Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Hinterland
by manz
If you’re looking for some new series to settle into cold temps with and are a fan of crime dramas, give Hinterland a try.
Hinterland is a noir crime drama set in Wales featuring DCI Tom Mathias as an intense detective searching for redemption while solving hate crimes along with his band of detective colleagues. He falls in line the current slew of brooding Scandinavian detectives just fine. While filming the show, each speaking scene was shot twice -- once in English and once in Welsh! The discs we have are in English. Hinterland is to Wales as The Killing is to Denmark and Wallender is to Sweden - both shows I love, so I just had to give it a try.
AADL has Series 1, which is four 90 minute episodes. Series 2 will air in 2015.
Blog Post
Yes Please
by Enzy
Yes Please by Amy Poehler is everything I thought it would be. It is funny, candid, and at times, it addresses deeper issues like negative self-talk, disability, and divorce. According to the book jacket, Yes Please is "A collection of stories, thoughts, ideas, lists, and haikus from the mind of one of our most beloved entertainers, Yes Please offers Amy's thoughts on everything from her 'too safe' childhood outside of Boston to her early days in New York City, her ideas about Hollywood and 'the biz,' the demon that looks back at all of us in the mirror, and her joy at being told she has a 'face for wigs.' Yes Please is chock-full of words and wisdom to live by."
If you enjoy reading the smart and poignant writings of Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, Lena Dunham, Sarah Silverman, Mindy Kaling, and Carol Burnett (I could go on and on, but I think you get the point) then I assure you, you will enjoy Poehler’s book. To give you any indication about how quickly it reads, I checked it out yesterday evening and before morning had read half of it…and I’m a slow reader.
If you prefer audiobooks, we have you covered. You can put the BOCD on hold here and experience Poehler's book by listening to her read it. Her voice is pretty strong in her writing, but I imagine her jokes will only be improved by her own vocal inflections. I know as much as I enjoyed reading Bossypants, I loved listening to it.
Blog Post
TV Spotlight: The Following
by manz
In the television drama The Following, serial killer Joe Carroll escapes from death row and starts a new murderous rampage, and the FBI calls the reluctant Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) back into service to help find him. Hardy was the was the one who locked up Carroll nine years ago, and is tied up psychologically with both Carroll and Carroll's ex-wife. The FBI soon discovers that Carroll had been communicating with his “followers” while he was in prison, setting up a network of cult-like serial killers ready to do anything Carroll desires.
The Following is an intense and suspenseful show that has you wanting to watch another episode immediately. It’s also a total mind game that has you questioning everyone on the show, for it seems like all the good guys are doing Carroll’s dirty work. I watched all of season 2 last weekend and was not disappointed. But talk about a cliff hanger! The show has been renewed for another season.
Check out season 1 and 2 now at the library!
Blog Post
New TV Shows on DVD @ AADL
by manz
Another stack of new TV shows on DVD hit the catalog! This batch features nurses, cops, vikings, psychopaths, monsters, and Dracula. The library is always acquiring additional TV shows and new seasons of them, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. Good news comes with these particular new DVDs! You can now get the entire season in one check-out! Hello, binge watching! All the discs are in one case with an extended check-out period. Here are some new series on their way to AADL:
The Wonder Years, Season 1
The series depicts the social and family life of a boy in a typical American suburb from 1968 to 1973, covering his ages of 12 through 17.
Getting On, Season 1
Set in a women's extended-care unit of a California hospital, the story follows the daily lives of a ragtag staff assigned to care for elderly patients who are, well, getting on.
Extant, Season 1
An astronaut with International Space-Exploration Agency (ISEA) is assigned a 13-month solo mission aboard space station Seraphim. She returns home to her husband, a robotics engineer who created their son Ethan, a prototype android called a "humanich". When she mysteriously becomes pregnant, she begins a search for answers.
Dracula, Season 1
Centuries after the Order of the Dragon cursed him with immortality and murdered his wife, Dracula arrives in Victorian London to wreak his revenge. Posing as an American industrialist who intends to bring modern science to England, Dracula sets out to destroy the sect, only to fall in love with a woman who strongly resembles his dead wife, an obsession that threatens to thwart all his plans.
Blue Bloods, Seasons 1-4
Follows a multi-generational family of cops who are dedicated to New York City law enforcement.
Vikings, Season 1 and 2
An epic new series about history's bravest and most brutally fearsome warriors; Vikings. Ragnar, a would-be Viking chieftain, longs to fulfill his destiny as an explorer and conqueror, alongside his ambitious brother Rollo and loyal wife Lagertha. But as Ragnar leads daring raids in distant realms across the ocean, treacherous forces in his Norse homeland conspire against him.
