From the library

“Anxious People” By Fredrik Backman The bank robber didn’t know anything about crime – as evidenced by the fact that it was a cashless bank that was chosen. Upon learning the mistake, the would-be bank robber fled to the nearest stairwell that led to an apart- ment being shown by a real estate agent. Everyone inside is now being held hos tage, and no one is too terribly upset by it. They have their own problems in life. But since they are all forced to stay put for the time being – they might as well get to know each other. When the hostages are released, every one is accounted for except the robber. The police question all the hostages, they all agree that the robber stayed in the apartment. But when they came in to make an arrest, the robber had disappeared into thin air. This is a story about a bank robbery, but more than that, it is a story about love, loss and all the messy things that are included in the human experience.

“Christmas at Harrington’s” By Melody Carlson Lena Markham has just been released from prison at the start of the Christmas season. The fact that she was falsely accused means little to employers, but a friend has referred her to the department store in town called Harrington’s. Playing Mrs. Santa isn’t what Lena had envisioned, but a job is a job. Just when she starts to like her new job, she gets fired for her past.

With no job and no money, Lena questions what the purpose is for the rest of her life. Thankfully, Christmastime brings out the best in people and miracles seem a little more likely.