Sunday February 10, 2013 For the Love of the Libary

Valentine’s Day is looming but a few days away, and the Library can help make it special with books, programs, and lots more. Plus it’s all free, a win-win situation if you ask me! It’s also a great time to think back on all the wonderful books that have reminded me of the power of romance and love. One of those is a book that I recommended last month called The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011). In this previous column, the focus was the general plot line of the book but what I didn’t mention was the soul wrenching love story that ensnares Celia and Marco, the characters caught up in an unending rivalry that passes from night to night. In addition, there are the adoring fans, or “rêveurs”, of the circus that follow it across the globe and back with a feverish following.  

While reading a good love story, the natural inclination can be to crave chocolate. That’s completely normal and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Should the craving hit, there are lots of chocolate cookbooks to choose from. Try something from Small-Batch Baking For Chocolate Lovers by Debby Maugans (2011). Aside from specialty desserts for Valentine’s Day and other holidays, all recipes are geared towards a one or two person serving size. If you need some activity to help justify this sort of indulgence, keep in mind that the Library has programs of all kinds, for all ages. On February 12 we will welcome the Thunder Bay Historical Museum as they present a Valentine’s Day themed session of “Museum In A Box” at the Mary J.L Black Branch Library. Artifacts, photos and stories will be blended to show the significance and highlights of the day through Thunder Bay history.

 

A different historical approach is taken in The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes (2011). Imagine waking up after a car crash and returning to a life that you had been in the midst of leaving, but can’t remember anything about. This is exactly what happens to Jennifer Stirling in 1960 London. Just when answers look attainable, she is blocked by circumstance. It isn’t until 40 years later that a young reporter named Ellie enters the picture and starts rekindling the embers of a long ago love affair.
 
Not to leave the best for last, but like all good romances there has to be a touch of Italy to make it authentic. The Valentine books by Adriana Trigiani include Very Valentine (2009) and Brava Valentine (2010) introduce the reader to Valentine Roncalli, her eccentric family and their business, the Angelini Shoe Company. The family has been making one of a kind wedding shoes in Greenwich Village since 1903. Valentine wants to bring the business into a new age while facing self-doubt, unpredictable romantic scenarios, and lots of family drama. The story spans New York and Italy seamlessly, will make you want to create shoes, and drive home the importance of love for yourself, family, passions, and life. Happy reading this Valentine’s Day.

Jesse Roberts