15. The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Lusbuskes

listened on Audible (purchased)

464 pgs. (13:20)

2025
Adult Historical Fiction
Finished 3/31/25
Goodreads rating: 4.17
My rating: 4.5
Setting: Early 20th century Montana

My comments: Three points of view:  1930s Millie, 1920s Alice, 1910s Colette, all coming together in the end.  The story is set in Montana in various small towns and cities.  It is Alice's vision to have a library in a boxcar that travels from lumber camps to mining sites throughout Montana.  Conditions are super hard for the working men, and "the company" is the royal ruler of all.  Colette's father is a miner and a union man. Alices's father is an extremely rich mayor and supporter of "the company."  Millie is an orphan from Texas who now works in Washington DC and comes to observe the group of people that are writing a travel summary for the government.  Once I began to easily tell the three women's voices apart the story became quite fascinating.

Goodreads synopsis:  Inspired by true events, a thrilling Depression-era novel from the author of The Librarian of Burned Books about a woman’s quest to uncover a mystery surrounding a local librarian and the Boxcar Library—a converted mining train that brought books to isolated rural towns in Montana.

When Works Progress Administration (WPA) editor Millie Lang finds herself on the wrong end of a potential political scandal, she’s shipped off to Montana to work on the state’s American Guide Series—travel books intended to put the nation’s destitute writers to work.

Millie arrives to an eclectic staff claiming their missed deadlines are due to sabotage, possibly from the state’s powerful Copper Kings who don’t want their long and bloody history with union organizers aired for the rest of the country to read. But Millie begins to suspect that the answer might instead lie with the town’s mysterious librarian, Alice Monroe.

More than a decade earlier, Alice Monroe created the Boxcar Library in order to deliver books to isolated mining towns where men longed for entertainment and connection. Alice thought she found the perfect librarian to staff the train car in Colette Durand, a miner’s daughter with a shotgun and too many secrets behind her eyes. 

Now, no one in Missoula will tell Millie why both Alice and Colette went out on the inaugural journey of the Boxcar Library, but only Alice returned.

The three women’s stories dramatically converge in the search to uncover what someone is so desperately trying to what happened to Colette Durand.

Inspired by the fascinating, true history of Missoula’s Boxcar Library, the novel blends the story of the strong, courageous women who survived and thrived in the rough and rowdy West with that of the power of standing together to fight for workers’ lives. And through it all shines the capacity of books to provide connection and light to those who need it most.

Poem: I Opened a Book by Julia Donaldson

 

I Opened a Book

I opened a book and in I strode.

Now nobody can find me.

I've left my chair, my house, my road,

My town and my world behind me.

I'm wearing the cloak, I've slipped on the ring.

I've swallowed the magic potion.

I've fought with a dragon, dined with a king,

And dived in a bottomless ocean.

I opened a book and made some friends.

I shared their tears and laughter

And followed their road with its bumps and bends

To the happily ever after.

I finished my book and out I came.

The cloak can no longer hide me.

My chair and my house are just the same,

But I have a book inside me.

Julia Donaldson

Posted by Cumberland County Library System 

4/25/2021

11. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

listened to Audio - borrowed from Bosler Library
narrated  by Katie Schorr
Unabridged audio (9:26)
2019 Sourcebooks Landmark
308 pgs.
Adult Historical Fiction
Finished 1/17/2020
Goodreads rating:  4.25 - 18,615 ratings
My rating: 5
Setting: 1936 Kentucky

First line/s:  "The librarian and her mule spotted it at the same time."

My comments:  Based on numerous historical facts and beautifully written.  Cussy - nicknamed Bluett because of her blue skin - riders her ornery mule, Junia, through treacherous eastern Kentucky mountains to deliver precious books and magazines to her poor, starving "patrons."  Ostracized with other people of color, she and her father - a coal miner dying of lung sickness - struggle to make a living and survive in the harshest of bad times.  There are lots of characters, all so well written that they quickly become unforgettable.  But no matter how difficult circumstances or situations become, Cussy's strong will and compassion carry her through.  I'm so glad I read this book, I almost didn't.  Will I remember it, will the story and its circumstances resonate?  Absolutely.

