Imagine Your Story: Catching Up With New Releases

BethLeave a comment

With all the time that has passed as we are getting to know our new norm, many of us have really missed the opportunity to catch up on the new release DVD and BluRay movies we get through the library. One minute it was award season, and the next minute everything but essential businesses were shut down and you were stuck with what you had on hand or access to. Now that the library is open for curbside service, You can place holds on these new titles and stop by to pick them up.

Okay, Okay…this list is getting long and since I’m limited to how I can format these images and still link them to the catalog, you’ve been scrolling a while. I’ll add more new release DVD and BluRay titles here soon. Place your holds and visit the library for curbside pickup or coffee in the reading garden soon.

Imagine Your Story- RiverCon Interview with Tony Isabella

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Tony Isabella walking the red carpet at the Black Lightning premiere event, Washington DC, 2018. Photo courtesy of Tony Isabella.

Welcome back to our RiverCon interview series! RiverCon, our first annual mini-con at the library, was moved to at home activities to keep everyone safe this summer. We have also adapted our summer reading inspired RiverCon panel discussion to blog format so you can enjoy “meeting” amazing local comic artists and authors from home! Each Thursday morning from now until July 2nd you can read a new interview.

This week we hear from another fantastically talented Cleveland native, Tony Isabella. Tony is a comic book writer, editor, artist, and critic- notably creator of DC Comics’ first major African-American superhero, Black Lightning! You can check out his blog here or follow him on Twitter here.

What inspired you to pursue a career in comics?

Tony: Fantastic Four Annual #1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. I was an avid comics reader in 1963, but at the age when people thought I should outgrow them. Then and now, I think comics are a terrific way to tell stories. When I bought FF Annual #1, it suddenly hit me that making comics was a job and it was one I wanted. Within a few years, I was teaching myself how to write comic books.

Was there a favorite comic book you read in your youth?

Tony: Batman was my first favorite, probably because my idea was that I could become Batman if I worked at it. My other favorites as a kid included Challengers of the Unknown (non-powered adventurers created by Jack Kirby) and Cosmo the Merry Martian (lovable strange aliens that traveled the solar system). But I read pretty much any comic book I could get my hands on.

Why do you think storytelling, specifically in the comic or graphic novel format, is important?

Tony: Histories tell us what happened. Stories tell us why. I believe comics exercise our thought processes on several levels. The words add context to the pictures. The pictures force us to fill in what happens between the panels in our mind. So we engage the readers on the literary and the visual levels.
 
How have folk tales, fairy tales, or mythology influenced your work?

Tony: They’ve never been a noticeable influence in my work, probably because so many comics creators have gone to that particular well. My biggest influences come from the newspapers and magazines that I read and the world I observe.

Do you have a favorite folk tale, fairy tale, or myth?

Tony: Not a favorite per se, but a type. I like folk tales and such in which a protagonist contends with someone much more powerful than them and bests them. 

What is a favorite comic book or graphic novel that you have read in the past year?

Tony: I have three: Goodbye: A Story of Suicide, Superman Smashes the Klan and The Golden Age Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett – The Pre-War Years Omnibus.

A huge thank you to Tony for participating on our Imagine Your Story interview series here!

Image from Hoopla.

If you have never read any Black Lightning comics, I recommend heading over to Hoopla and starting with Tony’s 2018 Black Lightning Cold Dead Hands series- you can click here to jump straight to issues #1-6. The story addresses issues of police brutality, racism, and social justice, all set in Cleveland.

Thanks for reading!

Imagine Your Story-My True Crime Obsession

MeganLeave a comment

I love true crime. I listen to a dozen true crime podcast. I read true crime books. I watch true crime documentaries and tv shows. And that’s just on my own time. At work my fellow Murderino (that’s what fans of the hit podcast My Favorite Murder call ourselves) and I started a true crime book club. The Riverinos Discussion Group was formed and while I am biased, but I think it was hit. Due to Covid-19 we are currently on hiatus with our in person meeting, but I can’t be stopped! So, my first exciting bit of news is that I can created a new Facebook group for our Riverinos. We are still working on adding content, but you can join the group here.

