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A review by myriadreads
To the Stars Through Difficulties by Romalyn Tilghman
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.