Tag Archive for: jgockley

A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko

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Each year, over six million people visit Grand Canyon National Park, but most people’s visits are brief and they only see a small part of this national wonder, mostly from the vantage point of one of the rims. There is a small group of individuals who hike more in depth parts of the canyon, but since it can be a grueling experience it is not for everyone. If one were to attempt a traverse of the entire canyon, it would total more than 750 miles, and typically require years of preparation and training. 

In 2014, Kevin Fedarko’s best friend, National Geographic photographer Peter McBride, proposed they hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon, as a sectional traverse.  The one hundredth anniversary of the Grand Canyon was coming up, in 2016, and McBride billed the project as a way of creating the capstone story of the Grand Canyon, in which they would help National Geographic make others aware of the beauty of this public land and the threats to it. They would need time to chronicle and document, with Fedarko writing and McBride photographing; hence doing it in sections.

Fedarko had previous experience with the canyon, but it was in the form of rafting on the Colorado River, not hiking. Neither man knew anything about hiking, but McBride assured him they could simply do the hike “off the couch.” He said they would build up their stamina on the trail and there would be no need to train in advance. From Fedarko’s past experience working with McBride on National Geographic assignments he knew things did not normally go as planned, but McBride has a way of convincing people of things, and in the end Fedarko agreed to go.

Soon the pair find themselves tagging along on the first segment of another group’s epic continuous hike through the canyon. Misadventure ensues and very quickly the pair begin to understand they are in over their heads, but instead of admitting defeat, what develops is a slow motion collapse, where each is soon fighting for survival.   

From the perspective of someone who has never seen the Grand Canyon, I thought this book did an excellent job describing the canyon and its landscape. I enjoyed reading about the adventure of the two friends and especially enjoyed the many elements covered by the book –  various branches of science as it relates to the Grand Canyon (geology, archaeology, biology, botany, etc.); the history of the canyon; how and why the Grand Canyon National Park was created; information about the area’s indigenous people; Fedarko’s experience with the Colorado River; the slot canyons; what the Grand Canyon National Park is like today; and what the Canyon means to Fedarko. 

In fact, the author is so comprehensive in his coverage, it can be hard to describe the book and its premise to others. However, all the detail creates a beautiful portrait of a special place. It seems wild to me that the two men thought they would be able to hike, even a section, of the Grand Canyon without properly preparing, but it makes for a fun, entertaining read. 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

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This multi-generational, sweeping tale begins with the arranged marriage of a young girl. Her wedding day commences with a long journey by river, with her mother, and ends in the village of Kerala. The girl is quickly joined by marriage to the Parambila family, a Malayali family living in southwest India. The groom, who she has never seen before, is a 40 year-old widow, with a young son.  

Unbeknownst to the young bride, her husband’s family has a mysterious “Condition.” A genetic trait causing certain members to have strange reactions to water. An affliction of which no one speaks. It is only through tragedy that she learns the true reach of the “Condition” and spends her lifetime praying for someone who can shed light on its true nature and cause. 

Through the lens of the Parambila family, the author uses his extraordinary command of lyrical prose, to weave together a multi-part, compelling family drama.  One that also includes information on Indian life, medicine, the elements, colonial and post-colonial rule, the country’s social, political and economic climate, the caste system, religion, and much more. All of this must have been complicated by the novel’s seventy-seven year time span, but Verghese makes it look effortless.  He cleverly employs the young bride, who eventually becomes known as Big Ammachi, as the story’s anchor and matriarch of the family. 

In addition to the loving, generous, down-to-earth character of Big Ammachi, the author builds a large cast of richly drawn characters that possess depth and humanity.  They are the highlight of the book. Each character, and there are many, is complex and unpredictable, just like people in real life, but the author manages to avoid making villains. There are choices along the story’s path, and the characters make them, for better or worse.  

Much of the novel has to do with the training and practice of medicine, and Verghese, a physician himself, does an excellent job of explaining technical medical issues and terms in a practical and easy-to-understand way. These elements only add to the story.  

This is a story of family, love and life.  As with real life, the story is occasionally marred by loss and tragedy, but overall Verghese has created a prevailing sense of optimism and hope.  Also, as the title suggests, the theme of water is a central focus of the story – its destructive nature is showcased, as well as its ability to create and sustain life. 

At over 700 pages, or 30 hours of listening, THE COVENANT OF WATER is an undertaking. It requires a commitment, but once started it is nearly impossible to put down.  Eager readers will be rewarded with a richly layered narrative that is as unforgettable as the characters who inhabit its pages.  Fans of literary epic fiction should be thankful to have another tome to add to their shelves. There is much to love in this sprawling, informative, heart-gripping historical-fiction tale.

