Gratitude is at the forefront of our hearts and minds this week as we gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving and the countless gifts we are thankful for. This week we asked you, members of our local community, which books you were especially grateful for this year and why. Here’s what you said!
“The book I am most grateful for this year is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. It was such a refreshing read that came to me at just the right time over the summer. The book does a great job of weaving low points in the characters’ lives, both human and aquatic, with some very tender and hopeful moments. I left this story feeling grateful for having met them all. I look at things differently now and can’t wait for my next aquarium visit. –Jennifer Harden, library staff
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson offers a peek into the existence of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave Pack Horse Librarians. The talented author was new to me. Her superior writing skills captured my interest in this novel based on factual history. It’s a great read for a cold winter’s night!” –Alice Smith
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. “I didn't particularly love it while I was reading it, but it gave me a perspective of how a family member who suffers from depression and anxiety feels. I love the quote, ‘Never underestimate the big importance of small things.’ I have it on the back of my business card. It spoke to me because I always want to be bright a spot in someone's day. I try to remember details of people's lives so I can ask them about those items the next time I see them.” –Library Director, Michelle Duclos
“The book that really made me think was The Measure by Nikki Erlick. It would be a great book for a book club selection. There were many different angles to approach the subject matter.” –Nanci Lyon
“A book that I am thankful for this year is the Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future by Ryder Carroll. I'm thankful for this because, as a busy mom, I am always trying to find new ways to keep my ideas, my TO-DO's, my goals and every other life detail organized. I have been bullet journaling now for two months and I love it. I find that I retain more when I write it down with pen and paper and I love to doodle and draw so I sprinkle some in my pages. I think I have had better focus and am able to prioritize better with it. I highly recommend you check it out!” –Beth Emmons, library staff
“I’m grateful for the First Conversations board book series by Megan Madison. They are an amazing way to start so many essential conversations about race, gender, consent, and more with our little ones! Bonus pick: The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin because she’s an amazing science fiction author crafting essential narratives for our world today!” –Jim Keat
Dinner with The Smileys by Sarah Smiley. An uplifting memoir based on the true story about a mom who attempts to fill the void in her family’s life after her husband is deployed overseas by inviting one new guest to dinner every week for an entire year. “I thought about how we could do this in our family every once in a while and invite someone totally unexpected. Food always brings people together. Read the book. Funny, relatable read.” –Michelle Mueller Rodammer
There are so many things to be grateful for this season, including the books you’ve all shared. As we enter the notoriously busy season of gift-buying, family gatherings, and holiday travel, may we seek out moments to pause and be still with many good books that continue to spark joy and gratitude all season long.