Top Staff Picks for May 15: Movies, Books, and Games

Can you believe we’re already halfway through May? Summer will be here before you know it! In the meantime though, enjoy this week’s batch of staff picks to keep you entertained!

A woman gazing at an octopus in an aquarium, surrounded by colorful coral.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

If you need a heartwarming, uplifting movie, I recommend Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, starring Sally Field! This movie is an adaptation of the wildly popular, feel-good book of the same title by Shelby Van Pelt released in 2022. The movie and book follow Tova Sullivan as she battles with grief and loneliness. Tova, who works as a cleaning lady at the local aquarium befriends Marcellus, a giant, aging Pacific Octopus, with some sneaky talents only he is aware of. Throughout both the movie and the book, you discover the answers to a long-ago unsolved mystery! – Barb Brewster

A digital illustration of a cruise ship sailing through stylized clouds against a pink background.

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

Even non-members of the NKOTB, Backstreet Boys, or NSYNC fan clubs will enjoy this book. We meet a host of characters at a variety of places in their lives, questioning and searching for answers. Each person goes through a transformation, connecting with parts of themselves they have forgotten about and coming to terms with where they are headed next in life. What I liked best about the book is that it is written entirely in the present. There are no flashbacks, just recollections and sometimes rose-colored glasses. Fans of boy bands and later-life coming of age stories will be hooked. – Kara Buono

Close-up view of a classic car's front grille with a retro design, featuring a shiny emblem and detailed chrome accents.

The Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly

I’m late to the party, but finally started watching Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer — and wish I hadn’t waited so long. Unfortunately, the TV series isn’t available to borrow since it hasn’t been released on DVD, but watching it reminded me how entertaining Michael Connelly’s books are. I know lots of our patrons feel the same, but on the chance you haven’t read them yet, I’m sharing this recommendation.

The first season of the TV series is based on The Brass Verdict, which is the second book in the Lincoln Lawyer series and is often touted as one of the most entertaining. But if you haven’t read any yet, I’d recommend starting with the first book, The Lincoln Lawyer. The series focuses on Mickey Haller, an attorney who famously works out of the back seat of his Lincoln, and is perfect for fans of legal thrillers by authors like John Grisham, Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, and Lisa Scottoline.

Side note – I always enjoy when an author does a crossover between different series and characters, and Connelly does this so well. If you enjoy this kind of “worlds-colliding” in your reads, keep an eye out for some great connections, especially if you give some of his other series a try! – Erin Brown

A cluttered library interior with shelves filled with books and a large stained glass window in the background.

Librarian: Tidy Up the Arcane Library

The epitome of cozy gaming! In this atmospheric, single-player game you’re the librarian tasked with categorizing and reshelving 3,000+ books after a mischievous fairy got into the library and removed them all from the shelves. Unlock magical abilities along the way to help you sort and shelve. With no time limit and relaxing music, this game is perfect for players who love organizing, pattern recognition, completionists, or those who just want a cozy library experience. – KB

A Porsche sports car parked in a serene environment surrounded by trees and flowers.

Forza Horizon 6

Microsoft’s arcade racing series returns, this time taking the action to Japan. The team at Playground Games has the core ideas of this series down to a science, so expect more fun racing, more incredible scenery, and more items to collect, providing hours upon hours of entertainment. It’s a flagship franchise for a reason, so if you haven’t tried it out before, do yourself a favor and give it a try. – Sean Farrell

Two individuals sitting on separate beds in a dimly lit room, engaging in a conversation, with decorative pillows and a lamp in the background.

Twinless

James Sweeney’s unexpectedly great dark comedy from 2025 is finally coming to the library! In my original review I said, “Sweeney adeptly blends acerbic humor with genuine pathos to fully immerse viewers into his story. Smart deployment of surreal imagery and unpredictable plot developments only heighten the emotion and help make the movie truly stand out. Frequently surprising, smartly written, and deeply affecting, this is top-tier filmmaking unlike anything else I’ve seen this year.” If that sounds interesting to you, make sure to check it out! – SF