Et Cetera

I am currently reading 'Back When We Were Grownups' (love that title!) by Anne Tyler and there's just something about Tyler's writing style that I absolutely adore: the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I always think "salt of the earth" when reading Tyler but that doesn't quite nail it either for me. Her style is simple yet profound at once somehow.

I recently read 'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine Rundell. The Vinton Public Library offers a selection of juvenile fiction large type books, so don't let the size of the book intimidate you. I found it was easy to follow with the bigger font and I enjoyed the pictures that the author added to share what the magical creatures look like. This book is jam packed with fantasy islands, magical creatures, and full of adventure!Christopher, a human boy in the real world, visits his grandfather's house and meets a girl named Mal from a magical world called Archipelago.

Emma Madison Master Meddler is a fantastic book!!! When I read it, it was very long - in fact no publisher would touch it. I am so glad someone did. I don't know if they shortened it for publication but it sure as heck is a wonderful book.~Virginia

My choice for this month’s Adventures in Bookclubbing ‘Winds of Change’ theme was ‘The Light Pirate’ by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Dark skies warn of an incoming hurricane in a small town in Florida. Kirby, a lineman, fearless by design, is convinced it won't be as bad as predicted. His wife Frida, pregnant with their first child, is traumatized by the hurricane in her past that brought the two of them together.

I went straight to @instagram and requested to follow the private account of author, Jen Beagin, after reading 'Big Swiss.' (Yes, she accepted! ) This was, hands down, the funniest book I have read in a long time. I should preface that statement with the fact that my sense of humor can be dark, a bit dry (fans of the tv series 'Fleabag' will love this book!) and a wee bit weird.

Ten Parents to Win $1,000 Each in College Savings Deposits in Special DrawingRegistration is open for a special drawing of a $1,000 college savings deposit that 10 Iowa parents and guardians of students in eighth through 12th grades will be randomly selected to receive after April 30, 2025. The drawing is sponsored by ISL Education Lending.Current registrants and any parent or guardian registered for the information service, SP3 or Student Planning Pointers for Parents, by April 30, 2025, will be entered into the special drawing.

Over the weekend there was a lot of driving involved so I was able to read 'Allegedly' by Tiffany D. Jackson, using the Libby App. I have mixed feelings on how this book ended, and I am afraid if I type my review I will either 1) give too much away or 2) sway opinions. With that being said, here is the summary from Goodreads."Mary B. Addison killed a baby.

In the last year you have probably heard the phrase, "Let Them."  If not, I highly recommend listening to Mel Robbin's podcast and reading this book. One thing that I like about Mel, is that she is so relatable! As I was reading this book, I felt like it was her and I having a conversation and she knew exactly how I was feeling. Another reason why I love Mel so much, is that she can turn the scientific facts into something that I can understand and retain.

My latest discovery amongst our library shelves is a historical fiction novel, 'The Dollhouse,' by Fiona Davis. I would also categorize this book as a mystery and yes, it is worth reading. This fast-paced book invites you into the lives of Rose, a modern-day journalist, and Darby, a young woman who had gone to secretary school and was staying at the Barbizon Hotel, in 1952.