Looking for a new book to add to your Summer Reading List? How about Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce?
It’s 1940 in London, and Emmeline Lake volunteers as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. Despite the war and having to carry a gas mask in her purse with her, both to and from work, she’s living a charmed life in a nice flat with her friend and roommate, Bunty. One day, however, she sees a position posted in the London Evening Chronicle, that she sees as her dream job of being a War Correspondent. Instead, she is assigned a typist for advice columnist, Henrietta Bird, who chucks all letters containing any unpleasantness straight in the bin. Still, throwing out all those letters feels wrong, so Emmy makes a bold decision. Under the sound of German planes making midnight raids, Emmy writes back to the thrown out letters of the troubled and heartbroken.
In a time when women bravely faced their country at war, Emmy becomes a voice to those who must put on smiles and grin through anguish and dismay. This book would make a great read for all those Call the Midwife fans or historical fiction readers who want to read an inspiring and uplifting story, finding bright humor in dark times.
You may also like: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
It’s 1946, WWII just ended, and esteemed writer, Juliet Ashton is searching for a subject for her next book when she receives a letter from a man who found her name written inside a Charles Lamb book. Juliet corresponds with this man from Guernsey, along with his island friends and they write her tales of Germany occupying the island. Their group is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, a thrown-together alibi for when they broke curfew during the occupation. Juliet, captivated by their stories, leaves for Guernsey to finally meet these remarkable strangers. Another letter-centric story, you’ll find humor in the trials and triumphs of the Guernsey Islanders.
Enjoy your Summer Reading! Also be sure to sign up for our Summer Reading Program! Ages 3-Adults!
Eleka S.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 