Book Review: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway – buddy read with Roberta Writes

Hi Everyone, I’m reblogging this because I published it too early! I hope you enjoy this review and that you’ll stop by Robbie’s blog, too, to read her thoughts on For Whom the Bell Tolls. All links are live now 🙂

Book Club Mom

For Whom the Bell Tolls
by
Ernest Hemingway

★★★★★

Lately I’ve been in the mood to return to the classics. I’ve always loved Hemingway, but had never read For Whom the Bell Tolls, published in 1940. I’m sure you’ve all either read it or heard of it. Maybe you’ve seen the 1943 movie starring Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman and Akim Tamiroff.

You may not know that the title refers a line of prose by the poet John Donne which begins with, “No man is an island, entire of himself.” Donne wrote those lines in 1624 as part of a larger work entitled Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions. The last lines read, “Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.” The gist of Donne’s words is that we are all part of a greater whole. And Donne’s bell metaphor reminds…

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National Novel Writing Month Author Interview – Geoff Le Pard

Hi Everyone, I’m sharing our library’s NaNoWriMo interview with indie author Geoff Le Pard. Read about his projects and what inspires him!

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During the month of November, aspiring and published authors from around the world have committed to writing 50,000 words in thirty days.

Geoff Le Pard

Today we welcome NaNoWriMo published author Geoff Le Pard, a published indie author whose multiple projects began with NaNoWriMo challenges.

Thank you for joining us, Geoff!

How many years have you participated in NaNoWriMo? I’ve done three and a half years!

How did you first hear about or get started with NaNoWriMo? When I started blogging, I read about it and heard people praise it so decided to give it a go.

Three of your books began as NaNoWriMo projects. Can you tell us more about how you got started? The first book was the second book in a series. It followed my hero on his hapless journey and was set in 1981. Having finished the first book (set in 1976), I knew I wanted…

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National Novel Writing Month Author Interview – J.D. Estrada

Hi Everyone, I’m sharing this NaNoWriMo author interview from our library blog. Say hello to J.D. Estrada!

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During the month of November, aspiring and published authors from around the world have committed to writing 50,000 words in thirty days.

J.D. Estrada

Today we welcome NaNoWriMo published author J.D. Estrada, a published indie author whose multiple projects began with NaNoWriMo challenges.

Thank you for joining us, J.D.!

How many years have you participated in NaNoWriMo? Along with Camp NaNoWriMo I’ve participated 4 different years though not back-to-back. November is often a very tricky month to navigate because of work and hey, we’re only human 🙂 Still, when the opportunity is there, I dive right in.

How did you first hear about or get started with NaNoWriMo? I first heard about NaNo when a fellow indie author was hosting some live panels, YouTube videos, and write-ins 5 years ago and the year after. I found it interesting and took a stab at Camp NaNo first to get my feet…

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National Novel Writing Month Author Interview – Jennifer Kelland Perry

Hi Everyone, Take a look at this NaNoWriMo interview with Jennifer Kelland Perry. Jennifer graciously agreed to be interviewed for our library’s blog. Like many other authors, Jennifer is preparing to write a new book as part of next month’s NaNoWriMo challenge. Best wishes to Jennifer!

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Dreaming about writing a novel? NaNoWriMo is a great chance to get your book idea going. During the month of November, aspiring and published authors from around the world have committed to writing 50,000 words in thirty days.

Jennifer Kelland Perry

Today we welcome NaNoWriMo published author Jennifer Kelland Perry, whose book Calmer Girls was part of a NaNoWriMo challenge.

Thank you for joining us, Jennifer!

How many years have you participated in NaNoWriMo? First of all, thank you for inviting me for this interview. I’m truly honored to be here. I have taken part in NaNoWriMo three times since 2013. The first two times, I worked on the Calmer Girls series, a duology. I successfully reached the word count of 50,000 words with both. The third and most recent time I participated was in 2016, where I didn’t reach the goal – life and a bad flu bug got…

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Fairytale and Folklore Retellings – now on YouTube!

