David Whitehouse (3) (1981–)

I want to thank Edelwiess (Above the Treeline) and Scribner for approving the ARC of [b:Mobile Library A Novel|21412232|Mobile Library A Novel|David Whitehouse|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400932133s/21412232.jpg|40713233] by [a:David Whitehouse|191633|David Whitehouse|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-a7c55399ea455530473b9f9e4da94c40.png].

This book took me on a great adventure. Whenever I read a book, it always reminds me of a journey in some type of vehicle. The title says it all, regarding the mode of transport of this exciting story.

The first chapter is called, "The End." Right away, I misjudged the situation in the first chapter. Was it accidental, or a nudge from the author?

The townspeople assume the worst about Val (The mobile librarian), and I as a reader immediately was disgusted by my perception of what Val was doing to young Bobby.

My feelings on sexual child abuse are probably over the top anyway, but I wrestled with my sense of logic, to continue reading, rather than deleting this from my existence. I am glad I continued to read. I was as wrong as the town folk who misread Val.

Things are not always as they appear, one cannot judge a person by real or imagined dirt, and it is possible to judge a book by it's cover.

Val, a public servant cleans, and tends to a giant of a bookmobile, she has a daughter with special needs, and she is a single parent. She meets imaginative and displaced Bobby, and ends up providing him the ride of a lifetime, introduces him to literature in a living way. Her daughter Rosa loves Bobby like a brother, and they are all surprised by the addition of Joe to their strange and felonious family.

"The Mobile Library: A Novel" turned me on my ear, and gave me a "book hangover." Putting it mildly; there are twists and turns at every juncture.

Once having read a book, I am done; usually, in the case of "Mobile Library: A Novel," not so. The end is the beginning, and the beginning the end...Confused yet? Like the wheels on a bookmobile, circular, circular...

Bobby, Rosa, Val, Joe, and Bert the Dog become a family, formed like a conglomeration, that seem to withstand the worst the world can throw at them.

I highly recommend this for bibliophiles, and librarians, and library workers in every capacity. I have requested it for our library.
… (més)