My heart is heavy.

This morning I learned of the death of a man I did not know.

When the Director of the Fort Myers Beach Library arrived on Sunday morning to open the library for their special weekend book sale, he was fatally stabbed.  I don’t know what the motive was.  I can’t imagine the how or why someone would attack someone who provides the services that a library offers.  My mind is blown.  I did not know Dr. Leroy Hommerding, but I feel his murder deeply.

Whenever a library staff person has to open or close a library alone, they are at risk.  (This goes for recreation center staff and retail sales people who are often required to report for work alone).

So, the next time you are in your local library branch, smile, be kind, say “Thank you.”  Remember that we are here to help you – find a book, print your boarding pass, find a phone number, answer your questions, recommend a movie, help you learn a new skill, and connect to your community.

Rest in peace Dr. Hommerding.  Thank you for your service to the community and the library you loved.

 

Keeping track of my 2019 reading challenge – updated 8/26/19

As I read the books for my reading challenge, I will update this list with the titles for each category.  If you are participating, please let me know what you are reading.

toddler reading book
Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com
  • A children’s book – I’m Just a Little Cow – adorable little board book about a cute little cow with googly eyes.  Highly recommended.
  • A book by a local author – Captiva by Randy Wayne White – I’ve been wanting to try one of his books for a while.  I couldn’t get my hands on the first through third books of the series easily, so I started with number four. Thoroughly enjoyed it and could imagine all of the places in the book.
  • One of my top three books I’ve ever read – Circe by Madeline Miller has become one of my top three books I’ve ever read.  I can’t wait to read more by this author.
  • A book based on it’s cover – The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson – Interesting historical fiction about the women who created Princess Elizabeth’s (now Queen) wedding dress.
  • A genre I don’t normally read – Romance novels…blech…sigh…I don’t wanna!!!  Merry Christmas Baby by Jill Shalvis.  I am starting it today (3/7/19) as an audio book.  Wish me luck. Update – 3/8/19 – I finished this short story.  Not my cup of tea but at least I tried.
  • A book with a one word title – Gumption – Nick Offerman – I loved his characters on Parks and Recreation.  His take on historical figures is both interesting and funny.
  • Reread a favorite book – One Amazing Thing by Chitra Divakaruni – I discovered Chitra Divakaruni when choosing her book Before We Visit the Goddess when was assigned to the book discussion at the library where I work. I reached out to the author and she was kind enough to agree to a Skype Q&A session with our group.  Unfortunately, our equipment did not work.  She did the Q&A with us via text.  Her books are beautiful and she was wonderful and kind.
  • A book recommended by someone with good taste – Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson – recommended by Anne Bogel on the podcast “What Should I Read Next”.  I can’t recommend this book enough. Read it!!!
  • A book set in my home state – Cape May by Chip Creek – I received this Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.  When I saw this book, set in Cape May, NJ listed on NetGalley, I knew it would fit perfectly in this category.  The beauty of the cover belies the story within. img_2835                                                                                                         I can honestly say that I did not like this book. Five horrible human beings thrown together in a story that has no redeeming quality.  If you like a book with sex but no real substance that is even more boring than a Harlequin Romance, this book might be for you.  If you are looking for a real story, move on.
  • A debut novel – Where the Crawdad’s Sing – Delia Owens – I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Kya Clark, the marsh girl.  Part ode to nature, part coming of age story, part mystery, this book will be added to my top 100 books I’ve ever read.
  • A biography – Educated by Tara Westover.  This will probably be my favorite book that I read this year.  Ms. Westover tells the brutally honest story of her childhood and how she overcame her lack of education and receive her PhD.  Fascinating.
  • A book over 500 pages long – The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury – still trying to figure out who is human and who is martian. Confused.

Happy reading!

My 2019 reading challenge

Hey there! I got out of the funk I was in during my last post. Thanks for putting up with my pity party.

Now that we are in the new year, I have created a reading challenge for myself. During 2019, I challenge myself (and anyone who wants to join me) to read the following:

  • A children’s book
  • A book by a local author
  • One of my top three books I’ve ever read
  • A book based on it’s cover
  • A genre I don’t normally read
  • A book with a one word title
  • Reread a favorite book
  • A book recommended by someone with good taste
  • A book set in my home state
  • A debut novel
  • A biography
  • A book over 500 pages long

I have already made some progress.  The first book I read this year checks off the children’s book category. I read “I’m Just a Little Cow”. An adorable board book that I spotted while checking in returns at the library where I work.

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This little cow is adorable.  I’ve recommended it and even put it out on our staff picks shelf.

I’ll be posting more as I work through the list.

Happy New Year!