2010 is quickly coming to a close. I will take this opportunity to wish all the patrons of the Orland Free Library a safe and healthy 2011. I was thinking of all the ways people transition through the New Year. In New York the big tradition is the ball drop in Times Square, which millions of people watch every New Year’s Eve, counting down from ten to the New Year. I’ve been at New Year’s parties where people have set off fireworks, and heard people firing off guns [both practices which are none too safe]. Whatever form your New Year’s Eve celebration takes, I hope it is safe and celebratory. One of the highlights of 2010 [for me] was The San Francisco Giants winning the World Series. I would love to hear from others what their highlight of 2010 was. I was trying to think of which book I read in 2010 which made the most impact on me. I guess Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand would be the one. It tells the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who became an American Soldier. It was such an evocative story. It made me feel somewhat what I felt when reading Ordeal by Hunger [the story of the Donner party]. It really puts things into perspective and makes you truly grateful for how good life is.
A novel I read this year that will stick with me for a long time is Room by Emma Donaghue. It is told from the perspective of a five year old boy. It is truly haunting. So I will say make the most of your Holidays and remember most things in life aren’t free, but the Library is! Happy New Year!
posted by Estel