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Popular Culture January 2017
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All These Things That I've Done: My Insane, Improbable Rock Life
by Matt Pinfield with Mitchell Cohen
Beginning with a childhood that played out against the background of the British Invasion, this musical memoir tracks the life of video deejay and rock know-it-all Matt Pinfield. Chronicling the songs and artists that molded him and inspired his career, Pinfield offers a personable and informative story, dropping names and sharing tales from the front lines of a rock and roll life. If you're a rock fan looking for insider perspective, give this dynamic memoir a try.
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| Buffering: Unshared Tales of a Life Fully Loaded by Hannah HartHannah Hart is best known -- and much loved -- for her YouTube series in which she cooks...tipsy. Inebriated. Three sheets to the wind -- you get the idea. But in this very personal collection of essays (culled from journals she's kept for much of her life), the host of My Drunk Kitchen puts together a sobering, more complete picture of what drives her and what's important to her. From her family's battle with mental health to her own sexuality and self-worth, Hart makes herself vulnerable as she addresses heart-wrenching moments from her past -- and tells plenty of funny stories. |
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Devoured: From Chicken Wings to Kale Smoothies -- How What We Eat Defines...
by Sophie Egan
You are what you eat, right? So are you made of home-cooked, from-scratch meals? Or are you chicken nuggets and a supersized soda? Either way, what does that mean for you, or for food culture in general? From the explosion of options for eating (fast food, fast-casual, brunch, pre-made frozen meals, gluten-free) to the many delicious food-centric events (the Super Bowl) and other excuses to keep eating and drinking (Wine tastings! Beer flights!), this engaging history of American food culture captures the good and the bad. If you've enjoyed Michael Pollan's books or the many excellent food-oriented documentaries available, you'll want to pick up Devoured, too.
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| I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses by Robert Wagnerin his third memoir on life in Hollywood (after Pieces of My Heart and You Must Remember This), iconic actor Robert Wagner looks to his leading ladies, the "female movie stars that defined my generation." Beginning in the 1930s (when Wagner was just a child) and moving through the '50s, '60s, and '80s, Wagner touches on colleagues, friends, and wives alike, from Joan Crawford and Bette Davis to Natalie Wood and Marilyn Monroe. While there's no real "dirt," Wagner shares plenty of personal stories, making this an excellent choice for movie fans. |
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| It Gets Worse by Shane DawsonIn I Hate Myselfie, entertaining YouTube vlogger Shane Dawson shared some of the best -- and worst -- moments of his life. In this follow-up, he's got even more stories to share, though they tackle some tough topics, including Dawson's struggles with food and his difficulties accepting his bisexuality. But despite the more serious material, Dawson's humor can be a bit controversial, so while this is a must-read for fans, sensitive souls may want to take a pass. |
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| You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia DayKnown to fans of quirky, Internet-based entertainment options like Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog or The Guild, Felicia Day is a violinist, a gamer, an actress, and a writer. Home-schooled until she went awkwardly off to college at the age of 16 (she graduated at 19, still uncomfortable in social situations), Day doesn't offer a standard memoir. Jumping from her personal and professional successes (and setbacks) to her thoughts on creativity, depression, and feminism, Day incorporates images, plays with fonts, and employs a sincere, often humorous voice. Fans will enjoy it, as will readers who have ever felt a bit out of place. |
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So You've Been Publicly Shamed: A Journey Through the World of Public...
by Jon Ronson
It happens frequently -- someone makes a bad decision in the public eye and is pilloried for it, as more and more people pile on in judgment. His interest piqued by a takeover of his Twitter account, journalist Jon Ronson dives deep into an exploration of human nature, technology, and humiliation via social media. Interviewing those famous for being shamed and those doing the shaming, Ronson discusses motivations, consequences, and recoveries. Readers interested in the dark side of social media will appreciate this witty, well-researched, and wide-ranging take on social humiliation.
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| Binge by Tyler OakleyIn his first book, prominent LGBTQ YouTube social rights advocate Tyler Oakley presents a collection of essays -- in his signature humorous style -- that bounce around from the goofy (fashion stand-offs with the White House Secret Service) to more revealing, painful topics like suicide and abuse. Written to support the idea that taking chances has value (even if it's just learning from your mistakes), Oakley is both candid and charismatic. Superfans may want to try the audiobook version, which he narrates himself. |
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| The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa RaeDid you like Mindy Kaling's misfit honesty in Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? If so, you'll likely enjoy The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl -- both on YouTube and in print. An introvert in a world that values being cool, Issa Rae shares her thoughts (in a witty, self-deprecating style) on her daily challenges, whether it's eating out alone or trying to figure out how to fit in. Fun and relatable, the book concentrates a bit more on her childhood and adolescence than on her adult successes, but it's plain to see that Rae isn't resting on her laurels -- she's got a new show on HBO, Insecure. |
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| The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. PasseyLindsey Stirling is a classically trained violinist who became a YouTube sensation after she was voted off America's Got Talent in 2010 (she'd launched the station, Lindseystomp, in 2007). Her electrifying style -- dancing while playing her violin, mixing musical genres with aplomb -- has garnered her millions of followers, several Billboard nominations and awards, and a measure of commercial success. In The Only Pirate at the Party, Stirling details her relatively charmed childhood, her Mormon faith, and her struggles with eating disorders. Engaging and candid, it's like reading a letter from a friend. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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