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!
I was lucky enough to take my camera and arrive early to the POC School Halloween Carnival and took photos of many of the children dressed in a wild display of costumes. I can have a preview for a parent to select a photo at the Library, and will have them printed for a minimal charge. And, if the Caveman or Pirate is hanging around, please stop in; there’s some interesting pix of you. Both Shirley and I would love to get your autograph!
Several new books had caught my eye as I was stacking them: Boca Mournings as written by Steven M. Forman is the 2nd in a series concerning a former Boston cop who retired to Boca Raton for a little downtime. However, he soon finds that he cannot shake his former occupation, and, therefore, becomes a registered private detective in this city of retirees in Florida. The book is full of funny (?) one-liners, interesting characters, and a few situations I would prefer not to detail. For me, the jury is still out on this book; perhaps, though, I should re-read it as I’m certain others may find it very enjoyable.
And while rearranging and re-shelving the nonfiction books, I found not only some incredible cook books and those that provide ALL the answers to your decorating problems, but one interesting nonfiction: Tomorrow Will Be Better by Zdena Kapral. This is the story of a family in Czechoslovakia that weathered both the Nazi and Russian takeovers. But this family was lucky enough to have substantial resources; the husband was the President and CEO of his firm; however, they like the rest of their countrymen, were still under the life and death control of the invaders. Well written, and the author has the talent of making you a part of her life.
But for me, the most enjoyable book is Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl. This is the 2nd in a series of books known as the Triple Threat, primarily because the main characters are three females who were formerly members of the same high school in Portland, Oregon. Each woman has her own hang-ups and problems individually, but they do become less important as this female team become involved in the investigation of the mysterious death of a controversial radio talk host.
Ms. Wiehl is a former Federal Prosecutor; I remember quite vividly her defense of the Rugby team at Duke several years ago following the allegations and charges of a resident. She appears at times on TV now with the Bill O’Reilly show on Fox News, lending her expertise to the various legal matters arising each day. Hand of Fate is the 2nd book in the series; I only hope that we are able to get the first book, Face of Betrayal soon, and then order the 3rd book as it becomes available. James Patterson has a series of books involving 3 or 4 females in semi-similar circumstances; however, I’ve found that those books are neither as well character-drawn nor possess a fully believable plot. Ms. Wiehl’s emergence on the fiction scene should cause more than a few writers to work a little harder.
We still have books for sale at the Library, thankfully, with donations from residents coming in regularly. Luckily for Shirley and me we have received a number of current books that cover a variety of subjects; even some for handcrafting special items. The monies received from these sales go to add to our DVD collection and to purchase additional books – many times those missing from a series. Do come and check them out! You won’t be disappointed.
“When an old person dies, a Library burns down”
Karin Gillespie