 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Favorite Reads of 2024

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Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! As with past years, I like to kick off the new year by reflecting on what I read during the previous year. And 2024 was a good one, reading-wise for me. I love writing each title down and keeping track of the total I read; with this year’s grand total being 50. That is a big number for me, and just slightly more than the goal I set for myself. I am thrilled to have read the books I did.  So much so, I had a hard time narrowing my list to a sharable length. There were so many good ones! I hope you are as happy with your 2024 books, too. If not, do not fret, I am sure 2025 is going to be your year.

Of those fifty titles, I would like to tell you about a few of my favorites.  Below are my top ten picks, in no particular order:

THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan 

Four women, from a rural town outside of London, compete in a four week cooking contest for a chance to co-host a BBC radio program focused on providing easy to make recipes with local ingredients that will stretch food ratios during the second year of World War II.  

The contestants include a pair of estranged sisters, one married to a lord and living in the lap of luxury, the other recently widowed, living in their dilapidated childhood home with her three boys cooking baked goods for locals in order to feed her family; the Lady’s cook and scullery maid are the third set of competitors and finally, a professional trained chef from London that is hiding out in the rural countryside.  

It is like The Great British Bake Off combined with Downton Abbey, if it took place during WWII, when food and resources were scarce. The characters and their stories are the highlight of this clever novel. Ryan does a bang up job of creating four distinct, flawed, characters that readers will be pulling for. By the end readers will be hard pressed to know which contestant they are hoping will win. 

EROTIC STORIES FOR PUNJABI WIDOWS by Balli Kaur Jaswal   

Nikki, a daughter of Indian immigrants, lives in a modern West London neighborhood. She feels pressure from her mother to be more traditional like her Sikh sister Mindi who is looking to have an arranged marriage. Nikki prefers a more Western way of living and after dropping out of law school she has kept herself busy tending bar. In need of cash to help her family, she applies to teach creative writing at a community center in the Punjabi community. 

Little does she know, due to some miscommunication, the widows who sign up for her class are expecting to be taught basic English skills. After one of the widows shares a collection of erotic stories with the women in class, Nikki’s students convince her to use the class to help them share their own stories. Even though doing so could put her job and her students reputations on the line. Through her work with the women she inadvertently draws the attention of the community’s “moral police” and she is soon caught up in helping solve the death of a young woman. 

It was a pure delight to read this one! It is not all fun and laughs because some of the topics are pretty heavy, but Jaswal does a nice job meshing the storylines so that it is very readable. She also does a great job crafting a story that shares about a culture many know little about. It is relatable, humorous and compelling.  

THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNI & MARGOT by Marianne Cronin

Get your Kleenex ready, this one is not for those who are scared to tear up while reading a book. And this story is well worth the price of a few tears.  Seventeen year old Lenni and eight-three year old Margot meet through a series of fortuitous events in the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital where they are both patients. Little do either know they will become fast friends and work together to create something larger than themselves that they will share with the world. 

The characters in this book feel so real thanks to Lenni’s narration and her relationship with each.  She may be a patient in a terminal ward at the hospital, but she never lets that stop her. She visits the church and befriends Father Arthur, she visits the art room and finds Pippa and Margot, she builds a repertoire with her main nurse and even takes time to get to know the hospital porter. Margot’s stories are delightful and heartbreaking at the same time, much like life. 

My favorite quote from the book: “What I mean is, you’re not dying right now. In fact, right now you’re living.”   

ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK by Chris Whitaker

Set in the fictional town of Monta Clare, Missouri, residents are left wondering about the failed kidnapping of Misty Meyer, a beautiful teenage girl from a prominent family. Instead of the original target, Patches Macauley, an unlikely hero from the wrong side of the tracks, is unaccounted for. Most of the townsfolk assume he is dead, but his best (and only) friend Saint Brown is relentless in her belief that he is alive. 

Chris Whitaker’s newest book has much going on, making it hard to describe, but that is part of the beauty. The writing is vivid and at times challenging to decipher, but in a compelling way.  This is not a book where you can flip forward several chapters, or even to the end, to find out what happens. It is written in such a way that you have to read it closely or you might not fully understand the author’s meaning. He takes his time sharing details and lets the drama build, maximizing the emotional toll the story is sure to have on readers. 

One of my favorite elements was the fictional small Missouri town. Having grown up in a small Missouri town, all the elements are there – neighbors who know everything about each other, messy family dramas, half-hidden secrets and flawed townspeople.  It is such a spot on depiction that it had me Googling Monta Clare to see if it was a real town. 

THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF TEENAGERS: RAISING CONNECTED, CABLE, AND COMPASSIONATE ADOLESCENTS by Lisa Damour Ph.D

Dr. Lisa Damour is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with teenagers. I first heard of her while listening to an Armchair Expert podcast and was hooked and knew immediately that I had to read the book they referenced in the podcast. 

Here is a description from an Amazon customer reviewer that I think concisely explains the book, “Dr. Lisa’s book is an invaluable tool for parents navigating the tumultuous teenage years. It delves into the intricacies of teenage emotions and offers practical guidance for parents on how to effectively support and guide their teens.” 

I read this one during the last few months of my son’s first year in middle school. It was so good and so helpful to me because it reminded me of what he was going through as a pre-teen. Nowadays, if I am talking to another parent of a teen, I almost always recommend it to them. I cannot help myself. It feels like a road map to teenagehood.  I regret that I did not read it before my son started sixth grade, but better late than never. This has been an invaluable resource to me.  

FUNNY STORY by Emily Henry

I wrote a full review for this one in June 2024, but could not pass up a chance to mention it again. 

The book’s main character, Daphne Vincent, loves a good story. She especially loves how her fiancé Peter would tell the story of how they met – in a park, on a windy day, with Daphne trying to retrieve her hat, and eventually, getting some assistance from Peter. Though unbeknownst to love-struck Daphne, their break up on the night of Peter’s bachelor party when he dumps Daphne for his childhood best friend Petra, will prove an even more interesting story than their first meeting.

After the breakup Daphne is not sure what to do, but ends up accepting an invitation from Miles, Petra’s ex-boyfriend, to move into the apartment that he and Petra used to share. In this new chapter of Daphne’s life she and Miles become close, but there are several misunderstandings involving the ex’s, and Daphne’s mostly absent father who springs a surprise visit on her, that get in the way of their happiness. Ultimately, Daphne has to decide what is most important to her and whether she will leave Michigan for a new start. 

The characters are well drawn and relatable.  Of course I especially love that Henry made Daphne a librarian and that the whole book is about a “story” or rather, multiple “stories” that converge to make up a wonderful read!  It is clever, and while nothing is too surprising, it all fits and makes the book compelling and easy to read. 

THE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio

One night after her friend’s bachelor party Lauren returns home to her flat only to discover that her husband Michael is waiting. The issue – she is not married. Or at least not that she can remember. Though her phone, where there are photos of their wedding, tells another story.   After doing some quick research, she discovers that she and Michael have been married for several years. As she tries to get her mind around this Michael goes up into the attic to change a lightbulb and down comes a new husband. 

Lauren soon learns that the attic is like a husband factory – one goes up, a new one comes down.  Each time a new one appears, Lauren has no memory of their relationship or what their life has looked like, and each time her life is slightly different – house decor, job, friends, etc.  Sometimes she is happy with her current husband, but most of the time she is always wondering what her “next” life/husband will be/look/act like.

This book has such a clever premise and I think it would make a great book discussion title because most everyone would have a different opinion on how Lauren (and themselves) would handle the predicament. Debut author Gramazio does a good job of creating a compelling story, though I felt it got a little off kilter the longer it went (or maybe it was just a little too long), but I was still really happy with the way she wrapped it up.  

THE ROM-COMMERS by Katherine Center

I wrote a full review for this one in November 2024, but could not pass up a chance to mention it again. 

Emma Wheeler has been the full-time caretaker for her father, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury, for a decade, while her younger sister Sylvia finished high school and college. But now it’s Emma’s turn to do something she loves, so when she gets an opportunity to rewrite a romantic comedy with her favorite screenwriter Charlie Yates, she packs her bags and heads to Los Angeles.  

But when she arrives she realizes that not all the things her agent told her are true. Instead of her dream writing experience she is soon playing a starring role in a drama where Charlie Yates, who turns out to be a grump, is refusing to work with her. However, Emma is not one to give up so easily on her dreams and she quickly devises a plan for getting the script rewritten and if she can change Charlie’s mind about love, all the better. 

Bestselling author Katherine Center has outdone herself with her latest offering. It is funny, clever, sassy and relatable. Plus, it is perfect for readers looking for a romantic comedy without any spice. Emma and Charlie’s relationship is sweet and the witty banter and humor they have with each other is spot on. I would give Center’s latest addition to the rom-com genre a perfect ten.

THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach

For years it has been Phoebe Stone’s dream to visit Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island with her husband Matt, but after a series of events that leave her single, she decides on a final splurge for herself. Upon her arrival she is mistaken for a wedding guest, since the hotel is booked out for a large wedding party. Despite Phoebe’s protests and even blunt honesty about why she is staying at the hotel, she forms an unlikely connection with the bride and ends up taking on some unexpected duties to help with the wedding.

