while unconscious by a man known as “The Stanford Swimmer.” It’s a heavy topic, for sure, but such a worthwhile read. The author faced endless indignities in the months leading up to and including the trial against her attacker. That Chanel Miller persisted in her quest for justice makes her a hero in my mind. The author narrates the audiobook, which provides added depth to the experience, but be warned that listening to her read her own Victim Impact Statement is especially heartbreaking. (Janet)

Lone Women by Victor LaValle
I’d read good reviews of this book and was curious to read about homesteading in Montana in 1915- a topic I’d never learned about. The story went in a direction I was not expecting and I didn’t love the fantastical elements. However, the history was fascinating, especially learning about the titular lone women, including Black women, who journeyed to Montana to tame the land. (Dana)

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller
This Young Adult book is about a girl who works in her parents’ laundromat. She leads a fairly humdrum existence until a new friend moves into the neighborhood. Together they explore New York City in an attempt to match lost laundry items with their owners. Such a great premise! While not quite a graphic novel, this book is chock-full of charming and often humorous illustrations. (Janet)

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
One of the most prolific writers of our time, Ta-Nehisi Coates delivers profound and insightful observations and reflections in his newest book. This is a must-read for all, especially the youth, who are the most powerful and influential changemakers of our time. (Molly)

Solitaire by Alice Oseman
After watching Heartstopper, it was time for a Alice Oseman re-reading session. This one is all about Tori and friendship and family and mysteries! It’s a dark story, but it has some fun light parts as well. Tori is my favorite Osemanverse character! (Hazel)

Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune
AN EXCELLENT sequel to the House in the Cerulean Sea – I honestly liked it better than the first book. Laughs, empathy, and love in spades.  (Renee)

Snotgirl Volume 1: Green Hair Don’t Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley
From the creator of Scott Pilgrim comes a surreal, colorful, wild story about Lottie Person, a fashion blogger with secret allergies. Just bonkers. (Renee)

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Warning: this is an extreme teen slasher! Gorey, gross, surprising, and yes — there’s romance, too! Fast-paced and enjoyable if you like YA fiction in the horror genre. I especially appreciate it touching on themes of otherness and hazing. Good, not great, but worth it if you’re in the mood. (Lauren)

Listen

The Big Dig (podcast)
Pun intended, this podcast covers the long, meandering road of Boston’s Big Dig. It thoroughly discusses the politics, logistics, mishaps, and city planning vision-origins of this massive project that transformed the landscape of our capital city. As a child of the 80s and 90s, I have vivid memories of the Museum of Science’s Big Dig exhibit, and of the drippy, dark underpass that lead you to the North End neighborhood. As an adult, I love sitting on the The Rose Kennedy Greenway with a book and a sfogliatelle (Modern, not Mike’s). I enjoyed learning more from those that contributed to the project and getting a better understanding of how it came to be. A simple, straightforward listen about the complex, convoluted Big Dig. (Lauren)

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, narrated by Katie Schorr
This story of a 19 year-old coal-miner’s daughter who rides for the Pack Horse Librarians in 1930’s Kentucky was enlightening and infuriating. It induced happy tears and sad tears. It rang true of all the kind-hearted and hard-working Librarians I know, and that’s a bunch! (Deb)

Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao, narrated Ann Zhao, Natalie Naudus, Rebecca Wang, Elaine Wang, Daisy Guevara, Tara Sands, Mx. Nicky Endres, Angel Pean
Take a historically women’s college and add two competing love advice Instagram accounts (both of whom happen to be aro ace) and all the complications that come with college, and it’s a really fun story that incorporates multiple perspectives! (Hazel)

Hopes and Fears by Keane
I kind of hate that the music that reminds me of my college years is turning 20 all of a sudden! I absolutely do not hate the music though, and Keane’s debut album has been in high rotation on my nostalgia playlist. It’s a classic. (Dana)

The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver, narrated by Kaleo Griffith
I’ve been watching Tracker on TV (So this is a Watch as well as a Listen!) and often like to see how the book compares to the screen. I think overall it was well-done and I appreciate the different choices that the screen folks made from the book. I like Colter. I think readers of the Reacher books by Lee Child would appreciate Colter. I was a little disappointed that of all the theories that may have been the ending, the one that actually was the ending is icky and a little too close to current real-life politics. But that’s just personal preference. (Deb)

