Song of the Sea (2015) Runtime: 94 minutes
This 2015 Oscar-nominated movie is absolutely spectacular. Ben and
his sister Saiorse realize that their mother’s stories about selkies and
other Irish-mythology may be true, and they must help Saiorse find
her voice to keep the tales alive. The hand-drawn animation is
breathtaking, and the story both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
This is my new favorite animated movie.
Yes, Please by Amy Poehler (2014). 320 pages
Part scrapbook of memories and photos, part memoir, part self-help/
advice, this book shares insight to the comedic genius that brought the
magnetic Leslie Knope from the hit TV show Parks & Recreation to life.
Poehler shares her thoughts on friendship, creativity, relationships, careers, and more. If you were a fan of Tina Fey’s Bossypants (another
great, recommended read) you will most likely enjoy this book as well.
A Beautiful Mess: Handmade Happy Home by Elsie Larson & Emma
Chapman (2014) 240 pages
Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman are homemade lifestyle bloggers from
Springfield, Missouri who share home décor projects, recipes, crafts,
and more. The project I’m most excited to create are the whimsical animal bookends (pg. 233). Be inspired by this book OR visit their awesome
blog for more fun ideas: www.abeautifulmess.com
Bibliocraft by Jessica Pigza (2014) 207 pages.
Author Jessica Pigza shares how to utilize your local library to find
elements of books to incorporate into projects. Along with other
handmade librarians, she also shares 20+ projects inspired by library resources. Some of these projects may be a bit advanced for
some novice crafters (like me), but the book is beautiful, advocates
the use of libraries, and celebrates vintage books— what’s not to
love? Pigza also has a blog: www.handmadelibrarian.com
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) Runtime: 113 minutes
Major William Cage is a PR officer forced to join a landing operation
against an alien race invading earth. Even though he is immediately
killed in combat, he somehow gets trapped in a time loop that send
him back to the day before the battle. With the help of Special Forces
warrior Rita Vrataski, he discovers that he may be the key to ending the
invasion once and for all. This action-packed movie is smart, funny, and
the visual effects are astounding. Definitely worth the watch.
Dinosaur 13 (2014) Runtime: 95 minutes
Paleontologist Peter Larson and this team from the Black Hills Institute
made one of the world’s greatest dinosaur discovery in 1990— the largest, most complete T-Rex ever found. This discovery sparked a decadelong battle with the government, museums, Native American tribes, competing paleontologists, and private investors over ownership of the famous fossils. Learn more about the backstory of Sue the T-Rex, and how
she ended up at Chicago’s Field Museum.
The Martian by Andy Weir (2014). 369 pages
Originally released as a self-published novel in 2011, The Martian was
picked up by Crowne publishers in 2014. NASA astronaut Mark Watney,
a bontanist and mechanical engineer, is stranded on Mars after his crew
is forced to evacuate their landing site due to a high-wind dust storm.
He must rely on his technical and scientific skills to survive. This book
will be made into a movie starring Matt Damon, set for 2015 release.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014). 333 pages
Set 15 years after a terrible flu epidemic wipes out most of civilization,
the novel spans over decades, moving back and forth in time, following
a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic group of actors
who find trouble while roaming the Great Lakes region performing
Shakespeare for scattered communities of survivors. Game of Thrones
author, George R. R. Martin stated this was “A book that I will long remember, and return to.”
Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time by
Brigid Schulte (2014). 286 pages
The first time I checked this book out I had to renew this book twice,
and I returned it three days late. Worst part? I only got to page 11. That
indicated to me that I REALLY needed to revisit it again at a later date,
and I’m glad I did. This book takes a look at how our modern, fast-paced
society stresses and pressures have affected our leisure time, and what
we can do to take it back to live a more purposeful, and less overwhelmed life.
Babel by Mumford & Sons (2012)
Released in the US in September 2012,
Mumford & Sons Babel quickly climbed
the charts, becoming the fastest-selling
debut album that year after Taylor
Swift’s Red. Their sophomore album
continues their rustic folkrock soun,
but the lyrics and tone are much lighter
and generally more upbeat than their
first album, Sign No More. Recommended tracks: I Will Wait, Hopeless
Wanderer, and Lover of the Light (a
sentimental favorite— played during
the recessional at my wedding).
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
(2006)
This was Amy Winehouse’s 2nd and final
album. It was no secret the singer led a
troubled life, which is reflected in her
music. Embracing old-school styles of
Motown while mixing in a jazz, R&B influence, Winehouse’s soulful sound is
powerful. This album was listed as one
of the ten best albums in 2006 AND
2007. Recommended tracks: Back to
Black, Tears Dry on Their Own, and You
Know That I’m No Good.