Books & Media

The Latest from Our Blogs

From Classic Page to Screen

great gatsby

Books, particularly the classics, have always been a huge source of inspiration for screenwriters. Some of the most enduring novels have inspired many film and TV adaptations, each approaching the story in a different way. Sometimes the adaptations are spot-on, true to both the story and the emotion of the source material. Often, screenwriters and directors take liberties to update the story for modern audiences or translate page to screen.

Last week, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, hit theaters in a glitzy Baz Luhrmann production. Its success at the box office is further proof that some of the best movie plots are waiting in the pages of classic literature.

If you’re in the mood for classic literature on the screen, browse the HCPL catalog and request a movie or mini-series today!

Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey

“Thousands of them have lived underground. They've lived there so long, there are only legends about people living anywhere else. Such a life requires rules. Strict rules. There are things that must not be discussed. Like going outside. Never mention you might like going outside.

Or you'll get what you wish for.”

Sheltered in underground silos to protect them from the toxic outside environment, people go their whole life without seeing the surface. Except for the cleaners, who mysteriously walk away after their task, to die.

Baldwin Boettcher Evening Book Club

Defending JacobPlease join us on Monday, June 10, 6:30 pm, for a discussion of Defending Jacob, a top-notch legal thriller by William Landay.  Summary:  Assistant District Attorney Andy Barber is blindsided when his teenage son, Jacob, is charged with murder.  Jacob insists he is innocent, and Andy believes him.  But as the trial intensifies, damning facts and shocking revelations surface.  Copies of the book are available at Baldwin Boettcher Branch.

The Perfect Reason to Take a Break

I don't know about you guys, but the constant up and down weather has me all thrown off. There was that weekend where the temperature was in the 50's, the epic raging thunderstorms, and the hail, oh how I wish I didn't have to experience hail twice in the past two weeks!

But there is a thin ray of sunshine hidden behind that big black thundercloud - we have a chance to plug in our earphones, brew a hot beverage, and just curl up to enjoy the sound of a melodic voice telling us a story. So fluff up those pillows, put your feet up, and use the weather as the perfect reason to just relax for a couple of hours.

Need some suggestions for the next time the storms hit? Check out some of my favorite comfort audiobooks:

And When She Was Good

Lippman has won the Edgar award for her mystery, Charm City. She has received several other awards, and I think she is an excellent writer. I always look forward to her new books. Her latest is And When She Was Good.