Kendall’s Comments (group member since Jan 27, 2015)

Kendall’s comments from the Gaston Library group.

So I forgot to post what I read in February, and it was Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. It was wonderful! If you enjoyed A Man Called Ove or The Rosie Project then this is a must read. I loved the main character. She has some strict guidelines about behavior for herself and holds others to her high standards. She is flawed, but still relatable. Her unique perspective is often funny, although she is completely serious. Eleanor's story will make you laugh, but there is a depth to her history that is sad at times. It is a lovely story that touches on personal growth, friendship, and the intensity of loneliness.

This month I listened to the audiobook, To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. It is just fun, light, romantic young adult chick lit. It was the perfect book for me in the moment. If you like YA love stories, this one is sweet.

My 2018 challenge was pitiful. I read 4 books. Lots of articles, blogs, and cookbooks but only 4 novels. On the bright side, I am on track to finish 2 books by the end of January. Fingers crossed!

I just finished All the Bright Places by Jennifer Nivens. I thought it was wonderful. It is a YA read about 2 teens who form a bond after some pretty intense life experiences. Suicide is a major discussion throughout the book, so if that is a trigger, you may want to approach with care. Resources are listed in the back of the book.

Congratulations on beating your goal!

That's awesome!

Hi Jessica,

I have seen and read both versions of Thirteen Reasons Why. I firmly believe the book is always better. (Except The Notebook...movie was way better!) The Netflix series was well acted and well made. I also enjoyed the depth and extra perspectives that the series allowed.

I liked Hannah better in the books. I feel like I was better able to understand Hannah, Clay, and the message the story was trying to convey. I think the series created a sensationalism, especially toward the end, that took away from what the story is trying to communicate.

Cadi, I love that story! I tend to agree with George Bernard Shaw, "There is no sincerer love than the love of food."

For my moment, a co-worker sent me a holiday card in the mail. He took the time to write a kind note wishing me well, and actually sent it through the post office! He could have easily given it to me at work. Receiving mail-not electronic or through the office courier-is a special treat. Now I always try to send handwritten thank you notes through the mail.

Cassette 4, Side A: Mrs. Bradley sets up a compliment bags to encourage acts of kindness among the students. When Hannah turns down Zach's date proposal, he retaliates by stealing her compliments from her bag. This has a profound impact on Hannah.

Random Acts of Kindness is a foundation believes kindness can change the way people perceive and experience the world. A random act of kindness would constitute holding a door open for someone, writing a thank you note, or offering to help carry something heavy. Being an agent of kindness inspires hope, and can impact a person's perception and life.

How have acts of kindness impacted your life? What are some ways you are inspired to share kindness in our Gaston County community?

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

This month I read Hilltop House. This cozy-style mystery did not immediately hook me; however, I found the main character, Packard, to be endearing and funny! I really enjoyed the second half of the book, once the characters and setting were well-established.

I am currently reading Thirteen Reasons Why. Using cassette tapes as a form of communicating is a clever solution to giving a character a voice who has passed away. This book deals with serious topics, so I am trying to read it slowly, and reflect on the characters' actions.

I am also listening to Where'd You Go, Bernadette. What a fun book! I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far.

I will let you know what I think when I finish the last two!

I am adding Home and Milk and Honey to my To-Read list!

In high school I wrote in a journal and created scrapbooks to express myself. I do not consider myself artistic, so creating collages, scrapbooks, and journaling were all very helpful. In Thirteen Reasons Why there was a scribble notebook in Monet's and I think that is genius!

In college, I coped with stress by coloring. I would buy the kids coloring books and color my stress away. I was so excited when adult coloring became trendy. What a plethora of options!

Mandala Madness: Adult Coloring Book
Harry Potter Poster Coloring Book
Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book

Hey Jessica!

I am excited about Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson! I do not consider myself literate in science, so I really enjoy when topics I find fascinating but daunting are broken down into simpler terms.

There were 13 sides to Hannah's story. 7 tapes total. Which tape resonated with you the most?

***Comments may contain spoilers***

Hi Renee! Thank you for participating in the discussion. If there are any other recommendations you are looking for let us know.
Hope you discover a good book!

Hey Jessica!

I have read a few of the book on the Read Alike Shelf such as Looking for Alaska, The Bell Jar, and Suicide Notes. I enjoyed all of those books and would definitely recommend them. There similar themes and motifs in each of these books that are reminiscent of Thirteen Reasons Why.

Finding Audrey looks fascinating! Thanks for the recommendation!

Hey Jessica! I also read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and I enjoyed it! I also wanted a little more from the book, but then I guess it is a good sign when I want to read more! I loved the main character. Junior had such a great character arc. He deals with such intense, sad topics with a sense of honesty and humor. I highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys young adult literature.

Thirteen Reasons WhySo I read the Teen Community Read, now what?

Pass it- Share the book!
Watch it- On Netflix beginning March 31
Discuss it- Join us...
-April 6, 7pm @ Main Library
-April 10, 4pm @ Mt Holly
-April 24, 4pm @ Union Rd.
Express it- Share your thoughts at any library branch throughout May 2017 OR on a Goodreads discussion board

Meet the author, Jay Asher!
Thursday June 15, 4pm

What was your first impression of Thirteen Reasons Why?

Here is a link to the Gaston County Public Library's Wowbrary page. Wowbrary is a service that provides weekly emails about new materials to our library. You can sign up to receive weekly emails, browse the RSS newsfeed for items by category, and even place hold requests! Wowbrary is a great way to see the newest books, movies, and music at the GCPL!


Link to the GCPL http://www.wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?p=2137

Hello Everyone, also if you would like to reserve your copy of Thirteen Reasons Why through our library catalog, click here.

Hello Everyone!

The Gaston County Public Library is excited to kick off its 2017 Community Read: 1,000 Reasons Why You Matter this week. The focus will be Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why. The GCPL will host programs over the next couple of months culminating in a Book Talk by the author.

That's right! You read that correctly!

You can meet the author Jay Asher on June 15th at 4pm!!!

Jay Asher will be at the Main Branch of the Gaston County Library for a Meet and Greet and book discussion. Check out the GCPL Goodreads page for events and discussions to follow!

Happy Reading!

Jessica,

I thought The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was fascinating! I was shocked to learn that the cells taken from Henrietta Lacks led to so many scientific discoveries and profitable ventures, and yet her family remains poor.

I haven't read the Series of Unfortunate Events (but I have started watching it on Netflix!)