Popular Culture
November 2021
Recent Releases
Black Nerd Problems: Essays
by William Henry Evans & Omar Holmon

What it is: A witty and thought-provoking blend of pop culture criticism and social commentary written by Black Nerd Problems website creators William Henry Evans and Omar Holmon.

What's inside: Irreverent essays exploring Black representation in comics, Hamilton ticket prices, Mario Kart as personality test, the merits (or lack thereof) of The Lion King's Simba, and more.  

Don't miss: "The Sobering Reality of Actual Black Nerd Problems," which discusses the dangers of cosplaying while Black.
Forever Young
by Hayley Mills

What it's about: Child star and Disney darling Hayley Mills' roller-coaster life in the spotlight.

Read it for: Mills' frank assessment of the perks and pitfalls of the Disney star system -- after rising to fame with roles in Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, she was forced to maintain a wholesome image, losing out on roles in Lolita and other adult-oriented films.

Also available in eBook on Libby
Unprotected
by Billy Porter

What it's about: Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter's inspiring and hard-fought success in the entertainment industry.

Is it for you? Porter's intimate debut doesn't shy away from the hardships he's faced, including childhood sexual abuse, bankruptcy, racist and homophobic treatment in Hollywood, and living with HIV.

Also available in eBook on Hoopla
Mellencamp
by Paul Rees

What it is: A richly detailed biography of pioneering heartland rock singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, written by veteran music journalist Paul Rees.

Featuring: Exclusive interviews with Mellencamp's loved ones and colleagues; never-before-told stories of his life and career; a deep dive into his discography.
 
Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes: Essays
by Phoebe Robinson

What it is: New York Times bestselling author and comedian Phoebe Robinson's third wide-ranging and laugh-out-loud collection of essays.

Topics include: Quarantining while in a relationship; the limitations of self-care; natural hair love; performative activism; building a "mini empire."  

Also available in eBook on CloudLibrary
Taste: My Life Through Food
by Stanley Tucci

What it is: A charming and witty memoir detailing actor Stanley Tucci's culinary pursuits and the stories behind them, filled with simple recipes made from inexpensive ingredients.

For fans of: The foodie memoirs of journalist Bill Buford and chefs Gabrielle Hamilton and Ruth Reichl.

Also available in eBook & eAudiobook on Libby
Also available in eAudiobook on CloudLibrary
Unrequited Infatuations
by Stevie Van Zandt

What it's about: E Street Band guitarist, Sopranos actor, and activist Stevie Van Zandt's life and career.

Why you might like it: At turns thought-provoking and self-deprecating, Van Zandt shares candid musings on career triumphs and trials, his commitment to social advocacy, and dishy showbiz anecdotes.

Did you know? Though Van Zandt's best-known acting role was playing Silvio Dante in The Sopranos, he was almost cast as Tony Soprano.   
All of the Marvels: A Journey to the Ends of the Biggest Story Ever Told
by Douglas Wolk

What it's about: Eisner Award-winning Reading Comics author Douglas Wolk's quest to document Marvel Comics history -- by reading every Marvel comic published since 1961 (more than 27,000).

Read it for: A concise and impassioned overview of 60 years of superhero comics history, profiling characters both famous (the X-Men) and forgotten (Night Nurse). 
 
The Kaepernick Effect: Taking a Knee, Changing the World
by Dave Zirin

What it's about: The impact of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests during the 2016 NFL season.

Featuring: Interviews with athletes and coaches who were spurred to action following Kaepernick's example.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books!