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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
my bookclub chose this title for us, and it was a sweet, light read. i loved hearing from my like-minded book people from across the country, but i found it so odd how the authors seemed to have rewritten what i'm guessing were interviews from contributors into synthesized sections that all started to sound quite similar in tone. i wish they would've let each contributor's personality and voice shine more, because some of their stories were fascinating -- especially the librarians working in unique outreach for their communities.
also, while they did intentionally touch on book banning and censorship a few times, they didn't really go IN. this would've been a great platform to do so. it felt like a lot of the passion and heart and fire from these librarians and booksellers was all muted in the pursuit of a unified, easily-digestible/marketable collection. i guess i shouldn't be surprised, considering the biggest name on the front page and his particular interest in remaining marketable, hah. but overall, a sweet book that made me feel proud of my work in libraries!
also, while they did intentionally touch on book banning and censorship a few times, they didn't really go IN. this would've been a great platform to do so. it felt like a lot of the passion and heart and fire from these librarians and booksellers was all muted in the pursuit of a unified, easily-digestible/marketable collection. i guess i shouldn't be surprised, considering the biggest name on the front page and his particular interest in remaining marketable, hah. but overall, a sweet book that made me feel proud of my work in libraries!
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
One of these editors realllly loves present tense. I’m not a fan of the overuse in this collection of essays.
Not bad. It could have been about half as long and more selective. A lot of the stories didnt have much of a story to tell and so were very samey. The ones that were telling a unique story were better. the ones on banned books were particularly interesting. I listened to the audiobook and the main female reader was kind of annoying but it was alright. it did make me want to read more.
While there were a few harrowing tales of librarians who've been harassed--fired even--over people who want to ban books, this book is primarily a love letter to librarians and booksellers. At least one bookseller is a fellow Borders alum.
It's definitely a quick read, but I do have one quibble: often the present tense is used in places I don't think present tense should be used. For heaven's sake, it's a nonfiction book about book lovers; it's not a domestic suspense book. Using the present tense to talk about past events was utterly jarring and sometimes confusing. No clue why that choice was made.
But, hey, it's a bunch of stories about folks who are out here doing the Lord's work: getting books in the hands of people who need them.
It's definitely a quick read, but I do have one quibble: often the present tense is used in places I don't think present tense should be used. For heaven's sake, it's a nonfiction book about book lovers; it's not a domestic suspense book. Using the present tense to talk about past events was utterly jarring and sometimes confusing. No clue why that choice was made.
But, hey, it's a bunch of stories about folks who are out here doing the Lord's work: getting books in the hands of people who need them.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
lighthearted
medium-paced
Want the scoop on running a small business? Censorship? Following a dream?
This set of brief essays by booksellers, store owners, and librarians reveals what these professionals face each day across the USA. None sit around reading books all day :).
James Patterson has thrown his publishing weight at supporting independent book stores and reading. This reflects his support. Would have liked to have seen perhaps an inclusion or two from book reviewers and people working in the publishing industry such as agents and editors.
This reveals the dedication for modest pay that people pour into their commitment to book stores and libraries. While this will appeal to those employed in these industries, it would be great if consumers and patrons also look at this just to have a fuller understanding of why they are vital to any community. Well done.
This set of brief essays by booksellers, store owners, and librarians reveals what these professionals face each day across the USA. None sit around reading books all day :).
James Patterson has thrown his publishing weight at supporting independent book stores and reading. This reflects his support. Would have liked to have seen perhaps an inclusion or two from book reviewers and people working in the publishing industry such as agents and editors.
This reveals the dedication for modest pay that people pour into their commitment to book stores and libraries. While this will appeal to those employed in these industries, it would be great if consumers and patrons also look at this just to have a fuller understanding of why they are vital to any community. Well done.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced