This book is the genesis of the popular NetFlix series of the same name, and I am admitted latecomer and fan of both. I watched the series over the past few months, and was curious to read the book. It was incredible how accurately the producers of the series brought many of the scenes,... Continue Reading →
Drafting the Next Strategic Plan
The Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) Strategic Plan 2014-18 is drawing to a close and we can look back with some satisfaction at what we have achieved over the last five years in terms of encouraging lifelong learning, supporting our local economy, embracing change and innovation, promoting diversity and social inclusion, and fostering community well-being... Continue Reading →
The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls
This book was hugely popular when it first came out in 2005 and continues to be seven years later. I’d put off reading it until now and am left wondering why. Walls’ life was a veritable train wreck – the kind of thing you just can’t turn your eyes away from. I spent a lot... Continue Reading →
Fifty Shades of Drivel vs. Tobacco Road
This is called killing two birds with one stone and, yes, I realize that putting these two books together in the one review is complete heresy, but James’ book doesn’t warrant any more than a few cursory comments and I finished reading it before embarking on Caldwell’s American classic. Fifty Shades of Grey, by E.... Continue Reading →
Ironweed, by William Kennedy
“My guilt is all I have left. If I lose it, I have stood for nothing, done nothing.” I had an English teacher once who told me quite emphatically that you can’t open an essay or review with a quote. Well, he was obviously wrong, and I choose to ignore him. Kennedy’s novel is a... Continue Reading →