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"For a True Hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart" --Lion King, "Mufasa"
I've chosen a few books to celebrate fathers that I thought you may enjoy, so let’s get straight to…
REVIEW TIME
Daddy-Daughter Day by Pierce Freelon:
Read to your little one about the Daddy-Daughter power combo superhero team as they set out to spend the whole day together from beginning to end, as only daddy and daughters are allowed. Read and see what ideas you and your daughter(s) might come up with to spend a special day together of your own.
"Dream sweet, my star, creative, wise and brave." --Daddy-Daughter Day
The Road by Cormac McCarthy:
This is a post-apocalyptic story of a father and his son and their fight to survive. Brimming with tenderness between father and son and what it takes to keep them alive through the face of devastation.
A Painted House by John Grisham:
"It was Wednesday, early September 1952. The Cardinals were five games behind the Dodgers with three weeks to go, the season looked hopeless. The cotton, however, was waist-high to my father, over my head, and he and my grandfather could be heard before supper whispering words that were seldom heard. It could be a 'good crop'" -- A Painted House.
This is a touching story inspired by Grisham's childhood in Arkansas, told through the eyes of seven year old Luke Chandler. He tells how the hill people came down and camped on his family's property to help with the cotton harvest. It also tells of Luke's bond with a special boy named Trot who has come down with his family but is confined to a blanket in the yard. Luke shares the fact that the little house he shares with his family has never been painted. Luke has a lot on his shoulders for a seven year old. He overhears secrets that could threaten their crop and possibly change their lives forever. It's a must read for any John Grisham fan. If you can find it on audio, it's fantastic as the whole piece is read by the seven year old boy.
Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks:
A story of a single father discovering what unconditional love is through his six year old daughter. Through the value of family and their love and support Russell Green comes to understand what it means to be a father and how when you find unconditional love it's to be treasured. Please read, but tissues are a must, not just a recommendation.
A few books you may want to put on your summer read list:
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner:
The story revolves around a family's beach house in Cape Cod. It's the perfect setting for Sarah's step-daughter's wedding where family can come together to celebrate such a joyous occasion. But after some very surprising and revealing secrets along with misunderstandings nothing will ever be the same for this family. It will make you think about your own family bonds as well as giving your heart a few tugs. The story will cause you to possibly rethink some of your own paths you have taken in life. Did you always make a safe choice? What would happen if you had chosen differently? The book blew me away with all the twists and turns. It was a quick read and hard to put down. So take a trip to the Cape with this sizzling summer hit.
Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery:
Mostly set on the Santa Barbara coast where single mom Robyn Caldwell decides with all of life's pressures to spend a vacation on the west coast with her Aunt Lillian. A nice private getaway...or so she thinks...will she receive her peace or fulfill her dreams of what she really wants? Well sometimes what we leave behind follows us. Take a chance and spend a lazy summer day with this one.
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand:
Coming out June 14th, I can't wait to spend some time with this one. The book takes place in the Hotel Nantucket where Lizbet gathers a successful staff to help her put the hotel back on the map as before in the Gilded Age. But there's a twist or should I say haunt? Yes, a nineteen year old chambermaid named Grace haunts the halls. So what's a girl to do? Dive into this one with me; it has plenty of haunts, secrets and romance. Happy Reading!
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Have you gotten the chance to read Viola Davis's autobiography? If not, then her new book might just be the thing for you!
Here are a few more to check out:
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak
Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery
Summer Love by Nancy Thayer
The Bridge: the Complete Story (Video)
I just finished watching this movie, based on the novels by Karen Kingsbury. I haven't read a lot of her books, but took a chance on the DVD. What a wonderful, heartfelt, moving tale. It spans so many characters’ lives and how one bookstore called "The Bridge" brought them all together, as well as a few characters coming full circle. It's full of heartbreak, sadness, forgiveness, people coming together, and above all happiness.
As before mentioned, the Bookmobile has chosen a camping theme this year for our Summer Reading Program, so check out some of these...
Cool Kids' Books About Camping:
Brave Little Camper
Join little camper on an adventure as he spends the night in the forest for the very first time.
Goodnight Campsite
This book takes young readers on an outing to their favorite campsites while indulging in outdoor activities, roasted marshmallows, included.
Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping
Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of camping so he decides to watch TV instead.
These are just a few, but we have plenty more for you and your family to check out.
SIMPLE IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN
Summer is the perfect time to get out and build your own campsite and campfire. Share a few stories while roasting hotdogs, marshmallows and making s'mores. Yum!
A cool activity which I think all kids enjoy after the evening falls is trying to catch fireflies. As they run around following the light it also burns off some of the energy from the sweets they just indulged in, because who can eat only one marshmallow or s'more? Give it a go...you might be surprised how much fun you can have!
EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER IN JUNE
Father's Day June 19, 2022
Juneteenth June 19, 2022
WV Day June 20, 2022
Summer Reading Program for Bookmobile June 27 through August 8, 2022
"Look inside yourself. You are more than what you become. Remember who you are. Remember." --The Lion King, "Mufasa" to "Simba"
FINAL THOUGHTS
Our staff would like to welcome Christopher Hawkins to our department as our new Bookmobile driver. We hope he has a great adventure here aboard the Bookmobile!