5 Reading, Listening, Viewing Recommendations For the Labor Day Weekend

South Pasadena City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted compiled this list of three books, a CD and a DVD for readers looking for some intellectual stimulation over the Labor Day weekend. All titles can be borrowed from the South Pasadena Public Library.

EPITAPH FOR A PEACH: The first book by David Mas Masumoto, an organic peach farmer from Central California, started with an impassioned letter to the Los Angeles Times about the plight of his endangered small-family farm and the equally threatened, but still delicious, Sun Crest Peach. Savory, juicy, and unforgettable.

WILLIAM HOLDEN: A BIOGRAPHY, by Michelangelo Capua. A life-spanning overview of the man who grew up in South Pasadena and went on to become Hollywood’s Top Box Office Leading Man. His breakthrough film, SUNSET BLVD. will be screened in the Community Room on September 26 at 7 p.m.

THAT LUCKY OLD SUN: A solo album on CD by former Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks, the arranger, producer, musician, and songwriter. The duo collaborate to compose a shimmering set of songs and narration about life in Southern California.

WALKING WITH MUIR ACROSS YOSEMITE: If you can’t be in Yosemite because of commitments, traffic, fear of smoke inhalation, or any other reason, this book by Thomas R. Vale and Geraldine R. Vale will take you there in spirit along with America’s Greatest Naturalist and Father of the National Parks. On Saturday, November 9 at 3 p.m. , the official John Muir interpreter from Yosemite, Lee Stetson will perform “The Spirit of John Muir” for all ages in the Community Room.

MILLION DOLLAR BABY: A motion picture tour de force on DVD directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Hillary Swank. Although Swank didn’t attend South Pasadena High School for very long, she has ably demonstrated what talent and hard work can accomplish. She’s the youngest to win two Best Actress Academy Awards for both MILLION DOLLAR BABY and BOYS DON’T CRY.