The Crown

The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau


The year is 1537.  Henry  VIII is the king of England.  Joanna Stafford,  daughter of a duke, is a novice nun at Dartford priory.  Joanna learns that her favorite cousin, Lady Margaret Bulmer, has been condemned to burn at the stake for her part in an uprising against Henry the VIII.  The king has been systematically closing the religious houses. Even though it is forbidden Joanna travels to London to be with her cousin.  Unfortunately, Joanna and her father the duke are arrested and jailed in the Tower of London.

Stephen Gardiner, the powerful Bishop of Winchester, engineers Joanna’s release, but to save her father she must locate a sacred relic, the crown of Athelstan.  Gardiner believes the crown is hidden at Dartford.  Accompanied by two monks, agents of Gardiner, Joanna returns to secretly search for the crown.  Before long a guest at the priory drops dead in fright after viewing a tapestry. 

This first novel by author Bilyeau is a clever blend of historical fiction and mystery.

Perks of Being a Wallflower

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie begins to write letters to an unknown “friend” on the eve of his first day of high school. More intimate than any diary entries could ever be, these letters take us into his unique world. Charlie is a wallflower. He listens and he learns. However, when he enters high school--the emotional, brainy, friendless weirdo of his class--he is taken under the wing of some exceptional upperclassmen. With their help, his eyes are opened in more ways than one. Sam shows him how to feel. Patrick teaches him about acceptance. Mary Elizabeth makes him believe in what he wants. And Bill reminds him how truly special he is.

This coming of age novel will keep you turning pages. The letters are short but backed with hilarious, devastating and emotionally realistic moments. Being that Charlie’s friends are upperclassmen, some mature themes are mentioned and discussed. Watch for the movie adaptation coming in 2012—but be sure to read the book first!

The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is February's Book of the Month selected by Bethany. Copies are available on display in the library.

February Mystery Book Club

The library's Mystery Book Club will discuss mysteries by Susan Hill Thursday, February 9 at 6:45 p.m. Susan Hill writes the Simon Serrailler crime novels set in England. The first in the series is The Various Haunts of Men. Copies are available on display in the library. Please contact June at 643-8318 with questions. New members are always welcome!