My favourite book of 2013…so far!

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Recently retired, Harold Fry receives a letter from Queenie Hennessy, an old friend, who he hasn't heard from in twenty years. Queenie is in a hospice and has written to Harold to say goodbye. He leaves his bitter wife, Maureen, to her chores, for an intended quick jaunt to the mailbox to post a letter in reply. With nothing but the clothes on his back, no cell phone or rain gear, Harold begins his unlikely pilgrimage across the English countryside. As each day dawns Harold convinces himself that the only way Queenie will live is if he delivers the letter in person. Along the way strangers stir up memories--of his marriage, which was once full of promise and now is tense and uncomfortable, and of his shortcomings as a husband and father.

Ironically, his wife, shocked by her husband's sudden absence, begins to long for his presence. Will Harold and Maureen be able to find a way to come together again? What will happen when Harold reaches Queenie?

I really enjoyed this book for its sweet, sometimes sad, quirky characters. It was very reminiscent of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and A Spot of Bother both by Mark Haddon.

Try it—I think you’ll like it!

Submitted by Maureen

Some time ago, the library broadened its selection of DVDs to include television series. I started with a few titles that were not included in my cable package. After enjoying the selections, I decided to give up my cable and use DVDs from our collections. I have enjoyed so many television series including my most recent pick, Justified. On the surface it seems to be the perfect tale of good and evil but you soon find an interesting play on how the characters are able to accept their actions as necessary and yes, Justified. Both US Marshall Raylan Givens played by Tim Olyphant, and Walton Goggins’ character Boyd Crowder develop an intriguing and complex relationship, crossing lines real and imaginary.

Written by Michele

Creative Kids….I spent an hour with ten very talented young people.

Together we explored dots, squiggles, doodles

and colours to make these wonderful pieces of art.

Interested in exploring your creative side?

Sue Bleiweiss’ book Sketchbook Challenge and her website sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.ca offer all kinds of interesting methods of getting the juices flowing.

Written by Michele

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

This was one of my favorite books of the year. It was a pleasant surprise as it was a suggested title by one of the members of our book club. I kind of rolled my eyes when I heard it was about baseball, and it has a baseball theme, but the characters in this novel make the book. The story takes place in a small college on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is about a baseball star whose dream of making the major leagues has faded and he has chosen another one of the freshman to mentor. The cast of characters in this book is amazing and I shall never forget them: from crusty tough Henry Skrimshander to lovely tender Owen Dunne. They are dysfunctional, loveable guys that you will not soon forget.

It is Chad Harbach’s first novel and it is definitely a winner. All of us in the book club totally loved it. Definitely a recommended novel.

-Vicki

Summer is quite often a time for weddings and those who have planned a wedding know how difficult it is to do the ever dreaded seating chart. In this witty novel, the story does not actually revolve around the bride and groom, but rather the five single guests that have refused the bride’s request to bring a guest themselves. Obviously this complicates the seating plan, drives the bride crazy, and as a result she dubs these five as the “The Singles”. These five relatable characters will take you along their funny journeys that have led them to where they are today. With easily identifiable characters and all the excitement, joy, and sometimes heartbreak of a wedding, this book is certainly one to read this summer!

The End of Normal: A Wife's Anguish, A Widow's New Life by Stephanie Madoff Mack

When I picked this up, I assumed that it would be another “poor me” type book written by a member of the Bernie Madoff’s family – the man who’s Ponzi

scheme – in 2008 – defrauded thousands of investors of millions of dollars.

However, after reading the book, written by the woman who was married to Bernie’s son, I think I had a true sense of what life must have been like being

a Madoff in the weeks and months following the scandal.

It was a truly harrowing account of a woman struggling to hold her family together – only to have her husband’s suicide almost push her over the edge. She was left to raise her children alone – all the while defending her husband’s innocence.

P.S. We also have an E-Book and and Audiobook version of this book within Overdrive.

-Linda

King Henry II and Eleanor had four sons, Hal, Geoffrey, Richard and John. After their father’s death, Richard was to be crowned King of England when Hal and Geoffrey died. Just after the coronation, Richard embarked of the Third Crusade to the Holly Land. His mother Eleanor would remain to protect Richard’s authority, for her youngest son John was conspiring with the French King to put himself on the throne.

On the way to the Holly Land he marries Berengaria of Navarre and rescues his sister Joanna. This gives the story a feminine touch-not just giving the reader the tale of battle upon battle.

In the book it portrays Richard as a complex man, a person who loved poetry, ballads, and the arts, yet also he loved battle warfare. I got the impression that he was reckless with his own safety and took several personal risks. It sounds as if his men loved him, respected him and would follow him into battle without hesitation.

I am looking forward to her book, "A King’s Ransom" that delves more into King Richard I, the Lionheart.

This is the fourth book of the series 44 Scotland Street and the characters struggle with their own personal dilemmas. Poor six year old Bertie wishes he had some freedom from his overbearing mother, Irene Pollock, and thought he would; now that his baby brother Ulysses has arrived. Bertie’s father, Stuart, is still henpecked and talked down to, which was disappointing because in the last book Stuart showed some backbone. I have come to the discovery that I really dislike the character Irene Pollock and her “holier- than - thou” personality. Bruce reappears in Edinburgh again and gets himself in hot water. I am looking forward to the next book and to seeing how he wiggles out of the position he put himself into. Matthew questions himself, does he truly love Pat? While Pat asks herself is a comfortable relationship all she wants, especially when seeing Bruce again sets her heart a pitter patter. The artist, Angus Lordie, copes with the threat of his dog Cyril possibly being put down after being accused of biting someone. Domenica observes the people around her and how they reflect the image of her beloved city of Edinburgh. Her opinions always make me smile. Big Lou is still looking for a kind man to love and may have found him. Yet again, Alexander McCall Smith writes a beautifully written story about people.

I really enjoy reading these gentle reads and because of this I find myself with a container of mixed olives in the fridge and some fancy coffees in the pantry…..you will have to read this series to find out why I have these items!

A customer today was taking out Roald Dahl's, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for her son. Which got us talking about the nostalgic factor these children books bring for us. Having said that she was looking forward to reading the book again got me thinking about some of the children's books that I loved as a kid that I would like to reaquaint myself with.

Of course, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory brought me great joy as I had always wanted a golden ticket to that magical factory! How could you not love edible chocolate rooms, chocolate bars that come out of your tv set, and cavity-filling caramels (something adults would probably appreciate more).

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White was actually my favourite book as a child, to this day I still enjoy reading my tattered well used copy I had recieved back in grade 1! Quite odd though considering that I have a fear of spiders , but Charlotte the spider was one I'd never shy away from. Maybe it was because of adorable Wilbur the pig who's life is spared by the brave Fern.

Sound off and let us know about your favourite children's book that you would love to read over and over again!

-Leeanna