Friends of the Library

by Susan Cushman

“. . . a beautifully wrought hymn of praise to readers and book-lovers in the most sacred of places, the libraries where we find both.” —Cassandra King, author of the best-selling novels The Sunday Wife

WHEN ADELE COVINGTON becomes an author in her sixties, she goes on a book tour to speak to the Friends of the Library groups in ten small towns in her home state of Mississippi. Chasing her personal demons through the Christ-haunted South of her childhood, Adele befriends an eclectic group of wounded people and decides to tell their stories. From Eupora to Meridian, from a budding artist with an abusive husband to a seven-year-old with a rare form of cancer, each story contains elements of hope and healing and honors the heart, soul, and history of the Magnolia State.

Genres: Fiction

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2019

About the author

Cushman's eighth book, "Pilgrim Interrupted," releases June 7 , 2022. Her seventh book, "John and Mary Margaret," was published June 8, 2021.

Susan's sixth book, a collection of linked short stories titled "Friends of the Library," was published by Koehler Books in August, 2019. Her third anthology, "The Pulpwood Queens Celebrate 20 Years!," was published in December, 2019.

Susan's first novel, "Cherry Bomb," released in July 2017. Her first book, "Tangles and Plaques: A Mother and Daughter Face Alzheimer's," was released in January 2017. She was also editor of "A Second Blooming: Becoming the Women We Are Meant to Be," (March 2017) and "Southern Writers on Writing," (University Press of Mississippi, May 2018.) Susan has essays published in over 10 journals and magazines and four anthologies.

Susan was co-director of the 2010 and 2013 Oxford Creative Nonfiction Conferences, and Director of the 2011 Memphis Creative Nonfiction Workshop. She lives in Memphis where she loves leading a writing workshop at a senior living facility and volunteering for Room in the Inn, which provides food and shelter for the homeless.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends of the Library is a love story devoted to libraries, books, readers, and the state of Mississippi. Each short story is a testament to heart and hope and healing. In each story, author Adele Covington visits one of the lovely libraries in Mississippi, and at each of her author events, she makes a personal connection to a person she meets. Each story is a testament to how important it is for us to open our hearts up to people, forming unexpected friendships and bonds. Susan Cushman’s writing style is fluid and compelling, and beautifully descriptive. I felt as if Adele were my friend, and she was telling me those stories as we shared a Diet Coke.

[Arlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I had entered a Hallmark movie when I had read two chapters of this book. And I am not a fan of Hallmark movies. The author, Adele, who is the main character should be St, Adele. She arrives in each small Mississippi town and solves the problems, whatever they may be. Sorry but I found this book trite...the best thing I can say about it is that it has a pretty cover. And I am a sucker for a pretty cover.

[Romalyn Tilghman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday, I'd never been to Mississippi. Today, I've had a great tour and look at ten libraries in the state. Susan Cushman has done an extraordinary job in weaving a fictional writer's (Adele Covington) book tour through ten short stories, to remind us how powerful books and book people can be. Within just a few pages for each town, she demonstrates how to solve our most complicated problems ... as Adele deals with challenges as great as homelessness, alcoholism, and Alzheimer's. At the end of each, we cannot help but feel powerful and we cannot help but believe in happy endings. As someone who's done her own book tours of rural and small town libraries, I can attest to Cushman's skill in describing these national treasures. Reading the book was like eating a box of chocolates, and I confess to devouring it all in one sitting. Such a break from the evening news! (I was provided an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.)

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Friends of the Library, Susan Cushman celebrates big lives in small southern towns of Mississippi while emphasizing the many ways libraries affect lives. As readers accompany the protagonist Adele on her book tour of small southern libraries from Eupora to Meridian and explore the cultural history of the State, they realize this is a book about life—from hopes and fears to revival and healing.

There are moments both tender and heart-wrenching in characters’ lives, covering complex themes of substance abuse, trauma, sexual and mental abuse, adoption, and abduction among others. Avery’s story fills readers’ hearts with warmth in “Oxford” whereas Crystal of “West Point” stays with readers for long. Written with insight and elegance, the book will delight all fiction aficionados including fans of Christian literature.

A trip worth taking with Cushman’s Adele Covington!

[Dianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I'm in the minority here, but am not a fan of books with short stories. And this is no exception. Every story had Adele Covington a novelist, visiting ‘Friends of Libraries’ book clubs to talk about her current book. And one person who had attended these talks (or with whom Adele had interacted) had Adele to thank for ‘saving their lives’ (my words). Pat her on the back because without Adele’s (talk, advise, observations) these people would not have (stepped out of their comfort zone, gotten out of a bad situation, followed their dream, quit drinking, become a better person, etc).
At least it was a short book. 2.5 stars

[Branwen Sedai *of the Brown Ajah* · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Didn't care for this at all. Thought it would be more about libraries and books and how they save people. Nope. It was way too preachy and the 'author' protagonist just kept swooping in and rescuing everyone she met within five seconds. Plus the writing was not so good. Very disappointed.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written collection of short stories. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the rest of her work!

[Michele Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, inspiring short stories about communities in Mississippi and the people who live there. An author travels to different counties on a speaking tour and encounters some of the locals. She tells their stories. It's a quick, easy, charming read. It inspires the writer in you!

[Johnnie Bernhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a journey of the heart with Adele Covington, a Mississippi author, as she travels to ten libraries throughout her home state, healing herself and others in the collected short stories of Friends of the Library by Susan Cushman. Written with a strong sense of place, Friends of the Library will make you cry and laugh with characters rooted in the colorful Deep South. More importantly, it connects to the most basic of human needs, community and acceptance, all found at the public library.

[Bonny Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, succinct and southern. Like a warm bowl of hot cheese grits on a cool morning. It just hits the spot.

[Carolyn Breckinridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Friends of the Library’ by Susan Cushman is a collection of short stories tied together by a fictional author’s experiences as she appears at readings and signings in ten Mississippi cities/towns. Her fictional author, Adele Covington, has written a novel inclusive of art and the theme of sexual abuse, and as she moves around the state, various readers have noticeable reactions to the sexual abuse theme. Ms. Cushman has offered her readers several stories that ring true related to the depths of damage such experiences can have on a person, suggesting long-fought struggles with related difficulties such as eating disorders, trust and low self-esteem. She also does a nice job tangentially addressing the long term effects of emotional abuse. Themes in other stories do not seem to have this same depth to them, such as alcoholism leading to homelessness and spousal abuse, both of which are known to be extremely complex battles not easily resolved, regardless of community support and personal desire. Additionally, some of the plots appear to this reader to be far too coincidental. However, this is fiction and poetic license therefore reigns, and the fictional author, herself, promises a silver lining when dealing with even the most difficult of subjects. What Ms. Cushman has additionally offered the reader is an interesting tour of ten towns/cities in Mississippi, as well as a love song to libraries and their patrons in Mississippi (and elsewhere.) In meeting these patrons, Adele Covington tends to quickly get much more immersed in the deep personal lives of some of her readers than most authors ever would. However, perhaps this reminds us that sometimes observant eyes and open hearts can make true differences in the lives of others.

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed after reading a rather heavy book previously. This is a short book of short stories and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The premise is about an author Adele Covington doing talks about her latest book and others in some of Mississippi’s small town. She goes to libraries and meets many varied people at Friends of the Library. Most are retired ladies but a few are younger ones and she has the knack of spotting ones who seem to want to talk more to her. She is so good at drawing you into each story and I could resonate with many of the themes. It covers a couple of types of abuse but one I’m familiar with in my teens was eating disorders. No one back then called it any names but I had it for many years until I met my now husband. He made me realise I was ok the way I was and didn’t need to not eat to look good. I’d been in a bad way at times after our family breakup as an almost teenager but you were kind of pushed aside and nothing explained or no help and I and my rheumatologist blames one of my health issues now in all of that but I’m very lucky despite chronic pain as I have a beautiful family who helps me a lot.

This book is a must read if you’re going through a little trauma but it’s not everyone’s taste and as it does focus on religion helping too which I turned my back on during that time. Some parts may even sound and may be unbelievable. Maybe just maybe it might have helped who knows. A few other parts too I could relate to and coming from a small town you get that people know more than you realise which doesn’t happen in city life. Beautifully told and one I enjoyed even if sad at times.

