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As a part of the Silsbee Bee's mission to promote cross-county unity and to celebrate our local libraries, we are thrilled to announce that all four of the county's local libraries have joined with the BEE for a book of the month article each week.
May
Silsbee Public Library's Book of the Month
Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SILSBEE – Silsbee Public Library’s Book of the Month is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, an endearing story about kindness, community and the quiet ways one person can change the lives of those around him. The novel follows Theo, a curious old man who quietly moves into a Southern city and begins an unusual campaign of anonymous generosity. No one knows where he came from, why he has chosen their community or what motivates his acts of kindness. Still, his presence soon becomes impossible to ignore. Theo’s love for people is matched by his affection for books, art, birds and storytelling. Through those passions, he reaches out to strangers, builds unexpected friendships and helps others feel seen, valued and remembered. As stories are shared and relationships grow, the people around Theo find their lives affirmed and transformed by his quiet compassion. But Theo is no stranger to grief, sadness or loss. As he becomes a welcome presence in the community, his new friends and neighbors are left wondering who he really is and why he has come to Golden. Theo of Golden offers a warm, beautifully written reminder that kindness and neighborliness remain powerful, especially in difficult times. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, along with many other books, is available at the Silsbee Public Library, 295 N. Fourth St. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week.
April
Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee KOUNTZE – Kountze Public Library’s Book of the Month is This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum, a fast-paced thriller that blends dark humor, friendship and mystery in a story built around survival, both literal and emotional. The novel follows Benny Abbott and Joy Moore, best friends and co-hosts of one of the world’s most popular podcasts, where each episode explores real-life stories of people surviving impossible situations. Known for their chemistry and ability to find humor in even the bleakest circumstances, the pair have built a devoted audience and a growing media empire, carefully managed behind the scenes by Joy’s husband, Xander. Their success is built on storytelling, but their next story becomes dangerously real. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s home one morning to record, he finds signs of a struggle, shattered glass and an empty house. With no clear explanation for their disappearance, suspicion quickly falls on Benny, turning him from storyteller into suspect. As law enforcement closes in, Benny begins his own search for answers, determined to uncover what really happened to the people closest to him. The only clue is an unfinished draft of Joy’s memoir, a deeply personal account that may hold the key to the mystery. As Benny pieces together fragments of Joy’s past and their shared history, he is forced to question what he thought he knew about friendship, trust and the stories people choose to tell. At its core, This Story Might Save Your Life explores the blurred line between truth and narrative. Crum examines how people construct meaning from trauma, and how survival can take many forms, physical, emotional and psychological. Themes of loyalty, identity and perception run throughout, keeping readers engaged as the mystery unfolds. With sharp pacing and a contemporary voice, Crum delivers a suspenseful and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of character-driven thrillers and modern mysteries rooted in relationships. The book is available this month at the Kountze Public Library, located at 800 S. Redwood in Kountze.
Kountze Public Library's Book of the Month
Amanda Rodriguez reporter@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee LUMBERTON – Amanda recently read Homebound by Toby Adkins, who is a local author and donated signed copies to the library. In Homebound, a southeast Texan goes on a quest to rescue his daughter from Sam Houston State University after it was locked down due to a sudden, mysterious event that renders all electronics useless. Familiar towns and references made the book easy to connect with, and the plot truly keeps you wanting to find out what happens next. The surprising twist in the epilogue makes the reader eager for book two. 8.4/10 Jessica recommends The King’s Ransom by Janet Evanovich is the second in the Recovery Agent series. Gabriela Rose is a recovery agent extraordinaire, she can find anything. Her ex-husband calls her asking for help for his cousin who finds himself in a lot of trouble. Harley, the cousin, was urged by his board of directors to insure some of the words mort priceless artifacts, when they start being stolen. He has no way to prove he didn’t do this alone and is facing big consequences. Gabriela with her ex and his cousin work together to find the originals before it is too late. This book is written with Evanovich’s quick witted humor. Jess loves how the author makes you laugh while reading. Highly recommend reading the first one called Recovery Agent but it is not necessary. Jess recommends this book to anyone who loves quirky characters and laughing while you read. Jess gives is book a 9/10. LPL has this book in Regular and Large print, as well as on Libby in e-book and audiobook. The LPL is open Monday thru Friday from 10 am until 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am until 1 pm. We will host a Spring Book Sale on Thursday, April 23, Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25 during regular operating hours inside the library's community room. Everyone is invited to attend.
Lumberton Public Library's Book of the Month
Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SOUR LAKE – Alma M. Carpenter Public Library’s Book of the Month is You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate, a candid and deeply personal memoir tracing the actress’s life in and beyond the spotlight. Applegate, who rose to fame as Kelly Bundy on Married with Children, reflects on a career that began in childhood and spanned five decades across television, film and stage. In You with the Sad Eyes, she pulls back the curtain on both the public triumphs and private struggles that shaped her journey, offering readers an unfiltered look at the realities behind her success. The memoir explores her early years growing up in the Laurel Canyon scene of the 1970s and 80s, where performing became both a necessity and an escape. She recounts finding belonging in the 1990s grunge culture, working alongside comedy icons in projects like Anchorman, and sharing her passion for dance on Broadway in Sweet Charity. Applegate also reflects on her emotional return to the Emmy Awards stage in 2024 following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. Beyond her career, the book addresses deeply personal challenges, including family struggles, self-doubt, body image issues, and battles with depression. Through it all, Applegate highlights the importance of resilience, friendship and motherhood in shaping her path forward. Blending humor with hardship, You with the Sad Eyes presents a story of reinvention and perseverance, offering readers an intimate portrait of a life lived both in the public eye and behind closed doors. Readers can find the book and more at Alma M. Carpenter Public Library, located at 300 S. Ann St. in Sour Lake. The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on weekends.
Alma M. Carpenter Public Library's Book of the Month
