Bluffton writer Joanne Niswander (1929-2022) was also a voracious reader as indicated by her mini book reviews for the Bluffton Public Library. The library shared monthly “Joanne Reads” installments from January 2021-October 2022.

The sampling below from October 2022 hints at the range of Niswander’s reading and a glimpse into her perspective as a reader.

All books are available through https://ohio.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/blu/

“REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES” BY SHELBY VAN PELT
This first novel might have been just another story about love and loss, with a spare list of ordinary characters with the usual quirkiness that carries a plot along. But, instead, plan to be charmed by the most unusual of - shall we say - heroes? Marcellus, an aging giant Pacific octopus tops the chart as this book's most surprising (and astute) character who will wrap you in his tentacles and make the ensuing story a delight. It's a great read.

“LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY” BY BONNIE GARMUS
Chemistry was never my favorite subject, but this novel had me smiling all the way through. Because, even though the story line is all about chemistry and chemists, it's a humorous and imaginative (but still believable) tale taking place 60-some years ago when women in science were almost unheard-of and certainly had no future for recognition of their talents. Congratulations to our author who has created delightfully original characters who make the story sing.

“THE MIDCOAST” BY ADAM WHITE
This is a different sort of mystery that eases its way into being. Placed in and around a small town in coastal Maine (there truly IS a Damariscotta, and if you've been there you know that the surrounding towns mentioned are there as well). Although we learn early-on that something bad happened, the murder part of the mystery finally creeps into being slowly - after the story's characters are well established as typical Maine coast citizens. So expect the unexpected which, of course, is all part of the mystery.

“CARVED IN STONE” BY ELIZABETH CAMDEN
I hesitate to not recommend a book, as I realize that my reading tastes may not be the same as yours. And my feelings for this one have nothing to do with too much mayhem or too much sex or too short or too long. It's mainly that the plot (centered around the Carnegies of New York), mixed with the necessary romantic story line, seems too unreal, with the disparate characters meeting in contrived situations. So be forewarned. And, if you don't agree with me, that's OK, too.

“THE IMPOSSIBLE THINGS” BY SALMA EL-WARDANY
This review was a hard one for me to tackle, as was the reading of this book. The basic reason, I believe, is that this is a contemporary book about contemporary life with three young Muslim women in London. And I am a Christian woman born way too many years ago into a completely different sociological milieu. But the basic story itself, and the author's masterful way of writing, make it an important one in today's literature. It's a modern-day treatise on family and faith, all under the complications of tradition.

ABOUT AUTHOR JOANNE NISWANDER
“Joanne Niswander is a Bluffton College graduate, and served as a church organist for 40 years, an art docent at The Toledo Museum of Art for 14 years, and a volunteer in Bluffton University's Development Office for 12 years, traveling all over the U.S. to visit alumni.

“Niswander also wrote her own column for the Bluffton News for 17 years and published two books while in her 80s: "An Alzheimer's Primer" in 2012 and "Reflections from Maple Crest Pond" in 2015 (Click to request from our library). Of her life, she says:

“So what does that boil down to? I've had three lives, more or less. Music, art and writing. Now I'm just enjoying life each day as it comes. And books are a great part of it, thanks to a great library at Bluffton.

“Bluffton Public Library is honored to have Joanne and all of our delivery recipients as Outreach patrons. We hope you enjoy Joanne's reviews (we know we are!)”