“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”
Yes, it has started again. The 7th episode of the much beloved movie series has been released to movie theaters this month. It set a box office record – breaking $57 million at the U.S. box office for its preview showings on Thursday night. Yes, these are movies that have become part of our popular culture and collective consciousness. We’ve seen the costumes at Halloween and the toys that have spun off from the movies. But are you aware of all the books – fiction AND nonfiction – that have been spun off from the movies that are available to you via the public library? There is an unbelievable plethora of choices.
There are many graphic novels such as Star Wars, the Clone Wars and Star Wars, dark empire. Timothy Zahn has written several novels expanding the Star Wars universe: Star Wars, Outbound Flight and Star Wars, Survivor’s Quest are just two of them. Other authors who have done the same thing are Matthew Stover, R.A. Salvatore, and Michael Stackpole. Check them out.
How about Star Wars: the complete visual dictionary, Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, the visual dictionary, or Star Wars The Clone Wars, Incredible vehicles?
There have been even comic takes on the whole Star Wars fantasy. Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs brought new comic dimensions to slightly familiar characters. If you still have access to a VHS video machine, the library has a wonderful short feature called George Lucas in Love. It is a takeoff on the film Shakespeare in Love, which traces the “true” origins of the Star Wars saga to a young George Lucas suffering from writer’s block as he tries to complete his final screenplay for USC Film School. Ever wonder where Princess Lea’s head braids came from? This cute short film will reveal all.
Finally, there are untold number of titles available via your library card as e-books and audio books through Overdrive on the Gardiner Public Library website.
Enjoy!