Staff Pick: America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray

To celebrate America's 250th birthday, participation in the Georgia Reads for America 250 Reading Challenge is a memorable way to start! Don't forget to sign up for the reading challenge on the Beanstack app!  

My favorite book from the adult list so far is America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. The two authors teamed up and thoroughly researched the background and history of Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter and how she helped shape the history of our nation. 

Through visits to Monticello and interviews with the staff there, interviews with the descendants of Jefferson, and reading much of the correspondence written by Thomas Jefferson and his daughter, Patsy, a realistic view of life in America during the late 1700s and early 1800s is depicted by the authors. 

Excerpts from letters written by Jefferson and his daughter are printed throughout the book to support its authenticity. Actual events are supported by facts, which help the reader to understand the emotions and angst that the people from that era were subject to. 

The story is told from the viewpoint of Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph. Many of the attitudes towards women and societal norms of the period are highlighted. It is amazing how much Martha Jefferson was able to accomplish in that environment! Thomas Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemmings is also explored. 

At the end of the novel, the authors reveal any events that have been altered or timelines that have been compressed. This also helps the reader to get a true picture of the early story of our nation.

America's First Daughter is available at the library in regular print or as an eAudiobook. 

Jeanine Thompson
Outreach Specialist

Our Friend Maria

Our Friend Maria and staff member Erica

If you visit the Post Road Library, you will find the entrance to the Friends Bookstore tucked in the corner by the Holds shelves. The FCPL Friends and Advocates is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds that support programs, resources, materials, and staff at Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL). The Friends have bookstores at the Cumming, Post Road, Sharon Forks, and Denmark Libraries, and they maintain self-serve shelves at the Hampton Park Library. The revenue generated from the Friends Bookstores funds engaging and informative Library programs for all ages and supports staff and patrons with resources and materials beyond the Library's budget.      

We call our bookstore volunteers Friends and Maria is one of many Friends who is near and dear to the patrons and staff. With a unique story and a deep passion for the library, she is a wonderful part of our community and brings a distinct brightness to the bookstore.

Maria immigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1961 at the age of 12. She and her older sister traveled without their parents to attend school in Arizona. Maria has always had a special love for books; she fondly remembers her father taking her to the big library in Havana and how special those trips were to her. "I was always the kid to read all of my school books before school started. I could not get enough!" 

Once she entered high school, the library became a second home. Since she had after-school programs and could not go home before they began, she would spend hours among the shelves. She recalls how welcoming the librarians made her feel and how vital the library was at that age. Maria was often alone until her family returned late at night and the library provided a sense of safety.

Maria volunteers as a way to stay involved with the library. Even though it has been years since she was that little girl coming to the library, her love and passion for it has not dimmed. She loves interacting with the community, especially the children. As a former school teacher, she has a special place in her heart for children and their love of books. She is a strong believer that reading makes a huge difference in a child's life. When asked, "What do you love about the library?" Her response was heartfelt: "I love all of the staff here; they make me feel like I am welcomed. I love the programming—there is always more to learn! The guest speakers always teach me something new!" Maria most enjoys our knitting and crochet programming as a way to keep her mind sharp! She is always looking for ways to learn new skills and the library provides that for her. The staff are very grateful for our Friend Maria and the joy she brings to the bookstore every day.

Some of Maria's favorite books at the library include: 

• The Pendergast series by Preston and Child
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore 
• Blood Moon by Sandra Brown

Maria is an outstanding example of how the Friends of the Library support FCPL. If Maria’s story has inspired you, you can find out more about becoming a Friend at on the FCPL Friends and Advocates website.

Erica Myers

Information Specialist

Post Road Library

Unreadable Podcast Transcript - June 2026

In this episode, Ross speaks with best-selling author Mary Kay Andrews about her newest book Road Trip, which features two estranged sisters who take a road trip across Ireland learning about their family and themselves along the way. Mary Kay shares a little about her writing background as well as her inspiration for her new book, including some of her own family history. 

Mary Kay Andrews will be appearing at the Sharon Forks Library on June 28, 2026. Please check our events page for more information.