Fargo, Season 1
The Coen Brothers Best Picture Oscar Nominee transforms into the season's most talked about TV debut. It features a new "true crime" story and new characters, all chilled in the trademark dry wit, murderous mayhem and "Minnesota nice" of the original classic film. Lorne Malvo, is a manipulative master criminal who changes the life of insurance salesmen Lester Nygaard. Gus Grimly and Molly Solverson are the small-town police officers who join forces to uncover Lester's secrets.
Hemlock Grove, Season 1
In the shadows of a rusted Pennsylvania steel town, the mangled body of a teenage girl is discovered. As they hunt for a monster among them, rumors mount and many of the eccentric residents become suspects, from the newly-arrived gypsy family to the wealthy Godfrey clan.
In the Flesh, Season 1 and 2
Zombie teenager Kieren Walker isn't comfortable in his 'undead' state. He didn't want to come back, he wanted to be dead. After his suicide four years ago, his friends and family thought they'd never see him again. But then, shortly after his funeral, thousands rose from the dead; and after a catastrophic war, imprisonment, months of rehabilitation and medication, the zombies are gradually being returned to their homes.
Bates Motel, Season 1 and 2
A modern day re-imagining of, and prequel to, the classic film Psycho. The story follows Norman Bates' teenage years, delving into his intricate relationship with his mother, and how she helped forge the most infamous serial killer of them all.
Penny Dreadful, Season 1
An erotically charged, profoundly unsettling new saga that completely reinvents literature's most iconic and terrifying characters. Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein, and timeless figures from Dracula join a core of original characters in a dark and brutal quest to save a soul, even as they grapple with their own monstrous temptations.
Broad City, Season 1
The show follows two best friends in their twenties navigating their way through everyday life in New York City. The show is centered around the lives of low income, struggling women and their friendships.
For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
New TV Shows @ AADL
by manz
More new TV shows have hit the catalog! This variety features a judge, cops, doctors, Reagan, a headless horsemen, and even Detroit. The library is always acquiring additional TV shows, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. We also often get the new seasons of shows already available at AADL! Good news comes with these particular new DVDs! You can now get the ENTIRE season in one check-out! (Hello, binge watching!) So if you notice this in the catalog, it’s not an error. All the discs are in one case with an extended check-out period. Here are some new-to-AADL series on their way:
Chicago P.D., Season 1
At the helm of the Intelligence Unit is Sergeant Hank Voight, a man not against crossing legal and ethical lines to ensure the safety of the men and women of the Chicago Police Department's District 21 who put it all on the line to serve and protect the security of the city he loves.
Cedar Cove, Season 1
Judge Olivia Lockhart who is considered the community's guiding light in the picturesque, coastal town of Cedar Cove, Washington. But like everyone else, Olivia fights the uphill battle of balancing career with family and finding love, all while doing her best to care for the township she calls home.
Low winter sun, The complete series
A contemporary story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between cops and criminals is blurred. Set in Detroit, this gritty, edgy and provocative crime drama begins with an act of retribution: the murder of a dirty cop by two fellow Detroit detectives, Frank Agnew and Joe Geddes. Seemingly the perfect crime, in reality the murder activates forces that will forever later Agnew's life, and pull him into the heart of the Detroit underworld. Filmed in Detroit!
Arrow, Season 1 and 2
After being marooned for five years on a remote island, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime in this hard-hitting action series. After suffering unimaginable ordeals on the island, Oliver returns to Starling City a new man, determined to right the wrongs of his father and sworn to bring justice to those who've corrupted his city.
The Goldbergs, Season 1
Reagan was in the White House, the malls were filled with New Wave fashionistas, and the Goldbergs were living large in the '80s. Documenting his hilariously combative, yet loving family with a video camera nearly as big as he is, eleven-year-old geek Adam is witness to all kinds of insanity from his over-protective, over-the-top mom, quick-tempered dad, rebellious sister, high-strung brother, and super suave grandfather.
Sleepy Hollow, Season 1
Ichabod Crane, a British expatriate who dies in the American Revolution, is revived in upstate New York during the time of the cell phone - as is the evil Headless Horseman, who plans to annihilate mankind! Teaming with a feisty police lieutenant, Crane races to vanquish the newly unearthed dark forces - or face the impending apocalypse.
Death in paradise, Season 1 and 2
British cop Richard Poole is a fish out of water when he is sent to the tiny island of Sainte Marie to solve a mysterious murder. Awaiting Richard is a ramshackle station and a very different type of policing.
