A review by samahcanread__
Public library and other stories by Ali Smith

emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

I always find it hard to explain Ali Smith's book, not because they are hard to explain, but how can someone explain a feeling? Reading this collection of stories made me realise how I love reading about other people mundane lives; their mourning routines, their random thoughts, their weird dreams that lead nowhere.

The 12 stories in this collection are interrupted by conversations and reflections made by Ali Smith's friends and circle about public libraries, their history, their importance in communities and their future in this capitalist society.

I didn't grow up with public libraries, i read the books we had home. I don't remember having a public library in my community, once we had it in our school, but it was so poorly underfunded, the place was used for gossip and snacking. The only public library I had subscribed to was my university library, which was a blessing because I got a discount for being enrolled in the same university. I see so many people talking about why reading isn't popular in our community, and many forget to point at how underfunded and scarce public libraries are.

Overall, I found my favourite author.