Goodreads synopsis:  In 1936, tucked deep into the woods of Troublesome Creek, KY, lives blue-skinned 19-year-old Cussy Carter, the last living female of the rare Blue People ancestry. The lonely young Appalachian woman joins the historical Pack Horse Library Project of Kentucky and becomes a librarian, riding across slippery creek beds and up treacherous mountains on her faithful mule to deliver books and other reading material to the impoverished hill people of Eastern Kentucky.
          Along her dangerous route, Cussy, known to the mountain folk as Bluet, confronts those suspicious of her damselfly-blue skin and the government's new book program. She befriends hardscrabble and complex fellow Kentuckians, and is fiercely determined to bring comfort and joy, instill literacy, and give to those who have nothing, a bookly respite, a fleeting retreat to faraway lands.
          The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a powerful message about how the written word affects people--a story of hope and heartbreak, raw courage and strength splintered with poverty and oppression, and one woman's chances beyond the darkly hollows. Inspired by the true and historical blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek showcases a bold and unique tale of the Packhorse Librarians in literary novels — a story of fierce strength and one woman's belief that books can carry us anywhere — even back home.

Picture Book - How To Read a Book by Kwame Alexander

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

2019, Harper

HC$17.99

36 pgs. - one opens out to a double spread, and one is smaller, inserted into the middle

Goodreads rating:  3.79 - 1824 ratings

My rating:  3
Endpapers:startling bright neon pink

1^st line/s:  see below

My comments: This book is a poem, using a clementine orange as a metaphor.  It's really quite lovely.  And I love, love, love Melissa Sweet.  However, the poem got totally lost in these illustrations.  I could barely read the words myself, let along having a child try to read it.  It's too busy, and almost too bright, though I do love the vibrancy AND the collages, but not with this text in this book, too much is too much.

Goodreads:  Find a tree—a
black tupelo or
dawn redwood will do—and
plant yourself.
(It’s okay if you prefer a stoop, like Langston Hughes.)

With these words, an adventure begins. Kwame Alexander’s poetry and Melissa Sweet’s artwork come together to take readers on a journey between the pages of a book.

Picture Book Biography - Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock

Illustrated by John O'Brien

2013, Calkins Creek, An Imprint of Highlights, Honesdale, PA

HC $16.95

32 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.23 - 738 ratings

My rating:  4.5
Endpapers:  Solid Rust

1^st line/s:  "Thomas learned to read.  And then, he never stopped.  He sat and he read.  He walked and he read.  Any lying in bed, instead of sleeping, her read."

My comments: The only reason I rated down .5 was because the wonderfully interesting facts and quotes, written in little books placed on different parts of the page, were written in such teeny, tiny font that you almost didn't read them.  They were great, and read well along with the text of the story.  The Author's Note at the end DID address Thomas Jefferson as a slaveholder, which was another positive.  A truly fascinating look at history, and the life and obsession of a favorite politician and historical figure.

Goodreads:  As soon as Thomas Jefferson learned to read, he found his passion: books, books, and more books! Before, during, and after the American Revolution, Jefferson collected thousands of books on hundreds of subjects. In fact, his massive collection eventually helped rebuild the Library of Congress—now the largest library in the world. Barb Rosenstock’s rhythmic words and John O’Brien’s whimsical illustrations capture Jefferson’s passion for the written word as well as little-known details about book collecting. Author and artist worked closely with experts to create the first picture book on Jefferson’s love of reading, writing, and books. An author’s note, bibliography, and source notes for quotations are also included.

Bookish Books: Books about BOOKS

A Book by Mordecai Gerstein (4.5)
A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Bats at the Library by Brian Lies (4)
The Best Book to Read by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom
Book Fiesta by Pat Mora (5)
The Bookshop Dog by Cynthia Rylant (4)
Books!  Books!  Books! Explore the Amazing Collection of the British Library by Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom
Born to Read by Judy Sierra (4)
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris
Busing Brewster by Richard Michelson

Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates (3.5)

The Dump Man's Treasures by Lynn Plourde (4)

Fire Up With Reading - Toni Buzzeo (4)

The House of Wisdom by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland

How to Live Forever by Colin Thompson (4)

How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander (3-because of the illustrations)

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk (5)
Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale by Daniel Kirk (4.5)
Magic in the Margins by W. Nikola-Lish (3.5)

Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I Don't) by Barbara Bottner
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by Judy Finchler and Kevin O'Malley  (4)

Open this Little Book by Jesse Klausmeier
Our Library by Eve Bunting (4.5)
The Perfect Gift by Mary Newell dePalma (4.5)
Read Anything Good Lately? by Susan Allen and Jane Lindaman (3.5)
Reading Makes You Feel Good by Todd Parr
The Red Book by Barbara Lehman (4.5)
Return of the Library Dragon - Carmen Agra Dedee
Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden (4)
That Book Woman by Heather Henson (3.5)
Write to Me:  Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind - Cynthia Grady (4.5)

PICTURE BOOK - Books! Books! Books! Explore the Amazing Collection of the British Library by Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom

Illustrated by Manning & Granstrom

2017, Candlewick Press

HC $17.99

48 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.12 - 82 ratings

My rating: 4, interesting and cool

Endpapers: Red

Lots to read and look at!

