Mykle
My Shelf
Nobody
by
DVD MOVIE ACTION Nobody
Hutch Mansell is an underestimated and overlooked dad and husband, taking life's indignities on the chin and never pushing back. A nobody. When two thieves break into his suburban home one night, Hutch declines to defend himself or his family, hoping to prevent serious violence. His teenage son, Blake, is disappointed in him and his wife, Becca, seems to pull only further away. The aftermath of the incident strikes a match to Hutch's long-simmering rage, triggering dormant instincts and propelling him on a brutal path that will surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and squealing tires, Hutch must save his family from a dangerous adversary, and ensure that he will never be underestimated as a nobody again.
Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem
by Rosalyn
133.4309/Schanzer
Religion, History
"Tackling the same twisted subject as Stacy Schiff's much-lauded book The Witches: Salem, 1692, this Sibert Honor book for young readers features unique scratchboard illustrations, chilling primary source material, and powerful narrative to tell the true tale.In the little colonial town of Salem Village, Massachusetts" (From Amazon)

A historical account with just the right amount of flavorful text and illustrations to keep it interesting. A humbling look at what superstition and zeal can do to people when it's not tempered with reason. -Mykle
Cats on catnip
by Andrew Marttila
636.8 /Marttila
Animals
A humorous collection of dozens of photos of funny and adorable cats as they play with, roll in, and chow down their favorite snack of choice -- catnip.

This book just makes me very happy. Cute cats doing cute things. -Mykle
Scary stories complete set Scary stories to tell in the dark, more scary stories to tell in the dark, and scary stories 3
by Alvin Schwartz, 1927-1992
The iconic anthology series of horror tales that's now a feature film! The three Scary Stories books come together in this eBook collection to form a timeless collection of chillingly scary tales and legends. Folklorist Alvin Schwartz offers up some of the most alarming tales of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time. The eBooks in this collection feature Stephen Gammell's artwork from the original Scary Stories books. Read if you dare! Includes Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, More Scary Stories, and Scary Stories 3

These books are full of classic scary stories. I read them as a child and they still hold up today. I'm not really scared of supernatural stuff but the story about the girl that has spiders hatch from a boil still gives me nightmares. Check them out on Hoopla! -Mykle
20,000 leagues under the sea
by Walt Disney Pictures
jDVD/Twenty
Based on the novel: Vingt mille lieues sous les mers / by Jules Verne. Originally released as a motion picture in 1954. Special features: all-new audio commentaries with director Richard Fleischer and classic film historian and author, Rudy Behlmer; original 1954 theatrical radio spots; Peter Lorre's ADR tracks, a glimpse into the process of dialogue replacement before final edit; Captain Nemo's organ music; "The making of 20,000 leagues under the sea" featurette; "Jules Verne & Walt Disney, explorers of the imagination" behind-the-scenes featurette; "The Humbolt Squid: real sea monster!"; "Touring the Nautilius"; "Monsters of the deep"; "Nemo's death" script excerpt; "The musical legacy of Paul Smith"; "Lost treasure: the sunset squid sequence"; "Grand Canyonscope"; theatrical trailer; storyboard-to-scene comparison & unused animation.

This is my favorite adaptation of any Jules Verne novel. Kirk Douglas lands a hilarious performance, rebelling against a tyrannical captain and befriending a cute seal (sea lion?) On the other side of the spectrum, James Mason's serious portrayal of Nemo is just as powerful. Peter Lorre's character isn't as creepy as usual but you'll definitely get hints of "Igor on a boat." -Mykle
Post Office
by Charles Bukowski
FICTION/Bukowski, Charles
Humor, Historical Fiction
Review by Publisher: "It began as a mistake." By middle age, Henry Chinaski has lost more than twelve years of his life to the U.S. Postal Service. In a world where his three true, bitter pleasures are women, booze, and racetrack betting, he somehow drags his hangover out of bed every dawn to lug waterlogged mailbags up mud-soaked mountains, outsmart vicious guard dogs, and pray to survive the day-to-day trials of sadistic bosses and certifiable coworkers. This classic 1971 novel'the one that catapulted its author to national fame'is the perfect introduction to the grimly hysterical world of legendary writer, poet, and Dirty Old Man Charles Bukowski and his fictional alter ego, Chinaski.

