As the weather warms, residents of all ages will indulge in some leisure reading over the summer.
At the Irene Ingle Public Library, librarian Sarah Scambler doesn’t keep track of the titles checked out by patrons but noted people read a wide variety of different subjects. “We have a pretty eclectic group of readers here at the library.”
She noted one popular title on the shelves that’s been on the bestseller list for the past 10 weeks is a novel called “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, based on the true experiences of female nurses during the Vietnam War. A recent look at the library website showed all 10 copies currently checked out.
Scambler also noticed one subgenre that has been growing in popularity in recent years, both across the nation and here in town is “romantasy,” works of fiction that merge fantasy with romance such as the books “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah. J Maas.
On June 8, Scambler hosted the library’s book group which held a lively discussion of their latest book choice: “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion, a lighthearted story about a socially awkward genetics professor’s quest to find the perfect wife which leads him to unexpected places.
The group will next meet on July 13 to discuss “The Last Bookshop in London,” a novel by Madeline Martin set against the backdrop of World War II-London in which a young woman struggles to maintain a bookstore and its community.
One group member, Kaitlin Bartholomew, said via email that she and her husband often trade off reading books; they recently finished the classic science-fiction novel “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card and just started a novel based on a popular Nickelodeon animated series “Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi” by F.C. Yee in consultation with “Avatar” co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino.
“I generally prefer thriller/mystery and historical fiction with the occasional light romance or comedy,” Bartholomew said. “I try to read a good range, but recently newer things.”
Also with the book group, Nancy Delpero said she “will read about anything as long as it keeps moving. I’m too ADHD to read a slow or too complicated book.” She added that because her busy schedule doesn’t always provide much time for traditional reading, she often listens to audiobooks while walking her dog.
Next month, the library will host former resident turned novelist Jennifer Weekley, who will read excerpts from “Soundtrack of Life,” a poignant coming-of-age book dedicated in part to “the Wrangell Girls,” and heavily inspired by her time in the town.
The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session where she’ll discuss her writing process, inspiration and more. A limited number of copies of her book will be available for purchase. The event is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, at the library.
For younger readers, the library’s summer reading program is open to children entering kindergarten through ninth grade in the fall; registration closes June 29 and the program runs through Aug. 3, with more than 100 prize drawings and a pool/pizza party for everyone who completes the program.
Scambler said the kids who participate tend to stick to the accelerated reader list in which they will generally read at their level or above. “The Percy Jackson series is always super popular,” she added.
Her son is reading books from the Warriors series (also known as Warrior Cats), which feature adventures involving multiple clans of feral cats and written by different authors all under the pen name Erin Hunter. Other prevalent picks on the list include Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, the “Dork Diaries” series written and illustrated by Rachel Renée Russell, and books by Mo Willems including his “Elephant & Piggy” series.
Alice Rooney, another book group member, noted: “It would be nice if adults got as much reinforcement for summer reading as the kids do! Even just a pool party!”
For more information on the library’s events, including their book discussion group and summer reading program, call 907-874-3535.
Reader Comments(0)