USA 2024. Dir. James Mangold. With Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning.
Summary: New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota named Bob Dylan arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating stories that explore the beauty, complexity, and challenges of motherhood. Whether grappling with loss, identity, or the fierce love they have for their children, these literary mothers embody the richness and nuance of what it means to be a mom.
–Emily Rush, Head of Reference
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan This dystopian novel follows Frida Liu, a single mother who, after a moment of poor judgment, is sent to a government-run reeducation facility for “bad mothers.” In this institution, mothers are subjected to surveillance and training to prove their worthiness to regain custody of their children, raising profound questions about societal expectations and the nature of motherhood.
The Forbidden Territory of a Terrifying Woman by Molly Lynch Here, Molly Lynch crafts a haunting narrative where mothers worldwide mysteriously disappear, intertwining motherhood, ecological collapse, and identity. The story follows Ada, a Canadian-born woman living in Michigan, who vanishes one night, leaving her husband Danny and young son Gilles in turmoil.
Chouette by Claire Oshetsky Chouette is a surreal and darkly humorous novel that follows Tiny, a professional cellist who discovers she is pregnant, not with a human child, but with an owlet conceived during a dreamlike affair with a female owl. As Tiny’s pregnancy progresses, she faces societal rejection and her husband’s refusal to acknowledge the reality of her situation, leading her to embrace a life of nocturnal hunting and maternal devotion to her unique daughter.
The Push by Ashley Audrain This is a psychological drama that delves into the complexities of motherhood, identity, and generational trauma. The story follows Blythe Connor, who is determined to be the nurturing mother she never had, but becomes increasingly convinced that her daughter, Violet, exhibits troubling behavior. As Blythe grapples with her suspicions, her husband dismisses her concerns, leading her to question her sanity and the nature of her daughter’s actions.
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean The Book Eaters is a dark fantasy novel that introduces a secretive clan of people who sustain themselves by consuming books, absorbing their content and knowledge. Devon – a woman raised on fairy tales and cautionary stories – discovers her son, Cai, possesses a rare and dangerous hunger for human minds instead of books. As she navigates a patriarchal society that views her as a mere vessel for reproduction, Devon must make harrowing choices to protect her son and herself.
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis This novel traces the life of Hattie Shepherd, a determined African American woman who moves from Georgia to Philadelphia in 1923, seeking a better life. After the tragic death of her twin infants, Hattie bears nine more children, each chapter delving into the struggles and resilience of her offspring, capturing their individual stories and the overarching impact of Hattie’s own hardships.
Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding Here we follow Sonya, a former actress turned single mother in Dublin, as she battles alcoholism and the haunting shadows of her past. Her four-year-old son, Tommy, is her anchor, yet her addiction threatens to sever their bond, leading her to a pivotal choice: continue down a destructive path or seek redemption through rehabilitation. Harding’s narrative delves deep into the complexities of motherhood, addiction, and the pursuit of self-forgiveness.
The Leavers by Lisa Ko The Leavers follows the life of Deming Guo, an eleven-year-old boy whose undocumented Chinese immigrant mother, Polly, disappears without a trace. After her sudden absence, Deming is adopted by a well-meaning white couple and renamed Daniel Wilkinson. He struggles to reconcile his new life with the memories of his mother and the community he left behind. The narrative unfolds from both Daniel’s perspective as he grows into a young man and Polly’s journey, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family and immigration.
Scranton Selections are written by various staff members. This month’s contributor is Emily Rush, Head of Reference..
“September 5” (Germany/USA 2024). Directed by Tim Fehlbaum. Featuring Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, Leonie Benesch.
Summary: “September 5” unveils the decisive moment that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today. Set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film follows an American sports broadcasting team that quickly adapted from sports reporting to live coverage of the Israeli athletes taken hostage. Through this lens, the film provides a powerful new perspective on the live broadcast seen globally by an estimated one billion people at the time.
Free seed packets of various native plants are now available at the Library! Local UCONN Master Gardeners have prepared packets of at least a dozen varieties. The packets are in a rack at the Borrowing desk, along with instructions on stratifying and planting the seeds. A demonstration on seed starting will be held on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Room.
