"One of the best temporary cures f

or pride and affectation

is seasickness;

a man who wants to vomit never puts on airs."

~ Josh Billings

Warning! I write about what's happening, and sometimes it's gross. Like, almost as gross as what a spring thaw reveals in backyards. Don't read on if you're feeling sensitive today.

The first days of Spring and school Spring Breaks are here, and you know what that means! Flu season! Wow. This year is taking me back to my childhood when getting "the flu" meant 24 hours of... well... I'll try to keep it clean and just say... violent exits. My poor little one had it for the first time ever, and I honestly do not know how people do this when they have more than one child. It's not that it's gross - I mean, it is totally gross of course - but it's watching your child be in pain that is so terrible! I'm so very thankful that it was only the flu, and my heart wants to hug all of the people whose children have more serious health issues. Being a parent is hard enough!

The only smile I got was when both my daughter AND my husband thought it was nice that the (close your eyes if this is too gross) "barf bowl" had been designed with it's own chin rest. It was a big plastic bowl with a pouring spout. In their defense, there are things called "sick bowls" available for purchase online. We never had one when I was a kid. One bowl just had very unpleasant part-time employment. I do love the idea of a designated "sick bowl" instead. If you have a favorite, send your recommendation my way. No contest this week though. It works with umbrellas, so maybe if I buy a designated bowl, I'll never need it again! I'm wishing for healthiness and good reads for all of you this spring.

Last week's winners are after our "Found on the Shelf" section below! There were so many responses, that I'm compiling the information and will share it next week, along with the survey results about McLean and Eakin Merchandise.

Staff Reviews This Week From Kelsie:

Mrs. Gulliver by Valerie Martin

What a bold and entertaining novel! Lila Gulliver is the owner of a high-end establishment on an island where prostitution is legal in the 1950s. This novel is the powerful story of her decision to run the establishment and her relationship with the women who work for her, who have also chosen to be there for a variety of reasons. Lila becomes especially intrigued with a young blind woman who shows up looking for work, as do the men who visit her establishment, specifically one who is part of one of the wealthiest families on the island. The dynamic between the three of them stirs up all sorts of questions of right and wrong. What follows will have you thinking about female choice, friendships, and love. I absolutely loved the brutal honesty in these women's stories and relationships. I'd categorize this as a nod to historical fiction, in the same way as Lessons in Chemistry. In fact, fans of Lessons in Chemistry will love this one too. This book was also included in Kirkus's list of 2024 Most Anticipated Books.

When the Jessamine Grows by Donna Everhart

This choice is a solid historical fiction. I loved her previous book, The Saints of Swallow Hill, and this didn't disappoint! It follows a family, and specifically the mother, Joetta, who is living in the South as the Civil War is raging and dividing America. They have chosen to remain neutral in the war, despite the rest of their community taking a strong stance in supporting the Confederates. Joetta’s father-in-law , who lives with the family , has taken the side of the community and fills Joetta’s young boys with tales of soldiers. The eldest son leaves home to volunteer for the war, followed shortly by his father who sets off to find him. Joetta is left to care for the rest of her family and their farm on her own, in a town that is actively trying to make Joetta’s life more difficult. I loved how this book gave a perspective of the Civil War through a woman’s point of view and provided insight into how the war affected every single person’s everyday life. It is inspiring for those who are committed to doing the right thing, even when it is the harder choice. This would be a great book for book clubs, and it's already available in paperback.

First Peek at Upcoming Events!

Found on the Shelf:

Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

April is Poetry Month, and we can not recommend this one highly enough. Whether you're a teacher looking for fresh ideas, a parent bored by the idea of poetry month, or an adult with impeccable taste, there is something for everyone to love in these pages. Thoughtful, descriptive, meditative, and funny - explore these pages stat! You won't be sorry. Click here, or on any of the images below for more and larger inside pictures.

Last week's winners:

Thank you all for replying to last week's question about journals! Winners below may pick up their prizes anytime, or email me your mailing address and we will send them to you!

Nancy Ke.

Julie Koz.

Paul Ho.

Ellie Mar.

Jean Fr.

Jill Co.