It’s May, the shortest month of the year! Yes, we know that some people think February is the shortest month, but that’s not just so. Look:
Books for K-Pop Fans
Over the last few years, Korean pop music (aka K-pop) and dramas (aka K-dramas) have become increasingly popular in the US. Here are some novels about K-pop idols and the people who love them!
Our Favorite Movie Moms
No matter how mothers are represented in feature films, there is plenty to unpack, notice and enjoy. What makes a good "movie moms" movie night isn't finding a normal, realistic or sympathetic depiction of motherhood on the big screen. Instead, we recommend feature films starring mothers whose roles reflect and reject themes about the world and what it expects from mothers in a given places and times. Deviant and dangerous moms, pushing against connections to children and marriage can be just as richly fun to watch as the moms who perfectly embody the mythic outline of a 1950's nuclear homemaker. Stage mothers, step mothers, absent mothers, career mothers, mothers who are portrayed as so fulfilled that they fade into the background... when watched with a critical eye are all wonderfully ripe for consideration over a bowl of buttery popcorn. Check out one of our selections and if you have titles to add to our list, email us at rdesk@mhl.org.
May the 4th Be With You
Some fans observe May 4th as Star Wars Day. If you're one of the franchise's many fans, we have some books for you! Here are some recent Star Wars books for readers of all ages. May the Force be with you!
May 2024 Book of the Month
Chosen as a best book of the year by The New York Times, Time Magazine and NPR, Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson is our pick for May's Book of the Month.
Artist of the Month: May 2024 – Eiko Tabata
Nature is a powerful force. It provides life for billions of people and it can take back those gifts in moments notice as well. It all depends on the balance that we are able to create. If we contribute to it with the respect that it deserves, nature reflects those contributions back to us with her beautiful creatures and colorful landscapes. My focus and journey is to capture those amazing reflections in my works of art.
May 2024 Puzzle: Some of Stephen King’s favorite novels
This is the last installment of our three-part series of crosswords featuring Stephen King. The March crossword, Literary Feast III, had STEPHENKINGCRAB as the central 15, and last month’s crossword celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stephen King’s “Carrie.” As you might guess, we are pretty big fans of Mr. King’s works! But what books is Stephen King a fan of? He actually provided a list of ten of his favorites for Goodreads back in 2017, and that is the theme of this month’s puzzle. Enjoy!
April is National Tortured Poets Month
Have you listened to Taylor Swift's new album, The Tortured Poets Department? (If not: it's available to stream on Hoopla!) It may have inspired you to check out some contemporary tortured poets. In honor of National Poetry Month, here are some new works by contemporary poets--you'll have to read for yourself to determine how tortured they are.
Sustainable Living
Happy Earth Day! Looking for ways to live more sustainably? Great news: using the library is already a great start! Especially if you're able to borrow seldom-used items from our Library of Things rather than purchase new ones. If you're looking for more tips, though, check out some of these books!
Climate Fiction a.k.a. Green Reads
Do you enjoy speculative fiction, science fiction, and/or books that transport you to other times and/or places? If so then consider adding some Climate Fiction (a.k.a. Cli-Fi) to your reading lists to help celebrate Earth Day 2024.