March 10, 2022
Nothing makes me much happier than an email from my library informing me that books I have requested are waiting for me, especially since I am about to finish a a big novel.
Off I go with my canvas book bag from the New York Public Library, a recent gift from my sister.
Here’s my loot:
- Four Letters of Love by Niall Williams. (1997) His more recent book This is Happiness was one of my 2021 top favorites, and I am eager to read more by him. This is also set in Ireland, and the book jacket describes it as a “novel about destiny, acceptance, the tragedies and miracles of everyday, and about how all our stories meet in the end.”
- The Bastard of istanbul by Elif Shafak (2007). This book was recommended by one of my readers and is the story of two families–one Turkish and one Armenian American.
- The Floor of the Sky by Pamela Carter Joern (2006). I am embarrassed I have not read this book or her other books, for she is a Minnesota writer and writes about the Midwest. A friend nudged me to order this book, which is set in the Nebraska Sandhills.
- What We Were Promised by Lucy Tan (2018). When I first heard about this book, I thought it was by AMY Tan, and I realized I have not read her more recent books, including a memoir. More for the TBR list. In the meantime I look forward to this debut novel by LUCY Tan about a family who moves back to China.
- Spirit Car, Journey to a Dakota Past by Diane Wilson (2006). You may have read Wilson’s celebrated novel, The Seed Keepers, and if not, I recommend it. Wilson explores her family’s history as Dakota people in South Dakota and Nebraska.
Which book beckons me first? I am eager to sit in my Mama Bear Chair and browse each book. First, of course, I will finish the novel I am currently reading, Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk (1955). I found this book in a Little Free Library and am quite sure I have never read it before. I thought it might be dated –and parts are–but the story and characters are engrossing and don’t always feel as if the book is set in the mid to late 1930s.
An Invitation:
Do you use the library? Do you have a “hold” list? I would love to know.
Living on Life's Labyrinth 
Agreed, love getting an email from SPPL saying a book is available! My next read is not from the library this time, it’s The Chancellor by Kati Martin. A book about Angela Merkley. So looking forward to it.
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That book comes highly recommended.and is certainly relevant for today.
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Hi Nan, I too love getting the email “your books are here.” Its always a random selection. Sometimes I remember asking and other times I wonder, “how long ago did I order that book?” I just finished Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger after reading all his mysteries that take place in Minnesota and Canada. I have a new pile of library books beside me that includes Three Short Novels by Wendell Berry, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton, The President’s Daughter, Clinton and Patterson and The Once and Future Witches by Aliix E. Harrow. Meanwhile I’m deep into Lucia, Lucia, a novel taking place in NYC in the 1950s by Adriana Trigiani. Great fun.
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I have an app for our county library system that keeps me apprised of the books I have on order and their status. I love it when the “in transit” pops up on a title. I know it’s on its way and I need to speed up the reading on my current stash.
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There is something so comforting about a big pile of library books. Nostalgic, too, for I remember all the trips to libraries both when I was a child and when my children were young.
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I use my local library all the time and yes, I do have a hold list! I read The Floor of the Sky in January and loved it. Wonderful story of family and place.
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I’m eager to read The Floor in the Sky. Even the title is intriguing.
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