Here is a little taste of what you’ll find in the group:

Riverinos won’t be having a July meeting, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about the subject here in our group. Maureen Callahan’s book, American Predator is an in-depth report of Israel Keyes and his alleged crimes. Want more? Riverinos hosts Sherry and Megan loves podcasts! Here are Sherry’s recommendations for podcast episodes that cover Israel Keyes:

Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad

June 10th, 2019

Israel Keyes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7I0fyBfPrFLMdv8UkNdSsv?si=9APevInzSPSFPB3Sd2a2-w

Morbid: A True Crime Podcast

April 2019

Missing: Maura Murray

March 8th, 2018
Episode 72: Israel Keys Profile
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2AJq8ocIitzbhRinKZHcrx?si=SNxiAbpYQx6o1zsl-qHUzg

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

12/8/2016
Episode #46 Skippers Unite!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3J4cBcYDoA87aDaOYpahdH?si=xcmjYyqlSomFl-vxd1oJLw

True Crime Bullsh**: A Serial Obsession

Episodes 1 (12/6/18) through Episode 0215 (12/21/19)
https://www.our-americana.com/tcb?fbclid=IwAR2fpRGQI_ooJs1x81zmoOrKx7j1JgVYPrVqcjnyrelG0pYi0MTiNSyeUmEEpisode #0211 Keyes & Cars (11/7/19) discusses Keyes’s strange history with cars and missing people, including two infamous disappearances that happened within Keyes’s hotspots, and a re-examination of one of his murders.
https://open.spotify.com/show/073muZEPrJTiwYvsDplJRp?si=02hLs7zSRpuCuHYmhYBL0w1Sherry ShusterLikeCommentSave

Now, stick with me here. I mention Israel Keyes as a segue to the disappearance of Maura Murray, which is written about in True Crime Addict by James Renner. It’s been suggested that Israel Keyes could be connected to Maura Murray. If you aren’t familiar with her story I recommend reading Renner’s book. The book is great and the case is bonkers!

And, finally, speaking of James Renner, I was so excited to learn about his new project-he next book with be about the murder of Lisa Pruett. Lisa was a 16-year old from Shaker Heights when she was murdered on September 14, 1990. The case is of particular interest to me because it occurred just a few miles from my home in Cleveland Heights, where I was also a teenager. For more information about Lisa Pruett check out James’ website.

If you are also a true crime addict, please join me in the Riverinos group.

~Megan

New Books Tuesday @ RRPL

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We have some new releases picked out for you to dive in for the following week. There is more adventure, humor, romance and suspense for you to enjoy!

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand – The best-selling author of Summer of ’69 presents a tale inspired by the film, Same Time Next Year, that follows a man’s discovery of his mother’s long-term relationship with the husband of a Presidential frontrunner.

Stranger Planet by Nathan W. Pyle – The sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon Strange Planet, featuring more hilarious and poignant adventures from the fascinating inhabitants of Nathan W. Pyle’s colorful world. In this eagerly awaited sequel, Nathan takes us back to his charming and instantly recognizable planet colored in bright pinks, blues, greens, and purples, providing more escapades, jokes, and p h r a s e s.

American Demon by Kim Harrison – When the magical acts her friends and she committed to save the world inadvertently unleash a zombie epidemic, witch-demon Rachel Mariana Morgan considers a wrenching sacrifice in the wake of baffling murders and the arrival of a new demon. A thrilling return to the #1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series, continuing Rachel Morgan’s story.

Hunted Again by Heather Graham – Feel the thrills and chills of this heart-pounding romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham. A love rekindle or a deadly reunion? Even after a decade, Sarah Hampton is haunted by the night that nearly ended in a bloody massacre and destroyed her high school romance with handsome Tyler Grant. Now the horror has returned. It’s a reckoning from the events of that terrifying night and a love they never let go. Only this time Tyler must protect Sarah from the killer hiding in the darkness or lose her forever.

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton – In 1935 three women are forever changed when one of the most powerful hurricanes in history barrels toward the Florida Keys. For the tourists traveling on Henry Flagler’s legendary Overseas Railroad, Labor Day weekend is an opportunity to forget the economic depression gripping the nation. But one person’s paradise can be another’s prison, and Key West-native Helen Berner yearns to escape.

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks – A modern retelling of the Bigfoot legend is presented as a gripping journal by a woman from a high-tech Pacific Northwest community who becomes cut off from civilization by a volcanic eruption before witnessing the flight of starving humanoid beings. The #1 bestselling author of World War Z returns with a horror tale that blurs the lines between human and beast, and asks, What are we capable of when we’re cut off from society?

The Half Sister by Sandie Jones – Approached by a secret half-sister they never knew, two close sisters turn against the stranger before uncovering difficult truths about their beloved late father. From Sandie Jones, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hello Sunshine Book Club pick The Other Woman, comes The Half Sister; a compelling new domestic suspense novel about a family who is forever changed when a stranger arrives at their door.