Childrens hospital, Seasons 1 – 4
Comedy television series that parodies the medical dramas that occur in a children's hospital featuring a group of self-absorbed doctors.
About a boy, Season 1
Successful songwriter and bachelor Will Freeman lives a carefree life as the 'ultimate man-child.' His perfect world is turned upside down when single mom Fiona and her eleven-year-old son Marcus move in next door.
Scott and Bailey, Season 1 and 2
A thrilling investigative drama series exploring the personal and professional lives of two female detectives. Despite their differences, impulsive, funny and single Rachel and reflective, married mother-of-two Janet, have a great partnership. Thrown together in the toughest of murder cases, they have become the best of friends, ready to support each other both in and away from the incident room. An honest and powerful crime drama series.
For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
Fabulous Fiction Firsts #490
by muffy
Librarian (Louisiana) Ashley Weaver's stylish and charming debut Murder at the Brightwell features "a spunky heroine, a tense romance and red herrings galore" that would bring to mind Agatha Christie who created some of the most endearing and enduring amateur sleuths.
1932 England. Young Amory Ames, on impulse, accepts an invitation from her former fiance Gil Trent to vacation at the Brightwell, a luxurious seaside resort catering to the society set. The express purpose is for Amory to intervene in the forthcoming marriage of Gil's sister Emmeline to Rupert Howe, a disreputable ladies' man. No one sees the sharp prick of the irony more then Amory whose floundering marriage to the notoriously charming playboy Milo is a constant source of sorrow.
But when Rupert is found murdered and Gil is arrested for the crime, Amory must set aside their marital ennui, and reluctantly enlists Milo's help in finding the killer and clearing Trent's name. Soon, the pair's sleuthing puts them at the scene of a second murder, and in harm's way.
"A pleasant debut novel, nicely evoking the 1930s with strong atmosphere and the beginnings of some intriguing characters."
Readers eagerly anticipating a follow-up might want to get cozy with Dashiell Hammett's Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man series (and the 1934 film adaptation that is now a classic); the Australian Miss Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood (adapted into an exquisitely-costumed period television series); and the Dandy Gilver series by Catriona McPherson, set in Scotland.
Blog Post
New TV Shows on DVD @ AADL
by manz
A giant stack of new TV shows have hit the catalog! It's a broad range of shows featuring pirates, queens, senators, single moms, fire fighters, and detectives. The library is always acquiring additional TV shows, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. We also often get the new seasons of shows already available at AADL! Good news comes with these particular new DVDs! You can now get the ENTIRE season in one check-out! (Hello, binge watching!) So if you notice this in the catalog, it’s not an error. All the discs are in one case with an extended check-out period for select new items. Here are some new series on their way to AADL:
Brooklyn nine-nine, Season 1
Jake Peralta is a Brooklyn detective with a gift for closing cases and little respect for authority. When no-nonsense commanding officer Raymond Holt joins the 99th precinct with something to prove, the two go head-to-head.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Season 1
After the battle of New York, the world has changed. It now knows not only about the avengers, but also the powerful menaces that require those superheroes and more to face them. An elite covert team has been formed to find and deal with these threats wherever they are found.
The 100, Season 1
Ninety-seven years after nuclear Armageddon destroyed the planet, humanity's sole survivors live on the Ark, an aging space station experiencing overpopulation and inadequate resources. When faced with difficult choices, the Ark leaders decide to send 100 juvenile prisoners back to Earth to test its living conditions.
The musketeers, Season 1
On the streets of seventeenth century Paris, law and order is an idea more than a reality. In addition to being King Louis XIII's personal bodyguards, Athos, Aramis, Porthos, and their new friend D'Artagnan, stand resolutely for social justice, honor, valor, love, and for the thrill of it all. They must fight to maintain order and protect their King and Queen against the worst intentions of the ruthless Cardinal Richelieu and his secret weapon, Milady.
Alpha house, Season 1
Four Republican senators share the same D.C. house rental, and face re-election battles, looming indictments, and parties, all with a sense of humor.
Reign, Season 1
Ever since Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, was a little girl, the English have wanted her country and her crown. As a teenager, Mary is sent to France to wed its next king to save herself and her people. Waiting at the French Court is the gorgeous Prince Francis, his illegitimate half-brother Sebastian, a king on the brink of madness, a scheming queen, and the seer Nostradamus with a devastating prophecy.
