NOW READ THIS: 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society'

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" was written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The story opens in 1946 London as England emerges from the shadow and destruction of World War II. The novel's protagonist, Juliet Ashton, is the author of a series of popular humorous articles who now longs for a serious subject she can write about.

Juliet receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a resident of the island of Guernsey (one of the Channel Islands between France and Britain). Dawsey explains that he happened across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb and is writing to her because books are a rarity on Guernsey. He hopes to gain more for the island's only book club, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Juliet's curiosity is piqued: "I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers."

The novel progresses through a series of letters between Juliet and Dawsey, as well as those from an eclectic mix of Guernsey islanders. Juliet is inspired by their stories of life during the German occupation, including the story of how The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society came into being and how it earned its unusual name -- an enterprising tale of a roast pig, a broken curfew, an impromptu alibi that outwits the German soldiers and how the islanders find brief periods of respite from the darkness of war through books.

Eventually, Juliet feels compelled to visit her new friends. What she finds there changes her forever. The citizens, island and history of Guernsey prove to be the inspiration for her next book -- and for her life.

The book is a joy to read, and for those who enjoy audiobooks, the audio version features a cast of talented readers who bring the rich characters and their letters to life "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is available in a variety of formats from the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Readers can check out the hardback version at the library or the downloadable through Missouri Libraries 2 Go (accessible through the library's website with a valid Cape Girardeau Public Library card). Or, if you prefer the book in audio form, check out the book on CD or download the audiobook through MOLIB2GO.

About Sharon

Sharon Anderson is the youth services coordinator at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.