BIOGRAPHY
Tumult!
Tina Turner

Before Tina, there was a young girl from Tennessee, Anna Mae, loaded with talent, longing to be heard, and hoping a man on the stage in front of her would give her a chance. After decades of ensuing trauma, she embraced a new faith, broke free, fought to keep her Tina brand, and has revealed to the world the full extent of her amazing artistry and music. The author tells her story with a historical perspective of her contributions.

GRAPHICS FOR ADULTS
Slaughterhouse-Five
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., adapt. R. North

A compelling adaptation of WWII survivor Billy Pilgrim’s life, somehow “unstuck in time”. Billy slips in and out of past and future events occurring between childhood and old age, never knowing what day it will be after he sleeps or sometimes just blinks. The transitions are deftly handled in the artwork by use of changing colors, and the illustrations are innovative, even highlighting the work’s occasional humor.

DETECTIVES
The Man in the Microwave Oven
Susan Cox

Theo Bogart was keeping her head down and busy with her new little San Francisco soap shop. Unfortunately, a local real estate lawyer has turned up dead after discovering Theo’s true identity, and then a priest was murdered and Theo’s grandfather is arrested. Will Theo’s identity finally be exposed before she can solve the murders and go back to hiding in plain sight? A quick, often humorous read.

HERITAGE FICTION
Interior Chinatown
Charles Yu

Willis Wu is an extra, “Generic Asian Man”, in a tacky TV police drama. He aspires to get the highest available Asian role of “Kung Fu Guy”. During Wu’s professional struggles he falls in love, starts a family, and contends with aging parents who have survived immigrant oppression and assimilation. His story is told with a fast paced refreshing mix of satire and heart in a unique screenplay format.

SCIENCE
Kindred
Rebecca Wragg Sykes

Using the most recent discoveries in Neanderthal Paleolithic research and genetics, the author examines evidence of their daily lives, feelings, their probable species diversity over time and distance, the eventual interaction with modern humans, and later extinction. She also addresses the ethical treatment of human remains and the perhaps unsettling possibility that one day there might be a regenerating of discovered Neanderthal tissue.

ENTERTAINING AND HOME
Martha Stewart’s Very Good Things
Martha Stewart

This creative handbook draws from 30 years of the best “Good Things” featured in Stewart’s magazine. Packed with simple tips, easy DIY projects, illustrations, and pics, her ideas help to organize and simplify daily family life, home, cooking, and entertaining. It’s all intended to lessen your stress, and is everything you expect from Martha, and more.

DID YOU MISS THIS ONE?
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Beverly Daniel Tatum

How can a controversial book published so long ago suddenly now become a NY Times best seller again? Perhaps because its central reality still hasn’t changed? Among updated topics covered, the author reasons that gathering helps maintain identity and self esteem when facing racism. She also explores ways to learn not to identify as either victim or offender.

Emma
Jane Austen

Class obsessed Emma decides she will be the matchmaker for several unmarried acquaintances. But then she totally misunderstands their own wishes and intentions, and quickly creates a mess of confusion and hurt. After several lessons in both meddling and humility, Emma eventually finds her very own path to happiness.

Emma
Director: Autumn de Wilde

The film received generally favorable reviews, and was awarded Best Costume Design by both the Chicago Film Critics Association and the San Diego Film Critics Society. Released during the 2020 pandemic, the film grossed $26 million worldwide. (124 minutes)