NEW AT THE LIBRARY: A way to go online and learn to become proficient in many of the computer programs now being used in various businesses and professions and just for you. Our main library in Port Lavaca is now making available to all residents classes online in the following software programs: Computer & Internet Basics, E-mail Basics, Social Media (Facebook, etc.), OpenOffice, Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. All you have to do is to visit our Library, sign up at the desk and then go online. What a painless and nonstressful way to learn!
These Things Hidden, a somewhat startling book by Heather Gudenkauf caught my attention with the cover illustration. (I’ve found that many times the cover of a book is what prompts one to read it.) I speak of the book as startling and that is what the plot conveys. The book is extremely well written, well thought out, and the pages flow easily from one to another. The premise of the plot is not that unusual in these times; it tells of the relationship of two sisters and the hidden results of their lives. One sister is the super girl; perfect grades, many friends, champion achievements in 5 sports, and the “golden” girl of the community. The other sister is pursued by unnamed phobias — all calculated to lead to self punishment. Allison, the older and super daughter becomes pregnant at 16, and, following the unexplained death of her baby at birth, is tried, convicted and sent to prison for ten years. Released to a half-way house, she tries to reunite with her family, and particularly her younger sister, who refuses to see her, knowing that the many hidden secrets of their lives together will emerge and result in unforeseen consequences.
The book definitely holds your interest; it is beautifully written without excessively detailed paragraphs, and creates a strong empathy from the reader to the characters.
On the other hand, Alafair Burke’s newest book was a disappointment, and definitely not up to the standards created by her previous books. Although I may be in the minority with this opinion as others who have read it speak of it as being powerful and well done. Entitled Long Gone, the book wanders from mini plots to major plot, eventually tying them all together at the end. Yes, she writes well, constructs sentences and plots, gives life to her characters; these are all excellent. But this time, the many proponents of plots and people are extremely difficult to follow, and mesh with each other. Which is really a pity as a previous series re heroine Ellie Hatcher were much better.
We have a number of books, both hard cover and soft cover, available for sale; at the prices of $1.00 for hardcover and $0.25 for the soft. They make excellent companions when you go on a trip and don’t want to worry about a due date from our Library. Do come and check them out! You won’t be disappointed.
“When an old person dies, a Library burns down.”
Karin Gillespie
