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Read It!

Review of "Into the Water" by Paula Hawkins
by Nicole S.

As promised, I am giving you my review of the second book that was picked for my virtual book club. One of the great things about participating in book clubs is you get to know a sense of other people’s reading tastes and discover books you normally wouldn’t have picked for yourself. For our second book I got to pick the title which ended up being “Into the Water” by Paula Hawkins. 

"Into the Water" by Paula Hawkins
Check it out from Aurora Public Library here! 

Paula Hawkins was originally a journalist for 15 years before she became a bestselling author. Her most popular book, “The Girl on the Train”, ended up becoming a bestseller worldwide selling almost 20 million copies! It was then made into a movie starring Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson and Justin Theroux in 2016. Both “The Girl on the Train” and “Into the Water” are great examples of a psychological thriller. 

Into the Water tells about how a single mother turns up dead at the bottom of the river that runs through town. Not much earlier, a teenage girl was found dead in the same river – and these are not the only women to have met the same dark, watery fate. Each death brings up more and more secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Fifteen-year-old Lena Abbott is left to be cared for by her estranged aunt Julia. As Julia, fearful of her once-home, stays to care for Lena, she learns more about her sister, the residents of Beckford and the secrets they kept submerged.  

I was such a big fan of Hawkins's first novel, “The Girl on the Train”. When I found out she wrote another stand alone novel I knew I just had to read it. One of my favorite elements of a psychological thriller is the unreliable narratives. The characters telling you the story may not be entirely truthful or are only telling you the story from their perspective. As time goes on you find out more and more of the story from other characters and it is now your job to piece together the truth. That is the same with this story. The story looks at many different character perspectives (from Jules Abbott to Lena to the neighbor Louise Whittaker and so on) and each one is telling you part of the story as well as their own. It’s up to you to weave them together to find the truth. Each character has their own secrets that you discover and you learn that not every person is good or bad. You make your own judgments based on each character’s actions. You also start to identify with one or more of the characters as time goes on. One of the other elements I enjoy is the suspense and the emotions you feel during a read like this. There is the original question of whether Lena Abbott’s mother, Danielle (Nel), committed suicide or was murdered. At each chapter that question gets more and more muddled and you are just along for the ride as you find out what really happened with Nel and the other women that were found in the river. It is a real page turner that throws multiple curveballs and leaves you at the end with chills.  

For those that enjoy psychological thrillers like this, check out authors like Gillian Flynn and Megan Abbott.
Next time I will tell you about our third pick which falls into the fantasy category, “The Last Wish: Introducing The Witcher” by Andrzej Sapkowski. 
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 14, 2020 at 9:07 AM
  
Read It!

Family Book Club
with Tess

"The Turnaway Girls" by Haley Chewins
Chapters 1-10

The Turnaway Girls
 
Wow! I am already really enjoying this book. I hope you are, too. I can't wait to see what will happen next!
 
- The writing style is a little different than our other Family Book Club picks. The descriptions are very interesting. I like it because it helps me imagine what's happening better. For example, "I struggle against a wall of wind." That sounds way better than "the wind was strong", doesn't it? What do you think?
- Why does Mother Nine take all the babies' voices away? Why does she hurt Delphernia?
- Can you imagine living inside for your entire life? What would it be like to come outside for the first time in 12 years? 
- What do you think Bly, Delphernia, and Linna Lundd have in common?
- What do you think of this story so far? What do you think will happen next?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Next week we'll discuss chapters 11 - 21.
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 08, 2020 at 10:28 AM 1 Comment
  
Read It!

**Video may contain spoilers**
Join APL staff each week for a discussion of some of their current reads! Each week they will discuss a book from a different genre. Join the discussion live on at Facebook.com/AuroraLibrary each Friday at 1 p.m. (MST) and leave your thoughts in the comments below! 



The next discussion will be at 1 p.m. on June 12, 2020 on our Facebook page and will feature "The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" by Melanie Dickerson (available instantly on hoopladigital.com).

Other upcoming titles, all available instantly from hoopla digital, include:
- June 19, "Fire Logic" by Laurie J. Marks
- June 26, "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" (Part 1 of The Brown Sisters Series) by Talia Hibbert
- July 3, "Reclaiming Home" by Lesego Malepe
- July 10, "Desperadoes" by Ron Hansen

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 07, 2020 at 8:41 AM
  

Fantastical Reimaginings

Fantastical Reimaginings is a blog series where APL staff explore some of their favorite fairy tales - from their classic beginnings to popular renditions to modern retellings and impact on pop culture. 

Fantastical Reimaginings: Beauty and the Beast
by Nicole S.

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (Image from Disney)
Image from Disney
“Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme....Beauty and the Beast.” Who else hummed the tune when they read that? Many people can spot that line or even the melody and say what it’s from - Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast"! I am a huge Disney fan and to this day when anyone asks me what my favorite Disney movie is, it’s hands-down "Beauty and the Beast". However, did you know that Disney didn’t create that story? Or that the original story is slightly different than the one Disney depicted?