An absolutely wild ride. It's fascinating to wonder how much of this story comes from Bukowski's real-life stint as a postal carrier. I hope none but I have my suspicions! -Mykle
I'm still here : black dignity in a world made for whiteness
by Austin Channing Brown
305.896 /Brown
Black Lives Matter, Memoir
The author's first encounter with a racialized America came at age seven, when her parents told her they named her Austin to deceive future employers into thinking she was a white man. She grew up in majority-white schools, organizations, and churches, and has spent her life navigating America's racial divide as a writer, a speaker, and an expert helping organizations practice genuine inclusion. While so many institutions claim to value diversity in their mission statements, many fall short of matching actions to words. Brown highlights how white middle-class evangelicalism has participated in the rise of racial hostility, and encourages the reader to confront apathy and recognize God's ongoing work in the world.

Austin Channing Brown provides an enlightening view of what life in America is like for a black woman. Her account is humbling, informative, and inspiring. -Mykle
Sky High
by
jDVD Sky
When you're the son of the world's most legendary superheroes there's only one school for you--Sky High, an elite high school that molds today's power-gifted students into tomorrow's superheroes. The problem is that Will Stronghold has no superpowers!

This might be the best superhero film of all time. It's goofy and endearing. The kids moved on to big tv shows and movies. The supporting cast is amazing with Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Jim Rash, Tom Kenny, Kevin Heffernen, Patrick Warburton, and more. -Mykle
Upon a burning throne
by Ashok Banker
SCIENCE FICTION Banker Ashok
Fantasy, Diverse Characters
"In a world where demigods and demons walk among mortals, the Emperor of the vast Burnt Empire has died, leaving a turbulent realm without an emperor. Two young princes, Adri and Shvate, are in line to rule, but birthright does not guarantee inheritance: For any successor must sit upon the legendary Burning Throne and pass The Test of Fire. Imbued with dark sorceries, the throne is a crucible--one that incinerates the unworthy. Adri and Shvate pass The Test and are declared heirs to the empire... but there is another with a claim to power, another who also survives: a girl from an outlying kingdom. When this girl, whose father is the powerful demonlord Jarsun, is denied her claim by the interim leaders, Jarsun declares war, vowing to tear the Burnt Empire apart--leaving the young princes Adri and Shvate to rule a shattered realm embroiled in rebellion and chaos..." -- Front jacket flap.

The fantasy genre has a great new addition with this epic series. Set in a world filled with Indian myth and folklore, this is an epic filled with interesting characters. A lot of interesting themes: Magic, Political/war, Relationships, etc -Mykle
Solo leveling
by author Chugong
MANGA Chugong Solo
Fantasy, Dystopian, Adventure
"The weakest of the weak, E-class hunter Jinwoo Sung has no money, no talent, and no prospects to speak of. And when he enters a hidden dungeon that fateful day, he ends up being left to die in the aftermath of a horrendous tragedy. At death's door, Jinwoo is suddenly invited to be a "player" by a mysterious voice. Desperate to live, Jinwoo jumps at the chance...but what is this strange new leveling system that only he can see?"--

The art is amazing and the story is good. -Mykle
Lethal weapon
DVD MOVIE ACTION Lethal
Two Vietnam-vets-turned cops have only one thing in common : they both hate to work with partners, but when a routine murder investigation turns into a no holds barred war with an international heroin ring their partnership becomes the key to survival.

Classic. The older I get, the less I relate to Riggs and the more I relate to Murtaugh. -Mykle
Love actually
DVD MOVIE COMEDY Love
It's all about love and holiday cheer in London. The Prime Minister is smitten with his caterer; a widower's young son nurses the ultimate schoolboy crush; a writer falls for his Portuguese housekeeper; a devoted wife and mother copes with her potentially unfaithful husband; and a lovelorn American is desperately attracted to a colleague.

