Cherokee Chronicle Times

Library News



In July of 2012, I started keeping track of the books I read via a connection on Facebook to Goodreads. I had never created a list or record in all the years I’ve been reading so it was a little amazing to find the total in a year to be 194. That’s an average of almost four a week which is a little more than I would have predicted.

Granted I have a lot of time to myself at this stage in my life. The kids are gone, there is no spouse to keep company with and the dog doesn’t really care what I do as long as she’s fed on time. And I have to admit to skimming on frequent occasions.

I’ve always been a reader and I like books… the paper kind. I am well aware of all the arguments for electronic downloads. I own a Nook which I use mostly when I travel by air, but there’s just something about a traditional book that I find hard to give up. With that in mind, I want to mention a couple of newer books from the Cherokee Public Library that I have given a five star rating to on Goodreads. I hand out lots of four star commendations, but these were (in my opinion) exceptional.

I was sorry to see ‘Looking for Me’ by Beth Hoffman end, although it did so perfectly. It is the story of Teddi, who as a young girl rescues a worn out chair from a ditch and restores it, beginning of a lifelong love of antiques. It is also the story of her brother Josh who finds the regular world too harsh to live in. When he disappears into the wilderness Teddi is left to wonder whether he’s dead or alive. Quirky characters and a love story add depth and interest.

‘Ordinary Grace’ by William Kent Kruger has received raves from everyone in the READit book group. The plot takes place in 1961 Minnesota, and it centers around a tragedy affecting the family of the local Methodist minister and the people of the small town they live in. Beautifully written, it is a realistic story about the desire to find grace in situations created by human fault. The author is well known for his northwoods Cork O’Connor mysteries, which are also wonderful reads.

I am always ready to recommend books. One of our steady patrons recently told me it sure was nice to have a “personal shopper” at the library. It’s my favorite part of the job, so please feel free to stop at the office and ask for a suggestion. If I’m not around, take a look at the shelves located near the DVD racks. They’re filled with books I’ve read and liked.

Heads up…

**the library will be closed Friday, August 30 through **Monday, September 2 for staff vacation and Labor Day **weekend.

Several of us have family weekend activities so we’re taking an extra day off this year. Winter hours begin on Tuesday, September 3.

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