Beat the heat with these splashy library materials celebrating one of humanity's favorite predators.
Jaws: The Special 25th Anniversary Collection’s Edition
If you have a fear of sharks, it may be due to the 1975 American thriller directed by Steven Spielberg based on the novel Jaws by Peter Benchley. Although the shark in Jaws the movie was mechanical and often malfunctioned on set, it nevertheless chomped into the fears of many Summer moviegoers. According to some critics, the film has been credited for revolutionizing the Summer blockbuster. You may have a clear picture of Jaws in your mind, but director Steven Spielberg employed an ominous and minimalist theme created by composer John Williams to suggest the shark’s presence.
Pandemic Shark: A journey through the world of chess improvement
The pandemic created a unique opportunity for amateur players to improve their game. Pandemic Shark is a book by “struggling” GM Daniel Gormally that explores the different ways that amateur chess players can improve their game. The book is divided into three parts: The Pandemic Shark, The Art of Improvement, and The Mind of the Chess Player. Gormally argues that talent is not the only factor that determines success in chess, and that with hard work and dedication, even average players can reach a high level of play. He provides a wealth of insights and practical advice for amateur chess players, based on his own experience as a chess player and coach.
Julia and the Shark is a new universal novel by Kiran Millwood Hargrave that tells the story of a young girl who travels to a remote island with her parents. Her mother is a marine biologist who is determined to find the elusive Greenland shark, and Julia soon becomes obsessed with the creature as well. The book has been praised for its lyrical prose, its stunning illustrations, and its sensitive exploration of themes of family, friendship, and mental health. Kirkus Reviews called it "a beautiful and moving story.”
Loan Sharks: The Birth of Predatory Lending
In the mood to read about a different kind of shark? Loan Sharks is a book by Charles R. Geisst that traces the history of predatory lending in the United States. It examines the origins of loan sharking in the 19th century, when private lenders would charge exorbitant interest rates to borrowers who could not get loans from banks. Geisst explores how loan sharking evolved in the 20th century, as banks began to offer their own high-interest loans. The book concludes by examining the recent wave of predatory lending, which Geisst argues led to the subprime mortgage crisis and the Great Recession. If you’re interested in understanding predatory lending and its impact on American society, Loan Sharks is for you!
