Nancy Middaugh
At the Library
Hamburg Public Library has specialty areas set aside so patrons can easily locate certain categories of books such as westerns, Amish and Christian fiction, nonfiction, biographies, and large print. Thinking specifically of nonfiction and large print, these books are new.
Four new nonfiction titles–
“Hope” is the autobiography of the late Pope Francis. In this memoir, Pope Francis shares his remarkable life story from his Italian roots to his childhood in Argentina, his calling, and his adult life in the papacy. Franciscus writes “An autobiography is not our private story, but rather the baggage we carry with us. And memory is not just what we recall, but what surrounds us. It speaks not only about what has been, but about what will be.”
Local author Amy Herron’s debut book relates her experience with grief. In December of 2016, Amy lost her father and afterward experienced her first significant encounter with the grieving process. In “Living Without You,” the author tells her story of what happened to her father, her family and herself.
“Sir Gaiwan and The Green Knight” is a translation of three poems by J. R. R. Tolkien. Included are the title poem, “Pearl,” and “Sir Orfeo.” The translation is done by the author’s third son Christopher Tolkien who devoted himself to the editing and publication of his father’s unpublished writings.
Shari Franke “The House of My Mother” is a true crime story. The book exposes the hidden abuse the author endured from her mother, Ruby Franke, behind the scenes of the popular 8 Passengers YouTube channel. It details Ruby’s strict control, influence from relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, and Shari’s path to healing after her mother’s 2023 arrest for child abuse.
Three new large print books of fiction–
The Knocknashee Story continues with “Sincerely, Grace.” Jean Grainger resumes the Irish saga in our newest large print edition. “For twenty-one-year-old Grace Fitzgerald, life is finally looking bright. Orphaned as a child and later struck down by polio, she then endured years of cold indifference at the hands of her sister Agnes. Now, with Agnes finally gone, Grace has found love with her handsome young husband and peace surrounded by friends in her home village of Knocknashee and in her ongoing friendship with the American journalist Richard Lewis. But just as Grace begins to enjoy her hard-won freedom, a dark shadow falls, and most devastating of all, her dearest friend Tilly may be entangled in the sinister events unfolding around her.”—publisher’s comments
Looking for a riveting psychological thriller? “We are Watching” by Alison Gaylin may be just the book for you. A mother and daughter are desperate to protect one another as they become targets of a group of violent conspiracy theorists.
On a more lighthearted, summer reading theme is “Beach Vibes,” also an addition to our large print options. Author Susan Mallery never disappoints as a writer of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Goodreads describes the novel like this “Love and loyalty collide with secrets and betrayal in this witty and emotional tale about the lengths we’ll go to for family.”
Check out these and many other reading options at your local library. Remember, too, your library card allows you access to a free eBook service. Stop in for details.