3rd Adult Summer Reading Winner Is Christy Denney! 


Book Title: The Wedding Guest
Author: Jonathan Kellerman

Review: This book was a departure from my "normal" choices, but I enjoyed it! It is a mystery but not too much of a "thriller", more of a good "who-dun-it". Friends Milo & Alex work together to solve murder cases that aren't cut & dry. Milo is a LAPD officer, Alex is a psychologist. Together, their expertise makes a perfect pair. In this book, they have to solve a murder that takes place at a "themed" wedding reception. They chase a few rabbit trails & distractions, but when a new murder takes place, the pieces begin to come together. Will they figure it out in time to save the most recent victim? Read it to find out :).

By: Christy Denney

Pittsburg Camp County Adult Summer Reading 

Thanks to everyone who participated in our first Summer Reading Program for adults!

We had an amazing time and we will do this again next year!

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

           Second Adult Summer Reader is Nella Gordineer!


Book Title: Snowflakes And Coffee Cakes
Author: Joanne DeMaio

Review: This book is a heartwarming holiday read, that will stir your soul anytime of the year! What starts out for Vera sa a "just lost my job, now what?" scenario turns into buying an old fixer-upper, finding love, and bringing a whole community together through the magic of Christmas. This books reads like a favorite holiday movie from the Hallmark channel. Quick, light reading :). Really enjoyed this book. Brings warmth to the cold months of winter with a little humor and dash of romance.

By: Nella Gordineer

Pittsburg Camp County Public Library Adult Summer Reading

Adults 18 years old & older

Check out a book from the Pittsburg Library. Submit a book review, about a paragraph long, on book that you checked out, within 2 weeks and your name will go into a drawing for an AMZ card. You will have a maximum of 3 chances to enter.

The drawings will be June 14^th & 28^th & July 12^th. You must have your reviews in by 10:00 am the day of the drawing!

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

                   First Adult Summer Reader is Raven Posey!
 
Book Title: The Couple Next Door
Author: Shari Lapena

Review: It's every parent's nightmare when the Conti's realize their six month old baby has been taken out of her crib while they were at a dinner party next door. The suspense kept me going, trying to figure out what happened to the baby. Who took her, was she still alive? Then the ending was shocking! Great book! A real page-turner!

By: Raven Posey

Pittsburg Camp County Public Library Adult Summer Reading

Adults 18 years old & older

Check out a book from the Pittsburg Library. Submit a book review, about a paragraph long, on book that you checked out, within 2 weeks and your name will go into a drawing for an AMZ card. You will have a maximum of 3 chances to enter.

The drawings will be June 14^th & 28^th & July 12^th. You must have your reviews in by 10:00 am the day of the drawing!

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

                                              Murder With Macaroni And Cheese

                                                                   By A.L. Herbert

This month my review is over the book "Murder with Macaroni and Cheese" by A.L. Herbert. This book is about a restaurant owner, named Mahaila who has an interest in detective work. In this book she is preparing for a class reunion. Although her high school years were not great, they were not bad either. But the class reunion means dealing with some people that she was hoping to forget. The main bully from her high school days approaches her about using her venue for the get together. As the time approaches, old feelings resurface for a lot of the reunion attendees, but for one the sense of nostalgia ends in murder. Now Mahalia feels that she must get to the end of the mystery and see who really had not let old bygones be bygones. The story started off kind of slow to me but the delicious recipes sprinkled throughout the story made me press on, lol. In the end I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I am now back tracking to read the first book, "Murder with Chicken and Waffles"...yummy! :)

Review by Yorsheika White

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

                                                             Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians Book Review

The Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians series is written by the famous author Brandon Sanderson who obviously had way too much fun writing the series. Written from a first person point of view he pretends to be a boy using the author Brandon Sanderson as a cover for his books. The tone of this series was much lighter than that of the  other books that I had read by this author, as well as being his first YA series that I had read.

The person who “writes” these books is a young boy raised in a series of foster homes who has a disastrous penchant for breaking things that keeps him moving through homes and people. He has never had any contact with his parents until one day he receives a bag of….sand?

