At our July 25th meeting, we discussed Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick. Everyone loved this book--it really was charming and enjoyable! The stories behind the charms were engaging and we loved how Arthur's world expanded as he interacted with the other characters. We highly recommend this book!

 Our next meeting will be August 29th at 3pm in the library's small meeting room. We will be reading Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes.  Copies of the book are available for pickup at the library's circulation desk. The discussion sheet is also available at the desk or online. All are welcome!

Summary:
"Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt's new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically. The leader, and soon Alice's greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who's never asked a man's permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky. What happens to them--and to the men they love--becomes a classic drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. Though they face all kinds of dangers, they're committed to their job--bringing books to people who have never had any, sharing the gift of learning that will change their lives."

Yes, it's that time of year again when all the best books of the year lists come out!

What did I love in 2018?  Well, I started off the year with a great first time author, Sue Halpern.  This book was appealing not only because it took place at a library, but I loved the characters and the small town setting. 

Another favorite was Lost Vintage by Ann Mah.  Everytime I think I'm can't read another World War II novel, a book like this comes out and I'm drawn in again!

Several of my favorite authors released new books that I loved.  After being bitterly disappointed with The Best of Adam Sharp, Graeme Simsion (the author of the Rosie Project) redeemed himself with Two Steps Forward which he wrote with his wife.

Jojo Moyes has never disappointed me and I loved her book, Still Me ,and Naomi Novik's, Spinning Silver, was a fabulous mixture of fairytale and fantasy.

I also discovered a few of new authors including Deanna Raybourn, Chistina Lauren, Rebecca Roanhorse and N.K. Jemisin.

If you're looking for other best of 2018 lists, check these links out:

Library Read's Favorites of 2018

New York Public Library's Best Books of 2018

NY Times announces its "100 Notable Books of 2018"

The Washington Post picks its "Best Books of 2018"