Et Cetera

Iowa Treasurer Roby Smith is reminding soon-to-be and former graduates of any Iowa high school who plan to pursue post-secondary education in Iowa, there is still time to apply for the Robert D. Blue Scholarship. Awards are based on financial need, an original essay, academic achievement and letters of recommendation.“Last year, we awarded $8,500 to seven outstanding students,” said Treasurer Smith.

I recently read 'The Paris Express' by Emma Donoghue. Donoghue is an accomplished author of fiction, film and theater, and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and other awards for her novel 'Room.' She went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for her screenplay adaptation of the book.I'm lukewarm on 'The Paris Express' for a few reasons; here is the good, the bad and the ugly.

Hello fellow readers!! Are you looking for a book about deception, love, and an overall thriller? Then check out the book 'Rock Paper Scissors' by Alice Feeney. I found it to be a quick read. There are multiple twists with an ending that is surprising yet complete.Amelia and Adam know their marriage has been off for some time. Winning this weekend trip to Scotland might be just what their marriage needs.

I am currently reading 'Back When We Were Grownups' (love that title!) by Anne Tyler and there's just something about Tyler's writing style that I absolutely adore: the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I always think "salt of the earth" when reading Tyler but that doesn't quite nail it either for me. Her style is simple yet profound at once somehow.

I recently read 'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine Rundell. The Vinton Public Library offers a selection of juvenile fiction large type books, so don't let the size of the book intimidate you. I found it was easy to follow with the bigger font and I enjoyed the pictures that the author added to share what the magical creatures look like. This book is jam packed with fantasy islands, magical creatures, and full of adventure!Christopher, a human boy in the real world, visits his grandfather's house and meets a girl named Mal from a magical world called Archipelago.

Emma Madison Master Meddler is a fantastic book!!! When I read it, it was very long - in fact no publisher would touch it. I am so glad someone did. I don't know if they shortened it for publication but it sure as heck is a wonderful book.~Virginia

My choice for this month’s Adventures in Bookclubbing ‘Winds of Change’ theme was ‘The Light Pirate’ by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Dark skies warn of an incoming hurricane in a small town in Florida. Kirby, a lineman, fearless by design, is convinced it won't be as bad as predicted. His wife Frida, pregnant with their first child, is traumatized by the hurricane in her past that brought the two of them together.

I went straight to @instagram and requested to follow the private account of author, Jen Beagin, after reading 'Big Swiss.' (Yes, she accepted! ) This was, hands down, the funniest book I have read in a long time. I should preface that statement with the fact that my sense of humor can be dark, a bit dry (fans of the tv series 'Fleabag' will love this book!) and a wee bit weird.

Ten Parents to Win $1,000 Each in College Savings Deposits in Special DrawingRegistration is open for a special drawing of a $1,000 college savings deposit that 10 Iowa parents and guardians of students in eighth through 12th grades will be randomly selected to receive after April 30, 2025. The drawing is sponsored by ISL Education Lending.Current registrants and any parent or guardian registered for the information service, SP3 or Student Planning Pointers for Parents, by April 30, 2025, will be entered into the special drawing.

Over the weekend there was a lot of driving involved so I was able to read 'Allegedly' by Tiffany D. Jackson, using the Libby App. I have mixed feelings on how this book ended, and I am afraid if I type my review I will either 1) give too much away or 2) sway opinions. With that being said, here is the summary from Goodreads."Mary B. Addison killed a baby.