Nora is a librarian in a small Colorado town who believes it’s her mission to help anyone in need. Her older brother has struggled with homelessness and addiction for as long as she can remember. She’s always dropped everything when she thinks there’s a chance to save him, but those chances are fleeting, so she’s always willing to lend a hand or an ear or shelter to those she thinks can use it.
One night, a fierce snowstorm strands Nora in the library along with several patrons. There’s Marlene, the elderly woman whose blunt, critical demeanor masks real physical and emotional pain; Jasmine, a teenager who seems to be hiding at least one secret; Lewis, a homeless addict who doesn’t want Nora’s help—or anyone’s for that matter—and Vlado, the library’s security guard, who loves learning—and Nora, from afar.
Over the course of the evening, they will trade criticisms and accusations, and reveal the stories and pains they’ve kept hidden. They’ll face threats from the weather but also deal with physical and emotional setbacks. And at the same time, they may find, among their cohorts, the strength they need to take on their greatest challenges.
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while and it really moved me. I love stories where people help each other through tough times, and while some of the crises seemed to be solved a little easier than you’d imagine they would be in real life, some very real struggles occurred too. Nora was my favorite character—I was irritated by the “meanness” of some of the characters. (I’ve had enough curmudgeons to last me a lifetime.)
I will never get tired of books that use libraries as a hub, and deal with the healing power of books and reading.
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