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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
SILSBEE — Unpopular opinion: I did not love The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, straightaway. Beginning with the epistolary novel, I felt bombarded by an enormous character dump, and I spent the better part of reading flipping back and forth between letters, trying to remember who was who. I managed to keep everyone's storyline straight, however and began to enjoy it much more. The effect of the correspondence telling the entire story felt an inch deep and a mile wide. The genius of it is subtle; so subtleI almost missed it. The story is rather how we experience other people's lives. We see bits and pieces; we don't know the whole story; we get to understand others in small snatches here and there. When we do get better acquainted, we see the loss, beauty, pain, and triumphs that make up the whole of them, often leaving us wanting more an opportunity we are too often not afforded. I wanted more of the characters and their stories, but the restraint Evan's skilled hand possesses gives an element of intrigue, which kept me turning pages looking for answers. Perhaps more depth would have upset a delicate balance. This work is ultimately a well-done novel, but I was also left conflicted in its withholding. Which is oddly satisfying.
Tami Winger, Library Director tami@kountzelibrary.org The Silsbee Bee KOUNTZE - This month’s book pick is “The Ending Writes Itself” by Evelyn Clarke The Ending Writes Itself starts with a weekend invitation that sounds like a dream for six authors whose careers have stalled. They travel to a private Scottish island owned by Arthur Fletch, a famous thriller writer, expecting a literary retreat. Once they arrive, they learn the truth. Fletch is dead, his last novel is unfinished, and they have been brought there for a contest they never agreed to enter. But the prize is big enough to make each writer stay: a million dollars, the chance to finish Fletch’s final book, and help rebuilding their fading career. Each author writes in a different genre, so they imagine the ending through their own signature style. The horror writer sees fear. The romance writer reads emotion. The others bring their own voice and literary approach to the ending. The danger comes when the contest stops feeling like a writing exercise and starts looking like a trap. They are cut off on the island, with secrets rising and someone willing to turn competition into something deadly. This is a locked-room thriller with a slow start and a faster, darker second half. It is also a story about ambition, envy, and how badly people want one more chance. This book is recommended for fans of Agatha Christie-style suspense mysteries. Find this newly released book and many others at Kountze Public Library, 800 S. Redwood in Kountze.
Kountze Public Library's Book of the Month
Amanda Rodriguez director@lumbertonpubliclibrary.org 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.
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
