Did you read any of the books Foley Public Library staff recommended for our first round of Baldwin Bookworms, a new book club Gulf Coast Media and the library started last month?
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Did you read any of the books Foley Public Library staff recommended for our first round of Baldwin Bookworms, a new book club Gulf Coast Media and the library started last month?
Library staff gives Gulf Coast Media three books that we run the first Friday of each month in The Baldwin Times, online at www.GulfCoastMedia.com and promoted throughout the month on both our social media pages.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the books they choose to read by emailing kayla@gulfcoastmedia.com or messaging either the paper or library on social media.
If you enjoyed one — or all three — and are ready for their next picks, or if you're just joining now, here are this month's picks.
Picked by: Garrett
Genre: Alternate Historical Fiction
Pages: 464
Goodreads rating: 3.82
Description: Imagine a world where the Roman Empire never fell...In AD 1218, Praetor Gaius Marcellinus, commander of the 33rd Legion, invades Nova Hesperia, a land inhabited by Powhatani, Iroqua and Cahokiani. In search of gold, he and his men find only death. Marcellinus is taken prisoner, but his life is spared. To survive, he must re-evaluate his allegiances and find a new place in a strange land.
"I picked this book because it had me hooked from the very start, and I can't think of a book (or a trilogy!) that I have loved reading more than this. If you're a fan of history and you want to see one possible idea of what would happen if the Roman Empire survived, this is for you."
"I have always been fascinated with history, and seeing a sort of 'what if' scenario really captivated me, especially dealing with a civilization as important and influential as Rome."
Picked by: Maggie P.
Genre: Children's Fiction
Pages: Most books in the series are around 30–35 pages with minimal text on each page
Goodreads rating: 4.33
"This series has been a hit! The Food Group series features charming characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and heartwarming messages — making it a perfect pick for parents who want to share the joy of reading with their children. 'The Bad Seed,' which kicks off the series, blends silly humor with important life lessons, like how people can change and grow, even if they've made mistakes in the past. It's a favorite among kids at the library and a fantastic read-aloud.
Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to build strong bonds and foster a lifelong love of books. The Food Group series offers the perfect recipe for fun, connection, and learning — one delicious story at a time. So cuddle up, open a book from this series, and enjoy the nourishing power of a good story."
"As a children's librarian, I'm always on the lookout for books that combine humor, heart and meaningful messages — and The Food Group series hits the mark every time."
Picked by: Shelley
Genre: Teen
Pages: 382
Goodreads rating: 4.62
Description: When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
"I love the Hunger Games series; I am always up for a new one. Learning Haymitch's story was great, and the reader is introduced to so many other characters who show up in the original trilogy. As with every Hunger Games book, there is a lot to consider, whether the reader is a teen, older adult or anywhere in between. I couldn't put it down!"
"I enjoy teen selections. They have characters and themes that engage younger readers yet are intriguing and relevant for older readers as well."