Joanne Provo

What Have I Been Reading?

Theo of Golden

The book seems to be on everyone's list, as we yearn for stories of generosity and kindness. Theo arrives in the small town of Golden, discovers sketches of local people hanging in a coffee shop, purchases them and gifts them to the subjects. In the process they share their life stories and leave inspired by their conversations with his mysterious man. Theo’s connection to the town, revealed in the final pages, reminds us of the importance of living a life filled with joy, faith, hope and love.

The Red Notebook

Bookseller Laurent comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street and goes to great lengths to find the owner using the clues provided by the unique contents of the bag which of course include a red notebook. This little book is a quick and lovely read about the lengths someone will go to help a stranger, even if it does border on obsession.

Mother Mary Comes To Me

Roy writes about the force that was her mother. Their relationship was complicated and not always loving. She seems to tell this story as a way to honor the accomplishments of her mother while also explaining why she had to escape to live her own life. She says "...I left my mother to be able to continue to love her". An insight into how people are influenced by those who raise them, feeling a magnetic pull back to them even if they were not well served in their upbringing.