It is likely you have seen this title promoted in other places throughout the year.  It is a Read With Jenn Pick and was on the New York Times bestseller list. The blue, white and sand colored cover leaves an impression. It features a set of arms, sticking up from ocean waves, one giving a peace sign and the other holding a champagne bottle. At first glance it seems like a fluffy beach read, but the content is heavier, with divorce and mid-life crisis topics explored, but also includes lighter topics of friendship, connection and caring to provide balance. Espach hit a nerve with this one.   

ROMANTIC COMEDY by Curtis Sittenfeld

I wrote a full review for this one in March 2024, but could not pass up a chance to mention it again. 

Sally Milz is a sketch writer who works for a late-night live comedy show called The Night Owls. She has been unlucky in love on several occasions, most notable a divorce right after finishing college. She has sworn off dating anyone at work, and while she has the occasional no-strings attached hookup her life is almost solely focused on her work at The Night Owls. This all changes after meeting Noah Brewster, one of the show’s guest hosts, and they hit it off.  

Author Curtis Sittenfeld is insightful and funny. I loved her writing style and how she created Sally’s and Noah’s characters.  The character dialogue seemed witty and believable and the relationships genuine. When reading I felt like Sally’s insecurities were something most everyone could relate to. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions and just found the storyline was so clever.  Plus, Sittenfeld’s secondary characters – Sally’s friends, the staff at TNO, even Sally’s stepfather – were drawn convincingly and added depth to the book. 

 

And that is a wrap for 2024. Thanks for taking the time to share in my reflection and reading about some of my favorites.  I am excited to see what 2025 brings and I wish you a wonderful new year of reading! 

Written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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Emma Wheeler has been the full-time caretaker for her father, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury, for a decade, while her younger sister Sylvia finished high school and college. On the day her sister is due to arrive home, after graduating from college, Emma gets an unexpected call from her manager Logan.

Typically Logan passes along writing opportunities like movie reviews and magazine articles so that Emma can support herself while also having the time to work on other writing projects that she enjoys in her downtime. But Logan’s phone call is not typical. He makes Emma an offer that she can hardly refuse – real writing work, doing what she loves – writing a romantic comedy.

Okay, maybe not writing it from scratch, but re-writing it. And the best part is that it is a re-write for (and with) her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates. He is legendary in the writing/television world and has won numerous awards for his writing. Emma is a super fan that has followed him and his work for years.

She cannot believe that she has been offered the chance to work with Charlie Yates. The CHARLIE YATES! After the initial shock and excitement, reality sets in and Emma realizes there is no way she can leave her father and spend six weeks in Los Angeles. She is resigned to turning down the offer; however, after she tells her sister about the opportunity, Sylvia insists that she go. She assures Emma she will stay and take care of their father. After all, it is her turn to help.

After some convincing, Emma is soon headed to Los Angeles, but after Logan picks her up from the airport and takes her to meet Charlie, she realizes that not all the things Logan told her are true. Instead of her dream writing experience she is soon playing a starring role in a drama where Charlie Yates, who turns out to be a grump, is refusing to work with her.

Little does Charlie know that Emma is not one to give up so easily on her dreams. Based on her conviction that love matters and that it is her duty to stand up for rom-coms she devises a plan for getting the script rewritten and if she can change Charlie’s mind about love, all the better.

Bestselling author Katherine Center has outdone herself with her newest book. It is funny, clever, sassy and relatable. Her character development with Emma and Charlie is superb and they both feel like real people. Both have their insecurities and flaws, but they are also likable, well–round characters. Even the secondary characters are well done.

This book was a delicious treat to read and I would recommend it to those looking for a romantic comedy without any spice. Emma and Charlie’s relationship is sweet and the witty banter and humor they have with each other is spot on. I would give Center’s latest addition to the rom-com genre a perfect ten.

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Family Family by Laurie Frankel

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India Allwood grew up wanting to be an actor. She was hooked from the age of ten when she saw the play Guys and Dolls with her mother. Her whole life was about making this dream come true.  She had to make a lot of tough choices along the way, but finally, decades later, her dream came true and she is one of the most well-known actors in America. 

But now that she has realized her childhood dream, she feels in danger of losing it. Not because she is not a good actor, because she is the best, but all because she dared to tell the truth.

The situation is best described by India’s daughter, “It all started the way it all started.  There was a tiny matter. And then it exploded.”

India made a big screen movie, and she did her best with the script provided. While she agrees it was a good movie, she also admits that some parts of it could have been written differently. Thinking this is one thing, but she tells a journalist and now a tiny matter has exploded and turned into a media storm.  

Despite the ensuing drama and threat to her livelihood and career, India refuses to be ashamed. She admits that families are complicated, but she refuses to compromise hers for the sake of her career, the media, or really anything. She thinks that she is justified in defending her family and her livelihood, but outside forces are intent on convincing her otherwise.

Laurie Frankel’s writing speaks directly to my heart.  It is witty, clever and humorous. It is such a dry, smart humor that I am reading parts of the text over and over, even weeks after I have finished the book.

