The Borrower

The Borrower
by Rebecca Makkai

Available through CLEVNET, The Borrower is the story of Lucy Hull, a 26-year-old children's librarian in Hannibal, Missouri. She becomes confidante to 10-year-old Ian who loves to read but whose parents don't allow him free rein in his reading choices. Lucy finds ways to slip Ian the classic children's books she thinks he should read and then comes to believe it is her duty to save Ian, who is a very quirky child, from religious zealot Pastor Bob. Together, Lucy and Ian embark on a 10-day odyssey of fun, anxiety and introspection. The story is as much about Lucy's coming of age as it is about Ian's struggle to fit into his world. The scenes in the library are really funny, as are Lucy's interactions with her Russian father. I enjoyed Lucy's journey and eventual self-reflection.

- Linda