But apparently important sand, for no sooner does it appear than so do a host of people who want it, Librarians who apparently like to spread false information that keeps the world under their secret control and a group of people who live in the hidden free kingdoms who still resist their rule.  

This series was wonderful comedic relief and I would highly recommend it for anyone who like to read for fun and needs something light and amusing. The writing style was easy enough for children and witty enough for any age.

By Bri Gunter

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

                                                                 El Chapo Entrega y Traición

Este mes leí el libro El Chapo Entrega y Traición escrito por
José Revele. Para la gente que no sabe quien és el chapo , el es
un narcotraficante y criminal mexicano, líder del cártel de Sinaloa.
En 1993 fue detenido en Guatemala y extraditado a México ocho
años después escapó de la prisión de máxima seguridad de
Puente Grande, Jalisco. Desde su fuga en enero de 2001 se
convirtió en el segundo hombre más buscado. Lo capturaron en
2014 y en Julio de 2015 se fugó nuevamente. El 8 de Enero de
2016 fue nuevamente capturado y está en la cárcel de Juárez
está hoy en dia.
En este libro José Reveles periodista y escritor revela
especulaciones de la captura del chapo. El especula que fue un
entrega pactada. Cuando el chapo estaba de fugitivo no puede ir
más de dos semanas sin ver a sus mellizas que tuvo con Emma
Coronel y que ella tiene un chip implantado y así pudieron
ubicarlo. También piensa que su mano derecha El Vicentillo se
volvió informante de la DEA. Cuando leí este libro me hizo pensar
en todas las series como el señor de los cielos, la reina del sur y
la señora de acero podrían tener algo de verdad.

Book Review by Ana Martinez      




For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

Book Review: No More Mr. Nice Guy: a Family Business           Novel by Carl Weber and Stephanie Covington                                                  

 Coming home after serving in the military as a Special Forces sniper, Niles Monroe looks forward to the "normal life" he seeks as a consultant for Dynamic Defense and taking care of his mother and uncle. What Niles didn't know was that Dynamic Defense was actually a  cover for a secret operation of the CIA and that they are interested in his former military skills to be used as one of their best mercenaries. Not interested in killing again he declines the job offer and returns home. However Dynamic Defense does not give up so easily and still pursues Niles by enlisting the help of one of their top agents, Bridget St. John. While connecting with some old friends, Niles finds himself involved in a very sticky situation and now he must decide whether he wants to go to jail for a crime he did not commit or does he gain employment doing the one thing he said wouldn't do? Getting to the basics of this book, Niles is a romantic at heart who ultimately has horrible luck with the women in his life! No More Mr. Nice Guy is a  book is full of suspense and drama. I found it to be a good read, I hope you do as well! :)

--

Yorsheika White, Circulation and Cataloging

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

             Book Review of the Singular Menace Series (Uncaged, Outrage, & Rampage)

John Sandford writes a great action novel. The Singular Menace series was a gripping story with relatable characters. A small group of people are drawn into a campaign against a powerful company. Shay Remby just wants to rescue her brother who disappeared after joining an animal rights group that messed with a powerful company. But what starts out as a rescue mission quickly turns into a crusade to bring down an unscrupulous company that is doing horrible experiments on not only  animals but people as well. To the most of the world and the majority of its employees Singular is a company dedicated to improving the lives of disabled people, but Shay and her brother know better and now they have proof. Together with a strange group of friends including an idealistic artist and a cyborg dog she is determined to show the world that Singular is nothing like the benevolent group of scientists it pretends to be. Singular is just as determined to make sure that its darker side stays dark, which will be a lot easier if Shay and her friends aren’t around to shine any light.

by Bri Gunter

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

Book Review of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The first book that I read by Jojo Moyes was The Girl You Left Behind, which captivated me. So, I had to read Me Before You. This book is about a girl, Louisa, who loses her job at a tea shop and is in desperate need of employment to help her family. She accepts a temporary 6-month position as a caregiver to a quadriplegic, Will Traynor. Louisa & Will are complete opposites and the first few weeks of them knowing each other, they truly hated each other so much that Louisa was ready to quit. Slowly and gradually they built an extremely touching relationship. Louisa gave Will happiness that he hadn't felt in a long time and Will showed Louisa what she was missing in life. They changed each other in extraordinary ways. This is a truly uplifting story. 