Ologies (podcast)
This podcast series has something for everyone. Creator Alie Ward interviews expert-ologists in a wide, wide range of fields. Just a sampling, but I’ve listened to: Coffeeology, Tardigradology, Suicidology, Curiology (Emojis), Misophonology, Neuroendocrinology, Ambystomology (Axolotls!), Psychedeliology, Etymology, Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology, and Disgustology! She covers an insane range of topics, and always sits down with experts in the field. She even has Smologies — family-friendly, shorter episodes! Highly recommend to anyone who is curious about EVERYTHING! (Lauren)

The Only One Left by Riley Sager, narrated by Dawn Harvey and Christine Lakin
Gothic mystery/thriller/ghost story – suitable for late fall – about a young caregiver assigned to care for the town’s notorious, untried, presumed-murderer in a creepy, coastal Maine, cliff house. I Iiked it. I thought of a few twists that didn’t turn out to be the actual twist. But in the end, some of the twists were almost so twisty I no longer believed anyone’s version of events. (Deb)

Who Could That Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket, narrated by Liam Aiken
Did you know there were prequels to A Series of Unfortunate Events? I didn’t! This first book follows Lemony Snicket (the character!) during his childhood as he becomes entangled in a small town’s many mysteries. I love a good prequel, and I’m having tons of fun picking up on all the references to the original series. And of course Snicket’s unique brand of dry humor is always a treat. (Rachel)

Get chills with these great suggestions!

Watch

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (in theaters)
Am I late to the Beetlejuice party? Yup. Having just watched the first one, I have to say I enjoyed the character of Beetlejuice much more in the sequel. I thought it was a fun slightly spooky watch. (Ash)

Chimp Crazy (Max)
From the people who brought us Tiger King, Chimp Crazy is softer, sadder, and way more unhinged. Troubling storytelling about people who obsess over chimps and primates to the extreme, suffering SERIOUS bodily harm, bankruptcy, loss of relationships, and deft litigation from PETA. It’s a wild ride. (Lauren)
Check out our Max Roku to watch.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
I recently started watching this with my roommate, and we’re already on the second season! It’s like a cozy murder mystery but it’s also hilarious! (Hazel)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

The Perfect Couple (Netflix)
Based on the Elin Hilderbrand’s book (which I haven’t read), I thought this murder miniseries was great fun and there were so many red herrings that I was completely surprised by the ending. (Tessa)

The Righteous Gemstones (Max)
This Danny McBride lead comedy series about a family of televangelists has been an absolute joy. I came for Walton Goggins as Baby Billy Freeman, but I stayed for the absolute ridiculousness of it all. (Liz)

The X-Files (Hulu)
I mean, it’s a classic for a reason. Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny in their prime! (Christie)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Read

Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
I love the All Souls series, but I really didn’t love this book. I got lost trying to keep up with the plot and found it distracting from the love I feel for the rest of the series. (Kelly)

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
This is a story of a young girl with a severe immune disease who has not been able to leave the “bubble” of her home for most of her life. When a family moves in next door, the son befriends her and the friendship blossoms online. He shows her what life is like on the outside and she realizes life is too short to not be lived. (Kerry)

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
I loved Jen DeLuca’s Well Met series so I had to checkout her newest release. Cassie Rutherford moves to the seaside town of Boneyard Key only to discover that her house is seriously haunted. Lifetime Boneyard Key resident, coffee shop owner, and lovable grump Nick Royer quickly becomes enamored with the vivacious Cassie, but he has a few ghosts of his own. This was a fun read! (Liz)

How To Read a Book by Monica Wood
Super cute story of a young woman getting out of prison and trying to get her life back together. Great characters! (Deb)

The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving A F**k: How to Stop Spending Time You Don’t Have With People You Don’t Like Doing Things You Don’t Want to Do by Sarah Knight
Funny satire with words of wisdom. Wild laugh-out-loud examples and tips for managing your time, energy and money. Covers the gamut of Things, Work, Friends, and Family and how you can focus on what brings you joy, and firmly-yet-politely decline that which might annoy or drain you. Lots of F-bombs, but pearls of wisdom and clarifying perspective throughout. (Lauren)

