The Library Book Read-a-Thon

Falls City LIbrary, Falls City, NE

"A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessities of life."

These words by Henry Ward Beecher hang above the circulation desk at my local library.  Public libraries have always been some of my favorite places to browse, to read, to work, and just to sit and soak up the atmosphere - so I am in agreement with Mr. Beecher.  

This week we celebrate libraries with the Library Books Read-a-Thon - seven days of reading as many library books as possible.  

I visited my library during my lunch hour today to assembly my lineup for the week.  It's been a long time since I just browsed the shelves, waiting for a cover or title to grab me.  I borrowed three books, with the goal of getting two of them read during the week.  (I always like to have a spare - in case one turns out to be a DNF.)  Here is what I'm hoping to read:

Ardor by Lily Prior - The publisher describes it as "A wildly imaginative fairy tale for adults."  Combine that with "the lovely landscape of Italy" and we have a winner.


The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert was the second book to catch my eye.  "A lush and thrilling romantic fable about two lovers set against the scandalous burlesques, midnight séances, and aerial ballets of the 1898 Omaha World’s Fair."  Since I live 85 miles from Omaha, a novel set there and written by a local author had an extra attraction.

My third choice was more deliberate.  I was planning a re-read of one of my favorite stories, Mrs. 'Arris Goes To Paris by Paul Gallico.  Unfortunately, it was checked out, so I went with the sequel, Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York.  I didn't know there was a sequel, and I'm a little torn.  When I love a book or character as much as I love Mrs. 'Arris, sequels are often disappointing and I later wish I hadn't read them.  I'm hoping for another lovely story from Mr. Gallico.

The Library Book Read-a-Thon is hosted by Rachael @ Rachael Turn's Pages.  Visit there to see what everyone is reading or to join in.  Then visit your local public library - it's a necessity!