Reviews

Want to know what our librarians and staff are reading? Browse through a variety of reviews added to our catalog from a variety of genres.

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  • Fist fight
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Apr 12, 2021

    Tagged: Movies and Television

    Comedy. Hilarious. Fun To Watch. Good Actors. Good Ending. Fast Paced.

    Teachers behaving badly opposed to the students.  This movie was soo funny.   Everyone is geared up for the big fight after school (except for one participant). The characters were fun to watch as the build up to the end of the school day came near.  I enjoyed watching this movie.  I laughed from beginning til the end.

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  • Girls trip
    ★★☆☆☆

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Apr 8, 2021

    Tagged: African American Humor Movies and Television

    Comedy. Rauchy. Foul Language. Good Ending. Nice Cast. Long-time Friendships

    The girlfriend's get away trip theme was good.  I could not enjoy the movie because it had too much foul language in almost every scene. Some scenes were funny.   It did, however, have a very good cast.

     

     

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  • Once upon an eid Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by Ali, Nujood.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Megan M on Apr 8, 2021

    Tagged: Audiobooks Children Education Family Fiction Religion

    Have you ever gotten distracted while your brownies were in the oven - and burned the whole batch? Or maybe your friend’s bike got into an accident so you begrudgingly lent him yours? Perhaps you've dealt with guilt over things in life that were beyond your control. Or had sickness in the family, and took on the difficult task of helping someone close to you participate and find joy in a special day, even when they are not feeling 100%. Once Upon an Eid is a delightful, uplifting anthology of short stories about topics like these, and more, which kids and adults can enjoy, learn from, and see themselves in. This thoroughly enjoyable book allows the reader to experience Eid through the eyes of a number of different people, of various ages and genders, from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Some stories are lighthearted and funny, others more bittersweet. But even though the stories are all unique, each shows the important role that family and community play in our lives, no matter who we are. If you're looking for something to elevate your spirits and touch your heart, especially during Ramadan, give this book a try! I listened to the audiobook which features Siiri Scott and Neil Shah and this really brought the characters to life for me, but I'm certain the print version is engaging as well. Even though the stories are fiction, this put me in mind of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books that were popular when I was younger, due to the inspirational and spiritual nature of the stories. I'd recommend this book for 4th grade and up.

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  • Tyler Perry's Madea goes to jail
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Apr 6, 2021

    Tagged: African American Humor Movies and Television

    Drama. Comedy. Romance. Memorable Characters. Touching. Strong Acting. Sensitive Subject Matters. Heart-warming.

    Although this film deals with many sensitive subjects it will still have you laughing when Madea shows up. The actors and actresses were very convincing in thier roles.  Also adding to the comedy is Tamala and David Mann . It's not a lot of scenes with Madea in jail, but, it enough of them to keep you wondering  WWMD... "what would Madea do".

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  • The Real Coke, The Real Story by Oliver, Thomas

    Reviewed by Robert S on Mar 31, 2021

    Tagged: Biography and Autobiography Business and Economics Business and Entrepreneurs History Cooking and Nutrition

    This review contains spoilers! Click to reveal...

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  • Paris : The novel by Rutherfurd, Edward.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by valerie h on Mar 29, 2021

    Tagged: History

    This is an historical novel about Paris, the City of Light.  It's 752 pages, a big bug crusher, of a book.  But, stay with it.

    It covers the years 1261 to 1968. Six families are followed through centuries of religious persecutions, plagues, continous wars and one very bloody revolution. Notre Dame Cathedral is constructed as is the Eifell Tower in engaging detail.

    The characters are all interconnected through time. They love each other, kill each other, marry each other, impregnate each other, betray each other.  They are always, none the wiser, about their historical connections through the veils of history.

    We, the all-knowing readers, keep track of these liasons through tumultous times.  If you are a history buff or reader of romance novels, this book is for you.

