Decorating the Library for Christmas

I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing 35 to 40 books during the year of many of those we’ve received as new books, many of known authors, and many of popular authors, some of which are previously shelved. However there are only a few I would add to my personal library; books that are stunningly written, characters drawn to the point the reader can identify with each, and some that have made a lasting impression on me.

The first would be THE NIGHTINGALE as written by Kristin Hannah; a book unlike those she has written in the past; a narrative of life in a small village in France that has been taken over by the Nazis; the description of families evacuating their homes, carrying their prized possessions, and then, as the road becomes longer, dropping those packages, is really heartbreaking.

13 HOURS is written by Mitchell Zuckhoff with an unbelievable bibliography of those that were there as well as Congressional hearings. This is the minute by minute of the siege in Benghazi as put into words and told by the survivors. A story that should be reread constantly by our population of what can happen and what did.

Andrew Gross is a fascinating tale writer and he has surpassed his previous books with THE ONE MAN. An incredible story, partially true, of how one man became a special prisoner of Auschwitz, that unspeakably horrible German concentration camp during the Second World War. This military man of Polish decent was sent by the U.S. to free another prisoner who had special scientific knowledge necessary to our country. Partially true as one man really did this. The background of the author’s family puts into words the tragedy of many people in Europe and their families during this time.

And then we find a book that retells the story of the Galveston Hurricane; a story that really happened; the only fictionalized part of it are the names of some of the characters. WINDOWS OF HEAVEN by Ron Rozelle, a local historian, tells the tale of the early days of the forecasting of that storm; forecasts that were ignored on a daily basis. As were the pleas to build a seawall; one that is now done.

Have you ever read a book as told by an animal? If not, and you might be curious, find THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein, as the life of his humans as told by a dog in his daily life. The book will make you laugh, and cry, and wonder. Definitely added to my library.

Christmas has come to our Library with the assistance of some very dedicated and talented people. We have been blessed once again with the artistic talents of Grace Stone, our beloved century old resident, who has decorated our tree again with her special eye for beauty. And Mrs. Stone was then aided with the assistance of her daughter, Susan Onishi, who found that one spot on the tree lacking an ornament. Helping her were Ursula Price with her unbelievable mechanical talents as aided by Susan Raybon in putting our tree together and placing it on its stand. And then, Ursula with the aid of Joanie Morgan (of Treasure Chest fame) put the decorations on the outside of our building; those that cause many folks in their cars to stop and admire.

And with the additions to our table of goodies, Susan Rabon and Ursula Price brought some very special sweet treats for all to enjoy following their labors; and enjoy they all did. After all of these decorations were in place, we had a special guest, Audrey Ragusin who found some of the stuffed teddy bears under the tree and loved each. Our enjoyment with those of our welcoming children is something to behold; hopefully, more of this delightful age will come and see what we have that’s special and Christmasy here.

Grace Stone attaching ornaments to the Port O’Connor Library Christmas tree.

Aubrey Ragusin