Memorial Day: Arlington National Cemetery 2011, by Celine Aussourd via Flickr

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, and honors American men and women who died in military service to their country. It was started to honor Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, but now includes those who died in any war or military action. Many towns hold Memorial Day parades and many people visit cemeteries and memorials.

This year Memorial Day falls on Monday May 27th.

Thousands of library patrons around the world are participating in the first ever Big Library Read of an eBook, and you are invited to join in the fun. The Four Corners of the Sky is master storyteller Michael Malone’s novel of love, secrets, and the mysterious bonds of families. Malone brings characters to life as only he can, exploring the questions that defy easy answers: Is love a choice or a calling? Why do the ties of family bind so tightly? And is forgiveness a gift to others…or a gift we give ourselves?

This pilot program runs from May 15–June 1, 2013, and during that time every library user will be able to check The Four Corners of the Sky at the same time — no waiting lists! This book is available to enjoy on all major devices, including Kindle® (US only) and iPad®, as well as in the browser via OverDrive Read™. After June 1, the ebook will be available in the usual way, with holds if our copy is already checked out.

Reviews of the Four Corners of the Sky:

• The Many Joys of ‘Four Corners’Review by Michael Dirda, Washington Post, May 28, 2009.
  “This is a fabulously entertaining novel. It’s probably a trifle too long, the plot contains a number of improbabilities and it’s easy enough to guess at least a couple of the revelations toward the book’s end. But you know what? None of this matters. Michael Malone’s prose — as smooth as a con man’s patter — hooks you on the first page, and you’re not going anywhere after that, except to your favorite reading chair or backyard hammock or vacation beach blanket. Malone possesses the only gift — according to Vladimir Nabokov — that a writer really needs: Shamantsvo, the ability to cast a spell, to enchant.”
• Michael Malone’s ‘Four Corners’ Flies High — Interview of the author by Liane Hansen on NPR’s Weekend Edition, July 26, 2009
  “Michael Malone is an award-winning writer who’s written novels, plays, short stories and even soap operas. His new novel, the first in 10 years, is called Four Corners of the Sky, about a young girl whose father abandons her at age 7 and eventually becomes a Navy pilot. Malone speaks to host Liane Hansen about his book and his love for film.”
• An Interview With Michael Malone About His Grand New Novel, ‘The Four Corners of the Sky’ — An interview with the author by Art Taylor on the Art and Literature website.

Shavu’ot, the Festival of Weeks, occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (late May or early June). Shavu’ot, is a festival with both historical and agricultural significance. It commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Next week is Bike to Work Week! One of the highlights of National Bike Month, Bike to Work Week is a great time to dust off your bike, get a tune-up and get back in the saddle. If a full week of riding is a little too ambitious, consider riding your bike to work on Friday May 17th — Bike to Work Day.

Mother’s Day — This celebration of mothers and motherhood is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Cinco de Mayo — Cinco de Mayo means “Fifth of May” in Spanish, and is a celebration of the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, won the battle even though the French force was three times as large and better equipped. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico, and has become a popular heritage celebration in the United States.