Author of the Month

Isabel Allende was born in Lima, Peru. At the age of three, Isabel moved to Santiago in Chile, where she grew up. After her graduation she worked for many years as a secretary, editor and journalist and a television interviewer and newscaster. In 1973 following the military take-over of the Chile government, she and her family fled to Venezuela. Finding it hard to get work in journalism, in 1982 Isabel wrote her first novel, The House of the Spirits, which was a great success. Following on from that first novel she has continued to write numerous other successful novels including Love and Shadows, The Infinite Plan, Daughter of Fortune and Zorro. In 2002 she published her first novel for young adults, City of Beasts. This was followed by two other novels for young adults. As well as fiction she has also written several memoirs. Here latest novel, Violeta, tells the life story of Violeta Del Valle from her birth in 1920 to her death in 2020. It takes the form of a letter to her grandson, whom she loved above all others. She tells him about the heartbreak, passionate affairs, times of poverty and wealth, times of terrible loss and immense joy that shaped her life during a time when women fought for their rights and against the backcloth of the rise and fall of tyrants.

Theory Test Pro (inc. HGVs)

Now that some of the restrictions around trying certain driving tests have been eased or changed why not use Theory Test Pro to help you with your learning. Theory Test Pro is an online site which contains the entire official test question bank, hazard perception video clips and an online version of the Highway Code - all you need to help you pass your theory driving test. It has access to test banks for car, motorcycle, passenger carry vehicle and heavy goods vehicle categories. This amazing site can be accessed free of charge on your home computer, all you need is a valid library card. For more information visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and select Online Services.

Lego Club

Lego teaches various soft skills that will shape the way children work and interact with others including, creative thinking, teamwork, communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills plus a whole heap of fun! We have Lego clubs at Cefn Mawr, Brynteg and Wrexham libraries, which run every week. If you would like to know more then call Cefn Mawr on 01978 820938, Brynteg on 01978 759523 and Wrexham on 01978 292090.

Craft Corner - Wrexham

Wrexham Library has a new adult craft group which has a different theme each month. Join us on Friday, June 17, from 2pm-3pm to make some special spring paper flowers. Learn the basics of making simple paper flowers to create your own long-lasting arrangements and gather ideas for your own designs! In this session we will be making large poppies using paper and card. The session is free but booking essential. Call the library on 01978 292090 to reserve your place.

'No Queue' titles from BorrowBox

Did you know Wrexham Libraries offer a service where you can download 10 eBooks and 10 eAudiobooks for free for 21 days via the BorrowBox App? Borrowing digital content has never been simpler, smarter or more convenient. BorrowBox digital content is available any time from work, home or anywhere 24/7. You can reserve or borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks and 10 eBooks at a time. This month's featured 'No Queue' titles include The Crown: The Inside Story by Robert Lacey; Cloudstreet by Tim Winton; A Golden Age by Tahina Anam; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre; How to be a Refugee by Simon May; Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths by Maisie Chan and Runaway Robot by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. To try one of these books or to choose any other e-book/e-audio books please visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online services link.

Book Review

This Is Going To Hurt - Adam Kay

This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay

This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay

I read the 'Quick Read' version of this book. It is taken from the diaries compiled by the author during his time as a junior doctor. Sometimes very funny, but mostly heartbreakingly sad, depending on the day's experiences the author had. This book, for me, brought back a memory of the junior doctor who cared for my late mother following a massive stroke, who had been on his feet for days and survived on a "grabbed" sandwich stuffed in his coat pocket. Before reading I did think this was going to be a laugh out loud light hearted read from beginning to end from someone who possibly didn't take the job of junior doctor seriously. It isn't. I felt the author was trying to see the funny side of things to get him through each day and I am glad (for the author's sake) that he himself realised this and chose a different career. I have huge respect for our doctors and nurses after reading this book. Liz