Sunday, July 11, 2021

Summer Reading 2021 The Last Chance Library


I have to say that this book started out a bit slow for me. Part of it was the pacing as the momentum in the community to save the library grew, but part was how unsympathetic the protagonist seemed to me. June's personality was so timid that I had a hard time caring what happened to her and sometimes even wanted to grab her and shake her for being so meek and shy. But once she decided to make an effort, then things picked up speed and became more interesting. The shutdown and/or consolidation of branch libraries is all too common in real life, but there are additional factors that make this particular closure entertaining to read about. The patrons are such a variety of characters - retirees needing computer help, youngsters who are voracious readers or looking for a quiet study space, the knitting club, the children's story hour attendees, etc. - that there are plenty of commonalities to form connections with readers. There are also various subplots of possible romance, underhanded business dealings, grief, and pressure to participate in a former friend's wedding events, just to mention a few. Readers who find the drive to save the library a bit slow to take action will have these other storylines to keep them occupied while they wait. In the end, the story is not just about the library itself getting a second chance, but also many of the patrons and workers within it. If you enjoy realistic fiction about small communities and joining a good cause, then you should "check out" The Last Chance Library.

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