Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 by patron reviewer
As the back of the novel states, “this book is about a small provincial town right before the Great Reform Bill of the 1830s, in England.” During this historical period, “Middlemarch” takes a look at the daily lives of several different members of the community, and their prides and struggles before, during and after the reform.
I appreciated the in-depth analysis of the fictional characters and their motivations, as well as the range of emotions that humans experience during their lifespan.
Three words that describe this book: Unforgettable, Historic, Charming
You might want to pick this book up if: I would argue that if you are a fan of historical fiction, this a good read for you, but with the caveat that the surrounding events of this time period are not necessarily center stage, but subtly shape the opinions, experiences, and reactions of the main characters.
This book also has a massive cottage core vibe, which has made a comeback in recent years. There is a certain romanticism to the provincial life — sprawling country sides, slower days, leisure activities that focus on relationships, bonnets and hats. Even the idea of poverty and the poor working class is viewed through a romantic lens — which is problematic, but still the case for this novel.
-Kylie
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
Posted on Monday, July 22, 2024 by patron reviewer
“Joyful Recollections of Trauma” is book of nonfiction stories about childhood trauma mixed with humor and Hollywood stardom. I’ve been a fan of actor and comedian Paul Scheer’s podcast “How Did This Get Made?” and have heard him tell some stories about his childhood which are a mixture of comedic, weird and sad.
I enjoyed this much more than I thought! The stories of trauma were sad and dark at times, but told in ways that were both truthful and amusing.
Three words that describe this book: Funny, trauma, movies
You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy memoirs! You enjoy reading non-fiction stories from authors like David Sedaris.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
Posted on Friday, July 19, 2024 by patron reviewer
In the book “Promises and Primroses,” widower Peter Mayfield is in need of a new governess for his two young girls as his previous one is getting married and leaving his employ. He is devoted to the memory of his first wife, bringing up his girls as best he can, and his hobby of canine husbandry. But when young and capable Julia Hollingsworth applies for the job, Peter must reevaluate his heart.
Julia Hollingsworth is desperate to make her own decisions and live her own life, a life out from under her mother’s thumb. But her mother is a woman with pain in her past by the family Mayfield, unbeknownst to Julia. She interferes with Julia’s new job in hopes of protecting her from ending up heartbroken at the hands of another Mayfield man.
I thought this was a sweet little story. The writing is a little unpolished in my opinion but it was a good read.
Three words that describe this book: Regency, romance, fiction
You might want to pick this book up if: You’re looking for a clean romance book that has not one, but two love stories taking place. Could see this being a good poolside read.
-Hannah
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
Posted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 by patron reviewer
“The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise” is a lovely little story of two women, both at perhaps their lowest moments, slowly building a bond that helps reinvigorate their lives. They are certainly an odd couple, except that they start to recognize some (unfortunately universal) truths in the experiences that they, as women, share. And while this relationship is what provides the backdrop for the novel, in the foreground is an, at times, madcap road trip tale complete with narrow escapes from the law, evil mobsters, hot young drivers, etc. I’m sure the naming similarities with another road trip story of two women on the run are intentional.
I don’t think this is the sort of book that is going to stick with me, but it was a very sweet diversion while it lasted.
Three words that describe this book: friendship, adventure, sweet
You might want to pick this book up if: you want to see how there exist forces that can draw us together.
-Xander
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
Most of us work and save for decades in the hope that when we retire, our needs will be met. Numerous resources offer financial advice to help us plan for our golden years. For many, all that work and planning and fiscal discipline pays off, with an adequate cushion providing a reasonably comfortable life right to the end. For others, things don’t go quite as well.
Recently, I attended a training on identifying and preventing elder abuse. I learned that financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of abuse faced by older adults, sometimes without their knowledge. It can be carried out by family members, “helpful” neighbors, paid caregivers, online and telephone scammers, or even attorneys and accountants who notice a client’s mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be. This was a sobering wake-up for me. Continue reading “Older Adults and Financial Exploitation”
Posted on Sunday, July 14, 2024 by David Litherland
Science fiction has captured reader’s imaginations for as long as we have wondered about the future. From H.G. Wells’ and Jules Verne’s early escapades to the far future via time machine and to the moon by way of a cannon, came a fascination as to what we could do and where we could go with the powers of science. Immerse yourself in the aspirational themes of today’s science fiction, with a corresponding dose of science fact to deepen your understanding and increase your excitement for tomorrow’s world.