An amazing ensemble cast of interconnected characters experiencing love and Xmas. -Mykle
Die hard
DVD MOVIE ACTION Die
A team of terrorists has seized a building in L.A. and taken hostages. A New York cop, in town to spend Christmas with his estranged wife, is the only hope for the people held by the savage criminals.

The best Xmas movie ever made. -Mykle
Elf
DVD MOVIE COMEDY Elf
A human that thinks he's an elf goes to New York to meet his biological father then saves Xmas.

Great performances by James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Will Ferrell. -Mykle
Bad Santa
DVD MOVIE COMEDY Bad
A heartwarming tale of a Mall-Santa/master thief falling in love and bringing joy to all the children.

An Xmas staple. -Mykle
Hellboy
by Mignola, Mike
COMIC/Hellboy/Library v. 1
Horror, Paranormal, Science Fiction
Mike Mignola, 2008. Presents the complete adventures of the demon-turned-paranormal-investigator, Hellboy, beginning with his attempts to discover his own origins.

The Hellboy Library Editions are a comprehensive collection of the main Hellboy stories. The artwork is amazing and Hellboy is one of the most interesting "super heroes." -Mykle
Batman
by
DVD MOVIE SF/HORROR Batman
Batman begins his protection of Gotham City. He battles against a corrupt police force, mob gangsters and the worst villain of all ... The Joker.

Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson are amazing as Batman and the Joker. Classic Danny Elfman on the music score. The perfect balance of action and comedy. -Mykle
The ethical assassin : a novel
by David Liss
FICTION Liss, David
Suspense
A 2006 novel written by David Liss that revolves around Lem Atlick, a door to door encyclopedia salesman who is caught in the middle of an assassination and becomes a sole witness.

A compelling story that dives into the ethics of activism and murder after a young man meets a surprisingly pleasant assassin. -Mykle
Office space
by
DVD MOVIE COMEDY Office
When white-collar peon Peter Gibbons decides he's had enough and neglects his job, he is quickly promoted to upper management.

If you've ever worked in an office, you will relate to Peter. Ron Livingston has the performance of a lifetime with help from Diedrich Bader and Jennifer Aniston. -Mykle
The promised Neverland
by Kaiu Shirai
MANGA Shirai Promised
Graphic Novels
The orphans at Grace Field House lead a comfortable life under the care of "Mom," but Emma and Norman uncover a dark truth that is going to change their lives completely.

This Manga series is dark and compelling. Some brilliant orphans find out what really happens to those who get adopted and begin an escape plan. Not for the squeamish. -Mykle
Zero belly cookbook : 150+ delicious recipes to flatten your belly, turn off your fat genes, and help keep you lean for life!
by David Zinczenko
641.5635 /Zinczenko
Cookbooks
Based on Zero Belly Diet, the revolutionary bestselling weight-loss plan from NBC News health and wellness contributor David Zinczenko, creator of Eat This, Not That!, Zero Belly Cookbook is a groundbreaking collection of recipes that will teach anyone how to cook beautifully, lose weight fast, and get healthier in just minutes a day.

The Asian Spring Rolls are one of the best things I've ever made. Many other good meals and delicious treats in this one. -Mykle
The silmarillion
by J. R. R. (John Ronald Reuel) Tolkien
SCIENCE FICTION Tolkien, J. R. R.
Fantasy
A number-one New York Times bestseller when it was originally published, The Silmarillion is the core of J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative writing, a work whose origins stretch back to a time long before The Hobbit. Tolkien considered The Silmarillion his most important work, and, though it was published last and posthumously, this great collection of tales and legends clearly sets the stage for all his other writing. The story of the creation of the world and of the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy. This second edition features a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien describing his intentions for the book, which serves as a brilliant exposition of his conception of the earlier Ages of Middle-earth.