She is a master at character development.  India is self-assured and poised, especially as a young adult, which she is for half of the book. She is smart, opinionated, beautiful, caring and such a badass. I love the spark and spunky personality that Frankel has given her. 

Plus, the supporting characters, of which there are many, are drawn almost as beautifully as India.  Three dimensional and literally leaping off the page.  India’s boyfriend, Robby Brighton, her mother, even her best friend Dakota.  They all feel like real people. 

While the characters are enough to make me giddy, the plot is the real gem.  The way it is put together is superb.  The story alternates between the present day media blow up to flashbacks starting in 1999 and moving toward the present, until it eventually stays in the present day. To say it is compelling is an understatement.  It is also especially tender and raw. Frankel explores many themes in her newest offering – families, love, adoption, self-sacrifice, friendship and parenting. 

Reading this was an eye opening experience, but not in the way that I first expected when I checked the new title out.  There are many beautiful and unexpected turns along the way.  Not only is this a great addition to the category of contemporary fiction in 2024, Frankel’s latest would make an excellent book club selection thanks to the various themes it explores. Consider adding this one to your list today, it is excellent! 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

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For twenty years, each time Daphne Bell meets a new man the universe sends her a sign for how long their relationship is destined to last – Noah, five weeks; Hugo, three months; Tae, two years and two months – but this time, as she heads out for a blind date with Jake, it’s different. His name is there, but the expiration date is missing.

She is both taken aback, but also giddy, because she is convinced this must be the start of her final relationship. The one without end, or at least the one she is going to marry and live out her life with.

Her date with Jake goes well and they have a good connection. He is caring, attentive and a steady presence at all times. However, as their courtship and eventual engagement progress Daphne finds herself feeling unsure and questioning the universe on the lack of timeline it has assigned for Jake.

Through the help of her friends – Hugo, an ex boyfriend turned best friend; Irina, her boss; and Kendra, a previous co-worker – Daphne learns the importance of opening up and sharing the truth, even if it is difficult. She learns that it is up to her to choose her destiny and not to depend on anyone else to decide for her.

I have enjoyed Rebecca Serle’s previous books – IN FIVE YEARS, THE DINNER LIST, ONE ITALIAN SUMMER – and her latest offering is no different. I love that this book feels different than her previous books. I am always impressed at her quiet, calm way of writing a story. The set up is always key and usually there is a missing piece, and this title is no different. The pacing is exact and the character development is a focus. Each relationship Daphne has is meaningful, whether it is her best friend Hugo or her boss Irina. Even Murphy, her dog, has a personality and special connection with Daphne.

One reviewer called this book “a sugary confection.” I think this is the most perfect description – “sweet, light, enjoyable, fun” – all the things I look for in a quick summer read. This one may have gone a little too quickly though, because I did feel like I needed to know more about what happened to Daphne after the book ended. Or maybe that is just because I was curious about her? Either way, I thought it was compulsively readable and a page-turner. Readers will want to grab this one quickly, before summer expires.

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

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Hopefully the idea of summer reading brings to mind getting outside, perhaps on the beach, and taking time to get lost in a good book or two.  In Libraryland this type of book is usually called a beach read, even if you’re not at the beach. They usually end up being some of my favorites each year. In my mind beach reads are light, fluffy, hard to put down quick reads that one would want to take on vacation.  They can be hardcover or paperback, but softcovers are my go to, since they are lighter and take up less space, allowing me to pack even more books.  Which do you prefer: hardcovers, paperbacks, or maybe even your Kindle or iPhone for eBook reading?  

Either way, you cannot go wrong, reading is reading, and as we move into a time of warmer temperatures and greener spaces, I love to think about what my summer reading will shape up to include.  One title that I would recommend adding to your list now is THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND by Elin Hilderbrand. It has all the elements of a great beach read – summer setting, compulsively readable, and just a hint of romance.

From her social media accounts Hollis Shaw’s life looks picturesque and perfect.  She’s married to Matthew, a heart surgeon, lives in a large, modern house, spends summers in Nantucket, has raised a smart, accomplished daughter who is away at college, and has a popular food blog called Hungry with Hollis. 

But after a winter-time accident that takes Matthew’s life right before Christmas, Hollis’ world comes crashing down. She tries to find comfort in her work and her daughter, but neither offers the support she needs. The only bright spot is a woman who she met through her blog – Gigi Ling.  Gigi offers a compassionate, listen ear and Hollis is so thankful for her friendship. However, after Hollis makes a heartbreaking confession about having a fight with Matthew before his accident, Gigi disappears, too.

