Grab a Books are in fashion, too — set aside some time this spring to read! Here are two recommendations for your April reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.
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FAMILY IN FOCUS APRIIL 2022
FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: "The Canyon's Edge" by Dusti Bowling
FOR OUR READERS: “The Chilbury Ladies' Choir” by Jennifer Ryan
Could you survive a disaster in the desert? That's what middle-schooler Nora has to discover in the action-packed story "The Canyon's Edge" by Dusti Bowling. Nora's mom was killed at a restaurant on Nora's birthday. For the next year, Nora and her dad struggle with their injuries, both physical and emotional. Nora uses poetry to cope with her grief. Exactly one year after the shooting, Nora and her dad embark on a climbing trip to a slot canyon, deep in the desert of Arizona where they can explore and find peace. As they reach the bottom of the canyon, disaster strikes. A flood tears through the canyon, carrying away Nora's father and all of her supplies. Alone in the desert, Nora faces snakes, scorpions and her nightmares. She has no food, no water and no way to call for help. Nora has to dig deep to find the strength and courage to save herself — and her dad — against all odds. This is a fast-paced adventure story full of suspense. Readers in grades 5 and up who like survival stories will love this book! — Lexy Rodriguez, librarian
A heartwarming novel with intrigue and mystery mixed in, the story of “The Chilbury Ladies' Choir” by Jennifer Ryan starts when the local vicar terminates the choir because all the men are away at war. How can there be a successful choir without men? Well, the Chilbury Ladies' Choir finds a way to make it work. It’s important for the village to come together and help each other get through the harsh realities of World War II. In fact, the women not only make the choir work — they go on to win awards and provide strength and comfort to their community. Through journal entries and letters, Ryan reveals the difficulties, unfaithfulness, dishonesties and victories of five members of the choir. There is a shy widow grieving her son’s choice to join the war effort; the daughter of a local powerful family attracted to an artist; her younger sister longing for an unrealistic crush; a refugee hiding a secret; and a midwife looking to bury her shady past. It’s a satisfying read as the characters grow, face their fears and discover how to make the best of the challenges they face during a bleak period in history. — Kay DiVerde, library associate
