New Books 11-22-23
Share book reviews and ratings with Wellman, and even join a book club on Goodreads.
Book: Whispering to Horses
Author: Thomas Nye
I was intrigued to read this novella as it was written by a local author about a man who moves into Amish country. Thomas Nye’s writing is poetic and calls you to sit down and listen. As Matt, the main character was rediscovering his roots, I too was pulled to recall my own. A beautiful read which sweetly reminds us to breathe in our surroundings.
I’ll definitely read another by Mr. Nye.
Review by: A.C.
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
A sad song for the hillbilly. Vance shares his hard-knock story of growing up in southern Ohio among people who share and perpetuate an Appalachian culture. His is a story of teen pregnancy, broken families, substance abuse, violence and a perpetual cycle of poverty few have a chance to escape. Vance is one of the few who escapes, making his way to the Marines, the Ohio State University and Yale Law School.
As Vance traces his first thirty years of life he makes interesting observations about his people, the education system, the church, and our political system. He doesn’t offer easy answers or solutions, because frankly there aren’t any. He describes his high school as poor, yet notes there were teachers who cared and pushed him to do better. The missing element were examples of those who went on to college or successful careers.
The church he is exposed to tells him science is bad and that he should fear the world, but offers no tangible help, or hope, for his dysfunctional family life. People stand on the literal truth of the Bible, but few actually read the Scriptures.
Vance is self-aware enough to realize his family is different, something which is compounded when he makes his way to Yale. His stories of finding himself in situations with wealthy people are cringe worthy and sadly humorous. If there is one concrete solution Vance suggests it is that we need to find ways to bridge the economic segregation present in our society.
Some have suggested the book explains why poor whites voted for Trump, something it does but perhaps in a roundabout way. His people are quick to realize when they are being looked down upon, and resent being told what to eat, drink, and how to live. Towards the end of the book Vance chides his people, saying they need to move on from blaming Obama or Bush and take responsibility for their own failings. He criticizes “his people” in a way those from inside a culture can, pointing to the poor choices made by those who feel the system is and has been rigged against them. It is indeed a sad song for the hillbilly.
Review by M. M.
Thank you to everyone who came out for the end of program picnic! It was another great summer of reading, crafts, and presenters. We had a blast and hope everyone who joined us did too!
@ YOUR LIBRARY… Like us on Facebook and check out our website www.wellmanlibrary.org for information about library and city events. Look under the tab “Library and Community Events”. Follow our library blog at www.wellmanlibrary.org/blog/ for information, news and happenings.
@ YOUR LIBRARY… Our Summer Reading Program is coming to an end. Be sure to check in with your reading minutes, it’s time to pick up some prizes! Be sure to join us at our picnic on Friday, July 28th from 11:00-1:00 at North Park. Bring a dish to share and your own drink.
@ YOUR LIBRARY… The Library will be closed from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. so that we may host our Summer Reading Program Picnic in the Park. Thank you for your understanding.
Quote of the Week: “If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.” ~Cicero
Fiction: Nighthawk by Clive Cussler
Saints for all occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
Emma (LARGE PRINT) by Alexander McCall Smith
The Farmer’s Market Mishap by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Death Rides A Chestnut Mare by Ralph Compton
Non-Fiction: Patient H. M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, And Family Secrets by Luke Dittrich
Young Adult: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
Junior Fiction: The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter by Jeff Kinney
Lowji Discovers America by Candace Flemming
Easy: Touch The Earth by Jullian Lennon
Peteriffic by Victoria Kann
Mama Built A Little Nest by Jennifer Ward
DVDs: PopStar Minnie
BCD (BOOK ON CD): Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
Junior BCD: Adventures In Odessey: Head Over Heels