A bit of a heavy read because it almost like a history book. However, it sets up the world of Middle Earth from its conception until the end of the third age. So many good characters and stories jammed into one book. All of the magic and intrigue that makes Lord of the Rings great with a mix of love, loss and history. -Mykle
The Mandalorian armor
by K. W. Jeter
SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars Bounty
Science Fiction
He's the most feared and successful bounty hunter in the galaxy. He is Boba Fett, and even the most hardened criminals tremble at his name. Now he faces the deadliest challenge of his infamous career—an all-out war against his most dangerous enemies. As the Rebellion gathers force, Prince Xizor proposes a cunning plan to the Emperor and Darth Vader: smash the power of the Bounty Hunters Guild by turning its members against each other. Only the strongest and most ruthless will survive, and they can be used against the Rebellion. It's a job for the fiercely independent Boba Fett, who jumps at the chance to destroy his rivals. But Fett soon realizes the game is rigged, as he finds himself the target of murderous factions, criminal conspiracies, and the evil at the Empire's dark heart. Boba Fett has always finished first. And in this game, anything less is death.

This book is the first in a trilogy that explores the life of Boba Fett as he miraculously escapes his apparent demise in the film, Return of the Jedi. One of my all time favorite stories in the Star Wars universe. -Mykle
Choke
by
DVD MOVIE COMEDY Choke
Sex addict Victor Mancini works at a colonial reenactment theme park. He tries to hook up with everything on two legs. He courts the love and money of complete strangers via a demented con that might just kill him. But first, Victor must save his dying, delusional mother by seducing and impregnating her comely physician, a task easier said than done. A twisted tale of dysfunction, salvation, love and libido.

From the creator of Fight Club, This movie is a wild ride. It's about a sexual addict trying to save his mother's life. Sam Rockwell and Anjelica Huston give great performances. -Mykle
Altered Carbon
by Richard K. Morgan
SCIENCE FICTION Morgan, Richard K.
Science Fiction
Four hundred years from now mankind is strung out across a region of interstellar space inherited from an ancient civilization discovered on Mars. The colonies are linked together by the occasional sublight colony ship voyages and hyperspatial data-casting. Human consciousness is digitally freighted between the stars and downloaded into bodies as a matter of course. But some things never change. So when ex-envoy, now-convict Takeshi Kovacs has his consciousness and skills downloaded into the body of a nicotine-addicted ex-thug and presented with a catch-22 offer, he really shouldn't be surprised. Contracted by a billionaire to discover who murdered his last body, Kovacs is drawn into a terrifying conspiracy that stretches across known space and to the very top of society.

Altered Carbon is a cyber-punk murder/mystery. Set in a world where people's consciousness is stored in a removable container, it makes you question immortality and who can afford it. Filled with social commentary on sexuality, endgame capitalism, human rights, and political corruption. A++ -Mykle
Sleeping Giants
by Sylvain Neuvel
SCIENCE FICTION Neuvel Sylvain
Science Fiction
"17 years ago: A girl in South Dakota falls through the earth, then wakes up dozens of feet below ground on the palm of what seems to be a giant metal hand. Today: She is a top-level physicist leading a team of people to understand exactly what that hand is, where it came from, and what it portends for humanity. A swift and spellbinding tale told almost exclusively through transcriptions of interviews conducted by a mysterious and unnamed character, this is a unique debut that describes a hunt for truth, power, and giant body parts"--

Sylvain's first book in this series is an addictive and easy read. It is written more like a journal than a traditional novel and I find it fascinating how well it works. The book makes you question humanity, society, war, and ethics. -Mykle
My Lists

About Me
Mykle is a Library Aide in Adult Services. You can find him at the Page Station on the second floor of ICPL. When he's not at the library, you can find him studying for an MLIS. His favorite books are Sci-Fi/Fantasy and he usually reads them while hanging out with his two cats, Obi-Wan and Vader. He also has a healthy interest in film and video games.
Bob Odenkirk is just the best. It was strange to see him in an action film but he nails it. Christopher Lloyd as the trigger happy dad is hilarious. -Mykle