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of the X-Files: Imagine if Scully worked for Buzzfeed and tapped Mulder to star in a new web series. Do they find Bigfoot? Do the find love? I want to believe. (Liz)

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen
This is a spooky, atmospheric gothic tale perfect for October. Someone is dead, but is the culprit our main character who has a spirit companion? Or was it someone or something else? (Ash)

Needful Things by Stephen King
Terror comes to a small New England town when a man named Leland Gaunt opens a curiosity shop on Main Street. The store has plenty of interesting items, and should one look hard enough, they’ll find the exact thing they want. But Gaunt demands a steep price for such objects, and to be his customer is to risk damnation. A modern retelling of the Faustian bargain, this is one of my favorite Stephen King books. (Greg)

Rez Ball by Byron Graves, narrated by Jesse Nobess
A Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award 2024 contender, this story is simple, heart-felt, and chock-full of basketball. A semi-autobiographical story about Tre, a native Ojibwe living on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. His family is still reeling from the unexpected loss of his older athletic superstar brother, and Tre becomes determined to continue the family’s, and tribe’s, scrappy-but-superior basketball legacy. His journey is one that helps heal his own broken heart, and his larger community still grieving the loss of their rising hero. A little romance and teen drama sprinkled in amongst the lengthy, but vivid, descriptions of the game. (Lauren)

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
Long anticipated sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea! Really heartwarming found family vibes. Plus some fun fantasy aspects through magical children. I LOVE both books! (Hazel)

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
Based on the Perseus and Medusa myth, Haynes flips the narrative to portray Medusa as an tragic figure whose life is altered by to the whims of men. Zeus is a womanizer, Poseidon is petty, and our “hero” Perseus is the true monster. This easy read makes for an enjoyable vacation book when your brain doesn’t want something dense. (Tessa)

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley
A love story of two teenagers that keep coming back to each other despite life’s tribulations and tragedies. A beautiful, heart wrenching love story. (Kerry)

The Unmothers by Leslie Anderson
Lyrical southern gothic horror. A newspaper writer is sent to a small town to figure out if a horse really did just give birth to a human baby. What she finds is a town where women have secrets, and the men will do almost anything to figure them out. (Ash)

A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings
This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride. Levings’s story has mostly made me angry so far, and sad (I ugly-cried in public while reading it), but also hopeful. I’m looking forward to reading about her escape and how she’s gotten to where she is today. (Dana)

The Women by Kristin Hannah
I couldn’t finish it. I know everyone else seems to love this book but I think it’s her worst one. Started strong and lost something toward the end. (Kelly)

Listen

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
A fresh take on the fantasy/magical realism genre, set in the present day. About two estranged sisters who grew up in a family dedicated to guarding a secret library of magical books. The prose is refreshing and really enjoyable to read! The narrator is amazing and has consistent, believable voices for each character that help keep you in the flow of the story. Highly recommend! (Christie)

The Likeness by Tana French, narrated by Heather O’Neill
I have officially joined the Tana French club. Her prose is gorgeous and her characters are complex and compelling, and the plot keeps me on my toes. This is her second book in the Dublin Murder Squad series. It deals with doppelgangers and identity and the question of what it really means to exist as yourself in the world, all wrapped up in a juicy mystery and told with an Irish accent. (Christie)

Pageboy by Elliot Page, narrated by the author
Heartbreaking, but enlightening and insightful. (Deb)

The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most by Dashboard Confessional
Living up my elder emo nostalgia by listening to this soundtrack of my early college days. Fun to scream/sing along with during my commutes! (Dana)

Take Me Back to Eden by Sleep Token
Alternative metal, perfect for October. (Ash)

Teke::Teke
A Japanese psych-rock surfer funk band with a ton of energy and groovy tunes! (Christie)

What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman, narrated by the author
Fascinating owl science! (Deb)

Fall into something great with these picks!

