John A. Shedd, in his book Salt from my Attic, famously said: “A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were built for.” Similarly, Mark Twain commented that “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
This week, we are featuring books about three women whose life journeys were truly enigmatic, tenacious, and insightful. These women left their safe harbors, navigated rough waters, and ultimately triumphed.
Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley.
Agatha Christie was born in 1890 at a time when the world had rules about what women could and could not do. She overcame obstacles of class and gender to become a stunningly successful, internationally known mystery writer. She was a modern wornan who surfed in Hawaii, drove fast cars, and mysteriously disappeared for a time. Worley’s biography is entertaining and authoritative and shows us what an enigma truly Christie was.
Vacuuming in the Nude: And Other Ways to Get Attention by Peggy Rowe.
Peggy Rowe has written two New York Times bestsellers, both published after the age of eighty. She has been writing all of her adult life but received years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But with the encouragement of her family (including son Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs infamy) and tenacity, she finally achieved her breakthrough. Rowe delivers a comical array of everyday life stories that reflect her talent for making folks laugh.
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke.
While in Florence, Italy, Tembi Locke, a black American woman and actress, met and married Saro, a professional chef from a traditional Sicilian family. His family did not approve of their marriage. Heartbroken, the couple relocated to Los Angeles, built their careers and adopted a baby girl. Saro, however, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and their dreams were altered. The family moved back to a small farming hamlet in Sicily to be close to Saro’s family. There, the author discovers the healing powers of food, family, and unexpected grace in her darkest hour.
Upcoming Library Events:
Game Night, Last Wednesday of the Month: Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 29, Apr. 26, May 31, and Jun. 28. Meet up and play a variety of tabletop games! Snacks provided. RSVPs appreciated.
First Thursday Book Club, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, and Apr. 6, 2023, 12 Noon-1PM. Join us to chat about what you have been reading or to get suggestions from others.
Yoga with Dave Sivley. Mondays, Jan. 9, 2023 – Feb. 27, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM. Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring mat, towel, and water. RSVP to Dave or the library.
Movie Matinee, Saturdays at noon. Jan. 7 – Norm of the North (PG), Jan. 14 – Frozen (PG), Jan. 21 – Abominable (PG), and Jan. 28 – Arctic Dogs (PG).
Preschool Play Cafe, Tuesdays, January 10 – February 14, 5:30-6:30 PM. An unstructured meetup to play and socialize: Developmentally appropriate toys will be provided for ages 0-5. Coffee and tea will be provided for parents & caregivers.
Winter Preschool Story Hour, Wednesdays 10:15-11:00 AM, Jan. 11 – Feb. 15, 2023. Stories, music and movement for babies, toddlers and their caregivers.
Chris Nofsinger’s Next Chapter, January 19, 4:00-6:30 PM. Join us for an open house to commemorate 26 years as library director and celebrate Chris’ next chapter. Stop in to express your gratitude, wish her well and enjoy some refreshments!
Cookies and Cards, Friday, February 3, 2023, at 4:00 PM. Decorate and enjoy cookies while making Valentine’s Day cards for residents of Heartland Health Care Center.
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