1^st line/s::  "Welcome to the greatest library in the world!  We're going to take you on an amazing tour of its treasures -- including some that are so rare thay are kept under lock and key!"

My comments:  An easy, interesting nonfiction book for early-middle grades that tells of many of the British Library's major holdings from the earliest ones on to the present.  Interesting and relevant, including many well-known and a few lesser known British authors and writings. Included are early Christian writings, Beowulf, the Magna Carta, Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare, Dickens, Doyle....with a whole lot in between.

Goodreads:  A tiny prayer book carried by a queen to her execution. An atlas so huge that it takes six people to lift it. A handmade gospel hidden in a saint's coffin, and Shakespearean folios so precious they are kept in a bombproof storeroom. From stories of man-eating monsters, brave knights, and wicked witches to tales of lost children, magical creatures, haunted moors, and flying machines, award-winning duo Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom bring to life the extraordinary history of the book through the treasures of one of the greatest libraries in the world: the British Library. 

PICTURE BOOK - The House of Wisdom by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland

Illustrated by Mary Grandpre

1999, DK Publishing, NY

currently OP

40 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.07 - 68 ratings

My rating: 4:  

Endpapers:  peachy/orange

Illustrations:  orangy pastels, no white on the very large pages

1^st line/s: "Over many lands came caravans of camels, six thousand strong, swaying and rocking as the padded single file across the sands and plains on their way to Baghdad."

My comments:  I always get excited when I find a well-written picture book for older kids.  This is certainly one of them.  Based on history, this is the story of 9th century Baghdad and its books, libraries, scholars, and inquisitive minds. I love that it points out that at this time areas to the west (Europe) were basically uneducated and, perhaps, crude.  And when talking about scholars, like Aristotle, coming a thousand years before, the father tells his son, "We are like the leaves of the same tree, separated by many autumns."  What a great quote!

Goodreads:  This is the true story of Ishaq, a young boy in ninth-century Baghdad. And it is the story of the House of Wisdom. More than a house, more than a library, more even than a palace, the House of Wisdom was at the very center of the new ideas that flourished in Baghdad. It was here that thousands of scholars gathered to read, to exchange ideas, and to translate the dusty manuscripts that were brought by camel and ship from all over the world. Ishaq cannot understand why ancient words, words from faraway places, can cause such excitement. Then he embarks on a difficult journey seeking lost manuscripts. But it is what he discovers when he returns that ignites his imagination and changes him forever.Lyrical prose and glorious illustrations capture the splendor of Baghdad when it was the center of one of the world's great civilizations. They tell the story of Ishaq's transformation from a bewildered young boy searching for understanding to a brilliant scholar, the greatest translator of Aristotle, whose work preserved Greek thought for civilizations to come.

PICTURE BOOK - A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

2016, Candlewick Press

HC $17.99

32 pgs.

Goodreads rating: 4.11 - 921 ratings

My rating: 3.5

Endpapers: Scrolling books titles and authors

Illustrations:  "Hand-lettered, and the typographical landscapes were typeset in Adobe Garamond Pro.  The illustrations were done in watercolor, pencil, and digital collage."  Very little color

1^st line/s:
"I am a child of books.  
I come from a world of stories
and upon my imagination
I float.
I have sailed across a sea of words
to ask if you will come away with me.
Some people have forgotten where I live
but along these words I can show you the way. ..."

My comments:  This book is not a story.  It's a collection of ideas about imagination, reading, and being swept away by words.  It's a poem for readers, an ode to book lovers.  The illustrations are held together and created by words themselves, parts of pages and texts and paragraphs from children's books - mainly classics.  I don't consider it a children's book (I can only think of a few kids I've read aloud to in the past that would sit still all the way through this), but a wonderful adult picture book.

Goodreads:  New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers and fine artist Sam Winston deliver a lyrical picture book inspiring readers of all ages to create, to question, to explore, and to imagine.
     A little girl sails her raft across a sea of words, arriving at the house of a small boy and calling him away on an adventure. Through forests of fairy tales and across mountains of make-believe, the two travel together on a fantastical journey that unlocks the boy’s imagination. Now a lifetime of magic and adventure lies ahead of him . . . but who will be next? 
     Combining elegant images by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston’s typographical landscapes shaped from excerpts of children’s classics and lullabies, A Child of Books is a stunning prose poem on the rewards of reading and sharing stories—an immersive and unforgettable reading experience that readers will want to pass on to others.

Postcards about BOOKS and READING

2127.  Austria

Hello Chris, I love books/reading very much myself and I love thrillers, mysteries and memoirs.  Anitha. 8/Jul/2021

2084.  "Books are a uniquely portable magic."

  Stephen King

Washington

Hi Chris!  I am a teacher too.  Only 8 years in and I teach high school English in WA state.  So excited for summer break I am headed on a 6-week road trip from west coast to east coast and back again!  Cheers, Rachel

2081.  Jessie Willcox Smith (1863 - 1935)

American Illustrator

Greetings Chris, from a tiny rural community 30 miles N of Baton Rouge, LA.  I live on 3 acres of land and am visited by birds and critters (rabbits, snakes, armadillos, deer, racoon and once a bobcat!).  Some of my favorite books are children's picture books, I Talk Like a River, Our Little Kitchen, When  You Look Up, the Wanderer, If you Come to Earth.  Be well.  Make happy.  Say your prayers and tie your camel to a tree.  Warm regards, Kristine J.  6/14/521 83 degrees.

2068.  High Desert of New Mexico

"Woman Reading" Picasso

1 June 2021

Hello from the high desert of New Mexico.  I agree you have a great job!  My first (though unpaid) job was in the library ofn my dad's military post.  Lifelong love affair with books.  Hope this card is quirky enough.  Be safe.  'abqgranny' Diane

2066.  San Francisco, California

Here's a joke to brighten your day:

I'd like to go to Holland someday.

Woodenshoe?

Wishing you all the best, Tali

2023.   GR PC October 2019

1987.  Poland

Hello Chris!  I'm 24 y.o. girl from Poland which very like read a books.  My best writer is Carlos Ruiz Zafon from Spain.  Wish you only sunny days and ... Happy Postcrossing!

1962.  Mason City, Iowa

Greetings from Mason City, Iowa, in the middle of the corn belt.  Mason City is the birthplace of Meredith Willson, the composter of "The Music Man" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."  Needless to say the community is nuts about music.  I refer to Diet Coke as "My Preciousssss!"  Best wishes from the Priaire, Gary

1960.  Moscow, Russia

Bello and greetings from Moscow, Russia~  I hope you'll like the card although it falls into the book category loosely.  Edgar Poe's one of my favourite authors, so I decided to grasp this chance and show him the world :)  Wish you all the best.

1959.  Germany

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926)

Young Lady Reading

Hello Chris, I hope you'll like this card.  I like reading on my sofa, too.  Only I wear much more comfortable clothes!  Best wishes, Sabine

1940.  Southern Coast of England

Johannes Vermeer "Woman in Blue Reading a Letter" c. 1664

Hi Chris  I hope you like this painting.  The woman may not be reading a book but it looks as if she's completely engrossed by her letter.  I live, very quietly, in a small town near the sout coast of England.  I enjoy crochet but I've completely failed to get my mind (or my hands) around knitting!  I hope you're ejouying the spring and that you have a very happy birthday.  With best wishes, Serena

1935.  Los Angeles, California

Hi Chris.  Greetings from Los Angeles, a city famous for its warm weather and bad traffic.  I was so happy to receive your contact info since I am also a retired teacher (K/1) and reading specialist.  It's always been a dream of mine to work at a library.  In fact, years ago I took an interest inventory and I scored really high as a librarian.  Like you I am fond of reading and am never without a book.  Have you ever visited the website Goodreads?  It's a wonderful resource for people who like to read.  Have you ever read Vacationaland by John Hodgman?  Lots of reference to you native Maine!  Take care, Mia

 

1933.  Singapore

No message on card, sent through the mail, though! Shaped like the book.

1929.  Oslo, Norway

PETER SEVERIN KROYER (1851-1909)

Hello Chris, My name is Linda.  I live in a small town near our capital city of Oslo.  I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren, ages 12-22 years.  I retired 6 1/2 years ago and like having more time for my family and my hobbies.  I like books, music, art, the theater, my garden, and traveling when I can.

Best wishes, Linda

1923.  Molodechno, Belarus

Hello Chris.  My name's Olga.  I'm originally from Molodechno, a town with over 90 thousand inhabitants, 75 km from Minsk, the capital of Belarus.  I like art, reading, watching movies, travelling, and cooking (but not so often :) Hope you like this card.  Have fun with postcrossing!  Best wishes, Olga

1919.  Moscow, Russia

Room in New York, 1932, Edward Hopper

Zdravstuii!  Greetings from Moscow.  I like Japanese manga, calligraphy.  I learn Japanese so I read Harry Potter in Japanese :) EAsy and fun!  Have a nice day, Raisa

1918.  Arras, FRANCE (it's in the north)

Bonjour Chris, greetings from Arras.  I'm Ornella.  I'm a nurse.  I love reading.  Her is a box of books, you put the books you have read and you take another if there is one that you like.  Through me it develops a lot.  I deposit more than I take because I already have a lot to read at home.  I love to find flea markets.  I wish you the best.  Oerie

1912.  Russia

Hello Chris!  Greetings from Russia!  My mom worked at the library when I was a kid and I spent there lots of time.  I love reading.  My friends and I are meeting from time to time to discuss books.  Best wishes, Nina

1901.  New Zealand

"Treasure Hunt" by Aimee Stewart

Dear Chris, One of my very favourite cards for you.  Stamps are pretty depressing, chosen as you are interested in history.  I love sugar skulls too, spent a year in Mexico, most magical year of my life.  Stole a Mexican too, married 11 years in September.  Lots of love to you, Lyn

1300.  Almere, the Netherlands

15 June 2018

Hi Chris, Nice to meet you and greetings from artha in the Netherlands.  I live in Almere, a young and modern city, but was born in Amsterdam, capital of my country.  Since 2007 I am happily retired and fill my days of leisure with books, classical music, Irish folk songs, singing (study Mozart's Requiem_ and coloring.  Wish you all the beat.  Martha

1292.  Illinois

Hi Chris, I hope this finds you well.  I love pcs & books, so this is my kind of swap!  Do you read "real" books or on a Nook or some other device?  I find I like "real" books better.  Hugs & Happy Reading, Vickyen

1267.  St. Petersburg,, Russia

Hi Chris!  I'm a teacher, too, but it's a pity, now I'm not working by profession :(  I completed university as a teacher of Russian language and literature, but (it is so sad) teachers in Russia don't raise enough money to live.  I want to see the world, that's why I'm working in huge company as manager (product manager).  I wish to go to American some day and see an ocean.

Wish you the best, Varya xoxo

1264.  Haarlem, Netherlands

Silence in the Library by Drachenmagier

Hoi Chris, my name is Diane.  Second card, hopefully this one will reach you.  Working in a library sounds like heaven to me!  Books are my biggest passion.  If you can recommend a nice book, I love to know.  I prefer literature or non-fiction.  Enjoy.  23-3-2018

1223.  Luxembourg

Hi!  I live in Lux only for one year and I noticed that the most common animal here is a cow.  They are everywhere.  Different colours, sizes, fluffiness.  I love them!  Also dogs are very popular and sheeps!  Be Happy! February 2018

1139.  "Leisure" 1910 William Worcester Churchill

Greetings from Florida!  I live near the Atlantic Ocean and love to watch the waves and the sea birds.  Small world - my brother went to law school at Dickinson.  I'm originally from PA.

1076.  Toronto, Canada

Hi Chris.  Greetings from Toronto, Canada.  I am also a recently retired primary teacher (sp. ed.).  I had a peek at your website link in your profile and have to wonder if you know Canada's beloved poet Dennis Lee.  His poem THE MUDDY PUDDLE is delightful.  Google it!!  This card is by American artist Judith Sparks.  It's cool, Isn't it?

I wish you lots of lovely cards.  Happy holidays & happy postcrossing.  (I hae a good friend in Carlisle, PA!)  Shelley

1017.  Spain

Everything I read will live in me forever - Alina Nadyrshina

I hope you enjoy your retirement.  I think you have a perfect occupation now.  It is a good reflection of what reading is:  (??cant read) a lot of different things.  Best wishes, Yolanda.

990.  Indiana

Edward Gorey:  Mysterious Messages, Cryptic Cards, Coded Conundrums, Anonymous Notes

Greetings from Indiana.  This Edward Gorey Postcard is the closest thing I have to what you requested on your profile.  I hope you like it.  I'm a big fan of Edward Gorey.

     I used to live in Sierra Vista, AZ.  It was nice weather there.  Pretty country.  Julia

973.  Kazan, Russia

My name is Natalia.  I live in the city of Kazan.  I like reading and walking.  Best wishes and Happy postcrossing!

'

965.  Austin, Texas

My name is Nicholas...I moved here this may with my family.  We enjoy the city and keep exploring the state.

This postcard shows one of the books from my country - it is "Dead Souls" by Nicolai Gogol.  He shows how mid class lived in 1830-1840 in Russian Emire.  I read it in school.  Nicholas

954.  Jakarta, Indonesia

Hello  Apa Kabar?  (How are you?  Do you like reading?  I love to read detective novels with unpredictable endings.  Since you like books, here I send you with kid of theme postcard.

947.  Bavaria

Vincent Van Gogh The Novel Reader, 1888

Hello Chris, her come many greetings from Bavaria to you.  I live here with my family, husband, son, his girlfriend and our 3 dogs in a small village.  I love the nature around me.  Happy postcrossing, Gabi

931.  Veghel, the Netherlands

I'm Marianne, 56 years old and I live in Veghel.  That's a small village in the south of the Netherlands.  Friends of mine have an e-reader, but I prefer to read a real book, made of paper.  I visit our local library at least one a week.  Bye from Marianne

909.  The Netherlands

My name is Eber and I'm writing from the Netherlands.

I'm sending you a postcard of Anne Frank.  I thought it would suit your current job as librarian in youth services - kids and young people need to hear about Anne and her diary, so that the horrors of war and prejudice do not spread anymore.  Cheers, Eber.

873.  Oberhausen, GERMANY

Soizick Meister "Bucherturm" Inkognito

Gluckauf Chris, Sometimes I get lost when I read books.  Perhaps I dive in that story or just feel at home in it.  I don't mind as long as nobody calls me back for any household action....all the chores that have to be done are my task cause I work part-time.  Stay happy and healthy, Cardeaux

866.  Siberia, RUSSIA

Book Fairy: Ikaterina Babok

She loves to read books left on the table and often forgets to put a bookmark in the right place...

My name is Lyndmila.  I live in Siberia.  Aftr graduating from the oil and gas university, I spent 32 years transporting oil.  Now I retired and enjoy life.  Lyndmila

865.  Munsteil, Germany

Hello Chris, Nice greetings from Munsteil, Germany, a community with more than 300,000 inhabitants and uncountable bicycles.  Best wishes, Susanne

855.  Germany

August, 2017

Sorry for my bad writing.  I am sitting in a train to go visiting my best friend.  I like traveling by train.  I can watch the scenery and can calm down from the busy work days.  Warm greetings, Josefin

850. Vladivostok, Russia

Greetings from Russia, my name is Liarisa.  I live in the city of Vladivostok in east Russia, on the shore of the Sea of Japan.  

citation:  "The book should be called 'big' or 'small' not by the number of pages, but by the place it occupies in your heart."

832.  Turkey

07.07.2017

Hi, I'm Reyhan from Turkey.  I like reading books and posting cards to someone who don't know me.  Maybe, in some points, two of them are so similar.  In two of the, you do't know people, place.  Andy you can reach them with words and papers.  Take care of yourself!

824.  Russia

Hello, My name is Varya.  I'm from Russia.  Probably it's great to work in the library, and I work in a bookshop.  I like reading and traveling.  I really want to go all over America.  And I also love cats.  What kind of books do you like to read?  Varya

817.  Moscow, Russia

Good day!  I live in Valuga.  It's not far from Moscow.  We're proud of Cosmonautics State Museum.  I love art, puzzles, rock music, psychology. 

809.  Greetings from Slovenia

808.  Torun, Northern Poland

How are you doing?  I also like books and libraries - the atmosphere in there is special and so calming.  My 9 years old son's name is Chris.  I am trying to learn him that books are very important part of our life.  I hope he'll love books as much as I do.

803.  Perm, RUSSIA

Hello Chris!  I hope this post you'll like it.  My name is Olesya.  I am from Russia, I live in Perm city.  I like to read books, go to the cinema and go for a walk in the morning time when birds are singing.  Olesya 23 VI 2017

789.  Nowy Klincz, POLAND

"Summer Reading"

Greetings for Poland!  My name is Agnieszka and I love to read, too.  Usually I read fantasy novels.  I work in health & beauty shop as an assistant manager, but I hope that it's only a temporary job.  My dream is to become a writer - very good and famous of course. 

785.  Meldorf, GERMANY (close to the North Sea)

Warm greetings from the north of Germany.  My name is Svenja and I live with my family in Meldorf, a small town really close to the North Sea.  My oldest son was very excited when I told him that I have to send a card to Pennsylvania!  He ask, "to Anne and Philipp?!?" because he loves the stories about the magical treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne.  I prefer reading books on the dyke at the coast while my husband is playing with the kids on the mud flats (of course I am a "mud monster" very often).  Best Wishes!  Svenja

783.  Tulda, Germany

Clementine-Helene Dufau (1869 - 1937 "Lady Reading at an Open Window", Gavin Graham
Gallery, London

7-5-17

Greetings from Tulda.  My name is Wolfgang.  I like to read, travel, and run.  I became retired two years ago, after 41 years in the German Army.  I don't leave my home without a book.  My famouse country to travel is Israel.  I was there about 25 times.  Las weekend I ran a half marathon in Munich and next week I will run a marathon is St. Petersburg (Russia). 

780.  Poland

Self-portrait: Karolina Pieton

I want to tell you about my favourite Polish series of books:  The Witcher by Andrej Sapkowski.  He has creted a cycle of tales based on the world of the Witcher, which was published in fantasy literary magazine "Fantastylia", comprising 3 collections of short stories and 5 novels.  The main character is Geralt, a mutant who has been trained since childhood to hunt down an destroy monsters for the moneyh.  Agaionst all appearances he's very sensitive and governed by knightly code.  Computer games of The Witcher created by CD Project Red are based on this series.  I'm so happy that these books have been adapted by Netflix.  Have you read this series of books?  With best wishes.  7/5/17

775.  Plzen (Pilsen) Czech Republic

I had many years this postcard, I didn't think I will find recipient.  :) Plzen (Pilsen) town, where was printed oldest Czech book (maybe) - Historia Troiana, incanabulis by Johannes Gutenberg's followers.  

I asked what some of the Czech meant and got the following reply:

“Hello Chris ! 
about the stamp - perfect answer is here:-) 
http://bit.ly/2umDcPl 
and second question about "muzeum knihtisku..." - http://www.mkkp.cz 
It means "Museum of bookprinting and books in Pilsen", where the Kronika Troiana was printed. 
I never visited it, but it is probably very small museum, founded by owners of printing company Nava and fans of old printing machines. 
Plovární 20 is a street and number. 
So, I hope I satisfied you:-) Now I´m packing my bag, tomorrow I´m flying with my family to Spain, Alicante. For 16 days:-) 
Have a nice day. 
Zdeněk”

716.  Summer Terrace, Russia

I'm Elena and I'm new to postcrossing.  We had much snow this November and there was ice rain.  One day I couldn't open my car as it was glazed with ice.  After that ice-rain it's very difficult to walk with dogs because it's very slippery in the fields or law.  Have a nice day!  Elena

704.  The Hague, The Netherlands

Gerry Hurkmans, 1952

I think the books on this card are from someone who likes history.  The quote on the bottom right is in dutch.  I love reading, too, but my books are mostly from Africa as I lived there for three years.  Now I work as a wedding photographer and live in the Hague together with my three naughty cats.  Wish you lots of happy cards!

686.  Russia

Hello!  My name is Alisa.  I am 10 years old.  I learn English.  I think that sending postcards is cool idea!  Wishing you a good day and a lot of smiles.  Goodbye, Alisa

683.  Paris, France

Notre-Dame and Second-Hand Booksellers

Very warm greetings from Paris.  At the moment we have a cold and rainy weather.  This card shows you the booksellers near the Notre-Dame.  Sometimes we can find real treasures there!  Best wishes, Eva

664.  Stack of Books - Siberia, Russia
Hello Chris!  My name is Tanya.  I live in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia (Russia).  Every year in early November in Krasnoyarsk holds a book fair.  This is a significant event for the city.  Most publishers brought their books for display and sale.  Best wishes.
Same card - 618.  Poland

Hi Chris,

I'm Ksenia and now I live in Kradow Poland, but originally I'm from Russia.  I like travelling and reading.  And I prefer paper books to electronic ones.  It is cool to take a new book :).

Hope you'll like the card.

Best wishes, Ksenia

640. Cologne, Germany

Hello Chris!

Many greetings from Germany!  My name is Melanie.  I'm 43 years old and live together with my two children in Cologne, the 4th larges city of Germany.  In my free time I love reading, knitting, swimming, and writing postcards.

All the best to you!

Melanie

607.  Floatings Town - Indonesia

Hi Chris...

Greetings from Indonesia.  I am Ayu.  I also really like reading so much.  But lately I just can't keep up, he he.  So I read the simple ones like Harlequin romance, he he.  have a great day!  Ayi Dai

596.   Oil Painting attributed to Vladimir Hodorovich, Belarus

(looked him up, can't find him on the internet)

Hello Chris!  I am 59 years old.  I was a teacher, now I am retired.  I like to read, to bake, to do gardening.  Let my little angels bring you only good news!

Balina

584.  Edmund Blair Leighton (1853 - 1922) Sweet Solitude
Received from Germany
Hello Chris,
My name is Marion, I'm 50 years old and live in a small village near Bonn.  This was the capital city of West Germany when Germany was divided.  The composer Beethoven was born in Bonn.  I work as a teacher and the director of a nursing school.  Have a good time!  Yours, Marion

577.  SWEDEN
Sept. 11, 2016 - A strange day...This day is in my thoughts both in your country, but also in mine.  2003 our minister, Anna Lindh, got murdered.  Both two historical sad memories for Sweden.  Taila

571.  Bremervorde, GERMANY
Hello Chris, i hope I chose a nice card for you?!  I love books and I hope I get so much books in my life.  My English is not the best.  Wish you all time the best, many greetings from Gabriele

527.  Peace for Paris
Hello Chris,
Many greetings from the north of Franc.  My name is Pascale.  I like arts and I practice creative hobbies.  Today is Sunday, a great and nice day!I'm going to the market to do some shopping before going on holiday in Morocco!  All the best,  Pascale

509.  Rayrinki, FINLAND
Hello Chris!  Greetings from Finland.  My name is Marika.  I live in a small village called Rayrinki and work at our organic farm.  I hope you like this card.

505. Chicago, Illinois
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (American, 1844 - 1926)
Mrs. Duffee Seated on a Striped Sofa, Reading, 1876
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Hi Chris!  Congrats on your retirement, I hope you're loving it!  I love that you mentioned in your bio that you loave to drink ice-cold Diet Coke.  Thaq's my big vice as well!  Sometimes with a lemon in it if I'm feeling fancy.  I hope you like this postcard - Mary Cassatt is one of my favorite American painters.  Hope you're having a lovely summer!
Anna

500th Card!!!  RUSSIA

Hi Chris, My name is Olga.  I live in the ancient Russian city of Pskov.  I'm an engineer.  I really hope that you like this postcard.  Best wishes, Olga

496.  Girl Reading - Krasnodar, Russia

Hello, Chris!

My name is Natali.  I live in the city of Krasnodar, Russia.  I like reading books, to listen to goos music, and nature.  Ihope you enjoy this card.  with bet wishes!

also:

504.  Russia

Hello!  My name is Alena.  I live in Russia, in a small village.  Our house is on the shore of the lake.  All the children spend the summer on the lake, swim and sunbathe.  Wish you a happy summer!

484.  "The Bookworm" Siberia, RUSSIA
Hello Chris!
My name is Valeriya.  I live in Small Siberian town Seversk.  I'm a visiting nurse in children's polyclinic.  I like my job although I gave too little free time.  I love to read too.  At present I prefer fantasy.  Maybe I'm so tired of real life problems that I would like fairy tales :)  But the most favourite book is "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov.  One can read this book time after time and each time this book is perceived differently...warm greetings from cold Siberia!
Val

478.  Latvia

Hello Chris!  Greetings from Latvia.  My name is Zanda.  I live in the Latvian apital Riga together with my 3 children and 4 hamsters.  My hobby is collecting interesting candles and various things with angels.  In my collection is more than 500 variety of andles.  Zanda  20.07.2016

476.  Bavaria, GERMANY

Hi Chris,

I'm Lotte, 25 years old and live in Bavaria which is a southern region of Germany.

Best Wishes

445.  Czech Republic

Hello, how are you?  My name is Zuzana and I'm 30 years old.  I work as a teacher and love travel.  And you?  Happy summer, Zuzana 3/7/2016

433.  The Interior of a Cabinet, 19th century "Prince Oleg's Palace"

Chris, hello!  My name is Maya, I from Ryaz???, medium-sized city in central part of Russia.  With best wishes, Maya  23.06.16

389.  Libros - GERMANY
June 7, 2016 - a very sunny day in Darmstadt,Germany
Dear Chrisk, I hope this postcard meets you in a happy mood!  I live in a fairly big town, which has a lot of university students, many parks, and some pretty buildings.  The only thing that's missing is some water, a lake or a river for example.  I always like the smell and sound of it.  Love, Cindy

388.  Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
Hello Chris!
Warm greetings from Apeldoorn, the Netherlands!  I'm sending you a staircase of books.  It looks like this picture is trying to say that reading books leads to ... adventure?  a beautiful life?  more knowledge?
I love to read books, unfortunately I don't have much time for reading anymore.  My favorite genres are fantasy, detective and historic novels.  Best wishes!  Franciska

374.  Red Apple - Moscow, Russia
Hello!  I'm Kate.  I live in Moscow.  I love books and especially S. King.  I hope you enjoy this postcard and stamps.  Good luck and sunny day!  16.05.2016

357.  Germany

10.5.16

Hello Chris, my name is Petra and I live in the middle of Germany in a town called Friedberg (Hessen).  I live here with my 43 years old mother in our own house.  Last week I drive to Dresden, my mom wished to see the big church there.  All the best, Petra

335.  Northern Spain

Hello there, I tried to find a postcard from Malaio, a small town in Northern Spain where I live.  However, I wasn't successful, so [please accept this postcard of a studious girl instead.

Have a good day, Valentina

318.  Nighttime Reading

Greetings from Poland

04.05.2016