As the seasons change from winter to summer, Hollis does what she normally does, returns home to Nantucket.  She hopes this might help improve her mental outlook, but it is only harder because Nantucket contains a version of Matthew that was more relaxed and fun when they were there.  The memories are unbearably hard for Hollis.  She is having trouble sleeping and eating, until one day she finds an article on the internet about what another widow did to help herself after the death of her husband.  It’s called The Five Star Weekend.

The premise of The Five Star Weekend is that you invite one friend from each phase of your life, for a total of four friends, on a trip, or as Hollis does, to your home, to spend the weekend together celebrating the friendships that have helped make you who you are today. 

Hollis loves this idea – “five women together for the weekend, and a weekend filled with elevated experiences worthy of five stars.” She immediately starts to organize her own Five Star Weekend with her friends and plans to have them visit in two weeks.  She invites her childhood best friend Tatum, her college best friend Dru-Ann, her “prime of life” best friend Brooke, and she struggles for a fourth friend, but finally settles on Gigi Ling.  

What could possibly go wrong?  Hollis soon finds out that her vision of a low-key weekend is not to be had.  Her friends are there to support her, but they all have past or current drama that keeps getting mixed in with the girls’ weekend activities. Shenanigans ensue and secrets abound.  All making for a delightful, dramatic read.

Not everyone can go to Nantucket this summer, but readers can get a glimpse of what it might be like through Elin Hilderbrand’s eyes. THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND is a pleasure to read.  

Here are a few more of my favorite beach reads from year’s past: 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

ROMANTIC COMEDY by Curtis Sittenfeld

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In ROMANTIC COMEDY by Curtis Sittenfeld, Sally Milz is a sketch writer who works for a late-night live comedy show called The Night Owls. She has been unlucky in love on several occasions, most notable a divorce right after finishing college. So unlucky that she has sworn off dating anyone at work, and while she has the occasional no-strings attached hookup her life is almost solely focused on her work at The Night Owls. The other writers and the actors who make up the cast are like her family.

Sally started to notice a phenomenon at work where average-looking men who work for The Night Owls become romantically involved with beautiful, famous women who are completely out of their league. In fact her friend and co-worker Danny Horst is the third addition to her growing list thanks to him dating Annabel Lily, a gorgeous, talented, famous movie star, after she appeared as a guest on The Night Owls. She has dubbed this the “Danny Horst Rule” and made a sketch about it. The sketch makes fun of it, but also shows how unlikely it would be to work in the reverse – a gorgeous male celebrity would never fall in love with an ordinary woman.

The “Danny Horst Rule” is put to the test when world famous, dreamy pop music sensation Noah Brewster guest hosts The Night Owls. Sally and Noah hit it off, but she is not sure if she should believe her luck. In fact, she cannot fathom that handsome, talented Noah would be interested in her and thanks to her self-sabotage it is several years before she and Noah connect again, through a series of clumsy, comical and heartfelt emails.

Author Curtis Sittenfeld is insightful and funny. I loved her writing style and how she created Sally’s and Noah’s characters. The character dialogue seemed witty and believable and the relationships genuine. When reading I felt like Sally’s insecurities were something most could relate to. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions and just found the storyline was so clever. Plus, Sittenfeld’s secondary characters – Sally’s friends, the staff at TNO, even Sally’s stepfather – were drawn convincingly and added depth to the book.

It was also really eye opening to see how a live, late night television show similar to SNL works – the timeline for developing the show and how much work the writers and actors have to do to get ready each week. Plus, it is crazy to think about the number of talented people who work together to create something so funny and timely.

Speaking of timely and funny, that seems to be one of Sittenfeld’s gifts. Her writing is both and she has a way of dissecting elements of love and the world of modern dating that is compelling and so interesting to read. Many readers will see elements of themselves in her writing and storytelling. I highly recommend adding this one to your “to be read” list.

Find the book in the catalog.

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director.

JEANA’S FAVORITE READS OF 2023

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Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! As with past years I like to kick off the new year by reflecting on what I read during the previous year. And 2023 was a strange one, reading-wise for me. I kept starting books and not being able to get into them, so I would not finish them. I did that with at least fifteen books, maybe more. Despite that frustrating phenomenon, the total I finished reading for the year was forty-three. On par with what I have accomplished the past several years. I am thrilled to have read the books I did. I hope you are as happy with your 2023 books, too. If not, do not fret, I am sure 2024 is going to be your year!

Of those forty-three titles, I would like to tell you about a few of my favorites. Below are my top seven picks, in no particular order:

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo is a famous Hollywood film actress, who has been in the business since the 1950’s and has decided it’s time to have someone write a tell-all memoir about her life. The truth is hard to tell, and for some, even harder to hear, but seventy-nine year old Evelyn is determined to share her truth with the world.

