Central Book Club: The Bells

The Bells

by Richard Harvell

Born to a deaf woman who spent her days in a belfry, Moses grew up hearing not his mother's voice, but the tones and vibrations of the great bells she loved to ring. This upbringing gives him a singular ear for sound that inspires his voice to reach great heights. This extraordinary talent is so valued by the choir master who discovers him that he does the unforgivable in order to preserve Moses' voice. In a letter written to his son,  Moses divulges all that he endured in his upbringing and unravels the riddle of how a musico could possibly have fathered a son.

Even though this book is read with the eyes, it is a treat for the ears. Moses hears the world in a way that is both supernatural and beautiful, which in turn causes the reader to pay more mind to the everyday sounds we are accustomed to ignoring. A tragic love story you will not wish to miss.

Staff Pick: I've Got Your Number

I've Got Your Number
by Sophie Kinsella

Queen of chick lit Sophie Kinsella (penname of author Madeleine Wickham) returns with a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud romantic tale, I’ve Got Your Number.  Poppy Wyatt is engaged to be married to Magnus Tavish, her academic, oh-so-smart fiancé in just a few days when disaster strikes—she misplaces the family heirloom engagement ring Magnus has given her. As if that isn’t bad enough, as she’s frantically searching for the ring, someone steals her cell phone. Poppy spots a cell phone in a trash can and commandeers it in her time of need, much to the chagrin of the phone’s true owner, Sam Roxton.

In a modern take on love letters, Poppy and Sam get to know each other through texts and emails.  Poppy helpfully meddles in Sam’s affairs when she thinks he isn’t responding to emails fast enough or with enough enthusiasm, while Sam tries to persuade her to relinquish the phone. Poppy is a delightful, endearing character and Kinsella’s use of witty footnotes adds humor to the already amusing story. I’ve Got Your Number is a fun, silly romp and the perfect summer read. 

Staff Pick: What We're Listening To

The library has so much more than just books! We have an extensive music collection, with three different ways to get music: check out CDs from the branches, download up to ten free songs weekly from Freegal, or borrow songs from our digital library, OverDrive. If you haven’t taken advantage of our music collection before, here are some staff picks to get you inspired!

Jayme’s Pick: Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars. This male-female duo won two Grammys for their outstanding indie folk record, Barton Hollow. Standout tracks include the lovely slow songs “20 Years,” “Poison & Wine,” "My Father's Father," and the more up-tempo song “Barton Hollow.”

Kora’s Pick: New Life by Monica. R&B artist Monica returns to the music scene this year with a new studio album, New Life. On the album she collaborates with some of the leading names in the business, including Brandy and Missy Elliot.

 Angela’s Pick: Now That’s What I Call Classic Rock Hits. This blast from the past collection of hits includes some of the biggest classic rock songs of the 70s.

Brandon’s Pick: Making Mirrors by Gotye. Gotye is a Belgian-born Australian artist whose alt-rock album, Making Mirrors, is that rare release that is a breakout success as well as an album of beautiful, original music. Making Mirrors includes the international hit “Somebody That I Used To Know” featuring Kimbra.

 Sheryl’s Pick: Smash soundtrack by the Smash Cast. Guilty pleasure television show, Smash, has a catchy, sing-able soundtrack available to download on Freegal. Standout tracks include “Let Me Be Your Star” and “Let’s Be Bad.”

https://calcasieulibrary.freegalmusic.com/users/slogin. 

Reading is Everyone's Business

http://ebooksforlibraries.com/

  

Have you noticed that not every book you want to read is available as an eBook at your library? Would you like to change that? Watch the video below and follow the link above to sign the petition. 

Central Book Club: The Kitchen House

The Kitchen House
by Kathleen Grissom

This April the Central Library Book Club discussed The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. This novel is set around the turn of the 19th century and follows a young irish girl named Lavinia. Lavinia lost both of her parents on the voyage to America and is separated from her brother when she is purchased as an indentured servant by Captain James Pyke. She is raised in the kitchen house of the Captain's plantation and quickly bonds with the slaves who raise and love her, despite their different skin colors and situations. Through many years and tragedies, Lavinia finds her life turned inside out after she marries the son of the Captain, who takes over the plantation when he comes of age. Suddenly cut off from having the freedom to show affection to her childhood family, Lavinia must find the strength to protect her family in the face of ignorance, hatred, and secrets that shape entire lives.

Have you read this book? Tell us what you think! Feel free to comment below, or join us on Goodreads.com at the group Central Library Book Club.

Would you like to read this book? Click here to find a copy in our library.