Meow everyone, it’s Cosmo, your trusty Library Cat. This month I’ve truly been enjoying the atmosphere of cheer and hygge at Grand County Public Library. However, I understand that not everyone is into the Christmas holiday: it can get a little cloying, and even I grow a tad weary of all the twinkly cheer and jolly-ness. This is when I turn to movies and books that are a little darker than what is typical for the holiday season, a kind of metaphorical palate cleanser from all the Christmas twee (see what I did there?).
If you feel the same way, you might want to check out the DVD “A Christmas Horror Story” (starring William Shatner as a boozy radio DJ: enough said!) or “Rare Exports,” a creepy holiday tale from Finland. And let’s not forget the movie “Krampus”! Truly terrifying. You just might find yourself needing to watch a Hallmark movie after that one.
My librarians have created an-easy-to-find list of smarm-free material in the library catalog, and here’s how you can see it: first, visit www.catalog.moablibrary.org. In the drop-down menu that starts with “in library catalog” select “Lists.” Then type the words “Antidote to Christmas Twee” in the search window and hit enter. So simple! You can even place holds on items that strike your fancy from there.
For fans of unsweetened young adult literature, there are a lot of dystopian books to try out, such as “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi, or creepy novels like “Under this Red Rock” by Mindy McGinnis, or “Delicious Monsters” by Liselle Sambury.
Our younger patrons wanting a break from seasonal cheer might want to watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” or check out books in the zombie genre, such as “The Last Kids on Earth” series by Max Brailler or the “Dead City” series by James Ponti.
Of course, the library also has an extensive collection of sparkly, cheery holiday-themed books and movies for all ages. You can search online by entering “Christmas” or “holiday” or even better, ask our library staff for help (finding books for you is their favorite thing to do). All of us hope you have a terrific holiday season, whatever your temperament. Meowy Christmas, everyone!
