County Librarian Christopher Veach highlights Ann Patchett novel 'Whistler'

Christopher Veach, the county librarian, opened his brief presentation by saying he wanted to highlight a recent novel choice for readers. "This month, I wanted to highlight the novel Whistler by Ann Patchett," Veach said, and summarized the book as a quiet story about memory, family and the small moments that define our lives.

Veach described the plot arc — a middle-aged woman who unexpectedly runs into her former stepfather at an art museum decades after losing touch — and relayed critical praise, citing Booklist reviewer Donna Seaman's description of the novel as "an entrancing, radiant, and heart ceasing tale." He said the book explores how being known even briefly can alter someone's life and called it a story of "complicated relationships, courage, and reconciliation that reminds us how love endures."

Veach told listeners the title is available through the library's combined catalog with neighboring systems and can be borrowed as an ebook, audiobook or in print at local branches. "You can find this book and others through our online library catalog, which has the combined resources of Lake, Sonoma, and Mendocino County Library systems," he said. The announcement closed with an invitation to visit local branches for in-person checkout.