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Reading book review journals for my job ensures that my “To Read” list keeps getting longer every day. I read mostly fiction, though I’ll read nonfiction if it is something that interests me. I’m generally perceived to be the “quirky books” reader, and guilty as charged. I like weird and snarky, if it’s written well. Loved Rowling’s Casual Vacancy, Ramsland’s Doghead, and Good Omens by Gaiman/Pratchett. I will read anything contemporary or historical (literary or genre) if I like the writing and mood, especially books taking place in colder climates (quirky!) A vacation in either Bali or Finland? No contest, I’d head north every time. I also like mysteries (I’ve read everything by P.D. James and Louise Penny) and psychological suspense, with the occasional thriller thrown in, and I enjoy the occasional ghost/horror novel, but have my standards—no zombies, boring and no personality! Dark and gloomy I like, a la Karen Maitland. Not much one for chick-lit or romance and I rarely read fantasy or science fiction, but I never say never. |
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Reading is my superpower, according to my coffee mug. I get my caffeine fix, and make a statement about how important reading is to me. I can’t remember not being able to read—to me it’s like breathing—necessary for life! I’ll read anything in a pinch, including any and all packaging (cereal boxes included), but I prefer fiction. I love literary fiction, women’s fiction and mysteries or suspense with a focus on character (Elizabeth George, Louise Penny); Southern writers for their strong sense of place and lyrical prose (Pat Conroy, Fannie Flagg, Lee Smith); coming of age novels (To Kill a Mockingbird, Boy’s Life); and classics. I also read historical fiction, fantasy and a little science fiction. When I read nonfiction, I prefer essays on nature and gardening (Sy Montgomery, Michael Pollan, Henry Mitchell), and books on travel, cookery and sewing. One of the great things about working in a library is I’m surrounded by other bibliophiles—I love to hear what others are reading so I can add to my “to read” list! Visit My Librarian Laura's page |
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Becoming a Librarian seemed like a no brainer to everyone but me. All the typical signs were there (loves reading, long TBR list, always carries a book), but it seemed too good to be true. I am so happy that I went down this path because I love my job. Besides recommending and reviewing books, I love helping people and being creative. To this day, I don’t people watch, but I book watch. I enjoy seeing what people are reading and talking to them about it. I will read anything (horror and science fiction is iffy unless it is really recommended and not too scary). You can find me lost in a meaty historical fiction, a swoon worthy romance, a literary classic, or a new/popular fiction novel. I am fortunate to have a mom who loves reading and this love flows through me. Now that I have a son, I am instilling my love of reading onto him and is there anything better than that? |
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I confess, I did not grow up with a love for books. In my youth I struggled with focusing and retaining the material in them; therefore, books intimidated me. And now I’m surrounded by them!!! So then, how do you not fall in love with or want to read them?!! In my adult life, I have found that I love reading psychology books written from a religious aspect. I especially favor books authored by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. A couple of my favorites are Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, to Take Control of Your Life and Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give up in Order to Move Forward, both by Henry Cloud. I also like to read books that focus on leadership training, such as The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow, Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping-Stones for Success, and Becoming a Person of Influence, which were all written by John C. Maxwell. And most recently, I’ve discovered that I enjoy reading biographies for four reasons: they promote self-discovery, they allow you to see the world in new ways, and can sometimes serve as an inspiration and/or mentors at a distance, and whether you admire or revile the individual they’re about, I personally want to know how a “normal” person became a world-changing figure. |
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I grew up loving to read and can remember many trips to the library. Working in a library was definitely an easy career choice for me to make. I now read chick lit, contemporary fiction, and books about women’s lives. I enjoy books with a bittersweet tone and if the story can make me laugh or cry I’m hooked. A new favorite of mine is historical fiction and one example is Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell. A good gentle read will lighten my mood. Also on my list is Christian fiction, psychological fiction, a good series, and mysteries. The Stephanie Plum series written by Janet Evanovich is my favorite. I prefer my mysteries on the lighter side, but will also read a thriller or a suspenseful story. I love listening to audiobooks and will often choose a book based on the narrator. Authors Barbara Kingsolver and Ann Patchett do a wonderful job narrating their books. Occasionally I'll read some nonfiction, autobiographies, memoirs, travel writing, though I prefer nonfiction that reads like fiction. |
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Growing up with a children’s librarian for a mother, I lived and breathed reading. I could most often be found with my nose in a book. I forced myself through math homework by promising myself I could read a page after I did 5 problems. So it was natural that I became an English major and ended up in library school. Now as a reference librarian, I get to read for my job! I enjoy humorous novels, like those of Donna Andrews and Debbie Mason. My taste in mysteries runs to cozies and classics. Christian fiction is another genre I enjoy. When I turn to nonfiction, it’s most often to something that touches on women’s contributions to history–I loved Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly! |
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It is true that a big perk of working in a library is that I am surrounded by books and fellow lovers of reading. However, what I have truly enjoyed and what interested me initially in librarianship is the opportunity to wear different hats. Organization, curiosity, reading, and the excitement of never knowing what my day will turn out to be are only a few things that made me realize that being a librarian was my calling. Not only do I have a love for books but also for video games (ask me what I’m currently playing!), film & television shows, research, and helping people. As for my genre tastes, I tend to “read with the seasons,” is what I call it. In winter months you’ll find me reading dark fantasy, adventure, dystopian and various YA novels and series including works by Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Armentrout and Sabaa Tahir. Fall is reserved for Thriller and Suspense (with a sprinkling of Horror) like Alex Michaelides and Stephen King. Spring and Summer I tend to start my rom-com and more beachy type reads, reaching for novels by Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood. At the end of the day though, when walking through the stacks, I may never know what I will be inspired to read next. Visit My Librarian Carly's Page
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