Popular Culture January 2020 Recent Releases A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee by Danny Fingeroth What it is: an engaging and evenhanded biography of Marvel Comics editor Stan Lee that addresses his career triumphs and controversies.  Topics include: Lee's fight against comics censorship in the 1950s; legal battles with artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko; his cameos in Marvel films; his lasting influence on nerd culture.  Reviewers say: "This is a sure hit for comics fans of all camps" (Publishers Weekly).  Home Work: A Memoir of my Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews What it is: In a follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Home", the beloved performing artist reflects on her Hollywood career and the creations of three of her most iconic films, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and Victor/Victoria.    Reviewers say:"A frank and intimate storyteller whose radiant spirit fills these pages, Andrews chronicles the peaks and valleys of her life and career. This event-packed memoir is a must for fans of Andrews's life and work, students of cinema history, and anyone who is curious about musical film production." (Library Journal starred review) Beautiful on the Outside: A Memoir by Adam Rippon What it is: Former Olympic figure skater and self-professed America's Sweetheart Adam Rippon shares his underdog journey from beautiful mess to outrageous success in this hilarious, big-hearted memoir that the Washington Post calls "comedic gold."   About the author: "Adam Rippon is an Olympic athlete and medal-winning figure skater. [...] He came out as gay in October 2015 and, at the 2018 Winter Olympics, won a bronze medal as part of the figure skating team event, thus becoming the first openly gay U.S. male athlete to win a medal in a Winter Olympics. Later that year, he was named to the TIME 100 List of Most Influential People, Forbes 30 Under 30; AdWeek's 100 Most Creative and OUT Magazine's Power 50: The Most Influential Voices in LGBTQ America. He won season 26 of Dancing with the Stars: Athletes before going on to be a judge on the premiere season of Dancing with the Stars Juniors." I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels What it is: In this deeply personal memoir, Anthony Daniels recounts his experiences of the epic cinematic adventure that has influenced pop culture for more than 40 years. For the very first time, he candidly describes his most intimate memories as the only actor to appear in every Star Wars film - from his first meeting with George Lucas to the final, emotional days on the set of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.     The Queens of Animation: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World... by Nathalia Holt Who it's about: Walt Disney Studios' pioneering women animators, who for decades were instrumental to the studio's many successes but received little recognition for their efforts.  Why you might like it: This resonant story of workplace sexism and harassment celebrates the creatives responsible for the stories loved by generations of Disney fans.  For fans of: Mallory O'Meara's The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick. Vanity Fair's Women on Women by Radhika Jones (editor) with David Friend What's inside: an absorbing collection of 28 Vanity Fair profiles of women by women and published over the last 35 years. Featuring: illuminating write-ups on Michelle Obama, Frida Kahlo, Gloria Steinem, Tina Turner, Cher, Lena Waithe, Meryl Streep, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga, Emily Post, and many more.  Don't miss: "#MeToo and Me" by Monica Lewinsky.  Oral Histories Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for... by Mike Reiss with Mathew Klickstein; foreword by Judd Apatow What it is: an engaging behind-the-scenes look at The Simpsons by Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Mike Reiss, who's been involved with the series since its 1989 inception. What's inside: juicy tidbits on the show's production and famous guest stars; answers to fans' burning questions; an honest assessment of the show's controversial depiction of Indian character Apu.  Reviewers say: "A charming look at a cherished American show" (Kirkus); "laugh-out-loud hilarious" (Booklist).  Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era by Saul Austerlitz The one with: an engaging look at beloved sitcom Friends, featuring behind-the-scenes dish and interviews with the show's creators.  So no one told you... the show's original title was Insomnia Cafe; comedian Janeane Garofalo was almost cast as Monica. Try this next: For another nostalgic book commemorating Friends' 25th anniversary, check out Kelsey Miller's "I'll Be There For You". As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes with Joe Layden; foreword by Rob Reiner What it's about: actor Cary Elwes' experiences filming the 1987 adaptation of William Goldman's The Princess Bride. Have fun storming the castle: Featuring never-before-told stories and reminiscences from cast, crew, and Goldman himself, this nostalgic and heartfelt read is perfect for fans of the highly quotable cult classic.  Inconceivable! François Truffaut was once attached to direct the film. Anatomy of a Song: The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B and Pop by Marc Myers What it is: a toe-tapping, genre-spanning, five-decade retrospective of 45 popular songs, full of insights from the artists who created them. Featuring: "Please Mr. Postman;" "Stand by Your Man;" "Walk This Way;" "Heart of Glass;" "London Calling." Don't miss: Mick Jagger setting the record straight about the drug-laden subtext of "Moonlight Mile." 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