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 non-stressful way to learn!
Richard North Patterson is a favorite author; I’ve been fortunate enough to have available to read most of his books. He has spoken of writing several psychological dramas in the past; his next to last book, THE SPIRE was one of that genre, and he acknowledged that he was happy? to return to that style. But an earlier book, EXILE is really ‘off the beaten path’ for him.
Mr. Patterson’s background is law, somewhat political in nature, and a previous series is set in a political family. EXILE entraps the reader with the current state of affairs in Israel and Palestine; features the dailies of a murder trial, but gives the reader the opportunity to learn the “Why” behind the defense. The author gives an excellent source of information used for writing the book; in addition to actually seeing the places in the West Bank featured and discussed so well. Although I have read and re-read the information and people-contacts used in writing this book, I still wonder what prompted Mr. Patterson to spend the time, energy and money involved to produce it. He claims he has no previously conceived bias towards one side or the other, but I definitely do with learning throughout many years of the events leading to the formation of the State of Israel. Much information began with the purchase of land as funded by the
American, Rothschild for settlement in their homeland by Jews of many nations and backgrounds. The greeting, “Next year in Jerusalem” by one Jew to another is not just words, but a fervent wish.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have made a list of the books the author used in writing it; just hope I will be able to get them from either the County or possibly the State Libraries. (As my space here is definitely limited, Henry would have a small conniption if I started bringing home large hardback books to keep, so they must be borrowed. He occasionally looks at my small collection of cookbooks and shakes his head, warning me that we’ll have a flat tire when we put the Air Stream on the road again, if I don’t eliminate some.) Do read this book; although published in 2006, it is still extremely current. The plot packs more than a few surprises and the major characters are those you would enjoy meeting, although somewhat carefully!
A fun book, at least for me, is Sophie Kinsella’s CONFESSION OF A SHOPAHOLIC. I’ve read two of her books previously, and thoroughly enjoyed them. She seems to write scenes that one reads with a suppressed giggle, and as most people really like to laugh, her books can make the day seem brighter.
We still have books covering a variety of subjects for sale at the Library The monies received from these sales go to add to our DVD collection and to purchase additional books.
When an old person dies, a Library burns down.” -Karin Gillespie
