February 14 is not just Valentine’s Day. It is also Library Lovers’ Day, a day to honour libraries, librarians, bookworms, and library lovers in our lives.
According to the Australian Library and Information Association, the theme for Library Lovers’ Day 2021 is “Make a date with your library”. While it is unfortunate that many of us are unable to visit our local libraries on this particular day, everyday is surely a Book Lovers’ Day for bookworms everywhere across the world.
I was lucky to have a “date” with our local library recently. Even better, to celebrate Library Lovers’ Day, staff at our library have been wrapping up and gifting dozens of well-loved books to patrons who simply cannot quench their thirst for great reads.
Facing rows and rows of nicely wrapped books of various sizes and shapes, i found it difficult to pick just one. However, knowing my own literary taste, I ended up choosing a book of fiction, which turned out to be an omnibus edition from U.S. bestselling author Karen Witemeyer. Published in 2015 and titled “Brides of Texas”, the special edition contains three historical romances — A Tailor-Made Bride (2010), Short-Straw Bride (2002), and Stealing the Preacher (2013).
I consider this a rare but excellent opportunity to educate myself about romance novels. Indeed, I would be the first to accuse myself of being highly ignorant about this genre.
I look forward to learning how Witemeyer has managed to create so many fantastic books that sweep readers of their feet, especially those stories that take place in Texas, “this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit… in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late 1800s“. I am certain that reading these historical romances will enlighten me of the history, people and culture of this unique American state.
Image thanks: Eastern Regional Libraries e-Newsletter February 2021.
Voices under the Sun 陽光下的聲音 