Recently, I was disappointed by a book by one of my favorite authors. It felt like a betrayal as I read it and especially once I was finished. For me, reading an author is like having a relationship. Each chapter is a good date and finishing a book is another step towards the ring and walking down the aisle.

By now, you are probably dying to the book and author. And since you have been so patient to this point, I will reward your curiosity –The Vacationers by Emma Straub. Her Modern Lovers is one of my favorite books! In fact, I have recommended it already here: https://busy-solomon.184-168-20-100.plesk.page/28760/scorching-summer-reads/.

So, when I found that I could access her 2014 book, The Vacationers, on the Libby app (huge plug for Libby – it is so user-friendly and you can access thousands of audiobooks and e-books on your phone or tablet all by plugging in your library card number), I was thrilled. I had a ten hour drive and knew it would be a wonderful road-trip companion.

In reality, it was a fine road-trip companion. The characters felt flat and the plot was slow. I did like the structure which hopped from character to character and gave each space to share their angst and inner thoughts. The book followed a family and their friends as they vacationed in Majorca. It explored marriage and relationships and the how the passing of time impacts both; it had all the potential to be great, but really just left a lot to be desired. I enjoyed the last chapter where Straub wrapped up (albeit, much too neatly) everyone’s story, but that wasn’t enough to carry the book for me.

As I drove back into town, I contemplated my next step. Usually, I wouldn’t immediately begin another book by the same author I had just finished, but in this case, my love affair with Straub caused me to jump right back in with her. Thus, I’m currently plowing through Other People We Married and will absolutely let you know how it stacks up.

I’d love to know what you do when you read a book by an author you love and it leaves something to be desired. How do you get over your book heartbreak?

Meet Libby!

Libby, a new app built with love for readers to discover and enjoy eBooks and audiobooks from your library. Inspired by user and library feedback, Libby was designed to get people reading as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Read on for more details about Libby.

Why you’ll love Libby

Libby was engineered from the ground up with many new features and enhancements requested by your readers and staff:

• Quick and easy for first time users
• Integrated reading and listening experience with OverDrive Read and OverDrive Listen
• No Adobe ID or account registration required
• Faster performance and powerful search
• Same experience on all devices
• Customizable browsing options to find the books you want faster
• Simplified download settings
• Fixed-layout and Read-Along eBook support
• Support for eBook highlights and annotations
• Custom lists for tagging books you love, want to read and more

Do you still have questions about Libby? Check out a FAQ sheet here.

Looking for that unique independent party item? Not interested in hosting a party?

Join us for a day of shopping and demonstrations of your favorite at-home party items. Shop with representatives from Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Shaklee, Initial Outfitters, Tastefully Simple, Young Living Oil, and Girl Scout Junior Troop 50797 from Clarks Summit.

The At-Home Party Marketplace is Saturday, March 3 from 10AM-4PM. Support your Library and local Independent Home Party Consultants.

Admission to this special event is free. Come and shop with no pressure! Find our consultants below!

Pampered Chef with independent consultant Melinda Ames

Tastefully Simple: https://www.facebook.com/Tastefully-Simple-With-Jamie-Davis-132404840862147/?hc_ref=ARSlpLdJ93mEzXAerHdh-fqfAh5cm410npZvGLcmjtV3s_iKSu_IgIfvDWIfeeFnmvs&fref=nf