Line of duty, Series 1 and Series 2
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Gates is an exemplary cop. He's got the best crime stats on the force and a loyal team working under him. But the head of the police anticorruption unit, Superintendent Ted Hastings, has his doubts about Gates. Is he really that good? And more importantly, is he really that clean? Hastings decides to find out and all on a new arrival to his department, Detective Sergeant Steven Arnott to help him do it. As the net tightens around Gates, reputations are on the line and lives are at risk.
Chicago fire, Season 1 and 2
An up-close and personal view into the lives of everyday heroes. Watch this gripping 24-episode first season back-to-back and uninterrupted as it follows the adventures of the men and women of Chicago Firehouse 51, the courageous firefighter, rescue squad, and paramedics whose actions make the difference between life and death.
Mom, Season 1
Christy is a single mom whose newly found sobriety has given her the ability to see her life clearly, and she does not like the view. Now she must untangle years of reckless decisions to make a better life for her and her kids. She has many challenges: stop drinking in wine country; a romance with her unavailable boss, raise her young son and troubled teenage daughter to make smart choices; and forgive her estranged mother, Bonnie, for her lack of parenting skills that got her in this mess.
Crossbones, Season 1
It's 1715 on the island of Santa Campana and the diabolical pirate Blackbeard reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors. An extraordinary action adventure where one can't be sure whether the pirates or the British crown are the villains.
For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
New movies on order at the AADL!
by eapearce
The AADL has a great selection of recently released films for you to check out in case you missed them while they were in theaters (or want to see them again!).
Million Dollar Arm, starring John Hamm, is the heartwarming biographical story of JB Bernstein, a sports agent who’s fallen on hard times. In a desperate attempt to keep his business running, JB creates a baseball competition in India called “million dollar arm,” and brings the two finalists (real-life pitchers Dinesh Patel and Rinku Singh) back to the US to attempt to sign them with professional teams.
The Grand Seduction, starring Taylor Kitsch (of Friday Night Lights fame), is a Canadian film set in a small fishing village along the coast. In order for a lucrative factory to be built, the citizens must procure a doctor to move to the town and set up his practice there. When big-city doctor Paul Lewis arrives for a trial stay in the town, the locals band together to try and make everything perfect for his visit. As Paul’s time left in the village dwindles and no decision has been made, a final “grand seduction” is planned to try and convince him to remain.
Begin Again, featuring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine, is a lovely story about Gretta, a struggling British songwriter who has just been dumped by her rockstar boyfriend. While performing at a local bar, she’s discovered by an also-struggling music producer, Dan. After convincing Gretta to sign with him, the two embark on a summer-long outdoor recording session in New York City, flanked by a team of talented musicians and Dan’s daughter, an aspiring musician herself.
If I Stay is the film adaptation of the wildly popular young adult novel of the same title. Chloe Grace Moretz stars in the film as Mia Hall, a talented young cellist who is nearly killed in a car accident. As she lays in a coma in the hospital, the audience sees her flash back through the happy and sad experiences she’s had throughout her life. We see her early life as the daughter of a famous rock musician and his inexperienced wife, her first interest in the cello and ensuing talent, and when she meets her boyfriend, Adam. After learning that the other members of her family have died, Mia realizes that it is up to her to decide whether she will join them in death or fight back through to the world of the living.
Other new releases just added to the collection include Maleficent, Guardians of the Galaxy, Chef, The Giver, and A Most Wanted Man.
Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Ken Burns’ The Roosevelts
by manz
A new TV mini series getting a lot of buzz lately is documentary filmmaker Ken Burns’ latest conquest: The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.
Seven discs go though 1858-1962. The series “profiles Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor as the most prominent members of the most important family in history. Through their stories, PBS chronicles the history they helped to shape, from the Square Deal to the New Deal, San Juan Hill to the Western Front, to the founding of the United Nations.”
Fore more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
Muppets Most Wanted
by manz
The Muppets are at it again! Fresh off the stage of the Mupppet TV Show, you first saw them on the big screen in 1979’s The Muppet Movie, and then saw them in slew of other movies. Well, they’re "together again" in The Muppets Most Wanted.
Criminal mastermind Constantine, who looks very much like Kermit, trades places with him. Constantine tries to run the Muppet Show and works with the silly Muppets (and secretly plots a heist), while Kermit sits in a jail in Siberia. Will the gang realize the funny talking green frog isn’t Kermit before it’s too late? Will Kermit and Piggy ever marry?
Starring the Muppets, as well as Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais, with cameos from the likes of Lady Gaga, P. Diddy and Salma Hayek, the film is full of the usual Muppet-y one-liners and song and dance numbers. It's fun to see them all together again. Again.