At the end of the day...
Last year, about this time, a student came up to me in that harried, frazzled, and overly stressed manner that so many students have during the last two weeks of the term and said that she was exhausted, totally drained mentally, had one more final and then was done for the term. She wanted a book, any book, to take home for the holiday break. And like most during this time of the term, she was looking for something very entertaining, distracting, and not at all serious. I sent her home with one book that I was sure would do the trick. Come the first of January, this student returned the book to the Library with heartfelt thanks gushing from her. Her conclusion...that this book was the perfect blend of heart, drama, laughter, and tears. Further, she said that from then on she would make it a habit to check out this particular author or a similar one every final's week.
Why, you may be wondering. What is so amazing about this particular book? Based on her comments and many other Library patrons' over the years, here's what I think. At the end of the day, when you and I go home, we have a virtual mountain of information, stresses, worries, trials, to-do lists, and so much more to keep track of, juggle, to deal with. And each time we get through something, get past a hurdle, complete something like the term's worth of course work, just because we are done, those stresses do not just fall away. We carry the stress of that period with us. It takes something to let it go, to release that pent up emotion and anxiety. One of the easiest ways is to lose ourselves in a good story. Whether it is a book, a movie, or chatting with a friend, we connect our emotions with someone's story and are able to feel, cry, and laugh at their life mishaps while releasing some of our own stresses. The very best books will pull you in with an interesting story and then before you know what's happening, you are emotionally and personally invested. The best surprise you at the end and leave you feeling satisfied. Your stress is released, your emotions are balanced, and you are able to breathe that deeply contented sigh when you turn the last page. You know the sigh, the one that says to your spirit, life is okay. You are going to make it. You can now return to your life with a new perspective and outlook. Can a book really do all of that? Of course it can.
The book that sparked this whole thought process is one of our featured author of the month. Kristin Hannah, who has been writing best-sellers for years, will not disappoint. Every book of Hannah's that I've read or sent home with one of you has garnered the same response. Great. Wonderful. Fully contented sighs of satisfaction. There are no series. There or no plot lines or characters to follow and keep track of. Really, any book you pick up will take you on a journey through a life that will leave you surprised, delighted, and glad you took the chance on it.
We recommend any and all Kristin Hannah books. Here's a couple of our favorites.
Fly Away Home - Once, a long time ago, I walked down a night-darkened road called Firefly Lane, all alone, on the worst night of my life, and I found a kindred spirit. That was our beginning. More than thirty years ago. TullyandKate. You and me against the world. Best friends forever. But stories end, don’t they? You lose the people you love and you have to find a way to go on. . . .(from book jacket).
Winter Garden - I was so delighted and surprised with this book and the end left me absolutely mesmerized with Hannah and her ability to tell a story. Don't believe me? Check out what she has to say about this book.
And finally, we cannot hardly wait for her new book, The Nightingale which comes out in a month. After reading a preview copy of this book over the summer, I guarantee if you like Hannah's works or just a really great story, this one may be my favorite of her so far. Sign up now to be the first to read it when it comes out!
Why, you may be wondering. What is so amazing about this particular book? Based on her comments and many other Library patrons' over the years, here's what I think. At the end of the day, when you and I go home, we have a virtual mountain of information, stresses, worries, trials, to-do lists, and so much more to keep track of, juggle, to deal with. And each time we get through something, get past a hurdle, complete something like the term's worth of course work, just because we are done, those stresses do not just fall away. We carry the stress of that period with us. It takes something to let it go, to release that pent up emotion and anxiety. One of the easiest ways is to lose ourselves in a good story. Whether it is a book, a movie, or chatting with a friend, we connect our emotions with someone's story and are able to feel, cry, and laugh at their life mishaps while releasing some of our own stresses. The very best books will pull you in with an interesting story and then before you know what's happening, you are emotionally and personally invested. The best surprise you at the end and leave you feeling satisfied. Your stress is released, your emotions are balanced, and you are able to breathe that deeply contented sigh when you turn the last page. You know the sigh, the one that says to your spirit, life is okay. You are going to make it. You can now return to your life with a new perspective and outlook. Can a book really do all of that? Of course it can. The book that sparked this whole thought process is one of our featured author of the month. Kristin Hannah, who has been writing best-sellers for years, will not disappoint. Every book of Hannah's that I've read or sent home with one of you has garnered the same response. Great. Wonderful. Fully contented sighs of satisfaction. There are no series. There or no plot lines or characters to follow and keep track of. Really, any book you pick up will take you on a journey through a life that will leave you surprised, delighted, and glad you took the chance on it. We recommend any and all Kristin Hannah books. Here's a couple of our favorites.
Fly Away Home - Once, a long time ago, I walked down a night-darkened road called Firefly Lane, all alone, on the worst night of my life, and I found a kindred spirit. That was our beginning. More than thirty years ago. TullyandKate. You and me against the world. Best friends forever. But stories end, don’t they? You lose the people you love and you have to find a way to go on. . . .(from book jacket).
Winter Garden - I was so delighted and surprised with this book and the end left me absolutely mesmerized with Hannah and her ability to tell a story. Don't believe me? Check out what she has to say about this book.
And finally, we cannot hardly wait for her new book, The Nightingale which comes out in a month. After reading a preview copy of this book over the summer, I guarantee if you like Hannah's works or just a really great story, this one may be my favorite of her so far. Sign up now to be the first to read it when it comes out!
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