Molly Pavlovich“SPECIAL RISK” BY SANDY NORK
Recommended by: Beth Transue, Pathways Institute Instructor / Information Literacy Librarian at Messiah University
Who might be interested in this book: Someone who likes mystery novels or has an interest in musical instruments
One book I’ve just finished, “Special Risk” (2019), is from a friend and local author, Sandy Nork. Sandy worked as a librarian in various libraries around Central PA before retiring and becoming a writer. She is currently working on writing the “Risk Series,” a mystery series that explores suspected insurance fraud of musical instruments.
The first book of this series, “Special Risk,” introduced the series’ characters, including Valerie Sloan, a Japanese-American insurance investigator, and her old friend and new boss, Harry. The book centered on suspected insurance fraud involving a stolen rare guitar.
As expected from a librarian writer, the book is quite well-researched, and it takes place just to the east of us in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and learning about musical instruments and their values, all interwoven with history, culture, and mystery.
“THE PLATEAU” BY MAGGIE PAXON
Recommended by: Paul Wengert, Messiah Village Resident
Who might be interested in this book: Those who are interested in nonfiction stories, history, specifically WWII history, and the heart of humanity “The Plateau” is a little-known true story set in 1942 during WWII—researched, written, and published in 2019.
Though France is primarily Catholic, there existed at the time a small number of Protestant churches led by Andre Trocme, and other pastors, who felt the burden to attempt to save Jewish children from isolation and transferal, bound for concentration camps and furnaces deep inside Germany.
The book recounts the story of these Protestant pastors in occupied France who risked their lives gathering the children, nurturing and protecting them until they found them safe harbor in Switzerland or elsewhere. They saved hundreds of children, and some of the pastors even paid the ultimate sacrifice for doing so—their lives.
When looking at it in its entirety, “The Plateau” is a good happy story—the highest level of happiness— in a sea of awfulness. The story shows the power of humanity and provides hope for the good that exists in the world, even amid the darkness.
“REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES” BY SHELBY VAN PELT
Recommended by: Molly Pavlovich, Editor-in-Chief of Unscripted Magazine
Who might be interested in this book: Those who enjoy heartwarming fiction stories with complex and relatable characters and/or have a love for animals
I was on the waiting list at the library for three months to read this book, and it was worth the wait!
While this book includes the perspective of an octopus named Marcellus who is charming, reflective, and incredibly bright, the character is written in such a way that it doesn’t feel quite like fantasy, but more like realistic fiction. The sleuthy aging octopus challenges readers to look at him through a human-like lens as he shares his fears, his curiosities, and his heart for connection—themes explored by many of the characters in the book.
The book rotates perspectives between the octopus, an older woman who too is facing the challenges of aging and growing old alone, and a young man who is searching for meaning and purpose in life. At first, their stories seem distant and unrelated until unexpected details interweave their stories into one that is more complex and deeply connected than we were originally led to believe.
Throughout this story, I was reminded that regardless of age, gender, walk of life, or species, we all need connection, community, and a sense of purpose—and sometimes we find it in the most unexpected of places. If you’re looking for a lighthearted book that simultaneously and creatively explores deep concepts of life, give “Remarkably Bright Creatures” a try.
