This was my second community book club read. The first book we read, Marriage Lie, was a best-selling mystery that I did not personally care for, but the group loved. This was a best-selling historical fiction that I did not personally care for, but the group loved. Hopefully, this does not become a trend, because I really like this group!

If I had edited this book, it would have been very different. The author had such an intriguing premise, human trafficking of children during the great depression. That is an interesting story, based on true events. I liked the parts of the book that were actually historical. Anything having to do with the Foss family children was great. What I didn’t like was the modern narrative of pampered granddaughter, Avery, it added nothing to the story. I literally would have ripped all the “Avery” chapters out of this book if I was the editor.

That being said, I will still rate this book three stars on Goodreads. While half of this book put me to sleep every time that I read it (I’m looking at you Avery), the other half was not only interesting, but important as well. This would be a great choice for most book clubs, human trafficking is a problem that merits more than just a discussion, but discussion is a start.  

Check back on Thursday for a Happy Thanksgiving Post!

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This book was recommended by some enlightened human on Library Twitter.

I tend to love almost any book that falls into the apocalyptic fiction category, so even though the audiobook was THIRTY-TWO hours long, I still downloaded it without hesitation.

Let me just say, I was absolutely obsessed with this book. I could not stop reading it.

A lot of people are comparing this book to Stephen King’s, The Stand, and they are correct, the books both feature a plague and a trip to Las Vegas. However, I thought the more important King similarity was the powder keg politics of, Under the Dome.

This time of year, we often find ourselves obligated to attend multiple social events with family, friends, and coworkers. If you’re an introverted librarian, like me, the thought of crowded rooms full of noisy people and distractions is overwhelming. I have struggled with these parties for years and have finally collected enough “helpful tips” to actually enjoy myself. Here is what has worked for me.

I think that introverts need to prepare themselves for parties, like marathoners before a big race. Get plenty of sleep the night before, eat healthy and drink lots of water. When it comes time to start getting ready for the party, I usually have a coffee and an apple or banana. This combination seems to give me a boost of steady energy. When I get to the party, if it’s appropriate, I’ll have a glass of wine. This gives my hands something to do while the alcohol works its magic. Obviously, having a drink is entirely up to you.

Rhys Bowen is one of those prolific authors that pretty much has her own section at the library. While I tend to be wary of authors who publish frequently, I know that Bowen has a devoted following, so I always intended to read one of her books. I was not disappointed.

The main character is incredibly relatable for someone who was supposed to have lived over a hundred years ago. Bella is forced to become a servant after her noble family falls on hard times. As a working-class woman, she struggles with having a career, but also wanting a husband and family. She faces many of the same opportunities and limitations facing women today.