LIBRARY CORNER | 08/04/23

This week in the library:

  • Monday—Knit and Stitch 9:30 a.m.
    Genealogy Help 2-4 p.m. (You may call for an appointment, or just drop by.)
  • Tuesday—Preschool Story Time 11 a.m.
    Genealogy Help 2-4 p.m. (Call for an appointment, or just drop by.)

Eight authors join the Library Reads Hall of Fame this month, including Alice Hoffman with The Invisible Hour. Hoffman is on my “favorites” list. Her latest story is about Mia Jacob and the power of words. Even though The Scarlet letter was written 200 years ago, it seems to tell the story of Mia’s mother and their life inside the Community—a cult where outside contact is forbidden, and books are considered evil. As Mia begins to question the rules of the Cult, she realizes that reading can transport her to other worlds or bring them to you, and that love is stronger than the chains that can bind you. This is a book I am looking forward to reading. As Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote, “A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities.”  (8-15)

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin is a gripping story that is shocking, unnerving, and thrilling. Rachel Krall, the true crime podcaster from The Night Swim, is back and searching for a popular influencer who disappears after visiting a suspected serial killer. When the FBI reluctantly asks for Rachel’s help, she finds herself forced to confront the very real dangers that lurk in the dark corners of the internet. (8-8)

Lisa Jewell, known for her superb pacing, twisted characters, and captivating pros, returns with None of This Is True. Podcaster Alix Summer continues to bump into a woman called Josie Fair. Josie convinces her that she should be on her podcast. Alix discovers that Josie is hiding some dark secrets that threaten Alix and her family. Then Josie disappears, but that’s not the end of the story. (8-8)

In Thorn Hedge by T. Kingfisher, there’s a princess trapped in a tower. This isn’t her story. At Toadling’s birth, she was stolen from her family by the fairies. Even so, she grew up safe and loved in the warm waters of faerieland. Once she became an adult, though, the fae ask a favor of Toadling: return to the human world and offer a blessing of protection to a newborn child. Sounds simple, but nothing with fairies is ever simple. Centuries later, a knight approaches a towering wall of brambles, where the thorns are as thick as your arm and as sharp as swords. He’s heard there’s a curse here that needs to be broken. However, it’s a curse Toadling will do anything to uphold. If you think you remember this fairytale, think again.(8-15)

Thank you, Mr. Carrier! I am so grateful for air conditioning. See you in the library!

Helen Thompson, Director – Mount Pleasant Public Library