Jerger
Stories are powerful. And we all contain multitudes of them. They can be stories from our childhoods, our ancestors or, more broadly, our country or culture. They can be mundane and profound. While stories can be very individual, forming everyone’s unique identity, the fact that everyone has stories makes this a universal human custom. We connect to others when we share our stories, leading us to deeper understanding and insight into ourselves and others.
Novels are the epitome of human stories. Authors create them from the well of their imaginations and life experiences. And readers read a novel, soaking up the author’s story, connecting with the characters and seeing themselves better for the experience.
Almost as important, a reader can then pass the story on to other people in their lives, forming a mini community centered around the story. Talking about the same story connects people. This is the goal of Greenwood Reads next month at the Greenwood Public Library.
For adults, while supplies last, the library will be giving away copies of The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams to cardholders who sign up for a Greenwood Reads event. There are also several copies available for checkout. The Reading List is a beautiful story of how a sense of community can spring from unlikely individuals. It runs the gamut of feelings from loneliness, grief, and despair to compassion, kindness, and caring. The characters, who are from a wide array of backgrounds, form connections through a mysterious list of books that appears just when someone is in need.
Younger library patrons can partake in Greenwood Reads with The Bookwanders by Anna James, an adventurous tale about the power of reading. Teens will have the opportunity to enjoy and connect with My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, a hilarious yet poignant historical fantasy novel.
We hope you will be able to join us in sharing these stories, potentially learning more about yourself and your community.
Susan Jerger is an Adult Services Librarian at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this bi-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