Monique Grant is the writer Evelyn asks to work with, but no one is sure why. Most especially Monique. Her marriage is in a hard place and she is not well known at the magazine she works for, nor in the world of journalism. But Evelyn Hugo has a way of getting what she wants and soon she and Monique are spending their days together, going through her life. She tells Monique everything – about her childhood, her early days in the film industry, about her seven husbands and much more. No matter how hard or terrible, Evelyn is committed to sharing the truth and nothing but the truth.

It’s hard to describe the rest without giving away a couple of major storylines, but this book is so good. I listened to it and in addition to the compelling story, the narration is superb! Reid is phenomenal at writing characters. Her character development is perfect. Wonderfully complex characters that are multidimensional and hard to like, but even harder to not at least identify with. Evelyn and Monique both feel raw, real and like a living breathing people you might know. In addition to the characters the plot is unique and meandering so readers will be hooked from the first scenes. Evelyn has lived a full and exciting life and once the pieces start to click into place it is hard to stop reading. I highly recommend this one.

TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin
I wrote a full review for this one in March 2023, but could not pass up a chance to mention it again.

I am in love with this book. It is a love story, but not in the traditional sense. It has gaming, friendship, enemies, love, hate and heartbreak. It spans thirty years of a relationship that was created when two eleven year olds, Sam Mazur and Sadie Green, met and started gaming together in a hospital game room. The friendship had a rocky start, thanks to a misunderstanding, but Sam and Sadie are forever connected. They may not always remember they are friends, but they are. Through their love and shared history they create a life, a company and a family that is wholly their own.
Author Gabrielle Zevin is a master storyteller and her character development is brilliant. Each one is so completely developed it is hard to stop thinking about them even after finishing the novel. Zevin’s work is breathtaking and should not be missed. It reads much like real life feels, with all the emotions that love and friendship create along the way. It has a backdrop of 90s style gaming that combines with well-rounded, yet flawed characters to tell a compelling story of love, distrust, hope, hurt and healing. Sam says it best, “To play requires love and trust.” I feel this about reading, too. It requires trust of the author and Zevin does not disappoint.

MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
I have been a Jodi Picoult fan for years, but this book reminded me why I appreciate her writing so much. The characters, the timely plot, the slowly parsed details, the twist. It all works so well together and I am here for it.

I do not want to spoil the book so I am only going to share the barest of details.

The book has three main characters:
Olivia – beekeeper, abuse survivor and Asher’s mom
Asher – high school senior, golden boy and Lily’s boyfriend
Lily – high school senior, new-in-town and Asher’s girlfriend

Plot summary: Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl dies, and boy is accused of killing girl.

I know that is not much, but the book is about Asher and whether he is guilty of the crime he has been charged with. But it is Olivia and Lily’s story told through their alternating perspectives. Who they are, where they come from and what makes them similar. The book is such an engaging tale, with thought provoking characters. In addition it provides unique insight and perspective about current issues.

LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See
I wrote a full review for this one in September 2023, but could not pass up a chance to share it again because it should not be missed.
The path of Tan Yunxian, the novel’s narrator, is different from most other women in fifteenth century China. In a place where women are encouraged to follow a traditional path, usually one dictated by their father or husband, Yunxian’s upbringing is not like that. She has led a life of great privilege, thanks to the wealth of her family, and being surrounded by educated people, including her paternal grandparents who are both doctors. Throughout childhood, Yunxian’s grandmother teaches her medicine, specifically medicine to help women.
For seven years, Yunxian learns alongside her grandmother until at fifteen she marries the son of a wealthy merchant. After her wedding, Yunxian goes to live with her husband’s family. Her mother-in-law, who is in charge of the household, forbids Yunxian from practicing medicine. Yunxian is left feeling unsure how to move forward in her new life.
The rest of the book reflects on the struggle that Yunxian faces in reconciling her education and upbringing with her married life. As the book title suggests, it is only possible due to her “circle of women.”
I have been a Lisa See fan since reading THE TEA GIRL OF HUMMINGBIRD LANE. She does a tremendous amount of research for her novels and I love how history and her creativity combine to make a beautiful historical fiction account. As with most of See’s characters, Tan Yunxian’s character is true-to-life and the book’s plot is gripping and relatable. Something that surprised me since it was set in fifteenth century China. I could not stop reading this book and I have told so many people about it. See’s descriptions of daily life – the food, the culture, the traditions and the scenery – make the reader feel like they are part of the story. Do not miss this one.

FOURTH WING (THE EMPYREAN BOOK 1) by Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy is not for everyone, but author Rebeccca Yarros helped introduce a lot of new readers to the genre in 2023. Women readers especially, thanks to the romance elements that she incorporates in her new series.

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail never thought she would be entering a war college for dragon riders. From birth she knew she would become part of the less risky Scribe Quadrant, but when Violet’s commander general mother orders her to join the dragon riders, she has no choice but to comply.

