Reader's Fave

I recently interviewed Carol Ervest for our 18th installment of Reader's Fave, a casual interview with someone who shares their favorite book. Carol lives in Deep River and is known throughout our county for her volunteer work and support in various endeavors.

Carol shared the book "Deep River" by author Karl Marlantes, a historical saga about immigrants who leave Finland in the 1900s to get away from Russian authorities and come to the Pacific Northwest.

When asked why she was drawn to this book, Carol said, "With roots that go back to Finland ... and living in Deep River ... this book gave more insight into the generations that came before me. I read Deep River a couple of years ago... haven't read it again. It was quite the buzz among Finns online."

Carol is not alone in this regard. Many others have shared similar thoughts and feelings about their enjoyment of "Deep River." It provides insight and connection to the previous generations who were once here and who they were as a people.

When further questioned about her favorite genre of books, Carol said, "I enjoy reading a variety of books, fiction or non. My latest read is "Cabin," a non-fiction national bestseller." The book's author, Patrick Hutchison shares about his journey from an office job to restoring a cabin in the Pacific Northwest. It's a developing story, while renovating, as he learns and loves the place and process of his different experiences.

Carol also shared a bit of her early days. "I would say teachers had the most influence on my desire to read," she said. "[Specficially] Miss Hannah, my fifth grade teacher." Sometimes, for some of us, it's those early elementary days - or it's just the right circumstance - when a teacher is able to guide or reveal the joy of reading.

Carol further remembered things like "the small library tucked away off of the gym at Grays River Valley school" and "taking her children to the little library in Skamokawa on Saturday mornings" or "to the bookmobile when it started coming to Naselle." It seemed Carol had fond memories of libraries, books and family and valued each of them.

When quizzed what format she likes to use for reading, Carol said, "I enjoy holding a hard copy book in my hand to read, rather than other options available." In our time, it's nice to have various options from which to choose.

Whether it be to gain insight, or simply because it's an enjoyable story, may you wonderful Wahkiakum readers enjoy a good book.