Watch

Absolutely Fabulous (Kanopy)
Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab) is a British cult classic starring comedy dream team Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders. Centering on two selfish, narcissistic, drugged out besties and their hijinks, it’s an absurd comedy that somehow tricks you into caring about the overall despicable leads. (Lauren)

Clipped (Hulu)
This six-part limited series revolves around an NBA owner’s racist remarks, captured on tape. Completely engaging and it doesn’t hurt that it stars Ed O’Neill, one of my favorite actors. (Janet)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Deadpool & Wolverine (Apple TV+)
Ok, I know this will reach you all a little late but if you like comic book movies at all, Deadpool & Wolverine is a breath of fresh iron-scented air. It was a blast to watch even for someone like me who began to hate Marvel movies from sheer overexposure. Be warned, they take full advantage of their
R-rating so be prepared for some explicit humor and bloody fight scenes. (Alanna)

Ryan Reynolds dancing to NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye during the opening credits is perfection. This movie was great fun to watch, but be prepared for lots of blood, violence, and raunchy jokes (basically what you would expect from a Deadpool movie). The film ties into the MCU multiverse, so I would recommend doing your homework and watching the Disney+ series Loki (check out our Disney+ Roku to watch) prior to seeing the movie for maximum enjoyment. I laughed through the whole film. (Tessa)

From (TV series)
A town where people mysteriously end up, but can never leave. Residents must stay in at night with doors and windows locked because things lurk on the town after the sun goes down. Terribly creepy, I don’t recommend watching before bed. (Ash)

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Netflix)
I loved this! It is based off of a teen book series. (Seana)

Grounded (Steam, Switch, Xbox, PS4/5)
This one is a bit of a blast from the past. An excellent 80’s themed adventure right from the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playbook. You play as a few preteens who are exploring the back yard in a whole new way. A super fun survival crafting game with a hint of Sekiro’s fighting mechanics. Do yourself a favor and give it a go, especially if you have a few friends. Note: If you’re arachnophobic, they do have a slider to make the spiders less spidery. They’re still scary. (Alanna)

Longlegs (Amazon Prime)
This movie was a bit more atmospheric thriller than horror, but the dread you felt throughout the entire film was masterful. Nicolas Cage’s performance as the unhinged Longlegs was creepy, yet just over the top enough to be delightful. (Ash)

Mothertime (Kanopy)
The director of this hour-long film wore a body camera for a year and a half and recorded the everyday activities of her and her daughter, starting when the child was a year old. Sometimes the child wore the camera too and other times the camera was propped up on a shelf in the family home. If it sounds intrusive, it is! And the film has intruded upon my own thoughts about parenthood in so many ways. One of the most thought-provoking movies I’ve seen in a long time! (Janet)

Read

Bitter Water Opera by Nicolette Polek
If you are looking for an absolute gem, here it is! If you love all that is strange, weird and wonderful, follow Gia and her journey to dancer Marta Beckett’s Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction and enjoy every wild and vivid detail along the way. (Sue)

The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag
Molly Ostertag is a MASTER of YA graphic novels and her most recent work is incredible. It’s a deep, wrenching exploration of queerness, family expectations, and mental health struggles, with absolutely stunning art. Stopped me in my tracks several times while reading. (Renee)

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
Another quick summer read! Full of vivid description and well developed characters, Laura Dave gives us a glimpse into a complex family dynamic. Set in California wine country, you can almost picture yourself there with a glass in hand, experiencing the family come to terms with secrets, change and new perspectives on life. (Catherine)

Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
An interesting exploration of the similarities and differences of the Roman emperors. Great follow up to Twelve Caesars and SPQR for any fans of Roman history! (Hazel)

Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott
Drinking, smoking, divorce, extra-marital affairs, unwanted pregnancies, and more are tucked within the pages of this engrossing novel, which was published nearly 100 years ago and was an instant bestseller. As an added bonus, I loved the 1920s sayings sprinkled throughout (“that was so 1880s of her”) and learning about the big stories from that period, none of which were familiar to me, including a 1927 submarine disaster off the coast of Cape Cod in which 39 lives were lost. (Janet)

Funny Story by Emily Henry
Predictable: YES. Entertaining: Yes. A fun, easy, summer beach read! (Catherine)

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This family saga with a bit of a mystery set at a summer camp/small working class town was hard to put down. While a little slow, the mystery and exploration of class dynamics made for an interesting read. (Ash)

The High Desert by James Spooner
An excellent and engaging graphic memoir! I love reading nonfiction/memoir that feels narrative and educational and this excels – learning so much about the growth of punk in the US. (Renee)

Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
This super cute debut novel launching Gabriella Gamez’s Librarians in Love series is a delight. YA librarian Marcela Ortiz has been in love with her best friend Ben for almost ten years. When he announces his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Marcela and Ben’s brother enter a fake-dating agreement that becomes so much more. I finished it in a weekend and can’t wait for the next installment. (Liz)

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
A reality TV series gone wrong, a group of 10 couples are stranded on a remote island with no resources… and a murderer. A suspenseful page turner, Ruth Ware never disappoints! (Catherine)

Listen

Forever, or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter, narrated by Janina Edwards
Sweet, touching, inspiring! A beautiful moving story (middle grade fiction) about two foster children who are hoping they have found their forever home. (Seana)

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson, narrated by the author
Jenny Lawson manages to talk about serious mental health topics while also adding some humor, which makes for a great audio version of this book! (Hazel)

Nine Inch Nails (Hoopla)
I was a huge NIN fan in my teens and twenties. I’ve been rabidly re-listening to all of their albums over the past month and catching up with their newer releases. Trent Reznor’s catalog holds up. (Liz)

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, narrated by Clare Corbett, Dauphne Kouma, Julia Winwood, Sope Dirisu, Sofia Zervudachi, Charlie Ansin
Mystery is not my typical genre, but this one had me hooked thanks in large part to amazing voice actors. A 2023 Audie Award finalist in the “Thriller/Suspense” category. (Janet)

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
I, like everyone else it feels like, recently was directed towards Chappell Roan. How I’ve missed her all these years I have no idea, but she is 100% worth every ounce of hype she’s been getting. Don’t let the hyper-pop facade fool you, this album has wonderful depth both musically and lyrically. The great beats and catchy tunes makes this a great album to finish out the summer with. (Alanna)

Too Hot To Sleep by Daniel Romano (Spotify)
Daniel Romano is a musical chameleon. His newest album features wildly catchy rock & roll that sounds out-of-it’s-time despite being a 2024 release. His whole catalog is incredibly varied in style and genre, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! (Lauren)

Turn up the summer heat with these picks.

Watch

Blue Lights (Kanopy)
Set in Northern Ireland, a police squad battles crime as well as those who don’t want to be policed. (Amber)

Lucha Mexico
For those who aren’t familiar, lucha libre is the professional wrestling style that originated in Mexico during the 20th century. It features (mostly) masked wrestlers, truly impressive high flying acrobatic moves and so much more. In my household we stan Pénta El Cero Miedo aka Pentagón Jr. as the best luchador, but this documentary features the stories of several other fantastic luchadors including Shocker, Blue Demon Jr., Sexy Star, and El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo. (Liz)

So Weird (Disney+)
An older Disney Channel show all about the paranormal and other weird stuff that happens in daily life. It follows one family for the whole series, so those bonds get explored in a really great way. (Hazel)
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch.

Read

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala
A small town cozy mystery that’s also full of yummy Filipino recipes! Lots of good friendship and family connections and I never could have expected the twist at the end! (Hazel)

Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman
This highly anticipated fantasy adventure does not disappoint! Don’t let the hefty page count deter you–the action, dialogue and plot are positively crackling with energy. (Jen)

Elements of Style: Designing A Home and A Life by Erin Gates
I checked out this book because I needed inspiration for decorating my new home. To my surprise, it ended up being more than just a decorating book. The author combines design advice with stories of her own kitchen renovation disaster, her past struggles with anorexia, and her conflicting feelings about starting a family. It felt like I was listening to a best friend. Her best advice: none of our homes or lives are perfect. I feel so validated. (Tessa)

The Fisherman by John Langan
A short page turner about love, grief, and the creeping dread of the unknown. And fish. (Roy)

Full of Myself by Siobhán Gallagher
Did the author watch my entire life and then turn it into this masterful graphic memoir about struggling with one’s body image? No, she did not, but it certainly felt like it. This validated so many body image related feelings that a lot of people struggle with on a daily basis (I certainly do), and I am grateful to the author for sharing it with the world. (Liz)

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Chick Lit about a portraitist who suddenly is stricken with face blindness. Cute story. Love Peanut & Dr Nicole. (Deb)

