Bad Habits: Confessions of A Recovering Catholic by Jenny McCarthy
This book is an account of Jenny's relationship with Catholicism. It is a quick read and of course some people will be offended, but consider the source. Some parts are humorous, especially reliving childhood memories and what was taught by priests and nuns during 12 years of Catholic education. I guess we all interpret things differently as adolescents. It is how you practice your faith that really matters. I was a bit taken back by her infatuation with Jesus, yet laughed hysterically at the measures she took for her safety due to her fear of Satan. Wearing a rosary for a necklace, who knew?
-Becky, Youth Services
Andrew Zuckerman
Andrew Zuckerman is a filmmaker and photographer who is famous for his simple, but elegant photographs set against a white background. There are six of his photography books available through SWAN, including Creature. Zuckerman has a website -- Creaturebook.com -- where you can see the photographs in the book. It's a beautiful site and would be a great tool for kids interested in animals.
-Mike, Reference
How Stuff Works
I came across this website while doing academic research. If you're familiar with the publication Mental Floss, it's very similar to that, in that the topic is explained in article format and in a fun and interesting way. The articles themselves range in topic from general to very specific- from foot binding to how to pick locks (not that I'm encouraging illegal activity but it's interesting!) to whether or not cyberterrorism is on the rise. Content is divided by subject, so if just want to learn more about money and budgeting or cars, you can. It's fun just to browse through if you have some time and explore the material provided. You'll definitely learn a lot!
-Judy, Reference
In Our Nature
This movie takes a realistic look at a muddled father-son relationship. Seth (Zach Gilford of Friday Night Lights) and Andie (Jena Malone of Donnie Darko) are a young, idealistic, quasi-artistic couple in search of a quiet weekend in the country. Unfortunately, a miscommunication means that they will be sharing it with Gil--Seth's wealthy, abrasive father (John Slattery, the silver-haired Mad Man)--and his younger girlfriend, Vicky (Gabrielle Union of Think Like a Man).
The prevailing motif of movies and TV during the last decade has been awkwardness.While it's usually milked in the service of comedy, In Our Nature explores it in a sobering, thoughtful way and shows how people with clashing values and vast disparities in social skills will still try to cobble together a decent weekend and/or long-term relationships. Plus, the cast is very strong and engaging--most notably Gabrielle Union, a charming and painfully underutilized talent. Someone make this woman a movie star already!
-Megan, Reference
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