With the absence of an apocalypse in December 2012, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that January is National Thank You month. With that in mind, the Thunder Bay Public Library sincerely thanks all those that read this weekly article, visit our branches or website, borrow material, participate in programs, and everyone that provides suggestions or ideas to help improve the Thunder Bay Public Library all year long.
I’ve been thinking about all the aspects of my work life for which I am thankful and there are two that stand out - books and stories. These should not be mistaken as the same thing though. Of all the books available through the Library, there are a few reads from 2012 that stand out in my mind.
Based on a recommendation from a colleague, I read Stone Spring by Stephen Baxter (2010). Being a fan of the Clan Of The Cave Bear series by Jean M. Auel, the assumption was that I would enjoy this book as well. This turned out to be an astute assumption. Stone Spring introduces the Stone Age area of Northland (a fictional name applied to the land mass formerly connecting Great Britain and Europe) and the fight of those who live there to hold back the advancing sea levels. Additional plot layers delve into the lives of characters such as Ana, the youngest daughter of a missing leader who struggles to find her place in the community of Etxelur.
A second piece of historical fiction that I particularly enjoyed in 2012 was The Key by Simon Toyne (2012). This is the second installment in the Sancti Trilogy and picks up right where Sanctus (2011) left off. I have had several discussions about these books in which both parties agree that they are similar to The Da Vinci Code but better. There is a balance between action, academics, conspiracy, and historical context.
Another recommendation from a friend brought me to read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011). I wasn’t sure about this one since I have an inherent aversion to all things circus related but once I started reading, just couldn’t put it down. Mixed parts fantasy, mystery, intrigue and romance draw the reader into this tale of a Victorian era traveling circus based out of London. The minds behind this wondrous creation are two magicians who create the circus as a staging ground for competition between their two young protégés. It doesn’t take long for the rules of this contest to take their toll and threaten the fabric holding all the tricks, scenes, and human lives together in this unique world.
My final read of 2012 also turned out to be one of the most intriguing. I started reading The Tattoo Artist by Jill Ciment (2006) and finished it a day later. It offers a retrospective look at the life of Sara Ehrenreich, a woman who grew up in New York in the early 1900s and falls in love with Philip, a temperamental and would-be artist. Upon leaving North America during the Depression, they become stranded on an island in the South Seas. Over the next thirty years, Sara takes on the identity of her new home, including the tradition of chronicling one’s life in living art.
Aside from books, I am thankful for the multitude of stories that come through TBPL every day. Some patrons share stories about their families, others about how the Library has helped build their business, and still others with stories that have yet to be discovered through our genealogy and local history collections. Our youngest patrons tell us stories that rival the best books and puppet shows we have to offer. In the spirit of the month, thank you for making the Library a part of your life. Looking forward to 2013!
Jesse Roberts
No comments:
Post a Comment