Name: Chris Wiegard
Date registered: December 17, 2009
Larson’s latest offering is In the Garden of Beasts. He chronicles the experience of a typical American family in 1933. This family however happens to be headed up by William Dodd, who is named American Ambassador to Germany. William tries to get to know the strange personalities of the brand new Nazi ruling class, while his daughter tries to experience Berlin in other ways. At first, both have positive feelings about the happy roaring crowds. But then they both start noticing things….
The history and the family story are both compelling here, and they fit together perfectly. It might just be Larson’s best effort yet- which might explain why it is number one on the bestseller list today!
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/06/in-the-garden-of-beasts/
In the end, this tale is more about how we relate to the Holocaust today than it is about the Holocaust itself. The central message here is that humans need truth, rather than protection from truth. This bittersweet tale is a natural fit for book groups with its mix of personal, social, and political themes and strong female characters.
This book will be one of the featured titles in “Novel Destinations,” this year’s Adult Summer Reading program at ARLS. Keep your eye out for more hints about this summer’s plans!
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/03/great-reads-sarahs-key/
Librarian Chris Wiegard
Veteran novelist Auster explores the world of Miles Heller. Heller holds down the lonely job of cleaning out foreclosed properties in Florida. We learn that he is hiding from his family and friends because of his feeling that he caused the death of his step-brother. Auster uses memorable characters and beautiful prose in this “prodigal son” tale of troubled people who seek redemption and struggle to overcome mistakes and shortcomings in an imperfect world. Check it out.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/03/great-reads-sunset-park/
Librarian Chris Wiegard
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/03/great-reads-major-pettigrew%e2%80%99s-last-stand/
Librarian Chris Wiegard
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/02/great-reads-unbroken/
Librarian Chris Wiegard
Looking back, the year 2010 produced many books worth reading, both in fiction and nonfiction. In reading reviews and then reading the books, I sometimes have a tendency to think that a strongly positive advance review may be exaggeration- perhaps a marketing ploy. But several books this year have surprised me by fully living up to their marketing efforts.
The first is Room by Emma Donoghue. This novel has a plot ripped from the headlines. In it, a young woman is abducted by a criminal and kept prisoner in a shed with her young son, who narrates the story. The horrible premise seems at first incapable of sustaining a story that we could bear to read! But magically, it morphs into a remarkable adventure with a deeply humanistic heart. Donoghue teaches us how we can endure the unendurable and triumph over it, through the unforgettable voice of one special five year old boy.
Check it out.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/02/great-reads-room/
Hear about the life of Lightfoot Solomon Michaux, a notable resident of Hopewell who made a name for himself as a businessman, politico, activist, and trailblazer of televangelism. Chris Wiegard & Jeanie Langford present this event featuring original research and rare images from the Local History and Genealogy Collection in celebration of African American History Month.
For a preview of Elder Michaux in action, watch this video. Fast forward to the 1:30 mark to hear “Happy am I.” Jeanie Langford says, “This video can make even the worst day better.”
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/02/local-history-event-from-peddler-to-preacher/
Alton Jamison. Photography by Dexter D. Cohen
Alton Jamison is a motivational speaker and writer from Suffolk, Virginia who grew up in Hopewell with a father in prison. By focusing on his education and on developing entrepreneurial skills, he achieved success. Mr. Jamison will challenge you to free yourself from the mental habits that stand in your way in life.
This event is part of the “New Year, New You” series of programs in January.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/01/no-more-handcuffs-alton-jamison/
There are several elements of appeal that are neatly woven together in this book. It is a well-done intimate exploration of a relationship that is strong on the surface but has hidden cracks. It also paints a picture of the “lost generation” in Europe, young men and women lured away from America but carrying within them troubled attitudes towards their life roles, and in some cases hidden traumas from World War I. Finally, for fans of American Literature, it faithfully portrays Hemingway himself from the perspective of a woman who loved him deeply but came to understand his flaws.
This novel is sure to become a book group standard for the next couple of years. Join the discussion with the Hopewell afternoon book group at 1:00 p.m. on January 19 if you are free!
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/01/the-paris-wife-provides-history-and-drama/
Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2010/10/thrills-chills-beth-brown/