Book Reviews by Barb

The Library of Lost and Found Fiction

Phaedra Patrick 2019

“The Library of Lost and Found” is the heartwarming and curious tale of a shy and lovelorn middle-aged woman who must take control of her own destiny to find her happy ending.

In the small English Coastal town of Sandshift, Martha Storm has chosen to stay in her family home to care for her aging parents, now gone, as well as working in the library and helping townspeople in need, thus letting her only love slip by.

One day a book of fairy tales appears at her doorstep with a curious handwritten inscription by her Grandmother Zelda. This causes Martha to believe that her grandmother who died in a mysterious way may still be alive. Zelda had been the only person in young Martha's life to encourage her and believe in her.

And thus Martha was drawn into the mystery of the inscription and, with the help of quirky friends, tries to discover the truth of Zelda's demise. In doing so she unwittingly discovers a family secret that would forever change her life.

The Girls Who Went Away: The hidden history of women who surrendered children for adoption in the decades before Roe vs Wade Non-fiction

Ann Fessler 2007

In a deeply moving and mythshattering account, Ann Fessler, an adoptee herself, brings to life the voices of more than 100 women telling their own intimate stories in “The Girls Who Went Away.” Through these interviews Fessler learned from women like herself who were surrendered and from women who endured horrible losses.

She brings to light the secret history of 1.5 million women who were forced to give away their babies in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. This is the story of double standards where women and teenage girls were sent away in shame, shunned by family and friends, mocked by strangers. They were unprepared for childbirth and the emotions forever tied to the event. They were often treated with cold contempt by doctors, nurses and clergy.

Quoting one young woman from the book, “I was allowed to hold her just once. They didn't want you to bond at all with the baby. Some women chose not to see their babies. I could never imagine that. I wanted to see that face. I will never forget it as long as I live.”

Most of the women Ann Fessler interviewed had never spoken of the grief and shame they carried for years.

The American Agent Fiction

Jacqueline Winspear 2019

“The American Agent” is the 15th book in the Maisie Dobbs war mystery series. Winspear's beloved heroine Maisie Dobbs is a widow, nurse, spy, psychologist and independent investigator. She remains a dedicated investigator and devoted friend throughout the twists and turns of the horrors of the Blitz in London.

After the murder of an American war correspondent Catherine Saxton, Maisie is asked by Scotland Yard to help American Secret Service agent Mark Scott discover the truth concerning Saxon's death.

Maisie becomes entangled in solving the case and protecting a young evacuee whom she loves and hopes to adopt. To complicate matters, she discovers she and Scott had had a love interest a number of years ago.

The power of wartime propaganda and American intrigue being played out in Britain complicate Maisie's quest for answers.

Winspear again weaves her tale of love and the unthinkable horrors of war into a captivating and accurate portrayal of the time of the Blitz. D

Kim Sequin continued from page 23 because of what somebody did to us. That leaves an impact and people need to realize their actions impact that family.”

The mothers insist parents need to advocate for their children while in school, too, by becoming aware of what is happening to their children and advocating for them.

“Our kids are just like anyone else. They want to have friends. They want to be included in things. And they want the same things,” Sequin said.

“Make your name known [in the school], from Day 1,” insists Godden, who shared that she cried during her first Individualized Education Program meetings because she didn’t know how to ask for what she wanted to happen. Through practice and the Partners in Policymaking training, she finally feels comfortable with her own voice.

“My kid is still in a Level 3 classroom, where it’s one classroom all day long and there is one teacher and two paras in there. Because there is not enough staff, he can’t go to general education, and there is no one to go with him,” Godden said.

“And that’s so wrong,” Seguin added. “There is not enough of them available, whether it is funding or not finding enough qualified people for that job, that is part of my platform — the inclusion with the help of a para, because the more kids are in the classrooms with the neurotypical children, then they are treated neurotypical as well and not shamed.” D

Make a difference

Participate by walking for autism

What: Join Seguin and Godden at the annual Walking for Autism event, featuring a 2.5K and 5K. It’s aimed at raising awareness and money for special education and other programs, both of which are offered for free to locals living with autism. Participants and pledges are welcome. This event is hosted by the Autism Association of Northern Minnesota, a local 501(c)3.

When: Saturday, April 25

Check in: 8:30 a.m.

Walk starts: 10 a.m.

Where: Hermantown High School