Good Reads

Pack Horse Librarian delivers a tale of ‘humankindness”

Rarely does a book draw me into another place and time so completely that I am unable to get the characters and their stories out of my mind for days, much less weeks on end. Such is the power of “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson.

Awash in historical accuracy, it is the story of “A pig in lipstick is still a WPA Pack Horse Librarian stinkin’ pig,” she spat, her Cussy Mary Carter. wet hiss spinning in the Strong of mind and body, air as she swept past to and with the help of her overprotective and highly her desk. I turned. Her red intelligent mule, Junia, eyes bored into mine. And Cussy delivers more than I held them, locked, and books. She brings hope. lifted my chin two-man

The story Richardson tall, snatching back some weaves about the of the humankind that librarians and their patrons, their lives and had been stolen. the circumstances under which they endure is wholly enthralling. These women braved the hills and hollers, the raging waters, icy rain, snow and sometimes even good weather to bring the love and joy of reading to the mountain people of Eastern Kentucky from 1935 until 1943.

This book inspired me to count my abundant blessings – and not only for the books we have available to us today. I am now thankful for the personal sacrifice of so many to spread “humankindness” to others. Would that we could all be as steadfast as Miss Cussy and as true as Junia. – Deb Laslie

Revisiting McNaught comes with the threat of sleep loss

I’ve been staying inside for quite some time now. (How about you?) Fortunately, I have an abundance of books in my personal library. There I found a copy of Judith McNaught’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” (2003) and was reminded of how a truly gifted writer can draw you into their world and introduce “Miss Kendall, can you you to some marvelous hear me? I’m Dr. Metcalf, characters and captivating and you’re at Good storylines. Samaritan Hospital in Leigh Kendall is a successful Broadway Mountainside. We’re actress. Her marriage to going to take you out of Logan Manning, scion of the ambulance now and an old New York family, is into the emergency room.” the stuff of dreams.

But when Leigh’s car skids off an icy road on her way to meet Logan at their mountain cabin, her life skids out of control as well. When she awakes in the hospital, she’s told her husband is missing and she discovers his business affairs are not as “businesslike” as she had thought.

While the police suspect her of foul play (she is quite the actress), her stage career is usurped by her understudy, and Kendall realizes that the difference between friends and enemies is impossible to distinguish. Alone and determined, Kendall seeks the truth above all.

And you’ll lose sleep during this stay-at-home read. Pick up a copy at your local bookseller (you’ll probably find a used copy) and re-discover books by Judith McNaught. – Deb Laslie

Ever notice how desserts bring a smile to your face?

Order from menu, pending Covid effects on availability.

Family platters and other menu items are still available for pick-up.

Nope, you just won’t find Augusta’s in NYC

You know who your friends are when times get “But I can’t say I was surprised she went there to tough. That doesn’t mean you know who – or what – help,” Deb says. will turn up on your porch in the middle of the night, Some of the tragedy and intensity of Katie’s job but more on that in a minute ... was momentarily forgotten during a conversation she

By any measure, life and business have been had with New Yorkers who were praising their steady tough in this strange time of coronavirus. But support diet of life among a jillion lights and the hustle and for Augusta’s Sports Grill has further enhanced owner bustle of as nearly as many people. Deb Veres’s long-standing appreciation for both “Well,” Katie replied, “I get to live on 40 acres.” friends and community. “What’s an acre?” was the puzzled response.

When Covid-19 hit, she and her son/partner/chef When she returns to Cullman, the locals asked, Josh correctly figured working moms and dads would won’t she miss all of the big-city entertainment that quickly burn out on feeding kids from burger joints, goes on into the late hours? so they offered pick-up platters to satisfy families “My doorbell rang at 3 o’clock one night,” Katie of four. Options included chicken tenders, wings, replied. “All of the dogs were scared and barking. Our chicken, shrimp or beef Alfredo or sliders packed with donkey had gotten out of the pasture and wandered Philly cheese-steak, burgers, grilled chicken or buffalo up on the porch. The Ring got a picture of it.” chicken. The response was gratifying. You just don’t find that kind of entertainment in

Augusta’s reopened its dining room with socially New York City. distanced tables on May 12. Again, the locals “And with all of the turmoil we see on the news,” responded. Deb adds, “I feel sorry for people who cannot live in a

Perhaps Deb’s biggest scare during these trying community like we do. I sure am glad we live here.” times was daughter Katie taking a travel-nurse On top of that, NYC does not have an Augusta’s assignment at a hospital in what was then the Sports Grill … where friendly folks still go to find Covid-19 epicenter of New York City. “Food for the Body. Good Times for the Soul.”