Miss Morgan's Book Brigade

by Janet Skeslien Charles

I set My Ántonia, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Anne of Avonlea on the nightstand. I kept my favorite people close—impossible to sleep without them.

“I believe in books. In friendship. In potatoes smothered in butter and dill.” She nodded approvingly. “Elements that nourish us. I believe in crème Chantilly slathered on strawberries.” “And purple hydrangeas.” “Definitely purple hydrangeas.” “Little luxuries,” I said. “Like apple pie still fresh from the oven.”

“A town needs a library in the same way that a home needs a hearth.”