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Sarah Duffy, Library Assistant

Got Non-Fiction

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As a teacher, I am always encouraging my students to read more non-fiction. Recently, I decided I ought to take my own advice and move away from my go-to mysteries. As I pondered what non-fiction area to delve into, I thought back to my childhood and remembered the times spent at camp making terrariums with my aunt. She patiently and carefully showed me what to do and we got busy collecting items for our terrariums. These fond memories sparked my interest and I decided to do some research into terrariums.

I started looking on Minerva, the electronic “card catalog” and I found two great books. Basically, a terrarium is a miniature world in a glass environment. It usually contains a bed of small rocks, moss, and various tiny plants. You can add minerals, sea glass, and even a tiny gnome.
Terrarium Craft : create 50 magical, miniature worlds by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant ; photography by Kate Baldwin.
This book had lots of tips about how to create a terrarium, what to include, and the various materials and tools needed.

The New Terrarium : Creating Beautiful Displays for Plants and Nature By Tovah Martin ; photographs by Kindra Clineff.
This book had lots of great ideas on creating beautiful displays.
Caring for a live moss terrarium is fairly easy. All mosses need to be in filtered or dappled light, but should never be in direct sunlight. Even artificial light will work fine. Containers should have a lid unless the opening is very small. A light misting from a spray bottle is required approximately every two to four weeks. Condensation is not uncommon but may be a sign that the terrarium is getting too much sun or temperature fluctuation. If the moss is dry to the touch, give it a good misting, leave the lid off for about an hour to let the moisture evaporate, then move it to a shadier spot.
Terrariums are relatively self-sustaining ecosystems that generally need limited care. Remember to keep the glass clean for better viewing!
         Sarah Duffy, Library Assistant

Book Review: ‘The Miracle on Monhegan Island’ by Elizabeth Kelly

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Recently, I was hunting at the library for my next book to read when I came across Elizabeth Kelly’s ‘The Miracle on Monhegan Island’. Typically I stick with mysteries, but the fun, summery cover caught my eye, and I love all things Monhegan, so I thought I’d give it a try.

It took a whole chapter for me to realize that Ned, the narrator in this novel, is a dog. Yes, it is Ned the dog’s voice we hear as the story unfolds. I thought this was really bizarre, and to be honest, it just didn’t appeal to me as a reader. So I put it down, not intending to pursue it any further. Later, I thought to myself that perhaps I may be missing out on a really great story, so I decided to give it another chance. I am very glad I did.
It turns out that ‘The Miracle on Monhegan Island’ is surprisingly serious and quite thought-provoking. In fact, while reading, I jotted down several poignant quotes. Early on, we are introduced to Spark (a human) who at first appears to be very one-dimensional. However, we soon realize there is a lot more to him than his flawed but colorful character. As Ned (the dog) narrates, he is quite astute in his philosophical comments on humanity. The novel is actually about a truly dysfunctional family just trying to do the best they can. I think we can all relate to that in some way. The story is an odd combination of dark humor, religion, faith, mental illness, and ultimately, love.
I am so glad I gave this book a second chance. Once I re-started it, I couldn’t put it down. It is so different than anything I’ve ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
~Sarah Duffy, Library Assistant

Great Summer Reads

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As you are packing for your vacation, or heading out to camp, don’t forget to take a stack of books with you! Summer is a great time to relax with a good book. Following are some great summer reads you may want to take with you!

If you’re a hopeless romantic, then this is the perfect read for you. A young couple from New York finds themselves at odds when a move to South Carolina causes strife in their relationship.
Lily’s story unfolds in 1930’s Seaview, Rhode Island, a wealthy summer community preparing for an impending hurricane. Her story becomes one of love, betrayal, fun in the summer sun, and plenty of scandal.
In The Island House, a college English professor returns to her summer island house in hopes of reconciling with a past love.

 

Author Elin Hilderbrand pens a thoughtful story about friends, family, and community coming together in the aftermath of a tragedy.
The author writes about one family’s two-week trip to the island of Mallorca, a story about the complicated up-and-down dynamics among family and friends.

 

Everythingseems normal with this group of island locals until someone’s husband goes missing and the town’s deeper secrets begin to unravel.
Sarah Duffy, Library Assistant