It's back to libraries, Canada, and local history trails today.

For a place with a reputation for quiet and 'Marian the Librarian' (glasses, bun, 'shh') employees, (okay, so that really dated me!!) the history of the library is actually one of fire, destruction and death. Library: an Unquiet History, by Matthew Battles is an intense read. Books have been destroyed for centuries (and it continues today). Depressing at times, but hopeful and at times powerful, too.

The border between Canada and the United States is about five thousand miles long. Unfenced, remote in many places, and friendly ... well ... most of the time anyway. War Plan Red: the United States' Secret Plan to Invade Canada and Canada's Secret Plan to Invade the United States by Kevin Lippert provides the details of when, how, and where each country considered move to take over that big country 'next door'. Curious, fun at times, a little disturbing at times! :-)

Do you know the difference between a houseboat and a floating home? I didn't, actually, until I read Seattle's Floating Homes, by Erin Feeney. It's another selection from the wonder Images of America series and, as expected, is full of amazing pictures of this lifestyle unique to cities on the water. Once a place to shelter loggers and low income families, these rustic, primitive shacks evolved into amazing homes.

The fifth in the Magical Bakery series, Magic and Macaroons, by Bailey Cates introduces some darker characters with evil intent and Katie and her friends must confront them to solve a murder and a save a young woman in a mysterious coma. I love that the various 'familiars' played a part in the solution. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog