Dear Great Book Guru, A friend of mine, well actually a friend to most of Sea Cliff, Monique McGhee died last week. Monique was an incredible person whose mantra was always "Celebrate Life." She refused to let her life be overtaken by fear or despair . Do you have a book for me to read which would reinforce this wonderful outlook? Grieving Friend
Dear Friend, Yes, Monique was an extraordinary person who was admired and beloved by so many. I have been thinking about your request and while nothing I can think of precisely mirrors her philosophy, I would suggest you read BROOKLYN by Colm Toibin. Like Monique, the heroine immigrated here and despite misfortune and loss, she prevailed and made many friends and a good life for herself. Set in the fifties, this novel captures a time and a culture foreign to many of us but compelling nevertheless. An added reason to read this book is that noted Sea Cliff author and critic Dr. Maureen Murphy will be discussing the works of Colm Toibin and BROOKLYN in particular at the Sea Cliff Library on Thursday, March 11 at 7:00pm. Copies of this book are available at the Library.