Month: February 2020

Teen Movie Reviewer – Griffin Hon

A new feature on our TeenSpace Blog: Movie reviews! If you are a teen and are interested in earning community service credit for writing a movie, book or other media (videogame, podcast, app) review, contact Mrs. Long in the Teen Department at ext 242.

Green Book (2018)

Directed by Peter Farrelly, Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali deliver a heartfelt and moving performance depicting the real story of Don “Doc” Shirley and Tony Lip in Green Book. Green Book masterfully tells a “not-buddies-into-buddies” road trip story that adds so much to the traditional formula that has been seen so many times before. After losing his job and financial stability from the nightclub that he works getting closed down, Tony Lip grudgingly accepts a job to chauffeur African-American world-class pianist Dr. Don Shirley.

Tony Lip begins as a both pitiless, mean talking big guy and committed family man, whose name came from his nasty reputation for his masterful fabrication of the truth. Meanwhile, Dr. Don Shirley is highly educated, eloquent and wealthy, which has proven to be both a blessing and a curse for him. His status has made him disassociated with others and lonely in his throne.

These two rich, genuine characters make the perfect antitheses and their contrast creates a series of punctual and meaningful dialogues that will have you thinking long after the movie ends. The powerful social commentary and 2019 Oscar Best Picture Winner that is “Green Book” is highly recommended for an enjoyable, albeit serious watch.

Thank you Griffin! We look forward to reading your next movie review soon!

Happy Valentine’s Day! (Or not?)

We have books for both, no pressure, it’s a holiday that can definitely go both ways! Some great Romance books include:

Lovely War by Julie Berry

They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect turned soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the US Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it’s no match for the transcendent power of Love.

A Totally Awkward Love Story by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison.

Hannah and Sam are searching for The One–but over the summer, a series of hilarious misunderstandings prevent them from realizing that they’re It for one another.

Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen

After reading her mother’s secret collection of romance novels during her parent’s difficult separation, seventeen-year-old Evangeline Logan begins a quest for the perfect kiss.

And some breakup stories if you’re in the mood for that instead:

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell.

Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley’s dream girl, but Freddy is learning she is not the best girlfriend, so she seeks help from a mysterious medium and advice columnists to help her through being a teenager in love.

Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it’s too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she’s unable to escape.

Check out our Syosset Library Teens Instagram for more ideas!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jRCm0pmlT/