Stephen King’s the Dark Tower the Drawing of the Three 4: Bitter Medicine by Stephen King/ Robin Furth/ Peter David/ Jonathan Marks/ Lee Loughridge – Enter once more the world of Roland Deschain and the world of the Dark Tower presented in this stunning fourth graphic novel of The Drawing of the Three story arc that will unlock the doorways to terrifying secrets and bold storytelling as part of the dark fantasy masterwork and magnum opus from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephen King. 

New world sourdough : artisan techniques for creative homemade fermented breads; with recipes for pan de coco, bagels, beignets and more by Bryan Ford – New World Sourdough is your go-to guide to baking delicious, inventive sourdough breads at home. Learn how to make a sourdough starter, basic breads, as well as other innovative baked goods from start to finish with Instagram star Bryan Ford’s (@artisanbryan) inviting, nontraditional approach to home baking.

Fast. Feast. Repeat.: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay , Don’t Deny Intermittent Fasting: Including the 28-Day Fast Start by Gin Stephens – Diets don’t work. You know you know that, and yet you continue to try them, because what else can you do? You can Fast. Feast. Repeat. After losing over eighty pounds and keeping every one of them off, Gin Stephens started a vibrant, successful online community with hundreds of thousands of members from around the world who have learned the magic of a Delay, Don’t Deny® intermittent fasting lifestyle. Change when you eat and change your body, your health, and your life!

~Semanur

Imagine Your Story – TV & Video-gaming on the New Frontier

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It’s true confession time–I’m a bit obsessed with a video game. Red Dead Redemption II is a survival game set in 1890s in a fictionalized representation of the Western, Midwestern, and Southern United States. Players become Arthur Morgan, a member of a notorious gang, and are encouraged to follow the game’s story-line in order survive the decline of the Wild West, government forces, rival gangs, and other adversaries. Usually, this kind of a game is a bit too shoot-em-up for my style, but I find that as Arthur, I can mount a horse, ignore the missions the game wants me to embark on, and instead just ride on and on, enjoying the gorgeous landscape of early 19th-Century America. Don’t laugh –the scenery in this game is indeed that good. In fact, the game designers actually were inspired by 19th-century painters like Rembrandt and American landscape artists who were members of the Hudson River School when they created this game. After an hour of play, I’m relaxed from all the flora and fauna around me and, oh yeah, did I mention that I get to be a cowboy too?

In reality, taming the wilderness was neither all that fun or easy, and I get to see that in live action too, while I’m watching “Barkskins” on the National Geographic channel. This TV adaptation of Annie Proulx’s 2016 novel is set in the colonial region of New France in the last years of the 17th-century. It chronicles the deforestation of the New World, beginning with the arrival of two immigrants to New France, René Sel and Charles Duquet, who are tasked with work as wood-cutters, or “barkskins.” As you might imagine, it’s a rough life for these men, and on all sides there is threat of death as English and French vie for land and power. The show, lavishly set with wood-built settlements of the main town, dark candle-lit interiors and rustic pathways where we would have modern city streets, creates the feel of danger around every corner and puts viewers right in the action. Part western, part soap opera, part saga of good versus evil, this show is 100% totally binge-able. I dare you to look away.

Want some adventure in your life? Place a hold for Barkskins in book format in our catalog here.  And, don’t forget to place holds on all your favorite videogames, including Red Dead Redemption II for  Playstation 4 and Xbox One

Until next time, happy trails. ~Carol

 

Imagine Your Story – Adult and Teen Events @RRPL

DoriLeave a comment

WEEK OF JUNE 15

Summer Reading continues! Sign up at Beanstack or call us to register! You can enter to win gift cards to Bomba, Danny Boys, Herb’s Tavern, Joe’s Deli, King Wah, Wine Bar, and the Rocky River Brewing Company. For additional information, check out our Summer Reading Flyer.

WEEKLONG EVENT: SEEDBALL KIT – All Ages
Monday, June 15-Saturday, June 20 
You, too, can be Jack in the Beanstalk. Register for a kit to take home and make your own seedball that will take you to the sky! You’ll also receive a Nature Scavenger Hunt that you can complete in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Instructions and materials included. Registration has ended but there are a few kits left that you can request if you call the Adult Services Desk.

STREAMING STORIES – Adults 
Wednesday, June 17 
Few things are as defeating as sitting down to relax and watch something, only to realize you’ve squandered 30 minutes trying to make a choice. Let us ease you of this burden, at least briefly, as we take a few minutes of your time to talk up a topical and compelling documentary available through our streaming service, Kanopy. Check out our YouTube page as Beth and Mary discuss the movie The Stories We Tell, in our new monthly feature, Streaming Stories. 

THE CLEVELAND COOKIE DOUGH TRUCK
Wednesday, June 17
The Cleveland Cookie Dough Company will be at Rocky River Public Library again. Order online before the event at Cleveland Cookie Dough Company’s website or at the truck the day of. Enjoy a delicious treat after you return your items at the book drop or as you take a stroll along our Story Walk!

NOVEL SCARES – Adults  
Thursday, June 18  
The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror by Mallory Ortberg  
This collection of darkly mischievous stories based on classic fairy tales is adapted from the beloved “Children’s Stories Made Horrific” series. Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster updates traditional children’s stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief. Register with your email address to receive discussion questions for The Merry Spinster and a curated list of read-alike titles. Registration required. 

CRAFTING WITH THE CURATOR – Adults & Teens 
Saturday, June 20 
Sign-up to pick up a kit to make your own ceramic piece of art! Our Cowan Curator will provide instructions and supplies to make your own air-dry tile along with a brochure on the history of the Cowan Pottery Studio’s tile production. Registration required.  

Check out the Information Kiosk in front of the library for more as well as Adult Summer Reading Slips.

Happy Reading!

~ Dori

Imagine Your Story -Books (also available in audio!)

staceyLeave a comment

I’m doing more reading and listening to fiction books right now, it’s feels like less pressure than trying to absorb more facts that I may (or may not) remember later and it’s a little odd because I *love* me some good nonfiction. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ And I’ve been reading all sorts of books: dark and gritty stories, and then families who have complex but loving relationships, and then a Gothic sci-fi story, and then a fancy literary fiction book, and next I hope to read something a little funny. It’s a good thing there are so many books out there in the World because I’m bouncing around from genre to genre! *boing!* Watch out epic fantasy, you’re up after humor!

Do you mind if I give a shout out to one of my recent, two-thumbs up reads? The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz: Such engaging characters you fall right into the story. (And having lived in Ashtabula for a while -bonus moments were had!)

Hmm, maybe epic fantasy will have to wait. I just checked out Black Panther graphic novel, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates… Gotta go read now!

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself!

-Stacey

Virtual Book Club – Difficult Topics – LGBTQ+

ShannonLeave a comment

June is Pride Month, so for this week’s ‘Difficult Topics’ virtual book club, we’re talking about another marginalized group: the LGBTQ+ community. 

All of the books below can be checked out from our emedia service Hoopla with your card number and PIN – every item is available now, with no holds lists and no waiting! We’ve included titles to educate on a broad swath of the LGBTQ+ experience, from trans to nonbinary to gay and lesbian. You can also find links to local Northeast Ohio LGBTQ+ organizations to support, as well as a link to homework for those wanting to be a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

Books to start the discussion: 

Local organizations to support: 

LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

Equality Ohio

GLSEN Northeast Ohio Chapter

PLEXUS LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce

PFLAG Cleveland

Straight Privilege Checklist: 

1. I am not identified or labeled — politically, socially, economically, or otherwise — by my sexual orientation.  

2. No one questions the “normality” of my sexuality or believes my sexuality was “caused” by psychological trauma, sin, or abuse.  

3. I do not have to fear that my family, friends, or co-workers will find out about my sexual orientation, and that their knowing will have negative consequences for me.  

4. I get paid leave from work and condolences from colleagues if my partner dies.  

5. My sexual orientation (if known to others) is not used to exclude me from any profession or organization (teaching, coaching, the military, Boy Scouts).  

6. In the event of my partner’s death, I can inherit automatically* under probate laws.  

7. I am not accused of being deviant, warped, perverted, or psychologically confused, or dysfunctional because of my sexual orientation.  

The list continues here, in the University of California Merced’s excellent Queer Ally Homework document, where you can find more ideas to consider for being a friend of the LGBTQ+ community.

Imagine your story–Sunny days of summer

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Quarantine or no, summer is here.  The sound of lawnmowers, and the smell of barbecue fills the air.  Some people associate reading a good book with the winter months- cozied up in front of the fire.  But my best memories of reading are being outside, in the shady grass or on a blanket by the pool.  After our months of being quarantined indoors, it’s finally time to spread our wings (safely and distantly) to the outdoors.  No need to feel guilty about not cleaning the house and reading a book instead–you are spending time outside!  How many times did your mom tell you to do just that?!  Here’s a list of June titles to enjoy while you appreciate the space and freedom of a summer day.