Staff Picks what to read, watch, and listen to

I always look forward to reading Harlan Coben's latest thriller. I try to get a head start on the hold list and free up some relaxing hours to become engrossed in the plot. I was hooked years ago when I read Tell No One - a great read!

I am sorry to say I found his latest book, Stay Close, very disappointing. The character development is shallow and he resorts to cheap tricks to fill the pages. I mean seriously, Ken and Barbie as Christian torturers? Couldn't he come up with something more believable than that? Usually, when I read one of his novels there is slow buildup of tension as the plot gets more and more convoluted and we are drawn into his characters lives. I couldn't make myself care about the people in this novel and the plot was primarily unbelievable.

I sure hope he returns to form with his next novel...because I don't think this one was worth my time.

On Thursday, March 22, seven young ladies demonstrated the Zumba moves they'd learned over the previous six weeks to their families at the Arlington Reads Literacy House. These 3^rd-5^th graders, led by 5 volunteers and a Zumba instructor, learned how to appreciate themselves for the way they are, decipher a nutrition label, judge magazine and TV advertisements, set personal goals, define “health,” identify good and bad habits and values, recognize the three different kinds of exercise, understand the power of a positive attitude, and much more! Each session included a Zumba segment and those skills were the ones on display last Thursday. The afternoon was a huge success!

The program will be offered again this summer; this time, it will be open to boys and girls going into grades 3-5. The boys’ program will be Mondays and Wednesdays and the girls’ Tuesdays and Thursdays staring the first week in July. The summer program will be focused on running and the final class will take place at Arlington Reads’ 3^rd Annual Book It for Literacy 5K/Mile Fun Run on Saturday, August 11. The students will have the opportunity to run or walk in one of the races! For more information about time, location, and Student Registration, please call (817) 460-2727 and ask for Lisa, the program coordinator.

If you are interested in volunteering with the program, please contact Lisa, the program coordinator, at (817) 460-2727. We are in need of energetic and enthusiastic male and female volunteers.