So most trips to the library result in renewing a book from the previous trip (an eyes-bigger-than-the-stomach kind of thing) and selecting books randomly from the shelves. The selection isn't awful by any means, but it seems if I am looking for a particular book, I probably won't find it on the shelves...maybe in the card catalog, but rarely on the shelves (especially the last book in a series).
A recent renewal is the novel The Lacuna, a "diary" of sorts of a young man's life. There are a lot of political references and stories - the Bonus Army of the 30s when he is in school in DC on the young end and his service during World War II and the civilian efforts to support it. A really fascinating read, particularly as it also chronicles the politics of Rivera, Kahlo, and Trotsky - employers of the young man when is in Mexico. Barbara Kingsolver has done a great job in her research, and the story is well put together.
A random pull from the shelves is Dream When You're Feeling Blue. It is an interesting title, as there has been little or no dreaming. I didn't know what it was about when I picked it up, and by a great coincidence, it is also set in World War II times. Primarily about the older "girls" in a family in Chicago. The oldest in her mid-twenties captures what it means to be left behind by someone she loves, making do during rationing, joining the war efforts by filling a man's work spot... I haven't finished it just yet, but I was surprised at the similarity.
And then today listening to NPR on the way home from work, I heard a piece on the Bonus Army, including recorded comments from a couple of people who were there. It seemed to bring everything full circle. It's no coincidence they aired it on Veteran's Day, but hearing and reading these stories all together...leads me reading into why now, what does this coincidence mean....
Anyhow, thanks for all who have defended the liberties and freedoms I so enjoy!
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