Rolla Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

What other books are you reading during the pandemic?
I've been reading a few classic children's books, like Bambi, Black Beauty, and The Secret Garden from openlibrary.org, and a bunch of SF ebooks from Libby/Overdrive.

One particular book that I recently read is Digging to America by Anne Tyler. This is a hardcover that I actually have checked out from Rolla right now. Like all Tyler's novels, it would be great for discussion.

What have you enjoyed lately, and where did you get it from?

Btw, I picked the book to illustrate thread just for fun. I really don't expect any of us will read anywhere near the thousand books that are recommended in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die but sometimes it's fun to look at lists like that for ideas about what to read next.

I, too, picked up a classic to read, my choice was Little Women. I also read Paper Wife by Laila Ibrahim which I enjoyed. It was about a Chinese immigrant in the 1920's.


I love Anne Tyler's books so I am sure I would like Digging to America.

Paper Wife looks like another one that would be good for discussion. I'm not attracted by the word 'heart-wrenching' in the blurb, though. :)

I thought it was a feel good book, despite the obstacles, her life worked out for her. I know it is not always that way. It did show what many Asians went through in order to immigrate to the U. S. I am not sure that I would have that type of fortitude. Nor would I want to marry a stranger and immediately leave my family and culture behind. I would not have made a good pioneer of any sort! I am a lover of historical fiction books so this one was a good read for me especially since in the end everything worked out.

Thank you!

I'm going to be rereading a classic horse story shortly. I loved Black Gold by Marguerite Henry when I was a child (along with King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian and Justin Morgan Had a Horse) and hope that I still love it!

Otherwise I've not had a lot of luck over the last few months, as I can see by reviewing my challenge page. Some of the picture-books I've read are very good, and some of the SF is fun, but nothing is outstanding. Hm.

How about National Velvet one of my all time favorite horse books?

Oh that's a good idea! I've never read National Velvet (or seen the movie).

I did just finish one of my favorite childhood reads, The Secret Garden. Even better this time around. I'm reading The Secret Garden Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden and Inside the Secret Garden: A Treasury of Crafts, Recipes, and Activities with it this time. All are available on openlibrary.org.

As you probably know, the library is in Phase Two of opening, lobby only for visiting, and curbside for requested books. Of course, no bookclub or other programming for awhile yet.

I've been reading a lot of digital books. Most of the books that I've borrowed from the library during this Phase have been Nonfiction Graphic novels. I'm very impressed with some of them, for example The Underground Abductor and The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA. They're definitely not just for children!

Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World is a new book, brand-new to the library. As soon as I return it, you should borrow it. ;)
My review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So far I say only:
Read the prologue... promises to be non-partisan and cross-disciplinary.
I've been a skeptic for more than half a century, but 'new-school' bullshit is more difficult for me to parse, I admit. And so I look forward to learning from these civically-minded authors.

Oh, and note, due to the increase of cases *and deaths* due to Covid-19 in Phelps county, the library is again offering curbside only. They are working all the hours though, and welcome phone calls as well as online communications regarding requests for book bundles, reference questions, etc. They also still have digital storytime videos and a new Green Screen! Check out their website and/or follow them on social media.