Violet is smaller and physically weaker than her peers, but that does not stop her from trying her hardest to survive so she can attempt to bond with a dragon. She does not have an easy path forward. Not only does she have her physical limitations, but being Commander Sorrengail’s offspring puts an automatic target on her back. Top of the list is Xaden Riorson, her wing leader, and one of the most powerful dragon riders in the war college, thanks to his personal vendetta with her mother.

Violet will need to use all of her skills to survive her first year at the war college. She will need to keep her friends and enemies close as she navigates her daily life because the only way to leave the school is to graduate or to die trying.

This book got so much buzz in 2023 that I could not wait to read it. And thank goodness I was not disappointed. Yarros is clever. She has created a strong addition to the world of fantasy. Dragons, intrigue, magic, all the typical elements, with an enthralling and well written style. I am not sure if this book created a brand new genre of fiction in 2023, but I had never heard of “Romantasy” before this year. I love that it is the meshing of romance and fantasy. And I love the excitement her books have created and highly recommend giving this first one in the series a try.

DARK AGE and LIGHT BRINGER (RED RISING SAGA BOOKS 5 & 6) by Pierce Brown
I will not say much about these two, because I reviewed the first several books in the series last year in my end of year summary. I have added them to this year’s list because I enjoyed them almost as much as the first four books in the series. They are engrossing, suspenseful, clever and dark.

Darrow is a complicated character and he struggles with his own inner conflict for practically all of both books, but he is not always the main draw of the story since there are so many interesting secondary characters. Their narratives move the storyline along quickly.

As I mentioned last year, this series is violent, but do not let that discourage you. I highly recommend the whole series and cannot wait for the next, and supposedly final book to be released.

And that is a wrap for 2023. Thanks for taking the time to share in my reflection and reading about some of my favorites. I am excited to see what 2024 brings and I wish you a wonderful new year of reading!

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Congratulations to JPL Staff!

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Joplin Public Library (JPL) was recently announced as the winner of multiple Missouri Library Association’s Awards and a Grant at the 2023 Awards Gala held in Columbia, Missouri.  The Missouri Library Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization operating to promote library service, the profession of librarianship, and cooperation among all types of libraries and organizations concerned with library service in the State of Missouri.

Beth Snow, JPL Teen Services Librarian, was awarded the Community Partnership Award, alongside Lisa Nelson from Landmark Builds, for their Iconic Joplin collaboration. This award recognizes a Missouri library and one or more community organizations for developing a partnership that benefits members of their shared community. As part of Joplin’s 150 year birthday celebration, Iconic Joplin engaged youth ages 12 to 16 in local history by building landmarks out of LEGO elements.

Snow was also awarded the Show Me Youth Services Award, which recognizes a library employee, Friend, or Trustee who serves as and/or advocates for children or young adults and who demonstrates notable and outstanding performance in planning, developing, and promoting programs, services, collections, reading activities or advocating for children and/or teenagers in their libraries and communities.  Snow has worked as the Teen Services Librarian at the Library since 2015. In addition to being an advocate for the teens in her community, she works to foster a space where all teens can be who they are.

Carolyn Trout, retired JPL Director, received the Meritorious Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to

Beth Snow (Teen Librarian), Lisa Nelson (Landmark Builds), Carolyn Trout (former JPL Director), Jeana Gockley (JPL Director, on behalf of Justin Kelly)

libraries in Missouri. A recipient must be either an individual outside of the library profession or a retired librarian. Nominees must reside in Missouri and should have made either a contribution to libraries that gained recognition beyond the local level or have made an innovative contribution in the decisive factors in library development. During her time as JPL Director, from 1988 until 2006, Trout was a part of some very important projects for Missouri libraries. She served on a committee that created the first standards Missouri ever had for public libraries; she was instrumental in her work with the Missouri State Library on a program created to train non-library degreed public library staff; she was a connector of information and people using her passion for reference and history to introduce many to libraries; and library advocacy was important to Trout, and it is still something she is doing in retirement.

Justin Kelly, JPL Systems Administrator, was awarded a $3,000 Access and Innovation Grant, which aims to enhance, support, and develop library technologies and innovation that improve patrons’ access to library services.  The grant will be used to upgrade internal wireless access points to offer WiFi6e protocol to accommodate more users at higher internet speeds.  This is part of an ongoing effort to keep in step with national “broadband” standards. It will also bring a higher level of wireless security, along with new network monitoring tools.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Missouri Library Association for our efforts in patron services, community collaboration, and a commitment to ongoing improvement,” said Joplin Public Library Director Jeana Gockley. “Our staff is our greatest resource and these awards shine a light on the talent, dedication, and excellence present in this community’s local library.”