Nicole's March Staff Pick

Taking Chance

Film by Michael Strobl and Ross Katz

DVD PN 1997.2 .T35 2009
 

 

 

  Taking Chance is a movie based on a true story about a Lt. Colonel in the Marines whose cathartic journey begins with volunteering to escort the remains of a deceased soldier to his hometown in Wyoming.  There are no surprises or plot twists, just the human experience of people who recognize the tragedy of one man’s death and the impact we have as we touch each other’s lives.

 

The special features were fabulous because you meet the real people represented in the story, glimpse how one young soldier lived, and the impact he made during his short 20 year life.

 

Kirsten's March Staff Pick

 

Holes
 

Louis Sachar
 

PZ 7 S1185 Ho 1998

 

 

  

Holes is one of those books that you will always remember. The main character, Stanley is thrust into a world where “juvenile offenses”, like him are sent to a camp. At the camp they are required to dig holes, holes, and more holes. Our character finds a box which sets him off on an adventure of his lifetime. I love this book because it’s an easy read, but there are complex themes to also think about, such as the symbolism of holes.  If you haven’t read it, I would check it out!

 

Tyler's March Staff Pick

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

By

Hunter S. Thompson

PN 4874 .T444 A3 2005

 

 

            This novel is not your average adventure story, but more of a twisted documentary of two people, journalist Raul Duke and attorney Dr. Gonzo, who take it to the next level to cover a couple events in Las Vegas. The two drives from California to Las Vegas with a suitcase of illicit drugs including LSD, ether, mescaline, cannabis, cocaine, amyls, uppers, downers, and a whole collection of assorted alcohol to the Mint 400, a race in the desert. The journalist, Raul Duke who is Hunter S. Thompson’s character, and attorney Dr. Gonzo, go out to cover the story, but instead decide to find the American Dream through fear and loathing.

            Through out the novel, you watch these two get crazier and deeper into their drug induced experience, going days at a time totally losing control.  They constantly talk about the failure of the early 60’s counterculture and how it was so much better than the current times, story taken place in 1971.  They lose track of why they were sent out in the first place and start to solely focus on finding the American Dream.

            This is truly an outrageous adventure with never a dull moment.  It’s an easy read, though at times gets confusing since the characters are on a different level at points.  It is humorous, serious, puts you on edge, and straight up great and interesting.  This is highly recommended if you are open to a different style of writing.  Hunter S. Thompson does not disappoint and is truly a genuine man who isn’t afraid to express himself and his view on life.

Pat's October Staff Pick

Wind River Country

By Bayard Fox

OVERSIZE F 767 .F8 F791 2008

Wind River Country brings to life a remote, magnificent and little known part of northwest Wyoming near Yellowstone Park.  It has all the beauty of its famous neighbor, Jackson Hole, just across the Continental Divide, and much more of historical interest.  It contains the thriving Wind River Indian Reservation of over 2 million acres, the spectacular Wind River Range with Wyoming's highest mountain, and vast, uncrowded national forests. 

Jan's October Staff Pick

Forgiving Dr. Mengele

Film by Bob Hercules & Cheryl Pugh

DS 135 .H93 K67 2007

Eva Kor tells her story of surviving the concentration camp at Auschwitz as a young child.  She uses her horrific experiences to teach others the power of the "will to live" to survive physically and the need to forgive in order to survive emotionally.  What she chose to do with her life is amazing and inspirational. 

You will come away from watching this with many emotions...anger, wonder, admiration, frustration, concern.  Please take time to hear her story. 

Kirsten's October Staff Pick

Slaughterhouse-Five

By Kurt Vonnegut

PS 3572 O5 S51

This is a banned book. Slaughterhouse-Five is about a man, named Billy Pilgrim who is stuck in a time vortex. He never knows if he is going to be in his future, his past, or the present. At one point he is abducted by aliens! Brilliantly written, Vonnegut captures our imagination and somewhat confuses us with his bouncing plot lines which all come together at the end. My favorite part is at the very end, when the author says "poo-tee-weet". 

Candy's October Staff Pick

China: People, Place, Culture, History

By Alison Bailey

OVERSIZE DS 706 .C4873 2007

Despite the United States' current political issues with China, there is no doubt there have been significant contributions made by one of the largest and oldest nations on the planet. 

Strolling through the pages of this book I find many wonderful things that China has given us; tea, rice, acupuncture, silk, fireworks, an example of a group/family-oriented culture, Pandas, the Great Wall of China, bamboo, the invention of paper, Hong Kong, and Chinese food.