The best stories are the convincing ones — the ones that feel real. The ones with living, breathing characters who contain constellations of motivations and fears, likes and dislikes. Characters who connect with each other in complex and sincere ways. The worst stories are the ones that make you feel like you’re being lied to, or being sold something you can’t quite buy. That’s how a lot of love stories make me feel: Why are these characters so drawn to each other? What do they even have in common? Have they had a single substantive conversation, or are we just going based on chemistry and vibes? Are they being themselves? Are they really interested in understanding, challenging, and considering each other?
Why, out of all the possible, random pairings, is this one special? What makes this romance meaningful? Maybe you’re rolling your eyes at me — I am, too. Reader, I wish it was easier to believe in love stories. I wish I hadn’t found The Notebook completely nauseating (A woman catches a man’s eye at a carnival one summer night and he spends the rest of his life pining for her? Seems weird).
My disbelief doesn’t come from pessimism — it’s really the opposite. I believe in human connection. I believe it makes a life worth living. I believe in love’s ability to surprise us, enliven us, and restore us. So it’s frustrating to watch and read shallow representations of romance, when there is so much more to a love story than attraction and yearning. I don’t want to watch people meet each other, and chase each other. I want to watch them get to know each other, for real. Continue reading “Real Romance”
I originally started checking out Memory Care kits to share with my mother who has Alzheimer’s but I discovered they are also appropriate to share with an aunt who is recovering her fine motor skills after experiencing a stroke, and my octogenarian father-in-law. They provide wonderful entertainment and conversation starters. I find sharing the books and activities a way to connect with each of them individually. My aunt enjoys the puzzles, coloring pages, and other activities as things she can do on her own in the evening. The “I Spy” bags are good for her to manipulate to gain more mobility in her hands. Continue reading “Spark Meaningful Connections with Memory Care Kits”
Photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation
A highlight of my daily life is watching wild creatures using my native wildflower gardens. An assortment of birds glean seeds from the flower heads during the fall and winter and forage for insects during the summer. We host American toads, at least four species of bumble bees, honey bees, and many other insects. Both hummingbirds and the hummingbird-like sphynx moth visit in search of nectar.
Spring is here with the sparkle and shine of flowers, new shades of green on the ground and on trees, and the chirping of birds in the morning. We are planning to add our own spring sparkle by making memory wire bracelets. These are made with a wire that coils like a Slinky toy to create multiple bangles. Beads and charms are used to decorate the wire.
While the program we’re hosting on this craft is full, the library has some jewelry-making options for you to try at home. For more ideas on DIY jewelry making, check out these library resources. You can also explore CreativeBug, which is our database on arts and crafts activities. You can view tons of creative jewelry ideas with instructional videos, on everything from wire-wrapping to beading to leathercrafts, and more are added monthly! You will need your library card and pin (your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format) to use this database.
Posted on Friday, April 14, 2023 by patron reviewer
“The Bomber Mafia” is a brief history of the American bomber squad during World War II. The author describes the changing techniques of aerial bombing from the early part of WWII to the very end of the war. This book was actually written to be an audiobook, so that is how I “read” it. The narrator is the author himself, and he used recorded interviews, music, and sound effects to help tell the story. It is an engaging audiobook, much more than any other audiobook I’ve listened to.
Three words that describe this book: History, aerial bombing, Japan.
You might want to pick this book up if: If you like to read about the Pacific theater in World War II, then this is the book for you.
-Elaine
This reader review was previously submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share these throughout the year.
Posted on Monday, April 10, 2023 by patron reviewer
Set during Ernest Hemingway’s time residing in Key West, “Hemingway’s Girl” cleverly weaves together historical nonfiction with a fiction tale. The main character, Mariella, is a strong, young female whose life is turned upside down when her father suddenly passes. She has a dream of a life spent as a charter boat captain but circumstances take her into Ernest Hemingway’s home as his housekeeper. You’ll be captivated by her story, her relationship with Hemingway and the choices she makes along the way. I would highly recommend this book!
Three words that describe this book: Historical, dramatic, captivating
You might want to pick this book up if: You’re interested in learning about Hemingway’s life while he lived in Key West. You love Key West and the idea of tropical living. You like reading about main characters who are strong-willed females, willing to take risks in life to go for what they want.
-Amanda
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share these throughout the year.
Posted on Sunday, April 9, 2023 by The Biblio-Buckaroo
There are currently over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the CDC, “Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.” The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri is a local resource for anyone seeking information about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association says there are many conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. Alzheimer’s Disease is currently not curable. However, there are some medications and therapies that can slow cognitive decline or help with symptoms. It is good to weigh any medication’s benefits with its side effects. Continue reading “Literary Links: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia”
Most of us learned something about haiku in school. It’s the tiny poem that packs a big punch. “Many think haiku is strictly a 5-7-5 syllable pattern ending in a 17-syllable poem, and it can be that, but more important is the image. A haiku is the fewest words, one to three lines, that appeal to the senses and focus on nature.” This explanation of the form comes from Missouri Poet Laureate, Maryfrances Wagner, who in conjunction with the Missouri Arts Council, is spearheading the Missouri Haiku Project. “I’m inviting all Missourians to create haiku poems that reflect nature in Missouri and share them, read them or turn them into art,” Wagner says.
The project runs through May 23, with events occurring throughout the state, including “Tea and Haiku” in the Columbia Public Library Friends Room, Tuesday, April 11 at 7-8 p.m. Haiku enthusiast Christine Boyle will be your guide for a fun and relaxed hour of writing and sharing short poems over tea. A selection of your poetry will be displayed in the library following the event! Tea and writing materials will be provided. This program is a part of the Missouri Poet Laureate Haiku Project and is for adults and teens. No registration is required and all skill levels are welcome.
Spring is here with the sparkle and shine of flowers, new shades of green on the ground and on trees, and the chirping of birds in the morning. We are planning to add our own spring sparkle by making memory wire bracelets. These are made with a wire that coils like a Slinky toy to create multiple bangles. Beads and charms are used to decorate the wire.