Lily Marshall

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

Este es mi revisión sobre el libro Perdón escrito por Chiquis Rivera.

Este es mi revisión sobre el libro Perdón escrito por Chiquis Rivera. Para
empezar para la gente que no sabe quien és Chiquis Rivera , es un cantante y
hija de la difunta Jenni Rivera. Chiquis revela el abuse que sufrió en manos de
su padre en su infancia. También revela la causa de la distancia entre ella y su
madre antes que falleciera. Dos años después de la trágica muerte de su madre
contesta la pregunta que todos nos preguntamos. ¿ Podrían reconciliarse antes
de la muerte de su madre Jenni Rivera? Chiquis cuenta su dichas, retos, y
tragos amargos y los más importante perdón. Es un libro que te hace reflexionar
que a veces es mejor perdonar en vida porque nunca sabes cuando ya no vas
estar aquí . Ojala les guste el libro tanto como a mi!

By Ana



For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

Yorsheika's Book Review of Grey 

Okay so here is my review of the book Grey. If you feel that you are missing out cause you did not read Fifty Shades of Grey, no worries because the book Grey is essentially the same book. The only difference is that you see all the initial encounters from Christian's perspective instead of Ms. Steele's. In addition to that you also get a glimpse into his childhood that he rarely addresses in the trilogy to help you further understand the makings of Christian Grey. I know that most people steer clear of this particular set of books (Fifty Shades Trilogy and Grey) due to the explicit sexual content and the subject of BDSM but in actuality, the series has a very good story line and it doesn't dive deep into the world of BDSM. If you can look past that you will find that Grey is simply a book about a successful, wealthy man who becomes attracted to the "girl next door" and how he struggles with the decision to bring her into his world of things or to step out of his comfort zone into her world of "hearts and flowers".

Yorsheika White, Circulation and Cataloging

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

Lily’s Book Review of A Girl’s Guide to Moving On: A Novel 

by Debbie Macomber

The story line follows a friendship between a mother-in-law (Leanne) and daughter-in-law (Nichole) who divorced their spouses at the same time for infidelity. Leanne turned a blind eye to her husband’s affairs for over 30 years. Nicole discovers that her husband, (Leanne’s son), has cheated after five years of marriage. Nicole files for divorce and encourages Leanne to take a stand as well. The two ladies rent apartments right across the hall from each other.

Each woman sets out to start a new and independent life. They each cultivate new friendships. Leanne volunteers teaching English as a second language and helps to take care of her grandson. Nicole seeks out a support group, assists other women, and starts a new job as a high school teacher. They both find men that are out of their comfort zone but are truly devoted and caring.

This was a very easy and fast read for me. It was written extremely well.  It was an inspiring story of courage, love, and hope. I would recommend this book for anyone going through a divorce. It’s also just an overall feel good read. 

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

Librarian review of THE CHASE by JANET EVANOVICH and LEE GOLDBERG

Book Review by Betty Rust, Circulation Clerk 

THE CHASE: A Fox & O'Hare Series Book 2 by JANET EVANOVICH AND LEE GOLDBERG

From the publisher: Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg, bestselling authors of The Heist, return in this action-packed, adventure featuring master con artist Nicolas Fox & die-hard FBI agent Kate O’Hare. This time, things go from hot to nuclear when government secrets are on the line.

Betty's Book Review

"I found the first book 'The Heist' fast paced and the second, 'The Chase' funny and entertaining. It has more plots within plots, twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. There were several entertaining characters including her father whose job was to watch her back. The two main characters do several illegal jobs all to help the FBI or to keep the USA from being embarrassed in dealing with other countries. Reading this book is a good way to spend a pleasant summer day."

#bookreviews #libraries #janetevanovich #leegoldberg

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

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Librarian Review of MARKED by P. C. CAST

Book Review by Lily Marshall, Library Bookkeeper/Cataloguer
MARKED: A house of night novel by P. C. Cast

From the publisher: Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. 

