Dec 20, 2025
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Bangladesh
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from Maldives
seen from United States
seen from Italy
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
Weekend Edition: New DVDs From the Woodling Gay Fiction and Film Collection, Part 1
There are just a few more days before Obies set off to parts unknown for Thanksgiving break and to finish out the rest of the semester in the comforts of their own homes. Since there is not much time before students depart, we thought it would be nice to show off some movies and TV series, instead of books, that can be enjoyed in a day or two.
Luckily for us, we recently received quite a few new DVDs and Blu-rays from donor Gene Woodling for the Woodling Gay Fiction and Film Collection. You can see everything currently added to the collection, including books, here, but be sure to check back often as our intrepid DMS assistant Sara is working diligently to catalog and make available more and more of the DVDs every week.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert written and directed by Stephan Elliott
“[A]1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. The plot follows two drag queens played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce and a transgender woman, played by Terence Stamp, as they journey across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus that they have named ‘Priscilla’, along the way encountering various groups and individuals.”--Wikipedia
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar written by Douglas Carter Bean ; directed by Beeban Kidron
“American LGBT road comedy film directed by Beeban Kidron and starring Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo as three New York City drag queens who embark on a road trip. Its title refers to an iconic autographed photo of actress Julie Newmar that they carry with them on their journey.”--Wikipedia
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh ; adapted by John Mortimer
Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel Brideshead Revisited was offered to television viewers in this 11-part adaptation that originally aired on the U.K.'s ITV network. The miniseries, like the book, lays bare the eccentricities of the young British aristocracy, concentrating upon several Oxford students. The story is told from the point-of-view of Charles Ryder (Jeremy Irons), who is sucked into decadence by the "magically beautiful" Sebastian Flyte (Anthony Andrews). Flyte is the son of Lord Marchmain (Laurence Olivier), master of Brideshead Castle, where most of the story (covering the years 1924 through 1944) takes place. Brideshead Revisited was brought to America on PBS' Great Performances series, beginning its run on January 18, 1982. The miniseries created a stir in the U.S. because of its mild nudity and profanity; the presentation had to be re-edited when it was shown for a second time on PBS. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Happy Prince written and directed by Rupert Everett
The Happy Prince tells the untold story of the last days of Oscar Wilde. Though his last days were tragic, Wilde reflects on his life with humor at a distance. As he lies on his deathbed in Paris, memories of his life come to him in flashes. He recounts his fame in London and how he fell from grace in the same city. He looks back at his past lovers including his wife, his affair with a lord, and the love of someone who tried saving him in the end.
Made us laugh. (Ganked from LibraryWorlds.)
Psst. Want some new book recommendations?
Is your TBR pile not high enough already?
Marketing coordinator Kathryn’s got some right here that she guarantees you’ll love.
Read an excerpt of any of these three books.
If you were a staff member at Penguin Random House, what three books would you choose to recommend to readers?
Some of our staff’s favorite books!
Tiffany recommends Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.
One of Karen’s favorite books is The Stand by Stephen King.
Jessica loves Here by Richard McGuire!
nothing better than seeing your fav series on a recommended shelf
Bookseller Recommendations
from our latest e-newsletter
Gillian Recommends:Invitation To A Bonfire by Adrienne Celt
A young Russian emigre falls under the spell of a venerable author who has taken a teaching position at the school where she works. Already enchanted by his writing, Zoya becomes infatuated by his attentions but fails to account for the machinations of Orlov's formidable wife, who is playing her husband while he plays Zoya. Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov's real-life marriage, and fraught with tension from the get-go, this novel is beautifully written and completely absorbing; I almost needed to take a step back to avoid getting burnt!
William Recommends:How Hard Can It Be by Allison Pearson
Pearson's long awaited sequel to the best-sellingI Don't Know How She Does It, is a deeper and more thoughtful book than its progenitor. Kate Reddy has hit Perimenopause, her daughter is in the middle of a social network belfie (selfie of your bum) scandal, her husband has taken a very uncharacteristic liking to Lycra and biking, and she is trying to ease her way back into the workplace -- by lying about her age. This is sharply written, literate, funny fiction for women and the men who just want to understand them!
Lorna Recommends:Calypso by David Sedaris
Funny as always, but poignant too, David Sedaris is back with a new collection of essays. His family looms larger in this book. As his father ages, Sedaris gathers his family for vacations at the house he has bought near the Carolina coast. Along with his usual sharp observations about store clerks, his Fitbit, and life with Hugh, he opens up about the loss of his mother and his sister Tiffany. Whether you chose to read it yourself or listen to him read it to you (on CD or Libro.fm download), you will find yourself making time to stay with it just a little longer.
Rebecca Recommends:There There by Tommy Orange
It's been years since I've been this excited about a new novel. Tommy Orange weaves together the stories of many individuals meeting at a large Oakland pow-wow, examining what it means to be an "Urban Indian" (his term) existing off the reservation. Whenever something gets pre-publication comparisons to both Gertrude Stein and George Saunders, the seasoned bookseller might be forgiven for rolling his or her eyes, but the comparison turns out to be weirdly appropriate in this case -- though neither reference prepares you for the emotional experience of reading this novel.
Literati loves small presses!
This month, we’re celebrating publishing houses @newdirectionspublishing and @thetinhouse. Check out a few of our staff picks.