News

Staff Picks: Something Worth Saving

Catherine

Chantell McMahon recently enjoyed Something Worth Saving by Sandi Ward, a heartwarming story that is sure to capture the hearts of all animal lovers.  Here is her review:

This beautifully written novel is a family drama, narrated from the perspective of the family cat Lily. Overlooked due to her injured leg, Charlie insists on rescuing her from the shelter despite her flaws.

Top reads & their "read-alikes"

Catherine

Every once in a while this column will feature a list of the most popular books currently circulating at the library. Now that we’ve reached the dog days of summer, I thought it would be a good opportunity to look back at the past couple months and see what L&A has been clamouring to read this summer. For each of these five titles, I’ve also offered a couple “read-alike” suggestion to try out if you find yourself sitting on the waitlist.

Try these great juvenile book series

Patricia Richard

Reading aloud to my kids brings me much joy and thankfully they both enjoy it almost as much as I do. Over the last year or so my eight-year-old and I have found some great book series to enjoy reading together.

Finding time to read to your kids when you are busy

Catherine

Reading aloud to children is a great way to create a sense of connection. Research shows that not only do both kids and parents enjoy read-aloud time, it also does wonderful things for a child’s development and literacy skills. Parents of children ages 0-8 recognize that children reap great benefits from the experience of being read aloud to on a regular basis. However, a recent survey by ReadAloud.org found that just 34 percent of respondents read aloud to their children for a minimum of 15 minutes each day.

Staff Picks: Things My Son Needs to Know about the World

Catherine

Kristin Maloney recently enjoyed Things My Son Needs to Know about the World by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman, a book of humourous yet poignant essays filled with fatherhood insight and advice. Here is her review:

Staff Picks: Ellie and the Harpmaker

Catherine

Marg Wood of the Napanee Branch recently enjoyed Ellie and the Harpmaker, a charming debut novel by author Hazel Prior. Here is her review:

New in True Crime

Catherine

True Crime is not for everyone and that is understandable. Naysayers, however, should consider that the genre has been elevated in recent years. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, for example, was one of the most popular and talked-about books of last year. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann was huge in 2017. These books are true crime, but a new breed of true crime; one that is read by a more general audience (not just serial killer buffs), critically acclaimed, and are said to have some literary merit.

Fall Fiction Preview

Catherine

Our library book supplier is saying that Fall 2019 is going to be one of the best publishing cycles in years. That is to say, there are a lot of must-read books being released right around the corner. I’ve rounded up some adult fiction highlights that I am personally keeping an eye out for.

Akin by Emma Donoghue

Staff Picks: The Cabin at the End of the World

Catherine

Shelby, a student page at the Napanee Branch Library, recently enjoying the terrifying thriller The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay. Here is her review:

Books to TV

Catherine

Thanks to the many television network adaptations available through cable or streaming services, it's easier than ever these days to experience your favourite books in a visual format. From The Handmaid’s Tale and American Gods to Outlander and Call the Midwife, it seems as through TV producers immediately turn to the literary world when coming up with ideas – half of what’s out there originated as a book!