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends of the Library is a series of short stories that recount the experiences of the fictitious author, Adele Covington, at her Friends of the Library speaking engagements throughout Mississippi.

Susan Cushman has created a wonderful storyteller in Adele Covington. Adele is a warm and nurturing character who is able to connect with people and earn their confidence. She is able to sense a need in one person at each of the talks and she reaches out to them.

I was touched by each of the stories as I read them and was satisfied by the resolutions. I was left with the feeling that although there is sadness at the moment, happiness is on the horizon with just a change in your outlook.

I recommend this book to all readers. It is well written and the characters are interesting and different from each other. The stories will touch you as read them.
Thank you #Susan Cushman for randomly selecting me to receive an advanced readers copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Marsha Raasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storytelling

The author has chosen to weave together the history of small towns in Mississippi, topics such as eating disorders, abuse and alcoholism , by telling stories of people she meets and lives she touches while traveling to speaking events hosted by Friends of the Library in each small town. The stories are charming and the characters felt as real as if I'd met them on the sidewalk in a small southern town myself.

[Amanda Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful short stories about our beloved libraries and the wonderful patrons of our southern libraries. Much more than books.

[Rebecca]

99 cents on Kindle

[Cheryl Olivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Susan Cushman's new collection of short stories, Friends of the Library, Cushman gives the readers uplifting stories about an author named Adele Covington. She has stories to tell as she travels through Mississippi helping people overcome different situations, by bringing people together to find solutions to their dilemmas.
This story reiterates the effect libraries have on the community. I loved the diversity of the stories. This collection of short stories is delightful, and will wisk you away. The chapters are short and sweet. It just makes you happy. Each chapter is something different. It is like opening gifts on your birthday. You don't know what you will get next, but you know you're going to love it.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book a 4.5
Ms Cushman has portrayed in these short stories a snapshot of life with its hopes and fears, ups and downs in the lives of people living in MS small towns today. Like Bill Bryson does in many of his books, she gives you a good factual overview of each town she visits and a picture of the Friends of the Library group in each place. Her quasi fictional character, Adele Covington from Memphis, spends time in each town speaking about the books she has written. I enjoyed the interaction of Ms Covington with the people she met and the discussions that ensued. Adoption, interracial marriage, love, divorce, abuse, illness and other burdens were discussed, but many times with a hopeful ending. Having known people myself from all of these towns, I think Ms Cushman portrayed Mississippians well. Being from MS herself, she also knew the correct terminology, especially from the older generation, eating snacks like Nabs and Co-Cola.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Deegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

did not care for this book. It seems unlikely that an author comes to town for a library presentation to strangers and someone immediately opens up and tells her their story about the problems they are facing. The author then “fixes” the problems, in a short time, in every town. The iconography in one story was impossible for me to believe. The book addresses important issues: domestic and sexual abuse, alcoholism, adoption, Alzheimer’s, childhood cancer, many other topics.

I would have rather seen a deeper story about any of the people mentioned.

[Julie Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Cushman gives readers the grand tour of Mississippi, introducing us to recognizable characters and covering every topic from alcoholism to faith, domestic violence to Southern cooking. This book could only have been written by someone who loves our great state and who longs to celebrate both the writers and readers who call it home

[Melanie Falconer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is gem of a book. The book follows Adele Covington, an author, as she travels throughout Mississippi to talk to Friends of the Library groups about her writing. She encounters people with stories to share- stories that ultimately have strength and hope. An enjoyable read for fans of readers, authors, and libraries!

[Kathryn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will hold the characters, the stories, and the lessons learned from each in their hearts long after turning the last page. Gratitude to Susan Cushman for the reminder that we may all be on different journeys, yet remain interconnected and must never travel completely alone.

[Kathleen Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

At each small town and public library on her book tour through Mississippi, fictional writer Adele Covington meets someone in the audience that needs her help. At first Adele might appear as some overly cheerful plainclothes therapist hiding behind the mask of “visiting author.” Just when you think the story might feel a little too sugary, Adele stumbles onto a person battling a serious issue.

In Friends of the Library, a collection of short stories by real-life author Susan Cushman, the narrative does not shy away from today’s problems of poverty, homelessness, racism, mental illness, eating disorders, sexual assault, child abuse, battered women, terminal illness.