The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband by David Finch
Disclaimer: Asperger Syndrome was previously used as a term for a neurodevelopmental disorder with similarities to Autism Spectrum Disorder, but in 2013 the name was removed from the DSM-V as a separate diagnosis. People who had previously been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome would now be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This memoir was published in 2012, so the author uses the term Asperger Syndrome, with which he was diagnosed with well into adulthood. A married father of two at the time, the diagnosis explained his growing list of quirks, tendency to meltdown in social situations, and refusal to compromise on things. After receiving his diagnosis, Finch spent two years learning about his Asperger Syndrome in a quest to become a better father and husband. This is a well written, very funny, humanizing and endearing medical memoir that anyone interested in family dynamics, Autism Spectrum Disorder or self improvement would enjoy. (Liz)

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
A fun love story with some family complications. (Kelly)

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby
Need a good cry? 12 year-old Winnie Nash has been sent to live with her grandmother for the summer, but she’s been told to keep secrets, not to tell her grandma she’s gay, but she really needs to go to Pride. She’s dealing with a lot of emotions and doesn’t know what to do. Emotional, powerful, and resonating. I may have cried a few times. (Ash)

Listen

Dying of Politeness by Geena Davis, narrated by the author
I only vaguely recognize Geena Davis as a celebrity name, but I decided to read her memoir anyways. What a story she has! So many groundbreaking roles and I love her work on trying to create gender equality in Hollywood. (Hazel)

The Sevens Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Alma Cuervo, Robin Miles, and Julia Whelan
Aging Hollywood star (reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor & Ava Gardner) schemes a relatively unknown journalist into writing her biography. It seems there’s a reason for the choice, but it remains hidden until the very end. There are some teeny foreshadowed hints, but they’re so subtle, I didn’t notice them in the moment, only hindsight. I thought this might be a shallow read but I was pleasantly surprised. (Deb)

The Spindle of Fate by Aimee Lim
Twelve-year-old Evie’s mom has disappeared and her family and friends believe the worst has happened. When Evie is visited by a talking monkey who tells her that her mom isn’t dead, but trapped in Diyu, the netherworld of Chinese mythology, Evie travels there to try to save her. Gritty and darkly funny. (Jen)

Looking for something to kickoff a summer of watching, reading, and listening? We’ve got you covered.

Watch

Game Changer (Dropout TV)
The funniest game show I’ve ever seen! During every episode the rotating cast of contestants play a different game, but they don’t know the rules and have to figure out how to play as the game goes on. (Rachel)

I Saw the TV Glow (currently in theaters)
A haunting masterpiece about growing up longing to be someone else, who you really are. The loneliness of growing up queer in the nineties. A love letter to Buffy, and the nostalgia of youth. (Ash)

Jury Duty (Amazon Prime)
I know I’m late but I absolutely loved this show, especially the last episode! (Renee)

La Chimera (currently in theaters)
This Italian film was a wild adventure and an unexpected delight. Josh O’Connor (young Prince Charles from the Crown TV series) stars as a British archaeologist who gets involved in an international network of stolen Italian artifacts during the 1980s. If you are familiar with the Etruscan civilization, this film will be an extra treat. 5 out 5 stars. (Tessa)

Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (Hulu)
Will Richie ever reunite with the band? Will Jon get his voice back? This nostalgic four-part series looks back on Bon Jovi’s glory days and ends with JBJ’s surgery to repair his possible career-ending vocal injury. (Amber)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Wrinkles (also available through Kanopy)
Simultaneously funny and heart wrenching, this Spanish animated film centers around a character with early Alzheimers whose family relocates him to a retirement home. Based on the comic book by Paco Roca, this story approaches aging and its accompanying illnesses with honesty and tenderness. (Tessa)

Read

Dead and Gone (Detective Annalisa Vega, #3) by Joanna Schaffhausen
Many mysteries wrapped into one! Written by a local Waltham author! (Deb)

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
A modern retelling of Carmilla. Gothic, with Sapphic vampires. Need I say more? (Ash)

