This debut by Australian author, Felicity McClean, is a tantalizing page-turner. This exciting novel is a mystery and coming-of-age story in one. Tikka remembers her childhood--she grew up in a small Australian river valley. One incident irrevocably changed the Tikka's life: the summer of 1992. Her neighbors, Corrie, Hannah, and Ruth, disappeared one fateful day. … Continue reading The Van Apfel Girls are Gone by Felicity McLean
Imagine it Forward by Beth Comstock
Comstock has done everyone a service by describing how she changed the trajectory of her career. Despite being a self-described "introvert", Comstock led innovative change at NBC and GE. If you're looking to boost your career or change your work environment, this book is worth a read. Few professionals are able to tackle a subject like … Continue reading Imagine it Forward by Beth Comstock
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
One by one Kya's family leaves her--her mother, her siblings, her beloved Jodie, and lastly her alcoholic and abusive father. Kya, whom the town calls "the marsh girl," learns to rely on herself and turns to the marsh for comfort. While its difficult to fathom how she can do this, Kya learns to provide food for … Continue reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
Joanna and her father, Sir Hugo, couldn't be more different. After his death, Joanna is startled to find a love letter to a woman in Italy. Intrigued, Joanna goes to San Salvatore in Italy, to discover more about her father's life. She knew he had crashed while serving in World War II but she had … Continue reading The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
May is Mental Health Month
Did you know? Did you know the National Library of Medicine has monthly health observances? May is Mental Health Month. The 4Mind4Body challenge: Daily challenges for the entire month of May. Take care of diet, sleep, activity, and other aspects of life that affect mental health. Some of the latest books on the topic that can be … Continue reading May is Mental Health Month
Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Have you had a chance to read A Monster Calls? The novel is a beautiful allegorical story about a young person's journey from grief to acceptance. Connor has two nightmares that bother him. One comes in the shape of walking yew tree that something visits at 12:07AM. The other … Continue reading Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Notable Large Print Books
Gemini by Carol Cassella Cassella is an M.D. so there are many accurate medical details given in this story about Jane Doe, the woman brought in to hospital after a hit-and-run. The novel moves back and forth fluidly between the present and the past. Eric and his girlfriend, the medical doctor treating Jane, want to … Continue reading Notable Large Print Books
Book Review: The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley
The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley is a retelling of Beowulf and a social critique of contemporary society. On many levels, it succeeds. Gated community residents label anyone who live outside their boundaries "monsters". Dana and her ancestors have actually lived on the mountain long before it was turned into a high-end suburb. After serving … Continue reading Book Review: The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley
Book Review: I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
This is a new memoir by novelist Maggie O'Farrell who lived through some horrifying experiences--seventeen brushes with death. Some are more chilling than others, like the time she met and almost succumbed to a serial killer. Other times were less dramatic like the time that she jumped off a harbor wall into the sea from … Continue reading Book Review: I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell