Last week I re-posted an old post about going to the library. I was living in Iowa at the time. Ames has an amazing library. I went there all of the time, and I spent as much time browsing through the fiction and non-fiction sections (I was going to say adult section, but I thought that might not sound very good) as I did going through the children's section, even though my kids were always with me. I love and miss that library. When I moved here, to a smaller town in southern Utah, I immediately staked out the library. And I have to admit, I left crying. The library is pathetic, when compared to the Ames Library. (And the four years before Ames I lived in Orem, and their library trumps all.) I tried to have an open mind, and I went back to the library a month later to check it out again. I still left feeling very, very sad. How can I live in a town that doesn't have a wonderful library? I used to check out six or seven books a week for myself. Now, I find myself not even reading one book a month. (...maybe that's why my brains are turning to mush...)
I have lived here for more than nine months, and after those first two experiences at the library, I didn't go back. Until last week. I decided to give it a try again, and once again, try to have an open mind. I left this time feeling much, much better - because I found one book I have been wanting to read. It's Lost Without You by
Annette Lyon. If you remember, I did a review on her latest book, entitled
Tower of Strength. She has published six books, and unfortunately, our library only has one of them. But at least this time, I left the library smiling, because I found something for myself! I just finished reading
Lost Without You (Annette, I read your WNW post, but I'm lazy. Should it be italicized?) I really enjoyed it. I stayed up late finishing it. I'm happy. I hope I can find more good books like this at the library.
I am also really excited because I just got a book in the mail I ordered on Amazon. It's called
The Girls from Ames, written by Jeffrey Zaslow. (The link goes to a Borders media video about the book.) My mom heard about this book and e-mailed me the link. It's about a group of women originally from Ames, Iowa and they dynamics of their friendship. It not only sounds fascinating to me, plus Jeffrey Zaslow co-wrote The Last Lecture with Randy Pausch and I loved that book, but I lived in Ames last year and I wonder whether anyone I knew in the ward might have known some of these women (they were in high school in the early 70s, I believe). I love and miss Ames!
And, at the risk of offending people (which I might but I don't care because I feel strongly about this), I think everyone in the whole entire world should read
No More Goodbyes by Carol Lynn Pearson. I just finished reading it, and I can't believe how many times I have cried and how much I have learned from this book. It was eye opening and life changing for me.
I have lived here for more than nine months, and after those first two experiences at the library, I didn't go back. Until last week. I decided to give it a try again, and once again, try to have an open mind. I left this time feeling much, much better - because I found one book I have been wanting to read. It's Lost Without You by Annette Lyon. If you remember, I did a review on her latest book, entitled Tower of Strength. She has published six books, and unfortunately, our library only has one of them. But at least this time, I left the library smiling, because I found something for myself! I just finished reading Lost Without You (Annette, I read your WNW post, but I'm lazy. Should it be italicized?) I really enjoyed it. I stayed up late finishing it. I'm happy. I hope I can find more good books like this at the library.
I am also really excited because I just got a book in the mail I ordered on Amazon. It's called The Girls from Ames, written by Jeffrey Zaslow. (The link goes to a Borders media video about the book.) My mom heard about this book and e-mailed me the link. It's about a group of women originally from Ames, Iowa and they dynamics of their friendship. It not only sounds fascinating to me, plus Jeffrey Zaslow co-wrote The Last Lecture with Randy Pausch and I loved that book, but I lived in Ames last year and I wonder whether anyone I knew in the ward might have known some of these women (they were in high school in the early 70s, I believe). I love and miss Ames!
And, at the risk of offending people (which I might but I don't care because I feel strongly about this), I think everyone in the whole entire world should read No More Goodbyes by Carol Lynn Pearson. I just finished reading it, and I can't believe how many times I have cried and how much I have learned from this book. It was eye opening and life changing for me.
30 people wanted to leave a comment:
I am always looking for great books to read. Thanks for the suggestions. With the books my sister told me about, and yours, I am set for a while.
Was is cool getting married in Hawaii? We honeymooned in Waikiki, and that was fun!
Cedar City Library also makes me cry. Do they still make you have references to get a library card. I couldn't believe the paper work I had to fill out to get a card in such a terrible Library. I am so glad to have a great library!
I just LOVE it when people blog about books they've read or are planning to read...
Definitely need to check all of those books out.
I want to read CLP's book. What are the odds that situation would happen to her twice? I read her other book several years back, and it was wonderful.
Thanks for the book reviews!
I'm just now discovering the greatness of a good library. Its saved me lots of money! Before I used to live in a place where the library was quite far away and not that great besides. SO amazon and half.com became good friends.
Keep in mind that most libraries will do an inter-library loan if there are books you'd like to read but your library doesn't have.
Maybe you should use this hang-up as a fundraising opportunity for the library! Do you have access to the university library?
