March 2022 Edition

Dear Readers,
Welcome to my book column! I’m thrilled to be a part of the Fort Branch and Haubstadt Library family and share my love of books. I was an elementary school teacher for 20+ years and loved using books as a springboard for lessons. Books have influenced my life from a young age. My mom subscribed me to the Weekly Reader monthly book club. One of my favorites that still graces my shelves is, "One Kitten for Kim" by Adelaide Holl. It has names and numbers written inside the book as I used to play library with my books, foreshadowing, maybe??

Bookmark Rating System:

3 bookmarks = I had to stop 3 times (Fair rating)

2 bookmarks = I had to stop 2 times (Good rating)

1 bookmark = I had to stop 1 time (Great rating)

0 bookmarks = I couldn't put it down, no stops! (Excellent rating)

Click on the book cover or title to reserve your copy from the library today!

Our Modern Book Club read "Awaken" this past month. We had such a great discussion and really enjoyed this book. I thought it would be a good one for my column. This dystopian society, where everything is digital, sure reminded us all of our 2020 lock-down. We were amazed at the fact that this book was written in 2011. The story begins in 2060 where everything has gone digital because of the threat of nuclear warfare and school violence. Enter Maddie, who is 17 and has always lived a digital life from play dates to school. She is, however, allowed to play soccer in person. Although her mother tells her stories of a world before digital, Maddie is content with her lifestyle. Everything changes when she meets Justin. Justin knows another world and is a threat to Maddie and her family. I rate this book with 2 Bookmarks. It can be found in our young adult section.

"Woman Last Seen" is a tale of two women that go missing at the same time. Leigh Fletcher is happily married to a widower with two small boys. She steps into the step-mother role while juggling her career. They struggle like most families, but Leigh loves being a wife and mother. Kai Janssen is married to a handsome and very wealthy businessman. Neither wants children. She lives a glamorous life half of the week and the other half caring for an ailing mother.

The story is told from multiple points of view but most of the backstories and plots are delivered from Leigh and Kai. Interestingly enough, the story’s timeline is just prior to the pandemic and makes the solving of this case more urgent. It was a bit predictable, but overall it made for a compelling and thrilling reading experience. I rate this book with 2 Bookmarks and I would definitely pick up another book from this author.

Books can be reserved by:

going through the online catalog
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responding to this email
stopping in either library

Check out these great recommended reads - we hope to see you soon!

If you missed March's Book Bytes Newsletter, view it HERE.