Good Reads & Views

Uncle Janice by Matt Burgess
Fiction

This gritty, funny portrayal of life on the street for Janice Itwaru, an young undercover narcotics (hence “uncle”) officer in Queens is part police procedural, part crime caper, part sensitive portrait of an rookie trying to survive long enough to score her detective’s badge. On the job, Janice struggles to make quotas for undercover buys, keep her cover from being blown, and avoid an Internal Affairs investigation. Demands at home include caring for her mother, who has dementia, rebuffing her estranged father’s attempts at reconciliation, and trying to revive a nearly nonexistent love life. Darkly humorous and engaging, this fresh behind the scenes look at policing will have you hoping for a sequel.

Everybody’s Got Something by Robin Roberts
Nonfiction

Listening to Robin Roberts’ book, Everybody’s Got Something on CD, being read in her own voice, made me feel as though I was listening to her talk over a cup of coffee. This is a fairly short book covering a very specific time in her life, dealing with a second cancer. I think there are some things she was able to experience that the average person won't necessarily be able to relate to but I think the common takeaways from her experience are the value of being an assertive advocate for your own care, the significance of a strong support system, and always taking the opportunity to tell those who are important in your life that they ARE important every chance you get.

Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship by Robert Kurson
Nonfiction

In this rip-roaring tale of pirates, deep-sea divers, and treasure, you might not believe it if it weren’t all true. This exuberant, suspenseful adventure story is filled with details of a modern-day mission to discover an extremely rare 17th-century pirate ship, as well as fascinating historical pirate lore (what they said, what they didn’t, and how they used democracy aboard their ships). It’s hard to decide which character is more fascinating: the reliable English captain who—against all odds—turned pirate and battled the British navy, or the two divers (one of whom nearly became a Mafioso earlier in his life) obsessed with finding the pirate ship. An enticing blend of adventure, history, research, risk-taking, and discovery.

Think Like a Man Too  
DVD

In the highly anticipated sequel, which was inspired by Steve Harvey's best-selling book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man", all the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas. But plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.  Another movie for fans of Kevin Hart.

Feature Film.  (Rated PG-13)

Ride Along
DVD

Comedy starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube.  Fast-talking security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) joins his soon-to-be brother-in-law James (Ice Cube) on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James's sister.  

Feature Film.  (Rated PG-13)

About Last Night
DVD

A modern re-telling of the classic romantic comedy from 1986 starring Demi Moore and Rob Lowe.  Bernie (Kevin Hart) and Joan (Regina Hall) are two fiery flirters who are passionate about everything from hookups to breakups. When he sets up his best friend, Danny, with her roommate, Debbie, the sparks soon fly as they try to navigate the relationship minefields from the bar to the bedroom.  

Feature Film.  (Rated R)

Eight Hundred Grapes  by Laura Dave
Fiction

Breakthrough book alert! In her fourth women’s fiction book, Laura Dave gives us a warm story about a family in California’s wine country. Georgia returns home to her family’s vineyard, having fled her final wedding dress fitting when she sees her fiancé in a surprising scenario. Expecting a comforting welcome at home, she’s surprised—and not in the good way; the rest of the family is going through their own travails. Lush with details about winemaking and the love of one’s craft, this delightful novel is a great choice for summer.

Frozen
DVD

When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. They encounter mystical trolls, a sweet and funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn.  Anna and Kristoff battle to save the kingdom from destruction.  There are wonderful songs to sing along to in the movie.

Animated.  (Rated G)

St. Vincent
DVD

Maggie, a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her twelve-year old son, Oliver. Forced to work long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of their new neighbor, Vincent, a retired curmudgeon with a desire for alcohol and gambling. An odd friendship soon blossoms between the improbable pair. Together with a pregnant stripper, named Daka, Vincent brings Oliver along on all the stops that make up his daily routine, race track, strip club, and a dive bar.  Highly Recommended.

Feature Film.  (Rated PG-13)

Philomena
DVD

Based on the 2009 investigative book by Martin Sixsmith.  Judi Dench stars in the story of Philomena Lee, mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock and given up for adoption. Nearly 50 years later, Philomena meets Martin Sixsmith, a former BBC reporter looking for his next big story. Together, they embark on a journey to locate her long lost son. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the unlikely travel companions form a comic and heartwarming friendship.  

Feature Film.  (Rated PG-13)