For Your Shopping Lists

Ah, the insanity of the holidays.  I saw a cartoon the other day of a turkey yelling at Santa Claus to wait his turn, but I don’t think that’s gotten through to retailers.  Walmart already has their Christmas trees and decorations out, complete with the strong spicy smell I think they pipe through their air system.  I like it, honestly, but I’m starting to get confused as to how close to Christmas we really are…

In honor of the upcoming holidays, take a moment to check out some of these new books.  I bet there’s someone on your list who might need one or two, OR you could let them know they can get into the spirit by checking them out at their local library!

Angels at the Table, Debbie Macomber

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are three wonderful angels, excited about spreading around a little divine intervention.  In this touching story, they have an apprentice angel, Will, to take under their wings and show the ropes.  During New Years Eve in Times Square, Will finds a couple he thinks MUST be together, so he gives them a gentle nudge in the right direction.  Soon after, circumstances pull them apart, but a year later, the angels find that they have a chance to correct the problem and give the young couple a chance at true happiness and a real Christmas miracle.

Flight Behavior, Barbara Kingsolver

Kingsolver has always been a magical storyteller, from the Poisonwood Bible to the Lacuna, she manages to tackle social interactions with a deft hand, creating stories that transfix readers.  Flight Behavior is no different.  It follows the story of Dellarobia Turnbow, a woman who became pregnant too early and changed her life plans to take care of the child.  Now caught in a domestic situation she doesn’t enjoy, she starts flirting with a younger man.  On her way to a tryst, she sees a raging forest fire and the story continues from there.  Is it a cautionary sign from God?  Or is it the proof that scientists need to point out their theories of climate change?

The Last Man, Vince Flynn

Mitch Rapp is at it again, this time in Afghanistan.  The head of Clandestine Operations for the CIA has gone missing and his four bodyguards are found murdered.  Rapp needs to find the man, but just a short time into the mission, he discovers the FBI is hunting for the agent, too, and seem far more keen on placing the blame for the disappearance on Rapp.  He’ll have to be just as deceitful as his enemies in order to keep ahead of them and complete his mission.  This will have you at the edge of your seat!!

Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store, Robin Sloan

Everybody knows that bookstores have secrets.  Clay Jannon, a one-time computer programmer, has no job until he manages to land a night gig at Mr. Penumbra’s Bookstore.  But after a few days, he starts to realize that something is going on.  There are only a few customers and they only seem to *borrow* books, not purchase.  Clay beings to rope his friends into helping him figure things out, only to find the secrets are much bigger than he thought they were!  Anyone who is a fan of modern fantasy will LOVE this book.

Notorious Nineteen, Janet Evanovich

Right.  Who can go wrong with Stephanie Plum?  She’s funny, she’s talented, and she’s involved with too many men.  The only case with enough money to get her back on track is a con man who has disappeared from the hospital after an emergency surgery.  Unfortunately, the staff isn’t talking.  So Stephanie enlists Grandma Mazur (God help us all) to go undercover.   Because she needs the money, Stephanie also takes another job guarding her mentor, Ranger, from an adversary.  We all know Stephanie has a way of finding trouble, but just how much trouble is she bent on finding?

Proof of Heaven, Eben Alexander

This is a story of the remarkable turnaround in belief of a neurosurgeon.  Up until his illness, Dr. Alexander did not believe in God – there was no way he could reconcile a divine being with his science knowledge.  Following a rare brain illness, Dr. Alexander’s body and brain shut down, leaving him in a coma.  This book tells the story of his amazing journey into the afterlife and why he now believes wholeheartedly in God.

PAFL Update:  Pipestone Area Friends of the Library is looking for members – anyone who is a friend to Meinders Library is welcome to join!  The Friends group works hard to promote the library, raise money for projects, and organize their yearly book sale, in addition to the HUGE amount of support they provide throughout the year.  For more information, please contact the library!

Book Club Reminder:  Book Club meets the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in the Meinders Library conference room.  Everyone is welcome.  Give us a call for the title of the next book!

If you have questions or have a book you’d like to reserve or renew, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (507) 825-6714.  The hours for Meinders Library are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM – 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM.  Meinders Community Library is located at 1401 7^th Street SW, on the south side of the high school.