Et Cetera
What we're reading: Long Island Compromise
I am so glad I stuck with this novel until completion even though it took me almost three weeks to finish! 'Long Island Compromise' by Taffy Brodesser-Akner is a character study of generational trauma caused by wealth passed down through a Jewish American family living in Middle Rock, Long Island. There was so much self-loathing and self-sabotage in the beginning of the novel that I had to take a break: sexual transgressions on the really dark side (here's your warning) and so much drug usage that an elephant would black-out. Hawkeye Community College Receives $1.5 M YouthBuild Grant
Hawkeye Community College is pleased to announce the receipt of a $1.5 million YouthBuild grant from the Department of Labor to provide training and employment services to youth 16-24 years of age.This YouthBuild grant aims to expand access to apprenticeship opportunities, prepare young workers for quality jobs, and strengthen the nation’s workforce to meet industry demands.
What we're reading: Remarkably Bright Creatures
This weekend I read the 2022 debut novel from Shelby Van Pelt titled 'Remarkably Bright Creatures.' In a word, this story was lovely. We meet Cameron, a thirty year old man granted no favors in life who hasn't quite grown up; Tova, a stoic widowed Swede plugging away at her solitary life; and Marcellus, an intelligent and sneaky Pacific octopus living out his remaining days in captivity. What we're reading: The Briar Club
Review of 'The Briar Club' by Kate Quinn:Don’t even stop to read the rest of this review until you get this book! VPL has a copy which you can reserve, and Libby has a 15-hr. audiobook. One of the most riveting historical fiction books I’ve read in a long time, 'The Briar Club' is rated 4.46 by Goodreads, and has gotten raves by fellow authors Kristin Harmel and Fiona Davis! It was just released and is on the NYT best seller list for the second week. What we're reading: Iceberg
On April 12, 1912, Hazel Rothbury boarded the Titanic. Hazel, who is only twelve years old, travels alone to America to work with her aunt in a factory. Working in a factory away from her family is not something Hazel wants to do but must help make income to support her mother and brothers. Hazel's real dream is to become a journalist! Alone and unsure of the Titanic, Hazel meets a few friends that can help her get some questions answered about the Titanic for her news story. Kirkwood, UI Partner to Offer Medical Laboratory Science Degree
Four-year bachelor of science degree program to begin this fall Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa (UI) are partnering to offer a four-year Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Bachelor of Science degree, beginning this fall. The MLS program will help address a major workforce shortage of medical laboratory scientists. Demand for medical laboratory scientists is expected to rise by 5% over the next decade, resulting in an estimated 24,000 job openings, according to U.
What we're reading: Me before you
I had the unfortunate task of repainting our kitchen over the weekend, so I decided to take advantage of the Libby app and listened to the audiobook 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. I typically head for the hills when romance novels are pushed my way but there's something about British romance novels that just hits different. I hope this doesn't ruin my street cred. 6 Things Parents Need to Know Before Helping with Education Loans
Julie PingelIowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board member(July 31, 2024) - Next year’s first college bills are coming out, and students and families are looking for ways to pay for any amount not covered by financial aid, savings or earnings. Many turn to private education loans at this time of year.A traditional-age student may need help from parents, either because the student needs cosigners to qualify or because the parents take out a loan in their own names to help pay the student’s college expenses.
What We're Reading: The House That Horror Built
VPL Note: We have 'The House That Horror Built' by Christina Henry available in regular type.Harry (Harriet) Adams is a huge horror movie fanatic. She lands a horror lover's dream job cleaning the house of one of the most famous horror directors, Javier Castillo. His huge 3 story house is full of posters and props from his movies, as well as some costumes and set pieces. What We're Reading: You Are Here
Hiking Wainwright's famed Coast to Coast Walk across Great Britain forms the backdrop for the charming and funny romance 'You Are Here' by David Nicholls. Michael lives a rewarding life teaching high school geography and prefers the solitude of hiking during his free time. Marnie has left socializing behind as she lives a quiet life at home copy-editing.