The holiday season is upon us and it's a great time to spend time with some quality books, movies, and music.
Here are some titles that will tantalise you with their mystery, entertain you with their storytelling, amaze you with their creativity, and leave you with a sense of satisfaction. We've got Fiction, Audiobooks, Graphic Novels, Music CDs, and DVDs, all just waiting for you at your local library.
So firstly, if you find yourself in the mood for a well crafted locked-room mystery in the style of an Agatha Christie murder mystery, get yourself a copy of An Unwanted Guest by mystery master Shari Lapena. It's a group of strangers held captive by the elements in a secluded boutique hotel. When the guests begin to fall victim to murder the story weaves and wraps around in a classic whodunit style with a good twisty-turny plot. A perfect choice for a bit of summer escapism.
How about hearing some tales of the Norse Gods, written and read by Neil Gaiman - a self-confessed devotee of the classic sagas. Norse Mythology
These stories are fantastical, full of deceit and murder, trickery and beauty, and expertly read by the author in the audiobook edition available on our e-resource BorrowBox. You'll discover the strange relationship between Thor and his brother Loki, learn how the Gods came to be in possession of their most treasured artifacts like Thor's hammer, named Mjolnir, or how Loki came to bear his children - a brilliant story of Loki's trickery coming back to bite him. Amazing stories and a privilege to be able to listen to the author present them just as intended - casual and conversational storytelling.
What about music...? If you're looking for some tunes this season then I would suggest you check out the award-winning new album from Kiwi contemporary music legend Eve De Castro Robinson. The Gristle Of Knuckles New Zealand's contemporary music is in a fine state if this album is anything to go by. It's from the hand/mind of one of the countries most respected music educators and composers and features many of our most celebrated musicians. It's outstanding - dynamic, inventive, masterfully performed, and well worth a listen if you like jazz and contemporary music as an artform.
And there's always a Graphic Novel to help you while away an evening. Demon
A darkly comedic tale of a man who wants to die but instead, whenever he tries to die, he just shifts over into whoever is around him. A brilliantly funny and darkly curious take of modern life by an expert artist. It's simplistic artwork counterpoints the bleak nature of the subject matter - a comedy about suicide!? And what results is book of gravity and heart.
And finally, what to watch...?!? If you like twisted retellings of classic folktales then you'll love Tale of Tales
A grown up fairytale from the legendary Giambattista Basile that is dark, twisted, and engrossing. Three kingdoms exist within the lands, each ruled by very different monarchs. Through the lives and demands of the people and the supernatural worlds, their stories intertwine to create a masterpiece of imaginative film making. A brilliant cast and a story that will stay with you long after.
Definitely some good options if you're looking to enter our Summertime Reading Challenge!
Happy festive season and good reading to you,
^DevilStateDan
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