What would a human’s life on Mars look like? Can we survive and thrive in its rust-red desert, or can we change the planet to fit us? One of science fiction’s preeminent preoccupations, the settlement, and eventual terraforming, of Mars has been a part of the futurist outlook since Ray Bradbury’s novel on the idea in the 1950s. Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Red Mars” dives deep into the technology and techniques that would be needed to build a sustainable colony on Mars, as well as the political, social and relationship struggles of the first hundred humans to settle on the Red Planet. Continue reading “Literary Links: Science Fiction and Science Fact”
Posted on Friday, July 12, 2024 by patron reviewer
The book “The Wager” is author David Gran’s retelling of the true story behind a naval ship called The Wager. The ship’s crew and their unbelievable tale of survival (for some) made for an engrossing read. The far-reaching implications of the imperialistic attitudes of Europe shadow the contradicting stories the survivors put forth when sharing their perspective of what really happened to them. The human condition speaks loudly through the book’s twist and turns of the crew’s many (often unbelievable) tests of endurance. The story is yet again an excellent example of how real life is often stranger than fiction… and David Grann knows how to get that across perfectly.
Three words that describe this book: Historical, Illuminating, Astonishing
You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy history and incredible (but true!) tales of maritime adventure.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
Posted on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 by Decimal Diver
Here is a new DVD list highlighting various titles recently added to the library’s collection.
“Monkey Man” – Website / Reviews
In this action film, a young man in a gorilla mask endures beatings in an underground club for meager pay. After years of suppressed rage, he tries to settle the score with those who took everything from him.
“The Iron Claw” – Website / Reviews
Based on a true story, this drama tells the tale of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in world of 1980s professional wrestling under the shadow of their domineering father and coach.
“Nowhere Special” – Website / Reviews
In this dramatic film, a terminally ill single father struggles to find the ideal family for his young son. Eventually, a social worker opens him up to solutions he never would have considered.
“The Old Oak” – Website / Reviews
An unexpected friendship between a struggling pub owner and a Syrian refugee opens up new possibilities for a divided village in this moving drama about loss, fear, and the difficulty of finding hope.
Crafternoon for August: Yarn-covered bottles for fall
The library offers a free monthly craft session for adults — we like to call it our Crafternoon program. These sessions are held on evenings, during the day and on weekends to make them available for as many people as possible, and all supplies are provided. This is in addition to other craft events that are held for children, teens and adults. Our craft and activity database, CreativeBug, is available to all library patrons and is available 24/7. There are thousands of craft instructions with new activities added every month, including video tutorials.
We work hard to develop Crafternoons that are not only fun, but help participants learn a new skill skill, develop a finished project that can be used in their home or even given as a gift. Our biggest goal is for people to enjoy these activities and each other.
Crafternoon for July: Put a Bird on It decorative hangings
Some comments received from Crafternoon participants:
“I used the skills I learned from paper quilling to make Valentine cards for my family and friends.”
” I love getting out of the house, doing something fun and meeting new people.”
“was able to bring in personal mementos of my mother and incorporate it into a craft that I can hang on the wall and be reminded of her…”
“fun and relaxing”
“enjoy talking with other individuals that are interested in crafts”
We welcome you to join us! Information on Crafternoons can be found in our events calendar, on our Facebook page and on our website. Registration starts two weeks before each class and these fill quickly, so sign up early. As our registration limit is reached, a waiting list is started so please give us a call if you need to cancel — this allows that spot to be offered to another patron. Hope to see you on July 18 as we “Put a Bird on It.”
In the book “The Paris Apartment,” Jess goes to Paris to visit her brother in an effort to escape her former life and terrible job. When she gets there, her brother is nowhere to be seen. All the other neighbors in his apartment building are hostile and not helpful in looking for her brother. Without seeking help from police, she is asking questions and searching for clues of where Ben may be.
The ending was a bit surprising but who was involved was not all that surprising. It was a good mystery read, similar to the author’s other works.
Three words that describe this book: Determination, Seedy, Mystery
You might want to pick this book up if: you love books by Megan Miranda or enjoyed “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley.
As the back of the novel states, “this book is about a small provincial town right before the Great Reform Bill of the 1830s, in England.” During this historical period, “Middlemarch” takes a look at the daily lives of several different members of the community, and their prides and struggles before, during and after the reform.
