We've been doing book reviews

     Our fourth annual authors' event is coming and we've been doing book reviews to promote the six authors who will be our special guests.  We're very proud of these writers and would like to encourage you to join us on Sunday, May 1st, at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. so you can meet them.  But right now I want to tell you about their books that we are showcasing on our "MCCLS Friends Recommend" shelf.
     One of my favorite authors is a lovely Southern gentleman named Jackie K. Cooper from Perry, Georgia.  He is one of the best storytellers you could ever want to meet.  He is forever telling you something fascinating about himself in his books (and he's written six), as well as his family, his friends, a movie he's seen, or just a beautiful sunset.  His latest book, "Back to the Garden," will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and inspire you to be a better person.  And best of all, you have the opportunity to meet him at "An Afternoon with the Authors" on May 1st.
     We have two children's books co-authored by a mother and daughter team from Moultrie, Patience Arline-Hicks and Wendi Hicks.  "Old Mean Molly" is about a cow, who eventually comes to live at the Arline farm.  The little girl telling the story is afraid of Molly.  When Molly runs away, the little girl finds the cow and helps her.  It's during this time that the little girl realizes she's not afraid of Molly anymore.  This is a wonderful read for adults and children alike.
     The second book by the Hicks is "Sitting On My Mama's Porch."  Like "Old Mean Molly," it is written in rhyme. However, this book was written for a little different reason.  It was written to help young children become independent readers and is appropriate for preschoolers up through middle grades, especially for struggling readers.  Both books have charming verse and delightful illustrations and are a joy to read.
     Dean Poling of Tifton has written two books, but we reviewed "Waiting for Willie."  This novel was nominated for an award in the first novel category by the 46th annual Georgia Writers Association.  It's the story of a young boy haunted by the dead father he barely remembers.  While Jessie struggles to find the "water bandit" (something you'll have to read about in the book, not here), he is also trying to learn more about his father.  And he also learns that Willie Nelson is coming to town.  So...how much will he learn about his father's life and death before...?  This is a great read by a man with a way for words and stories.  His other book is "Cowboy Boots and Pony Tales."  (Just goes with his long blond pony-tail.)
     The first book I read by Niles Reddick was "Road Kill Art and Other Oddities" and I couldn't imagine why he'd name his book that.  But reading it helped me understand.  His latest novel "Lead Me Home" has been nominated for an award this year by the Georgia Writers Association in the first novel category.  Only
Dr. Reddick, who is an Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College professor, could write about an Aunt Catfish, a cousin in detox with a religious conversion, and a minister asked to resign because of an affair with a widow who shot her husband.  His book is visual, quirky, and just plain fun to read.  And it takes place locally...like Pavo and Nashville, Georgia.  Makes you feel right at home if you live here in South Georgia.
     "Authentic Life - A 40-Day Adventure to Real Living" is by the sixth author who will be here on May 1st.  Cheryle Reeves of Moultrie is on staff at Moultrie's Heritage Church, where she is the Discipleship and Connections Coordinator.  She said she wrote her book to be used as church-wide curriculum.  However, the book was later published as a companion piece to a marriage conference where she and her husband, Roy, served on a speaking team.  This book will not only inspire you, but give you words of wisdon to carry through your adventure to real living.
     As I said earlier, these books can be found on the "MCCLS Friends Recommend" shelf in the bookcase next to the circulation counter at the front of the library.  We recommend them all.  In fact, we recommend that you join us on May 1st so you can purchase your own copy of these books.  They make great reads and great gifts...and Mother's Day is coming up! 
     Think ahead.  Put Sunday, May 1st, on your calendar.  Plan to support our Georgia authors and your local library.