The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Title: The Magnolia Story

Author: Chip and Joanna Gaines

Genre: Memoir

The Magnolia Story is written by the hosts of HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines. Like many fans the show, a big reason why I love watching is (aside from the beautiful home redesigns) seeing the genuineness of the Gaines’ relationship and their family life and values that are clearly present. The book gets more into this as it tells the story of how Chip and Joanna met, how they got into the business, and is interspersed with anecdotes and family moments. Chip and Joanna switch back and forth in the narrative, which at first I thought would be distracting, but I actually enjoyed the style and found it read like a conversation. This inspiring memoir would appeal to fans of the show or even anyone looking to start their own business.

- Sarah P.

Check out The Magnolia Story @ the library.

A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston

Title: A Life in Parts

Author: Bryan Cranston

Genre: Autobiography

Though occasionally repetitive in his advice, Bryan Cranston's autobiography, A Life in Parts, is an interesting read spanning his life so far - from childhood through his success with Breaking Bad. He shares the path of his journey mostly organized by the various gigs he's landed (hence the title). It is told candidly with some wry humor and a steady enough stream of drama to keep the reader interested. If you select the audiobook format, you have the added benefit of hearing the book read by the actor himself. 

- Sarah R.

Check out A Life in Parts @ the library.

Born With Teeth by Kate Mulgrew

These days, you’re most likely to recognize longtime actress Kate Mulgrew from her role as “Red” Reznikov on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black.  But Mulgrew has a varied acting history that spans decades.

 In her new memoir, Mulgrew talks in detail about many of the stages of her life.  She details her upbringing in a large, Catholic family on a beautiful Iowa farm, going to New York to study acting with Stella Adler and the death of her younger sister.  A young Kate has to make a decision to work on not one, but two prestigious projects while quitting her training.

She has several intense romantic relationships and as a young woman, becomes pregnant and gives the baby up for adoption with no knowledge of the child’s whereabouts.   This painful decision colors much of her future and mental health but Mulgrew continues working at a staggering pace.  She eventually marries and has two sons with artistic director Robert Egan. By the end of the book, the reader sees two of the actress’s biggest life events: the search for her biological daughter and her role as Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager. 

The actress who plays colorful roles on the stage and screen is no less vibrant in real life.  Mulgrew’s memoir is written with honesty, wit, and beautiful language.  Check out Born With Teeth from the library today!

Slimed! The Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age by Mathew Klickstein

Did you ever wish you could take the physical challenge to get out of a test? How about wishing for a best friend who would climb through your window? Do you still look above for the slime when someone says "I don't know?" Do you wish you could submit stories for the approval of the midnight society?

Now, you are either confused,or reliving some of the best TV memories from your childhood. If you picked the latter, then Slimed! is the book for you. Mathew Klickstein has gathered interviews from Nickelodeon executives, show runners and actors from the early days, meaning the 1980's and early 1990's. From the people trying to start a network for kids, to the teens starring in the shows, no one is left without a say. And no matter if you dreamed of winning big on Double Dare, or just wishing you could go to Camp Anawanna, no early show is left untouched.

This is definitely for those readers who remember the early days of Nickelodeon, however even if you caught the shows in re-run, or just want to know more about the early days of a growing television channel, Slimed is a must read!

Check out Slimed! @ the library!