To help the reader embrace the dark and disturbing themes laced throughout each chapter, the author sprinkles a little sweetness on the sour to help the story go down. Adele is the central character connecting each story together, like a string of whimsical white lights shining into the darkness, offering hope and healing, and chasing away the gloom.

There’s so much chaos and darkness in the world. Cushman’s take isn’t for us to bury our heads in a book and pretend it will all go away. Instead, she invites us into those dark places, forces us to look, but then she offers us a helping hand. A glimpse of hope that things will get better. That light will overcome darkness. And that good will overcome evil.

What could’ve simply been a collection of charming stories about an author going from town to town reading from her latest work, Author Susan Cushman gives us something deeper. Instead of spending all our time nibbling on finger sandwiches and sipping sweet tea, Cushman serves up a buffet of stories balanced with a meaty serving of the heavy stuff.

If you’re looking for a gritty read, walk on by. But if you’re like me, and you’re tired of too much hopelessness and meanspirited people in the world, then walk into the pages of Friends of the Library. Before you know it, Adele Covington will have you so caught up in the story, you’ll want to take her aside, introduce yourself, and start telling her your secrets, knowing you’ve found a true friend.

[Betty Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Cushman took me on a tour of familiar places - 1) I lived in Mississippi for 8 years and 2) Libraries have always held a special place in my life! Susan brought to life not only the places but gave it such heart by weaving people and their lives into the common ground of a library. The varied plots just goes to show the way people of various backgrounds, socioeconomic status, gender and race connect through books and reading.
The love of reading and learning - the tie that binds so many of us together. If you have ever as a child or adult depended on a library for your reading material - take this trip down memory lane to the libraries of Mississippi! I highly suggest the journey! Thanks Susan for a wonderful trip!

[Claire Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world needs more of these delightful, heartwarming stories, which are well-drawn vignettes that follow narrator, author Adele Covington, to ten Mississippi author events hosted by Friends of the Library. We learn the landmarks and history of each town. We meet its citizens in each slice of life story that ranges from homelessness to domestic violence to cancer. If you’ve ever wanted a peek inside the life of a writer, Friends of the Library depicts a delightful author as she introduces her novel at library events and then adds more to the equation by illustrating how, when it comes to authors and readers, the gift of the relationship is mutually beneficial.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from my local independent bookstore after I told that owner that I'm a librarian. I liked the premise of the book more than the execution. I just couldn't get into the writing style. The stories were all so brief and similar in tone that I had difficulty telling them apart. It's only an advanced copy so it's possible the final product will have gone through a few more revisions. The characters and setting of the book need a bit more life in them.

[Audra Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends of the Library is a short story collection for anyone who loves the Hallmark Channel. I thought it was a sweet book, but that's the problem: the endings were too syrupy-sweet for my taste. My natural inclination is to gravitate towards darker, heavier subject matters. I find those kinds of books to be more honest about human emotions. That being said, I didn't dislike this collection. We all need to read books with happy endings every once in a while - just like we all need to watch a Hallmark movie once in a while.

[Heather Cobham · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Friends of the Library" takes the reader on a heartwarming book tour through Mississippi, with stops at the local libraries. On her travels, Adele Covington, a southern author, meets an eclectic mix of folks who all share a love of books. Each chapter shares a poignant interaction Adele has with one of her readers and exemplifies how one compassionate person can make a difference in others' lives. When you finish "Friends of the Library", you'll be inspired to lend support to those in need. A perfect book to read before bed to end your day on an uplifting note.

[Jorah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. The scenarios described were too perfect, too tied up in a bow by the end of each short story, and sometimes the point of view was written strangely, as if the narrator were there even when they as a character couldn't have been present. It also made it feel like the narrator was the "savior" of each of these somewhat tragic stories, which seemed to diminish the other characters' trials and tribulations. The writing style was also underdeveloped and simplistic. Not my cup of tea.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends of the Library by Susan Cushman was a wonderful read for me. I went to one of her workshops last year and then went to hear her talk of this newly published book. She read one of the short stories right up to the "got cha" point. I went home and skipped straight to that story and then curled up and read all of the short stories. I just click with her style of writing and the words that she uses.