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  • Tyler Perry's Good deeds
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 29, 2021

    Tagged: African American Family Movies and Television Romance

    Romance. Comedy. Touching. Heart-warming. Inspiring. Emotional. Good Ending. Great Acting.

    This film honors goodness in a fairytale type of way. As do most of Tyler Perry's film this one deals with emotional and inspiring real life situations. Homelessness is a very sad but real reality to many people in this country of plenty. A constant reminder that pride comes before the fall and that you can be up today and down tomorrow. Tyler Perry is a true prince charming to the rescue in this movie. A movie that the whole family can enjoy together.  I enjoyed watching this film.

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  • Tyler Perry's The family that preys
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 29, 2021

    Tagged: African American Family Movies and Television

    Drama. Strong Acting. Great Cast. Emotional. Good Ending. Nice Music.

    This film dealt with real everyday issues like sadness, friendship,  love, selfishness, homelessness, betrayal and the ability to move on. It was a good storyline and not as predictable as some of Perry's films. Very good actors/actresses ( Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodward, Taraji P. Henson, Rockmond Dunbar). Kind of on a soap opera line, but, I think this is one of Tyler Perry's better films. 

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  • Daddy's little girls
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 29, 2021

    Tagged: African American Family Movies and Television Romance

    Drama, Emotional. Touching, Heart-warming. Family Movie. Uplifiting.

    Idris Elba is a warm-hearted, hard-working  all around good guy who just wants the best for his three daugthers. This film explores the horrible way that drugs, violence, and gang activity can affect the life of ordinary people trying to do the right things. The acting was very good and convincing. I enjoyed Gabrielle Union's character in this film.  The cast worked well together. This a film the family can watch together.

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  • Tyler Perry's I can do bad all by myself
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 23, 2021

    Tagged: African American Family Humor Movies and Television Music Romance

    Comedy-Drama.  Emotional. Heart-warming.  Good Acting.  Emotional.  Family-oriented. Great Musical Performances. Inspirational. Romance.

    Tyler Perry is an awesome writer. His films are always inspiring and thought provoking.   This film will make you re-evaluate just how important family is to you. It shows so many different types of emotional and mental feelings  that can come from past experiences (abandonment, abuse, drunkeness, molestation ) when they are never addressed.  There are spectacular performances by Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and also Taraji P. Henson. No Tyler Perry movie is complete without a appearance by Madea (to add comedy). The children actors in this film did an awesome job as well. The ending is somewhat predictable, but, heart-warming just the same. I love this movie...I've watched it several times.

     

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  • Always and forever
    ★★★☆☆

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 15, 2021

    Tagged: African American Fiction Movies and Television

    Always And 4ever

    Drama. Thriller. Mystery. Suspense. Murder. Revenge. Grudges. 

    You can tell from the first scene that a childhood pact has been made that will come back to haunt one day. Many parts were predictable. The movie left lots of unanswered questions and no build up for the next scenes . The main character didn't really seem to have much sympathy for her friends. However, it did have a twist at the end. It wasn't a great movie.

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  • Fatale
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 15, 2021

    Tagged: Movies and Television

    Drama. Mystery. Suspenseful. Adulterous issues. Revenge. Violence. 

    Hillary Swank plays a psychotic police detective out for revenge. Micheal Ealy is a sports agent who  has a one night affair with Swank and is caught up in a web of murders. There are some very intense scene.  Ealy's character is much like the one he played in "The Intruder"  he really takes a beating. This film has strong acting and a unexpected ending. 

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  • Honest thief
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 15, 2021

    Tagged: Movies and Television

    Action. Adventure. Thriller. Suspenseful. Fast-paced. Violence. Greed.

    The love of money proves to be the root of evil in this thriller. Corrupt cops and the desire to be a honest man makes for a fast moving action-filled film. Liam Neeson's acting is strong and convincing as he tries to right the wrongs from his past after meeting the love of his life (Kate Walsh). Nice chase scenes. Some twist and turns and a bit of humor. The film will hold your interest.  Its not long and draw out. This is a treat if you are a fan of  Liam Neeson. He never fails to entertain.  Good ending.