Hi Everyone – just sharing this YouTube video from our library. We had a lot of fun exploring this genre!

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If you missed the Henrietta Hankin Branch August Book Chat on Fairytale and Folklore Retellings, you can still see what we talked about. Now on YouTube – the genre explained and selected recommended titles, all in the Chester County Library System!

Watch the video here:

Explore a different genre. Visit our catalog at https://chescolibraries.org/ to reserve a copy of your next retelling!

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Virtual Fairytale and Folklore Retellings Book Chat – Tues Aug 3 at 1 pm

Hi Everyone, just sharing this virtual program information. I’ll be hosting on August 3 at 1 pm. This library Zoom is open to all – you don’t need a library card to attend!

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Are you enjoying your summer reading? Get some help filling out your Adult Summer Reading BINGO card! Join us on Tuesday, August 3 at 1 pm as we share lists and information about fairytale and folklore retellings.

Register here: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/7977863

This program supports PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy.

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Celebrating Juneteenth

Hi Everyone – In observance of Juneteenth, I put together this list of reading suggestions for our library patrons and thought I’d share it here too. I’ve read several of these books and have added a bunch to my list. Thanks for reading!

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On Saturday, June 19, states across the country will recognize Juneteenth and celebrate the end of slavery in America.

What is the history of this observance, which is separate from the Emancipation Proclamation and not yet a federal holiday?

Juneteenth is a day of observance, celebrating Black freedom and culture. The end of slavery began on January 1, 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but in many states, news traveled slowly and Black Americans were not immediately freed. This was especially true in Texas, the most distant state.

Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger, from the Union army, arrived in Galveston, Texas and demanded that enslaved Blacks be set free. Upon hearing the news, Black Americans celebrated their freedom and new rights, including buying land. Slavery was officially abolished in 1965 when the 13^th Amendment was ratified.

To help you learn more…

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Luann Is Lying

Hi Everyone – I’m trying something new over at Books To Pen – a weekly serial called Luann Is Lying. Take a look if you’re interested!

Books to Pen

Welcome to Luann Is Lying, a new weekly feature on Books To Pen. Luann can’t seem to get through a day without telling some kind of lie and it’s not clear if she’s in control or on the verge of something else. I hope you enjoy seeing where her fibs and half-truths take her. Here we go!

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Luann pulled off her cap and shook out her wavy brown hair, working it into a controlled chaos. “Uh, yes,” she started. “I’m meeting my husband here, but I’m a bit early. Would you mind if I waited at our table?”

The hostess at the front looked down at the book of reservations. It was prime time Saturday night and the place was packed, including the bar next to the dining room. Between the noise at the bar and in the dining room, it was a wonder anyone could carry on a…

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100 Word Flash Fiction: “Chat”

Hi Everyone – just a little flash fiction over at Books To Pen. Take a look if you like!

Books to Pen

The mixed egg sizzled then turned fluffy in the small cast-iron pan. Don’t add milk,” she’d instructed earlier, asserting as much control she could in her diminishing domain. Across the room, she waited in her chair. “And don’t overcook them,” she added. “They dry out too much if you do.”

Eggs done and on a tray, the daughter added a peeled clementine. The sections were tiny in the plain white bowl. Bothered by the smallness, she added a mini-muffin. “Want more coffee, Mom?” she asked. “Just a half-cup, and come sit with me so we can have a nice chat.”

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Virtual Book Chat on Wednesday, March 24 to discuss Fiction Set in Pennsylvania

Hi Everyone – I’m sharing this virtual Book Chat information in case you’re interested. I’ll be hosting and you’re welcome to join us!

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Please join us via Zoom on Wednesday, March 24 for an informal book chat on Fiction Set in Pennsylvania. Shown here are just some old and new classics set in our state, but there are many more. Let’s see how many we can discuss!

Registration is required. This program supports PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy.

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