Books can be suprising

Have you ever thought you would never like a book and then read it and be completely wrong?  Well, I have--just this week.  In August, GAB (Girls and Books), the library's book discussion group, chose "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Shaffer and Annie Barrows as their book for the September meeting.  I was so disappointed.  I had heard of the book.  I knew it was popular with book groups.  But I thought it was another of those "book club" books where the main plot was describing a quirky ensemble of book club members and their lame interactions.  Boy, was I on the wrong track.

"The Gurensey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is an enthralling account of the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II.  The Germans invade these islands that lie between England and France and occupy them for five, long years.  The book unfolds through letters to and from Juliet Ashton (a budding writer) and her friends, publisher, and the inhabitants of Guernsey. 

At first I thought I would hate reading a whole novel of letters, but as I kept reading, I found that this was the absolutely perfect way to tell this story.  How else could people slowly unburden themselves of their wonderful and terrible stories of living under very harsh conditions?  The reader learns as Juliet learns what the islanders went through with dwindling food supplies, zero help from England, and only their community to rely on.

Don't get me wrong.  This is not a dark, depressing novel of horror stories.  It is a story of perseverance and of people with just as much grit as any American Conestoga wagon pioneer.  What surprised me was how eager I was to read the next letter and the next.  (I finished the book at 3 a.m. because I couldn't stop.)  Also, don't worry that it is all dreary history.  I love historical fiction and I learned so much about a slice of history I knew nothing about.  Most Brits knew nothing about the occupation either.  But this novel also has intrigue and romance and you can't wait to find out what happens. 

GAB will be discussing the book next Thursday, September 20th at 6:30 p.m. at our NICC/Peosta branch.  It should be a lively evening just like those of the Potato Peel Society.  Come join us.  Copies of the book are available to borrow at all our branch locations.

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" is a book about a book club with quirky characters and their interactions, but it far from dull or lame.  The message of the book is that books can be surprising.  They may just get your through hard times and bind you to your community.  Imagine that.

Have a great weekend.  See you at the library.  Dawn