WFMW: Finding Good Reads In Unexpected Places

Most of the time when I visit the library I don’t even make it into the adult section (unless I leave the kids at home which is rare). My first stop is always the New Books display near the library entrance. The only time that I go searching for a book is when I’ve had a book recommended to me or when I’ve enjoyed an author and I want to find other books they have written.

I recently enjoyed two books that I borrowed from the children’s library. That’s right. The children’s library is an unexpected place to find good reads…for you (not just for your child). Just because the book may be smaller and the print may be larger doesn’t mean that the story is not sophisticated enough for an adult.

The two books that I read were Princess Academy and The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. I first became acquainted with the works of Shannon Hale when I read (and fell in love with) her adult novel Austenland. I searched for more books by the author and found that she had written several other books which were tucked away in the children’s library. One book, Princess Academy, is a Newberry Honor book.

I’m generally not a fan of fantasy literature (The Goose Girl is based on a tale by the Brothers Grimm) but I was charmed early on. The main characters of both books are girls whose circumstances lead them to discover their inner strength and beauty. Both books also contain an underlying love story which I found to be pure and sweet. I will definitely be recommending these books to my daughter when she is old enough. In the meantime I will continue to hunt for gems in unexpected places.

More Works For Me Wednesday (WFMW) tips at Rocks In My Dryer.