One minute, sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird is a normal teenager dealing with everyday high school stress: her cute boyfriend Heath, the school’s star quarterback who suddenly seems more interested in partying than playing ball; her nosy frenemy Kayla, who’s way too concerned with how things are going with Heath; her uber-tough geometry test tomorrow.  The next, she’s Marked as a fledgling vampyre, forcing her to leave her ordinary life behind and join the House of Night, a boarding school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. 

Lily's Book Review 

Working at a library, I always hear of good books. The House of Night series by P.C. Cast is very popular, so I thought that I would give this book a try. It starts off with Zoey, who is 16, being marked. She enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been given special gifts by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. She soon becomes aware of her friends and her enemies. I can see why this series has appealed to the YA crowd because the characters are average teenagers with ordinary lives.  Although this is a YA series, it kept my attention. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the characters. After I read this book, I couldn't wait to read the rest. I have read all the books in this series and I'm waiting on #12. This series is very addicting! I really enjoyed this book!

#bookreviews #libraries #pccast #houseofnight



For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; 'Follow' us on Pinterest; or 'Follow' us on Tumblr.

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Book Review: Heist Society by Ally Carter

“Heist Society” by Ally Carter
Review by Shelli Harrel, Children's Librarian

Age Range: 11 and up 
Grade Level: 6 - 9  
Series: A Heist Society Novel  

• Paperback: 304 pages  
• Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Description: For as long as she can remember, Katarina has been a part of the family business-thieving. When Kat tries to leave "the life" for a normal life, her old friend Hale conspires to bring her back into the fold. Why? A mobster's art collection has been stolen, and Kat's father is the only suspect. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.

Shelli's review:

Over the past few months, I have heard many individuals confess their love of young adult books by various authors. While I have read a number of different books over the years, there are many in this category that I have yet to read. Intrigued by all of the talk, I decided to select an author and try reading their young adult series. One of the series that I have heard several people mention is a series by Ally Carter entitled “Heist Society”. The concept of the book seemed interesting, so I gave it a try and before I knew it, I had finished not only the first book, but all three books in the series.

“Heist Society” is the story of a teenage girl named Kat who grew up in a family of thieves. Desperate to live a normal life and escape the family business, she enrolls in a private school where no one knows her or her family’s past. Her anonymity and fresh start do not last long, as she soon discovers that priceless paintings have been stolen from a powerful mobster and her father is the prime suspect. In an effort to clear her father’s name and protect her family, Kat leaves her new life behind and finds herself once again immersed in another risky heist. Set amidst a backdrop of various European cities, this story keeps you guessing as Kat works to pull off a seemingly impossible job, while keeping under the radar of Interpol, who are trailing her suspect father. With a two week deadline looming and the safety of her family at stake, Kat must use all available resources to steal back the paintings. She is assisted in her task by a colorful cast of characters from her billionaire friend/crush, Hale, to her, master thief uncle, Eddie.

Filled with plenty of suspense and humor, “Heist Society” is an enjoyable novel. I liked the way that the author portrays Kat's struggle with wanting a “normal life” and her loyalty to her family and friends. The book is an easy read and filled with interesting twists and turns. While she longs to escape life as a thief, Kat ultimately discovers where her heart truly lies and how she can use her skills to help right the wrongs of others. I would recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves action and adventure stories with a hint of romance mixed in.

For renewals, reserves, or memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email info@pittsburglibrary.org. Follow the library on the following social media sites: ‘Twitter’, ‘Facebook’ , ‘Google+’, 'Pinterest' and 'Tumblr''. We hope to see you at the library.

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Book Review: When God Breaks Your Heart by Ed Underwood

• 
  

• When God Breaks Your Heart: Choosing Hope in the Midst of Faith-Shattering Circumstances by Ed Underwood
• 244 pages, published by David C. Cook 
• Review by: Nancy Murillo, Library Director

From the publisher: Why is God letting this happen to me? If you have never asked this question, you someday will.

There is perhaps no greater challenge to our faith than personal suffering. For pastor Ed Underwood this challenge came in the form of chronic leukemia. Though he prayed for and believed in God's healing, as the days slipped by and his pain became unbearable, Ed's heart was broken by a simple realization: The God who could do anything was not helping him. Yet a revelation from God's Word changed his heart and life forever.

Nancy's Review:
This book appealed to me on a very personal level. Some titles just speak to you. Some journeys you must experience. It adjusts your perspective and makes you better.

