Et Cetera

I recently purchased a giant handbag to cart my books to and from work, but I still can't resist the lure and ease of reading on the @libby.app! I might be the app's biggest fan. I can fall asleep and not lose my place and my handbag doesn't weigh a ton. It's a win-win situation.Currently, I am reading 'The Guest' by Emma Cline on Libby and it is a roller coaster ride of ANXIETY.

'Fourth Wing' by Rececca Yarros is a book that doesn't sit on the shelf for long due to its high demand. With patrons checking it out over 20 times since we received it, I tried my shot at Libby and not so patiently waited. The Empyrean series is projected to have 5 books in total: 'Fourth Wing,' 'Iron Flame,' and 'Onyx Storm' are the books currently published and at our library.

The Hawkeye Community College commencement ceremony is set for Friday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus, located at 2501 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls. The event recognizes fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 graduates.Keynote speaker will be Dr. Maggie Smith, Supervisory Health Veterinarian with the U.

Iowa Treasurer Roby Smith is reminding soon-to-be and former graduates of any Iowa high school who plan to pursue post-secondary education in Iowa, there is still time to apply for the Robert D. Blue Scholarship. Awards are based on financial need, an original essay, academic achievement and letters of recommendation.“Last year, we awarded $8,500 to seven outstanding students,” said Treasurer Smith.

I recently read 'The Paris Express' by Emma Donoghue. Donoghue is an accomplished author of fiction, film and theater, and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and other awards for her novel 'Room.' She went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for her screenplay adaptation of the book.I'm lukewarm on 'The Paris Express' for a few reasons; here is the good, the bad and the ugly.

Hello fellow readers!! Are you looking for a book about deception, love, and an overall thriller? Then check out the book 'Rock Paper Scissors' by Alice Feeney. I found it to be a quick read. There are multiple twists with an ending that is surprising yet complete.Amelia and Adam know their marriage has been off for some time. Winning this weekend trip to Scotland might be just what their marriage needs.

I am currently reading 'Back When We Were Grownups' (love that title!) by Anne Tyler and there's just something about Tyler's writing style that I absolutely adore: the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I always think "salt of the earth" when reading Tyler but that doesn't quite nail it either for me. Her style is simple yet profound at once somehow.

I recently read 'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine Rundell. The Vinton Public Library offers a selection of juvenile fiction large type books, so don't let the size of the book intimidate you. I found it was easy to follow with the bigger font and I enjoyed the pictures that the author added to share what the magical creatures look like. This book is jam packed with fantasy islands, magical creatures, and full of adventure!Christopher, a human boy in the real world, visits his grandfather's house and meets a girl named Mal from a magical world called Archipelago.

Emma Madison Master Meddler is a fantastic book!!! When I read it, it was very long - in fact no publisher would touch it. I am so glad someone did. I don't know if they shortened it for publication but it sure as heck is a wonderful book.~Virginia