Four Against Darkness by Andrea Sfligoi, edited by Craig Whiting
Are you a fan of TTRPGs but can’t for the life of you get a group together? Do you enjoy sword and staff fantasy stories and are curious about how Table Top Role Playing Games Work? This book is a great way for you to scratch that role-playing itch in a singleton adventure designed to last about an hour. You only need the rules, some graph paper, a pen, and some D6s (a standard 6 sided game die for you non-nerds out there). A delightful bit of fun that can help make your days a little bit more adventurous. (Alanna)

The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
I’m about halfway through this sci-fi arranged-political-marriage novel and loving it! Has my favorite feature in sci-fi: snarky funny historical footnotes. (Renee)

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
A twisty, smart time travel adventure with a slow-burn romance. Excellent in print and audio! (Jen)

Minor Feelings by Kathy Park Hong
This book is a great choice for fans of poetry, language, Asian American identity and the arts in general. Kathy Park Hong is a master of her craft. (Liz)

Once In A Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and Fitting In by Kate Kennedy
This book is hitting me right in the millennial feels. Kennedy is a few years younger than I am, but many of our experiences align. It’s a validating trip down memory lane! (Dana)

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
SUCH a sweet graphic novel about loving yourself and exploring and accepting your queerness. Highly, HIGHLY recommend. (Renee)

The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
I’ve been on a pirate kick of late, and this is what I needed. Focusing on the Golden Age of Piracy, the book details how a bunch of pirates came together to form a nation separate from England, France and Spain, as well as how it fell apart. If you’re looking for the true story behind the history of folks like Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, and Samuel Bellamy, this is good place to start. (Greg)

Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawke
I read this like a collection of daily meditations, and it always really brightened my day! It’s told from the perspective of a knight writing to his children, teaching them life lessons chapter by chapter before he goes to battle. Lots of wisdom that’s told in a historical fashion but still perfectly applicable to today. (Rachel)

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
Prequel to Elatsoe that is even better than the original story! Lots of good family and friend content. Plus ghost dogs! (Hazel)

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Honestly one of the most beautiful short stories I’ve ever read. You can read this book in one sitting, yet get swept into protagonist Bill Furlong’s life. By the end, it feels like you’ve spent weeks in his shoes. This story shows how impactful and profound a single person’s actions (or inactions) can be, and how small things done with sincerity and care can make a world of difference. (Molly)

Listen

As You Wish by Cary Elwes, narrated by the author and others
The story of making the infamous Princess Bride movie was very entertaining. It includes the voices of the people involved, telling the story from their perspectives in addition to Cary Elwes’ point of view. Very cool! (Hazel)

Classy created by Jonathan Menjivar (podcast)
Blew through this eight segment limited series podcast about class in the United States in two days. So good and so thought provoking. (Janet)

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, narrated by Jane Oppenheimer
Wow! 1789. Maine. Midwife Martha Ballard gets called to examine the body of a man found dead in the icy Kennebec River. What ensues is part mystery, part small-town early America in all its gossipy glory, but also stories of sexual assault and feminism. Martha Ballard suffers no fools. She and her husband are more tolerant & liberal than my imagination assumes of people in the 18th century. And the ending! Whew! (Deb)

Lingthusiasm created by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne (podcast)
A podcast all about linguistics! I like to nerd out over how language works, so this is the perfect monthly listen for me. The two hosts pick a topic each month, like “how do vowels work?” or “why do people gesture when they talk?” and discuss it for 30-40 minutes with fun examples. They also explain all the terminology they use, so no expertise required to listen! (Rachel)

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, narrated by Lesley Manville
A fun story about how a bunch of retirees get mixed up with solving a murder in their picturesque UK-based retirement village. Narrated beautifully by Lesley Manville, the story regularly switches between the points of view of the four club members, police, and those immediately involved with the mystery. While overall a light-hearted book (despite the topic) it doesn’t shy away from the complex series of emotions around getting older, death, and how to move through a world that is constantly changing around you. At just over 12 hours with chapters averaging about 10 minutes, its an easy pick for people who can only grab a few minutes of an audiobook at a time. (Alanna)

True Biz by Sara Novic, narrated by Lisa Flanagan and Kaleo Griffith
Set in a school for the deaf, this is a compelling read about language and belonging. (Ash)

The Women by Kristin Hannah, narrated by Julia Whelan
Story of a combat nurse in Vietnam. Gritty, brutal, heart-wrenching, difficult, honest. (Deb)