March came in like a lion, now its supposed to go out like a lamb, right? I’m sure hoping that is what will happen this year. That lamb can’t trot here fast enough for me. In fact, I’d appreciate it if he came at a “dead run” to northeast Iowa. If you need some diversion from the last days of winter, a good book can be a great escape. So I asked some of our library staff what books they would recommend to take our minds off our wintry weather.
    Sara suggested The Florist’s Daughter, a memoir by Patricia Hampl. This book describes Hampl’s role as a daughter and the death of her mother with uncommon depth. Noting the author’s strong ties to the Midwest, Sara highly recommends Hampl’s books.
    Emory enjoyed The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This novel tells the story of two boys and their childhood in tumultuous Afghanistan. Emory found it very interesting to read how a child’s experiences can shape his future life. I would have to agree with Emory’s choice and I would strongly suggest reading Hosseini’s other work A Thousand Splendid Suns. This story focuses on the lives of two Afghan women thrown together by fate, during the chaos which envelopes Afghanistan after the fall of the monarchy. I found the details of ordinary Afghani life and culture to be fascinating.
    Arla, who claims that every new book is her favorite book, suggested three great children’s books. Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levini is a touching and informative story about slavery. Too Much Noise by Ann Mcgovern and Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau are also special children’s books. All three contain wonderful illustrations. Other staff suggestions included The Pirate’s Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson, and Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler.
    Reminders: Teen Read Week will be March 10 through March 15. All teens in grades six through twelve may sign up once a day for our teen drawing. Food certificates, theater tickets, and food items are some of the prizes. Stop in every day during this special week to register to win cool stuff and see what’s new in teen books - from books that have been nominated for the Iowa Teen Book Award and the Teen’s Top Ten - the books for teens chosen by teens. You need not be present to win.
    Amnesty Week will be March 17 through March 22. No new fines are added on items returned that week. However, previous fines will remain.