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Cyborg Monday

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By Amanda Alexander, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Fairest

Feeling like you just can’t wait for Marissa Myer’s newest book in the popular Lunar Chronicles series, about a world in which cyborgs and humans coexist?  Fairest, the story of evil Queen Levana, is set for release on January 27, 2015.  Until then, you can participate in Macmillan’s promotions for the upcoming novel which begin on November 17, at which point several characters from the books will pop up in ten cities across the nation handing out chapters from Cinder, the first book in the series.  On December 1, the redesigned website for the series will be unveiled – with users able to unlock material related to Fairest by using the hashtag #cyborgmonday.  The website will also be hosting a competition, judged by Meyer, where fans can create a portrait of Queen Levana based on how they see her.  The winner will be given a trip to Meyer’s home town of Tacoma, Washington to attend the Fairest Launch party which will take place on January 27.  A picture taking app will also be available that fans can use to “glamour” themselves and share their image on the website and social media.  So, Lunar Chronicles fans, mark your calendars as you prepare for the holiday season!  For those new to the series, there is still plenty of time to catch up over the break and before Fairest is released.  The series’ first three books: Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress are all available for checkout in the school library located in the basement of McLure.  Also, Fairest is available for pre-order here.

Related links:

http://www.marissameyer.com/

http://thelunarchronicles.com/

Installation Art

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By Amanda Alexander , Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

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Installation art usually describes three-dimensional works of art that are made to change the way that people see a certain area, and can be either temporary or permanent.  Christo and Jeanne-Claude are one of the most famous examples of environmental installation artists who were responsible for The Gates, a 23-mile long group of “gates” created out of saffron colored nylon fabric hung from steel bases.  For further study, Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Through the Gates and Beyond By Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, can be found in the School Library in the basement of McLure.  Installation art has also been showcased in the news lately, specifically the Tower of London poppies and the balloons in Berlin that marked the 25th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

 

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In London, an installation titled the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red showcases 888,246 ceramic poppies representing each life lost to WWI in service of the British crown.  The installation has drawn millions of spectators who view the sight as a monument to the tragedy of war.  However, the memorial has also drawn its fair share of criticism from those who view that installation as a glorification of war and have counteracted by creating white poppies as a symbol of peace.

 

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In Berlin, a temporary wall was made to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the wall’s collapse.  The installation symbolizing the wall was constructed out of 8,000 illuminated balloons that were released into the air on November 9th to the notes of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.  The piece is one of many celebratory events that will take place in Berlin this year.

 

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For those of you interested in viewing an installation art piece closer to home, Birmingham features an installation titled LightRails, which is located downtown in Railroad Park.  The attraction is a permanent display consisting of a system of computerized LED lights installed in an old art deco railroad underpass.  Birmingham commissioned Texas-based artist Bill FitzGibbons to create the piece in order to bring pedestrian traffic to an area that had become dark and neglected.  It is an open and inviting display of light and color used to reinvigorate a previously unused and forgotten space, making pedestrians feel safe and showcasing a brilliant work of art.

Snowpiercer

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by Amanda Alexander, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

snowpiercer movieSnow Piercer graphic novel

You may have seen or heard of the Korean Film Snowpiercer, as it was the first film shown for the Bama Art House’s fall schedule at the Bama Theater this past August or maybe you are a fan of international film or Chris Evans.  Whatever the case Snowpiercer, about the world’s survivors battling an ice age and struggling to live aboard a 1,001 car train with a strict caste system, is a futuristic action thriller.  The film is now available on DVD and Netflix and can also be check out locally at the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

What fans of the film may not realize is that the film is based on a French graphic novel originally published in 1982 but not translated into English until 2014.  Both volumes are at McLure; Snow Piercer 1: The Escape and Snow Piercer 2: The Explorers.  Come check out these fantastic and exhilarating reads about post-apocalyptic life aboard a massive train.

Harlem Hellfighters

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By Amanda Alexander, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Veteran’s Day: The date stems from the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918—the end of the First World War.

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Max Brooks’ graphic novel, The Harlem Hellfighters, tells the story of the historic black regiment nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters.  These courageous men had the distinction of being the first African-American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Force in France in 1917, and spent over six months in combat.  The regiment suffered approximately fifteen hundred casualties but received only nine hundred replacements.  The graphic novel gives a fictionalized account of the experiences of the 369th Infantry Regiment from enlistment until their return home.  This is an account of bravery amidst war and racial discrimination that needed to be told.  Come to McLure and check out this harrowing read today.

Outlander

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By Amanda Alexander, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Can’t get enough of the Outlander series?  With the show on hiatus until April 4th some fans have been left gnashing their teeth and wringing their hands in anticipation.  Starz decided to split the first season of the show, based on the first book in Diana Gabaldon’s wildly popular Outlander novels, into two parts.  The first 8 episodes have already aired and are available to Starz subscribers On Demand now with the second 8 episodes set to start back on Saturday, April 4th at 8 pm central time.  For those unfamiliar with the series, Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a married WWII nurse, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743 where she encounters another war and is thrown into the arms of dashing Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser.  Fans will be delighted to know that Starz has already renewed the series for a second season based on Gabaldon’s book Dragonfly in Amber, the second book in the series.   

 

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Luckily, you don’t have to wait until 2015 to get your Outlander fix, as McLure Library has the Outlander graphic novel!  Titled The Exile, it is told from Jamie’s perspective and gives a fresh take on the books and show, which are both told from Claire’s perspective.  For those who might have a long journey home for Thanksgiving break, the full series of Outlander books, ebooks, and audiobooks can be found at the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

Links for further Outlander enjoyment: