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myriadreads's review against another edition
4.0
Romalyn Tilghman’s first novel To the Stars Through Difficulties has been described as a “love letter to libraries.” So of course, I had to read it!
In To the Stars Through Difficulties, three women from different parts of the country come together in modern day New Hope, Kansas. Traci is a New York artist, hired to teach classes at the struggling arts center. Angelina is a PhD student researching Carnegie libraries in the town that her grandmother called home. Gayle’s hometown has just been decimated by a tornado, so she’s drawn to New Hope for an opportunity to sew and craft with a group while she deals with her grief. As the three women tackle art projects to raise funds for the arts center, share their stories and unravel the mysteries of the past, they all discover their true strength and direction. This compelling story of friendship and empowerment is enriched by a solid foundation in the history of Kansas and Carnegie libraries. Tilghman’s work was inspired by research into Carnegie libraries built in the early 1900s and local arts agencies formed later in the century. She notes that strong women played a big role in bringing arts to the plains.
“Many Kansas women came from the East and cities where cultural opportunities were more prevalent,” Tilghman said. “Women missed their books and operas, and, equally important, they were bound and determined to provide more opportunities for their children. Books provided escape from dust and drudgery and provided a glimpse of the outside world.”
If you’re like me, you see a lot of potential for a book group discussion in Tilghman’s first novel. We’ve got you covered. Reserve the Book Group in a Bag Kit to check out 10 titles and a discussion guide for your group.
In To the Stars Through Difficulties, three women from different parts of the country come together in modern day New Hope, Kansas. Traci is a New York artist, hired to teach classes at the struggling arts center. Angelina is a PhD student researching Carnegie libraries in the town that her grandmother called home. Gayle’s hometown has just been decimated by a tornado, so she’s drawn to New Hope for an opportunity to sew and craft with a group while she deals with her grief. As the three women tackle art projects to raise funds for the arts center, share their stories and unravel the mysteries of the past, they all discover their true strength and direction. This compelling story of friendship and empowerment is enriched by a solid foundation in the history of Kansas and Carnegie libraries. Tilghman’s work was inspired by research into Carnegie libraries built in the early 1900s and local arts agencies formed later in the century. She notes that strong women played a big role in bringing arts to the plains.
“Many Kansas women came from the East and cities where cultural opportunities were more prevalent,” Tilghman said. “Women missed their books and operas, and, equally important, they were bound and determined to provide more opportunities for their children. Books provided escape from dust and drudgery and provided a glimpse of the outside world.”
If you’re like me, you see a lot of potential for a book group discussion in Tilghman’s first novel. We’ve got you covered. Reserve the Book Group in a Bag Kit to check out 10 titles and a discussion guide for your group.
lunaartemis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mindyfresh82's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
A cast of unlikely women find themselves banding together in Kansas to save the arts. Angelina has travelled to Kansas to FINALLY finish her dissertation on Carnegie libraries - with any luck she'll finish it by the time she turns 40 - only a few months away. She is hoping she will be inspired by revisiting her grandmother's hometown. Traci has fled New York to pursue an artist residency at the New Hope cultural center. She lied on her credentials, but how else is she going to find a free place to live? Now only if she can convince these quilters and rowdy teens to get on board with her "unique" art. Last but not least is Gayle, she is suffering from PTSD since a tornado wiped out her town and her home. Travelling to the New Hope cultural Center to quilt and talk is about the only thing that keeps her going. These outsiders to town will find out that they all have a shared love of community and will go to astonishing links to preserve it.
marlensophie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
allissa125's review against another edition
5.0
Being a Kansas girl born and raised, I truly enjoyed this book. It was interesting to hear not only about the Carnegie libraries but also about prairie life and the unpredictability of tornadoes through this three-narrator storyline. I now reside in Kingman and loved reading about *our Carnegie library as part of this story! Woven into the historical information is a story of women finding themselves by coming together and overcoming differences to find true friendships.
ricefun's review against another edition
5.0
Loved every page of this book! What a wonderful combination of so many things that I love; libraries, reading, fine arts, community, and Kansas! All packaged in quality writing, an engaging plot, and fabulous character development. This book captured a spirit of Kansas that I have found in my two years living here. There is a deep commitment to hospitality, growth, and mutual support. But, threaded through these great values are high levels of isolation, distrust, and some people who are just disagreeable. I really appreciate the focus on finding and making home. I suspected from the moment I read the description that I would enjoy this book. Not only did I enjoy it, I connected deeply to it and hope that Tilghman writes many more novels.
katypicken's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
nikki_nikki's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the writing and characters in this book. Will hope that Tilghman writes again.