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Our Summer Reading Club theme, “First Novels,” has been very popular with both patron and staff participants.  Some readers have chosen first novels by famous authors while others have selected debuts from unknowns.  Patron Michelle N. enjoyed Jeffrey Archer’s first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less.  Published in 1976, this work of fiction is said to be based upon Archer’s real experience with near-bankruptcy.  Archer’s tale revolves around four men who seek revenge on a con man who has swindled them out of their fortunes.  Michelle liked that this book that is “full of surprises.”

One of our faithful library volunteers, avid-reader Fay S., enjoyed Murder in the White House, the first in a series of mysteries by Margaret Truman, daughter of Harry S. and Bess Truman.  In the story, White House Counsel Ron Fairbanks is called upon to investigate the strangling of Secretary of State Lansard Blaine in the Lincoln Bedroom.  Fay liked reading about the ins-and-outs of government and the first family and would definitely read another in the series.

I just finished a wonderful debut novel called The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  Alternating between the past and present, the life of Victoria, a difficult foster child, unfolds.  When we meet Victoria at age 18, she is homeless and the reader is unsure why she did not stay with Elizabeth, the foster mother who longed to adopt her.  Only through flowers and their meanings does Victoria find fulfillment and purpose, but can she make human connections? Filled with finely drawn characters and fascinating flowers, the story is truly moving and authentic. The book is due to be released on August 23, however, you can reserve it in our catalog now. 

--Lori Siegel, Reader Services