     

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  • Dilili in Paris
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Leaona S on Mar 12, 2021

    Tagged: Art Education Family Movies and Television

    What a beautiful movie. The storyline was well thought out with elements of adventure, mystery and history. The graphics were visually pleasing and innovative. A well rounded family movie that all will enjoy.

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  • Fortune and glory by Evanovich, Janet,
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Donna P on Mar 9, 2021

    Tagged: Fiction

    fortune and glory

     

    the newest Janet Evanovich's book. Like her other books tell of Stephanie Plum's many adventures as a bounty hunter and the predicaments she gets into. I always enjoy reading about Stephanie Plum.

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  • Life
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 9, 2021

    Tagged: African American Humor Movies and Television

    Drama. Hilarious. Memorable Characters. Awesome Cast. Great Ending. Friendships. Hope.  Feel-Good Movie. Uplifting.

    Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy... how can this movie not be funny (even with the touchy issues). These are two of the most hilarious actors that I know.. they can make a light comedy side out of anything..  I love everything about this movie from start to finish. The movie has a good storyline and is well acted out. Murphy and Lawrence play two men who are wrongly sentenced to life in prison for murder. They never give up hope in escaping.  This movie is about friendship, faith and hope (three of my favorite things). The movie will make you laugh out loud as well as make you cry a little. It will make you angry at times when it deal with sensitive subjects like racism (but the characters manage to add humor to these scenes). This film has a awesome all black leading cast. This film will always be one of my best loved movies.

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  • Norbit
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 9, 2021

    Tagged: African American Humor Movies and Television Teens Romance

    Comedy. Romance. Funny. Memorable Characters. Silly Moments. Corny At Times.

    I recommend watching this movie if you like corny predictable humor, silly action and a cute romance. It's the story of a childhood love crush that has lasted the the test of time, but, can it last "Rasputia".  I admit the characters are funny. Although the movie is filled with bullies.. it was fun to watch.  It has its share of heroes as well. The movie has a nice ending.

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  • Mr. Church
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Joyce L on Mar 9, 2021

    Tagged: African American Family Movies and Television

    Drama. Heart-warming. Inspiring. Emotional. Compassionate.  Loving Friendships.

    Eddie Murphy returns to the screen after a 4 year hiatus. His character was a little hard to understand at first, but, came to light as the film went on. The movie tells the story of a unique friendship between a little girl, her dying mother and a talented cook. The actors and actresses worked well together.  The movie shows a side of friendship that was genuine and memorable. I enjoyed watching this movie because it was not a movie with a predictable ending.

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  • Life animated a story of sidekicks, heroes, and autism by Suskind Ron
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by valerie h on Mar 7, 2021

    Tagged: Art Disabilites and Accessibility

    In Life, Animated,  Ron Suskind tells the story of his son, Owen, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3.  Prior to the diagnosis, Owen appeared to be a normal, outgoing toddler.  Suddenly, his developing speech regresses to the point of mutism.  He'd spin in circles, flap his hands, cry constantly and could not make eye contact.

    The Suskind family finds that there are no established guidelines or protocols to meet Owen's needs.  They do notice one thing:  Owen will stare transfixed by Disney cartoon videos which he loved before his diagnosis.  Eye contact!

    Over time, the "Wonderful World of Disney" bcomes a tool for Owen to connect to his family and the larger world.  However, it is not all fun and games. The book covers 20 years of Owen's life.  We see him kicked out of 2 pricey schools and bullied by classmates.  His older brother both loves and resents him, mortified by his public behaviors.  It's  a heart warming and inspirational read.  I recommend this book

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  • Bancroft
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Ashley B on Mar 5, 2021

    Tagged: Movies and Television

    She was very manipulative and folks believed her because of her powerful position but things take a crazy twist in season 2. Its really a psychological thriller season if you ask me...shows how a person's dramatic past can really effect their minds...and folks just snap!!!

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