April Staff Recommendations April 17, 2008

Mary-Catherine Crose – Librarian

Kiss Me Like a Stranger by Gene Wilder

In one of the most honest and touching memoir pieces, Gene Wilder describes the path he took to find love and the understanding of art. He does not hold back about his faults, though he states he has “no regrets”. It is true testament to the power of love, art and living life your way. He lets his audience in on acting, adultery, neuroses and death in this intimate biography. Wilder began acting as a teenager at summer camp and eventually earned some acclaim on Broadway, but not much money – he says he was still colecting unemployment checks when he began shooting his breakout film role in Mel Brooks’ original film version of The Producers (1968). The movie flopped commercially , but Wilder’s comedic chops were established. A string of successes followed: Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Willy Wonka, Stir Crazy. Off camera, things were more complicated. After two troubled marriages, Wilder married Saturday Night Live’s Gilda Radner, a brilliant erratic woman who battled bulimia and mood swings. His story is like an inspirational breath of fresh air that assures you: finding inner peace has nothing to do with becoming perfect.  

 

Heidi Clark – Librarian

Here There Be Dragons By James A. Owen

 A must read for all sci-fi and literary fans of all ages. John, Jack and Charles have been charged guarding the “Imaginarium Geographica” a book which maps all the lands of folklore, myth and legend. When John’s mentor, and the previous Guardian of the Geographica is killed, things really take off. 

 

 

Lisa Monteiro – Library Assistant

Persepolis By Marjane Satrapi

Marjane Satrapi was only ten years old when the Islamic Revoltion occured in Iran, this is her story.  A memoir in the form of a graphic novel, Persepolis will have you lauging out loud and at times fighting back tears. This book can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike, even if you are not a fan of comics of graphic novels. The book is an easy read that brings a very stirring impact. Satrapi’s story gives a human face to the region and addresses themes that are greater that geography, culture and religion.