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Popular Culture September 2020
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Action Park : fast times, wild rides, and the untold story of America's most dangerous amusement park
by Andy Mulvihill
What it is: story of the legendary, dangerous amusement park where millions were entertained and almost as many bruises were sustained, told through the eyes of the founder's son. Often called "Accident Park," "Class Action Park," or "Traction Park," Action Park was an American icon.
What's inside: the first-ever unvarnished look at the history of this DIY Disneyland, as seen through the eyes of Andy Mulvihill, the son of the park's idiosyncratic founder, Gene Mulvihill. From his early days testing precarious rides to working his way up to chief lifeguard of the infamous Wave Pool to later helping run the whole park, Andy's story is equal parts hilarious and moving, chronicling the life and death of a uniquely American attraction,a wet and wild 1980s adolescence, and a son's struggle to understand his father's quixotic quest to become the Walt Disney of New Jersey.
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| The Lost Memoir by Lou Gehrig with a biographical essay by Alan D. GaffWhat it is: a recently rediscovered memoir from New York Yankees baseball legend Lou Gehrig that was originally written as a series of columns for the Oakland Tribune in 1927.
Why you might like it: This humble, homespun narrative features a richly detailed essay from scholar Alan D. Gaff that chronicles the Hall of Famer's achievements (including his lifetime stats) and legacy.
Want a taste? "I'm proud of the game and all who play it. And as long as I wear a big-league uniform, I will give all I can to the game." |
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Nothing is wrong and here is why : essays
by Alexandra Petri
What it is: a riotous essay collection on the normalized horrors of today’s world outlines logical and reassuring reasons behind the seemingly inexplicable changes in American politics and culture throughout the past four years.
Why you might like it: If you enjoy the Onion, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, or VEEP.
Want a taste: "We have much less need of imagination....now we simply watch."
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| Dolls! Dolls! Dolls! Deep Inside Valley of the Dolls, The Most Beloved Bad Book and... by Stephen RebelloWhat it is: a gossipy behind-the-scenes look at the publication of bestselling 1966 camp classic Valley of the Dolls and the release of its critically reviled (but commercially successful) 1967 film adaptation.
Who it's for: Fans of the film and lovers of cult cinema will appreciate this richly detailed insider's account of an unlikely pop culture phenom.
Did you know? Judy Garland was fired mid-production; her daughter Liza Minelli was considered for Neely, the role ultimately played by Patty Duke. |
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| You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success by Al RokerWhat it's about: the life lessons beloved Today co-host Al Roker has learned throughout his four-decade career in TV.
Read it for: a heartwarming and conversational blend of memoir and self-help.
Want a taste? "It doesn't matter that you're not the star; it matters that you're part of the constellation." |
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| You Play the Girl: On Playboy Bunnies, Stepford Wives, Trainwrecks, & Other Mixed... by Carina ChocanoWhat it is: a witty and incisive collection exploring the limitations of pop culture portrayals of women characters.
What's inside: essays on Bewitched, the Real Housewives franchise, Sex and the City, Pretty Woman, Frozen, and many more.
Awards buzz: You Play the Girl won the 2017 National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism. |
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| Chuck Klosterman X: A Highly Specific, Defiantly Incomplete History of the Early 21st... by Chuck KlostermanWhat it is: the 10th irreverent book by cultural critic Chuck Klosterman.
Who it's for: Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate Klosterman's entertaining collection of previously published pieces from 2007-2017, which include updated introductions and footnotes.
Featuring: illuminating profiles of Taylor Swift and Kobe Bryant; a thoughtful essay on empathizing with Peanuts' Charlie Brown. |
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| I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution by Emily NussbaumWhat it is: a collection of new and previously published pieces from Pulitzer Prize-winning former New Yorker TV critic Emily Nussbaum.
Read it for: a thought-provoking exploration of TV as art form that gives equal critical consideration to low-brow and high-brow series.
Topics include: the relationship between #MeToo and criticism; TV in the time of Trump; toxic fandom; how Buffy the Vampire Slayer inspired Nussbaum to become a critic. |
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| Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia TolentinoWhat it's about: the complexities and contradictions of American culture and identity.
Is it for you? Balancing wry humor with bleak insights, this 2019 New York Times Notable Book offers a well-researched collection of pieces that will resonate with New Yorker staff writer Jia Tolentino's fellow millennials.
Don't miss: "Reality TV Me," in which Tolentino reflects on her time as a contestant on a teen reality show competition. |
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| What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays by Damon YoungWhat it is: a candid collection of humorous and bittersweet musings on contemporary Black manhood.
Topics include: gentrification's impact on author Damon Young's Pittsburgh neighborhood; the relationships forged in barbershops and on basketball courts; the use (and misuse) of racial epithets.
Author alert: Debut author Young is the co-founder of the website Very Smart Brothas and a senior editor at The Root. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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