What a book. What a life changing experience to read it. It's easy to believe in God when life is going well, when you're well-fed and well-rested and full of love; but what about when life is hard? What if you spend your life helping others, only to be turned down for healing for yourself. Ed Underwood had faith, real faith, not some ‘when things are okay’ kind of faith – real faith, deep abiding faith. Then the unthinkable happened, he was so sick and in such pain for so long that it changed him. We are talking ‘your skin is peeling off your body’ pain. The ‘out of your mind with hurt’ kind of pain. And you pray. And you keep the faith. And you wait. And wait. And wait.

Of all people, why in the world is God not answering your prayers for healing, help, and relief? Really, God? After all I’ve done, continued to do, as faithful as I have been? It is hard to believe when that is all you have ever known, all you have ever done is pray and keep the faith. But it is not about you.

What happens when you lose your faith? When do you make that decision? When you have hurt enough? Too much? What goes through your mind that day, that fateful day, when you say “I give up, God, I’m done”? That is when you have reached true acceptance of what is. And yes, it is depressing. You finally say, “I cannot do this anymore.” And if you are truly blessed, (and Ed was), that is when the person beside you, your spouse, your friend, your parent, or your child says, “You can’t give up. God is still good. And if you can’t go any farther, I can. I’ll carry this load; I’ll pray; I’ll do it for you.” And they carry us through it. Our faith returns. Sometimes we just need a break from the pain.

I’ve never suffered this kind of physical pain and I am thankful. But I have suffered this kind of emotional pain. And when I tried to say, “I’m done, He isn’t listening”, I was blessed by a husband who said, “You can’t give up. God is still good. And if you can’t go any farther, I can. I’ll carry this load; I’ll pray; I’ll do it for you.” And he did. My faith returned. I just needed a break from the pain, for someone else to carry it a while.

Ed’s story, written similarly to the story of Job, will challenge, encourage and light the way for countless other Christians who ask their own set of "whys" amidst tragedy and pain. Discover fresh hope through the story of Lazarus. Underwood closely examines the emotional components of this intimate relationship and how Jesus used His friend's death to glorify God and draw Mary and Martha closer to Him. It’s not about us. It’s about glorifying God and being drawn closer to Him.

About the Author : Ed Underwood is the pastor of Church of the Open Door, a ministry dedicated to helping people fulfill their purpose in life. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and has served as an officer in the United States Army and a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. Ed and his family reside in southern California.

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook  'Circle' us on Google+; or 'Follow' us on Pinterest.  
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Book Review: First Love by James Patterson

"First Love" by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

• 288 pages, published by Little, Brown and Company (January 13, 2014)

Review by: Shelli Harrel, Children's Librarian

From James Patterson website:
An extraordinary portrait of true love that will move anyone who has a first love story of their own. A remarkably moving tale very personal to James Patterson's own past, "First Love" is a testament to the power of first love - and how it can change the rest of your life.

Shelli's review:

Since February is a month celebrating love, and this book was on a best seller list, I thought that I would give it a try. While I have not read any of James Patterson’s mysteries, I have read one of his other books, entitled “Sundays at Tiffany's” and thoroughly enjoyed it. “First Love” is a relatively short book compared to other works by this author, but nonetheless, an interesting read.

The story centers around a young, teenage girl named Axi, who from all perspectives has always been a “good girl”. She keeps up with her studies and rarely goes against the rules. Everything changes one day when she misses school and invites her best friend and resident “bad boy”, Robinson to accompany her on a cross country trip. Things quickly take a turn for the unexpected as Robinson pushes Axi to “live dangerously” and starts off their trip by stealing their transportation instead of taking the bus. Axi is soon forced to shed her “good girl” persona as each turn in their road trip brings exciting new adventures and challenges.

As the story progresses, we learn more about what has drawn these two characters together. Although they come from different backgrounds, they have shared a common experience and both battled challenges that forever altered their childhood. By the middle of the story, Axi and Robinson’s relationship begins to shift from friendship to something more. Throughout their crazy, challenging, and sometimes “law breaking” experiences, they learn lessons about life and each other that truly give meaning to their journey.