History

The original "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale was written by the French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in "La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins" ("The Young American and Marine Tales"). In French, the title is "La Belle et la Bête". It was then abridged, rewritten and published first by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756 in "Magasin des enfants" ("Children's Collection") and later by Andrew Lang in the "Blue Fairy Book" , part of his Fairy Book series in 1889. Most of the later variants have been inspired by either Villeneueve or Beaumont’s versions.

The Original

Beauty and the Beast (Image from SurLaLane)
Image from SurLaLune 
In Villeneuve’s version, both Belle and the Beast had a backstory to go with their tale. The Beast was a young prince whose father had died while his mother waged war to defend their kingdom. The prince was to be taken care of by an evil fairy who attempted to seduce the prince when he came of age. However when he refused her, she turned him into a beast. Belle was in fact the daughter of a king and a good fairy. The evil fairy had tried to murder Belle so her father placed her in the care of a merchant who’s own daughter had passed. The merchant had 6 sons and 6 daughters (Belle being the youngest). All the daughters were beautiful and cruel except Belle, who was kind-hearted. When the merchant asked each of his daughter’s what they would like him to bring them back from his trip to port, the eldest daughters wanted clothing and jewels and Belle asked for nothing. When prompted, she asked for a rose as there were no roses in their part of the country. On the way back the merchant loses his way in a storm and stumbled upon a castle. Seeing it empty, he sneaks in to find food and spends the night. The next day he sees a rose garden and remembers Belle’s request. As he goes to pluck the loveliest rose he can find he is confronted by the hideous Beast who attempts to kill him for stealing one of his most prized possessions. The merchant begs him to spare his life explaining the rose is for his youngest daughter. The beast agrees to let the merchant return home to give Belle the rose but only if the merchant brings back one of his daughter’s to take his place. Whoever he brings back must be fully aware of the predicament when she accepts. Belle returns to the castle to take her father’s place. The rest of the tale you have heard before. 

Beaumont’s version is shorter by excluding the backstories of the Beast and Belle, with the beginning of the story the same. However the merchant only has 3 sons and 3 daughters, including Belle. She ends up in the castle and is instead told she is the mistress and that the Beast must obey her. 

Beauty and the Beast Re-tellings
So, how much has this classic fairy tale changed over the years? Are the re-tellings similar or impossibly different? Find out more about similar tales below!

***
Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"
Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast"
Available as picture book on Hoopla

This is the story that most people are more familiar with. In this story, Belle is an only child to the wacky inventor, Maurice. Everyone in her village thinks she is odd and longs for an adventure. The Beast was originally a spoiled prince who was transformed into this hideous form by an enchantress who he refused to give shelter in exchange for a beautiful rose. The beautiful rose is enchanted and entwined with the Beast’s human life. Each petal that falls brings him closer to his 21st birthday and once the last petal falls he will die. 
Much of this tale bares a close resemblance to the original - minus some characters and Belle’s background. However, for those that have watched the live action version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, both Belle and the Beast are given a backstory. 
***
 A Court of Thorns and Roses
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas
Available on Overdrive/Libby
In "A Court of Thorns and Roses", 19-year-old Fayre is forced to hunt in the woods for her family’s survival. Humans and fae don’t get along. So much so that there is a wall that borders the human lands and the fairy lands. Fayre has a strong hatred towards Fae as there are some who travel across the wall and hunt down humans. Fayre sees a wolf and knows it is no ordinary wolf - it is Fae. Without a second thought she pierces the wolf with her arrow, killing it. Finding out one of his own was killed with no regrets by a human, Tamlin, one of the High Fae, kidnaps Fayre and brings her to the fairy land Prythian in exchange for the fae life she killed. Fayre sees Tamlin as nothing but a hideous beast, but there is more to him than meets the eye.
The premise for this story, exchanging a human life for another and forcing them to live in a castle with a “beast”, makes it very similar to the original. However, this story continues as a series and involves mythical creatures like the Fae. This is one of my favorite re-tellings!
***

Beastly
"Beastly" by Alex Flinn
Available on Hoopla
Beastly turns the fairytale into a modern story taking place in New York City. Kyle Kingsbury is the most popular boy in school and always gets what he wants, which makes him arrogant and cruel. When he is voted homecoming prince, Kendra, the outcast, protests his victory due to it being because of his "physical beauty.” Kyle publicly humiliates Kendra and other unattractive classmates which prompts Kendra to curse him and physically transform him into everything he despises. The only solution to the curse is to find someone that will love him as he is.
This retelling is incredibly similar to the originals tales except that it is modern day in a high school in New York City. The plot involves an arrogant, attractive young man (the prince of his school) being cursed by a witch/enchantress and becomes a hideous “beast.” He must find someone sees the beauty from within. This book was later adapted to film that stars Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens.
***
For more retellings of this beloved story check out these titles available in our digital collection through Hoopla!
o "Beauty" by Robin Mckinley
o "Rose Daughter" by Robin Mckinley
o "Bryony And Roses" by T. Kingfisher
o "Beauty & the Billionaire" by Jessica Clare
o "Beauty and the Clockwork Beast" by Nancy Campbell Allen