I currently have 3 books sitting on my nightstand, waiting to be read. Lately, I haven't been making reading a priority and I need to again.
I don't go to the library often because I have a horrible memory and I forget to return on time the books I borrow. I always end up with fines. I think I have some right now. I guess I should go today and take care of them.
I'm very interested in reading some of Carol Lynn Pearson's work. Thanks for introducing her to me.
Pleasant surprise to see that cover! I never know what even I think of that book anymore--I wrote it 10 years ago. Maybe I should read it and see. :)
Did you know that you can ask your library to buy books? If there is one you want to read, just go in and ask them to buy it!
I definitely need to find more of Annette's books!
I love to read and I am always looking for new material. So I appreciate your book reviews and look forward to reading some of these books!!
I'm giggling because I did the exact same thing: Went to our library in search of Annette's books and only found Lost Without You. I was probably the last person that checked it out. :)
I am interested in reading that CLP book, but haven't gotten around to it.
I think my favorite of Annette's books is House on a Hill. I read "Lost Without You" a few years ago (before I knew Annette!) and really enjoyed it.
I'll look into that one by CLP. Our library is somewhat lacking, too. Britt had a good idea with the university library.
I have it on my list to do a post about books as well! How funny. I'm sad about our library here too, they rarely have the books I'm looking for:(. But it's better than nothing I guess! Have you updated your goodreads with these books? It will help me remember them:).
I don't know what I would do without a good library. My kids and I have started going once a week. They get seven books (one for each day until out next visit..)
P.S. I'm going to add that last book to my list of 'want to read'.
I love hearing about good books. Thanks for the recommendation. I, too, am stuck in a town with a limited library. I find myself and Barnes and Noble far too often.
Thanks for the recommendations for books. I am definitely going to have to add those to my list of books to read!
I have been MIA, so I need to catch up on reading your blog, but I wanted to comment today and tell you about the St George library. It is large and OLD and there are some really neat things there. I know it is a drive, but maybe you could make it down there every once in a while... I LOVE the library. Also, maybe you could get a student ID and go to SUU library? Just a thought. They gave me a student ID for applying, even though I never took any classes. I hope you are doing well!
Lynsie
I used to work at the Orem library and my mom still does work there, and it really is a great one. I lived in Berkeley, CA, and the libraries really aren't that great. They have so many branches that the odds are your book will be at a different one, and yes, you can do inter-library loan, but you have to wait for the book and come back for it, or think to call ahead. Also, I think they just figure the university library will cover any holes in their collection. Or they just have the grandiose idea that their libraries will be good no matter what, because it's Berkeley, so they don't actually try hard. Anyway, one time when I was having my books checked out, I started opening the books to the bar code for the clerk. He said, "You don't have to do that." I said, "Sorry, I just used to work in a library so I was doing it out of habit." He asked, "Oh, where was that?," and when I answered, "Utah," he sneered, "I didn't know Utah had libraries." GRRRR. I wanted to say "Yeah, and the one I worked at was MUCH, MUCH better than this po-dunk hole you're so absurdly proud of." (But I didn't say that.)
Add me to the list of people who are crying about the Cedar City library. I'm so glad we chatted about books and libraries lately, because it inspired me to get a Washington County library card. I'm super excited about it - especially with the New Harmony branch so close. Thanks again for lending me some books, I'm happy to return the favor anytime.
Our library here is the size of my living/dining room combined. It makes me sad too. I feel your pain.
We went from the PRovo Library (best library ever) to the West Jordan Library. smaller than my house. It really is a bummer to not live clsoe to a decent library.
You read 6-7 books a week?! Wow, that's a LOT by my standards. I feel proud of myself if I get in one every other month. But then, I'm not an avid reader, like some.
I had the exact same experience with the library when moving from Ames to here. At first it made me very sad (plus the lack of Mommy and me classes was even worse). I've since gotten used to it, but I still don't approve.
I was reading in Real Simple magazine just now and it suggested going to paperbackswap.com, bookins.com, or bookmooch.com to trade books with people. It might be worth a try.
Love seeing the picks of my fellow readers! And, oh yes, do I love a good library!
Blessings!
Awesome post! I l♥ve to read thanks :)
I have a post about my love for libraries in the draft stage right now. love love LOVE
And I've been gearing up to read "No More Goodbyes" for a while now. I have to make sure I have a good stock of tears.
I'm curious - do you have gay loved ones?
I love reading. :) I started a book called "Extras" today. Not sure if I can get into it though.
I've had bad experiences at my library here. That's why I don't go there.
Oh the horrors of bad libraries. How do people just sit back and accept that?
I've added those books to my ever growing list. I read CLP's other book-- and loved it!
Those are good suggestions - I will have to check them out!
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