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How about we celebrate Mothers? Mother’s Day is in May, after all.
I would like to start with a quote by Maya Angelou,
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
I think all moms are stars and they make life beautiful! My kids use to do a little take on MOTHER kinda like this and I thought it was cute:
M-agnificent
O-utstanding
T-ender
Honorable
Extraordinary
R-emarkable
We may not exhibit all these attributes, but I bet if we look at ourselves deep enough we will find some part that relates.
REVIEW TIME
I wanted to introduce a few books I have read that go deep into our hearts as mothers.
I just finished reading the Wedding Veil by Kristy Harvey Woodson. This is the first book I have read by this author. It chronicles the Biltmore Estate of Asheville, North Carolina and how a precious heirloom veil handed down through generations is believed to lead to a happy marriage. This book is full of the history of George Vanderbilt II and his wife Edith Dresser, their family and how the Biltmore Estate became to be. So how did this veil end up on the heads of a family in another part of North Carolina? Hmm, well I hope you read and find out. It's quite a fascinating book. The mothers in this book show us all the sacrifices and love we unconditionally give to our children. Not without some strife along the way of course. If you ever get the chance to tour the Biltmore Estate, I highly recommend it. Please wear comfortable shoes, though as it's a huge estate and does require extensive walking. But it is just as breathtaking and glamorous as the book details. The audio tour is a must if you want to get the full history. According to this author, this mysterious veil is still on display at the Biltmore Estate.
One of my favorite authors is Elin Hilderbrand. I used to call her my female version of Nicholas Sparks, because I find their writing style quite comparable. Anyway, here are two of her books I think you will like:
Beautiful Day . . . This book is about two families who gather on Nantucket Island for a wedding. The daughter has a notebook left behind by her late mother detailing her wishes for a perfect wedding. Her daughter feels compelled to follow her mother's instructions to the letter at the cost of allowing it to tear her apart. She is on a journey with her family where scandals abound and hearts will be broken and healed. "Elin HIlderbrand takes readers on a touching journey in Beautiful Day - into the heart of marriage, what it means to be faithful, and how we choose to honor our commitments." I found this quote on bookbrowse.com and it kind of sums it up. I hope you will take a chance and read this novel.
There are times, however, when Elin Hilderbrand steps outside the box or realm if you want to call it that.
One example is her book Golden Girl. Vivian Howe, a mother who goes for a run one morning on Nantucket Island is hit by a car. She ascends to the afterlife where she meets someone named Martha who guides her and allows her to watch what happens below one last time. Vivian is granted three nudges and with these she can change the outcomes on earth. How will she use these nudges? Will it be something for herself or for her three grown children? Please read to find out. We find this heartfelt message,
"The people we lose never really leave us." --Golden Girl.
For those of us who consider our pets our children and a spoiled family member (and honestly who doesn't?), I can recommend a lovely book called Lawyer for the Dog by Lee Robinson. This miniature Schnauzer named Sherman will certainly tug at your maternal heart strings, as he is caught in a custody battle between his parents. He is assigned a lawyer to represent him and try to figure out just where he belongs. It's a sweet read and I sure didn't want you to miss out on this one.
Ok not everyone wants a tear jerker so as I've mentioned before one of my all-time favorite authors who makes me laugh out loud and cheer is Jenny Colgan. Here are a few of her new books you might want to consider for light reading:
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
Welcome to the School by the Sea
The Bookshop on the Shore
*And remember her books are also available on audio!
EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER IN MAY
Painting with Sarah: Saturday May 14, 2022 (for those who registered-class is currently full).
Bookmobile final pickups at public schools, private schools and daycares will continue throughout the month of May. Please return any books checked out on Bookmobile. Thanks!
I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to all the staff here at the library. They have all gone above and beyond to help me collect, clean, check-in and shelve books from our public and private schools. I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you!
We want everyone to start gearing up for our Summer Reading Program beginning in June, 2022. Please stay tuned for details as they become available. Bookmobile will be using a camping theme this summer. We are planning lots of fun for everyone.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I'll end this month's blog with a couple of children's selections I found touching:
Me and my Mama by Boston Weatherford: It's a simple rhyming book told through the eyes of a child, detailing how these children see all the important things a Mama does.
Pretty Loved by Mr. Jay/Miletsky: A sweet poem book with beautiful illustrations and told in simple form. It's a way to tell our children they are beautiful and special and how proud we are to be their mother. It's a must read for moms if you want to feel special and uplifted yourself. This is the last line of the book:
"In moments that I hold you close,
I feel my soul is freed,
There is no question, please have no doubt...you're pretty
loved indeed."
Remember where there is kindness, there is goodness...
~Happy Mother's Day~
The Bookmobile Lady
OH AND HEY!
Welcome back Amy Smith, you were missed and it's great to have you back here at the library!