Brenda Marshall, Library Director

Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

I loved the Essex Serpent and so I was excited to read another book by Sarah Perry. This novel is also set in Essex, England, which is where I grew up so I enjoyed the references to towns and scenery that are familiar to me. This is a story of unlikely friendships, faith, tradition, love, and scientific pursuits. I listened to it as an audiobook download through Libby.

 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I see they're making a Netflix show of these books and I can't wait! My brother recommended them to me. They are a series of "cozy" murder mysteries set in a retirement village. I read the first two this year and I thought they would be cheesy but I grew to love the various characters in their search for a murderer. The plot was more complex and engaging than I first assumed and I enjoyed the dry gentle humor throughout.

 Tom Lake by Ann Patchet

This is a book that got mixed reviews but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It features a Michigan couple whose adult daughters return to their family orchard home during the pandemic. They find out their mother used to date a man who went on to become a famous movie star and have questions! I think Ann Patchet writes beautifully in this book about relationships, aging, and family.

DVD: Ted Lasso

I am so happy Apple finally released this series on DVD so the library could get it for checkout! We follow an American College Football coach (Ted) who is hired to run a UK Premiere League soccer team. Watching Ted navigate life in the UK, crazy British football fans, and entitled football players who swear a lot has been a place of joy and solace for me over the past few years. It's not everybody's cup of tea (hating tea is another of Ted's challenges) but it's been mine!