“First Love” is a good story that reminds the reader to live each day with purpose and passion. In spite of the fact that it is written for young adults, this book is an interesting read for adults as well. I enjoyed reading it and would encourage other readers to give it a try. It takes you on a journey and reminds us how the experiences we share and the connections we make, can impact our lives.

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook or 'Circle' us on Google+.  

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Book Review: The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
reviewed by: Lily Marshall, Library Bookkeeper and Cataloger

Description: 
The newest novel by Jojo Moyes shares its title with a fictional painting that serves as a catalyst in linking two loves stories, one set in occupied France during World War I, the other in 21st-century London.

Lily's Review:
The first book I read by Jojo Moyes was Me Before You. Although it was an interesting story on a sensitive subject, I wasn't too fond of the ending and swore I would never read another book by her. When I saw the book The Girl You Left Behind, I thought it was a sequel to Me Before You, but I was wrong. As I was cataloging the book, I was thinking to myself that I needed to give this book a try.

The story is split into two parts that will intercept through time. In France, 1916, Artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his young wife, Sophie, to fight at the front. Their small town falls to the Germans in the middle of World War I . Edouard painted a portrait of Sophie that attracts the new Kommandant.

In an act of desperation Sophie sacrifices her family, her reputation, and her life to see her husband again. I was so caught up in Sophie, that I have to admit I was a little disappointed that the story shifted away from her character. The second part of the story takes place 100 years later. Sophie’s portrait is given to Liv Halston by her husband before he died suddenly. Liv draws strength from the painting day by day and becomes emotionally attached to the girl in the painting. Some of Edouard's family is looking for the same painting.

There is a long-drawn out battle in court, as the two parties fight over who should be the owner of the painting called The Girl You Left Behind.  This book absolutely captivated me. I couldn't put it down. I read it during breaks and lunchtime. I just had to find out what happened next. I recommend this book to everyone who likes historical fiction and Jojo Moyes has become my new  favorite author.


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Book Review: Stitches by Anne Lamott

Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair
By Lamott, Anne
2013-10 - Hardcover, Riverhead Books, ISBN: 9781594632587
Reviewed by: Nancy Murillo, Library Director

A wise and compassionate exploration of how we can make sense of life's chaos. What do we do when life lurches out of balance? How can we reconnect to one other and to what's sustaining, when evil and catastrophe seem inescapable? These questions lie at the heart of Stitches.

Publisher Comments:
In this book, Lamott explores how we find meaning and peace in these loud and frantic times; where we start again after personal and public devastation; how we recapture wholeness after loss; and how we locate our true identities in this frazzled age. We begin, Lamott says, by collecting the ripped shreds of our emotional and spiritual fabric and sewing them back together, one stitch at a time.
It's in these stitches that the quilt of life begins, and embedded in them are strength, warmth, humor, and humanity.

Nancy’s review:
This book appealed to me for several reasons. First, it was about faith. Second, it had a title and cover that related to quilting, which holds many positive memories for me. Last, it was only 112 pages, as I was spread thin on several projects and needed some short quiet moments. Even at 112 pages, it took me a week because I wanted to soak it all in, read, then reread, then tag it with a sticky note for later. By the time I finished, I had nearly as many sticky notes as there were pages.
Ms. Lamott pulls you in with everyday things, life, the killings at Newtown, illness, divorce, Sunday School. I laughed, I cried, and at times stared at the page wide-eyed because of her irreverence. It was wonderful. Hope, faith, grace, and spirituality are needed as you stitch your life back together after tragedy, divorce, death, loss, addiction, illness, aging, etc. Life is messy and we live stitch by stitch.
You start where you can, where you are. Ms. Lamott helps soothe the sore places in your heart and soul, so you can take the next stitch, and then the next, repairing what have become ‘the rags of your life'. We all struggle to keep the fabric of our lives together. If you have ever had to piece your life back together and just keep going, you will relate. As you already know, ‘the rags of life’ can be stitched into a beautiful new quilt.

For renewals, reserves, or to submit memorials, please contact the Public Library at 613 Quitman Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, 903-856-3302 or email us. 'Follow' our twitter feed, 'Like' us on Facebook or 'Circle' us on Google+.  

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