Need to take your mind off of things for a little bit? Check out this week’s staff picks of what to read, watch, and do this weekend!
MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY
Directed by Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, Darkest Hour) and produced by Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, The Hand of God) and Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer), this sprawling miniseries might be the best thing on TV this year. Luca Marinelli (The Old Guard, Martin Eden, The Eight Mountains) gives a powerhouse performance as the power-hungry, egomaniacal, fascist dictator in this bold and visually stunning telling of his rise to power. Mixing a play-like structure with grand, cinematic style and an anachronistic but well-suited score by Chemical Brother Tom Rowlands, it’s timely, thrilling must-see-TV and art of the highest order. – Sean Farrell
THE GOD OF THE WOODS BY LIZ MOORE
A bit late to the party, as this title came out summer 2024 but if you haven’t read it yet and you’re looking for a book you won’t want to put down, this is it. The God of the Woods is a twisty, atmospheric mystery set in the Adirondacks. When a girl disappears from summer camp in 1975, the case stirs up memories of her brother who vanished in the same woods years earlier. Liz Moore keeps the suspense high while weaving in family drama and small-town secrets. It’s the kind of story that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Tana French or Dennis Lehane. – Erin Brown
PERIMENOPOP BY SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR
The dancefloor chanteuse behind the classic hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” is back with another album full of shimmering, disco-tinged pop. With Ellis-Bextor’s instantly recognizable voice, this is just as great to listen to as it is to dance along with and a highlight of the Fall season. – SF
HARVEST BREW FEST
With all proceeds benefitting Cape May MAC, this annual event is always a great time for a good cause. Featuring a variety of local vendors, area breweries, and delicious food trucks, as well as performances by popular South Jersey bands Animal House and Fat Mez, there is something here for everyone. Parking isn’t great (it never is in Cape May), but with the gorgeous weather expected during the event this Saturday, it will be hard to resist. – SF
“REVOLUTION MAN” BY ALEXANDER SORONDO
A fascinating longform article about the author Mark Z. Danielewski (best known for his mind-bending horror hit House of Leaves), his epic-scale unfinished novel, his father’s legacy, and the ways it all ties together with the rise of big tech and the downfall of the bookstore chain Borders. This is truly fantastic writing that is well worth making the time for. – SF
The library and its staff do not receive compensation for inclusion on this list, nor do we receive compensation for clicks to or purchases on outside websites.
Cover image created with Midjourney prompt: September 12, 2025.
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