Beauty and the Beast is a great fairy tale that teaches you to see the beauty within a person and to not judge based on appearance. There have been many versions of this story but the theme stays the same. Check out some of these titles above for yourself and let us know in the comments which re-telling is your favorite!
Also enjoy the pictures of my Beauty and the Beast shrine below! 😊 

Nicole's "Beauty and the Beast" Collection

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 05, 2020 at 2:24 PM
  
by Elizabeth, Brandon & Stacy

In today's episode of Pop Culture Den, Aurora Public Library librarians Stacy, Elizabeth, and Brandon discuss the newly released Final Fantasy VII Remake. Join us as we examine the immersive world building, rich characterizations, and continued relevancy of both the 1997 original game and it’s highly anticipated remake through discussion of our own experiences, or lack thereof! 

Are you a fan of the franchise? Tell us your thoughts on the remake in the comments! 



Aurora Public Library's Pop Culture Den series focuses on all things pop culture. Literacy and stories go beyond books: they're in games, movies, and more! Once a month, we'll analyze our favorite works of media and talk tropes, genres, and the bits and pieces that make stories so successful. Be sure to tune in!
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 05, 2020 at 2:24 PM
  
Read It!

Family Book Club
with Tess
Our next book is "The Turnaway Girls" by Hayley Chewins.
To pick up a copy, please call Tallyn’s Reach Library at 303.627.3050. Limit one per family, while supplies last. 

The Turnaway Girls

Reading Schedule:
June 1-7: Chapters 1-10
June 8-14: Chapters 11-21
June 15-21: Chapters 22-31
June 22-29: Chapters 32-41 + Activity
Join us next week here on our blog as we begin our discussion with chapters 1-10!
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 01, 2020 at 3:10 PM
  
**Video may contain spoilers**
Join APL staff each week for a discussion of some of their current reads! Each week they will discuss a book from a different genre. Join the discussion live on at Facebook.com/AuroraLibrary each Friday at 1 p.m. (MST) and leave your thoughts in the comments below! 



The next discussion will be at 1 p.m. on June 5, 2020 on our Facebook page and will feature "The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" by Becky Chambers (available instantly on hoopladigital.com).

Other upcoming titles, all available instantly from hoopla digital, include:
- June 12, "The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" by Melanie Dickerson
- June 19, "Fire Logic" by Laurie J. Marks
- June 26, "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" (Part 1 of The Brown Sisters Series) by Talia Hibbert
Posted by [email protected]  On May 29, 2020 at 2:36 PM
  
Pop Culture Den: Coffee Talk
with Stacy & Elizabeth

In today's episode of Pop Culture Den, Aurora Public Library librarians Stacy and Elizabeth discuss the game Coffee Talk. They think it's a "comfort food game," but what are comfort food games? What needs do they address, and, most importantly -- is this one fun? Tune in to find out!



Referenced article: "Slouching toward relevant video games" by Brie Code

Want to check out "Coffee Talk" for yourself? Check it out on Nintendo and Steam!
 
Aurora Public Library's Pop Culture Den series focuses on all things pop culture. Literacy and stories go beyond books: they're in games, movies, and more! Once a month, we'll analyze our favorite works of media and talk tropes, genres, and the bits and pieces that make stories so successful. Be sure to tune in!
Posted by [email protected]  On May 29, 2020 at 2:30 PM
  
Read It!

Family Book Club
with Tess

Happy Memorial Day!! I really enjoyed Pax - I hope you did too!

Pax by Sara Pennypacker 

Chapters 23-34
1. How did Peter finally get to Pax? 
2. How has Peter helped Vola to change?
3. How did Pax help Bristle and Runt?
4. Did you expect that ending? Were you disappointed or happy?

Here is a fun activity to do at home!

Our next book is "The Turnaway Girls" by Hayley Chewins.
Please call Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to pick up your copy!

The Turnaway Girls
Posted by [email protected]  On May 25, 2020 at 9:57 AM 2 Comments
  
**Video may contain spoilers**
Join APL staff each week for a discussion of some of their current reads! Each week they will discuss a book from a different genre. Join the discussion live on at Facebook.com/AuroraLibrary each Friday at 1 p.m. (MST) and leave your thoughts in the comments below! 




The next discussion will be at 1 p.m. on May 29, 2020 on our Facebook page and will feature "A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals" by Alyssa Cole (available instantly on hoopladigital.com).

Other upcoming titles, all available instantly from hoopla digital, include:
- June 5, "The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" by Becky Chambers
- June 12, "The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" by Melanie Dickerson
- June 19, "Fire Logic" by Laurie J. Marks
Posted by [email protected]  On May 22, 2020 at 4:37 PM
  
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