Wayback Wednesday: The Lost Boys (dvd)

Welcome to Wayback Wednesday! 

With the recent release of Midnight Sun, Edward's spin on the Twilight dramaverse, vampires are, apparently, a Thing once again. And while the vampires of The Lost Boys (dvd-1987) don't sparkle in the sunshine as do Meyer's vamps, there is still plenty of fun to be had. 

It all starts when Michael and his younger brother, Sam, move to a small California town. Little do they realize, Luna Bay is home to a dark secret. While checking out the local nightlife, Michael falls in insta-love with the mysterious Star...who he follows back to an abandoned hotel. Here he meets David and a gang of local motorcycle-riding teens. David takes a liking to Michael and invites him to sit down and have a drink. Little does Michael know that David and Co. are vampires and the 'wine' he just sipped is actually vamperic blood. With this, Michael has taken his first step to transforming into a vampire, which he will do upon making his first kill. Meanwhile, Sam befriends a couple vampire conspiracy theorists at the local comic shop and, the more he hangs out with his new crew, the more convinced he is something sinister is going on with his older brother. In their research, the boys learn that the only way to save Michael is to kill the head vampire before Michael makes his first kill. But the clock is ticking. And the head vampire may not be who they think he (or she?) is.

Released more than 30 years ago, The Lost Boys has become a cult classic. The nonstop action, romance, and 80s Glam Rock vibe make this a fun film to watch. And, if you liked it (like I did), you'll be pleased to know there are two sequels. Although, as is typically the case, the sequels aren't as good as the original. 

--AJB

Easter Egg Decorating Kits

March 29 - April 3

Stop by the Teen Department all this week and pick up an Egg Decorating Kit. There are Unicorn and Superhero kits available. 

Supplies are limited. 

Bouncy Ball Craft

Saturday March 27, 2021

Stop by the Teen Department this Saturday (March 27) and pick up a Bouncy Ball Kit. 

Note: This is a VERY cool project and supplies are limited, so we recommend you get here early for your best chance at snagging one of these kits.

Tailchaser's Song, by Tad Williams

Today's blog is a bit of a throwback, despite it being Friday and not Thursday, the day typically reserved for such things. 

I found Tad Williams' amazing adventure story, Tailchaser's Song, deep down a Literary Rabbit Hole. I'd heard of the book, of course. I've often glanced curiously it while weeding or shelf-straightening. And once, many years ago, it was recommended to me as a read-alike for Warriors, a series I used to enjoy reading. But as with many recommendations, I thanked the person, but ignored it. I'm that way when it comes to reading: If I am to enjoy a book, I have to come to it in my own time.

Such was the case with Tailchaser's Song. I devoured it as happily and as shamelessly as Growler (dog) faced with a Prime Rib dinner.  

Fritti Tailchaser is a young ginger tom who makes his home at the edge of the Old Woods forest, near a human settlement. Tailchaser is smitten with Hushpad, a indoor-outdoor cat who lives in a M'an home nearby. Tailchaser hopes to make Hushpad his mate someday soon, but then she vanishes without a trace. This is not the first disappearance as of late, something Tailchaser learns at a meeting of local cats. Fearing the worst, he vows to go on a quest to find his missing friend and rescue her from whatever peril stole her away. Tailchaser sets off, accompanied by Pouncequick, a kitten who hero-worships him. They travel to the Court of Cats to get more information on the disappearances and are soon joined in their quest by Eatbugs, a mysterious and loony old feral, and Roofshadow, a female about the same age as Tailchaser. The foursome soon learns of the terrible evil that threatens not only cats, but all creatures. And Tailchaser, with his foretold destiny, is the only one who can save the day. 

Tailchaser's Song did, indeed, remind me a bit of early Warriors. Its characters were of the feline variety, it was loaded with mythology, and its plot hinged on the successful quest of a Chosen One. However, that's where the similarities end. Tailchaser's Song was much more detailed and much more well-written than I remember the Warriors books being. Although I hate to put labels on beloved books, fearing it will limit the expectations of others, I would say Tailchaser's Song is a mashup of Warriors and Alison Croggon's Books of Pellinor series. But more too.

Although I absolutely consider myself a Cat Person, Tailchaser's Song was not my usual fare. So I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the story and how attached I became to its characters. In short: I loved this book. And I know I now have a new story to add to my All Time Favorites list. If you are a fan of fantasy and cats and just a great story, consider giving Tailchaser's Song a read. If not right now, than I hope you discover it in your own time (like I did). 

--AJB