Librarian Q&A: The Book Edition

Hi everyone! I’ve been a little stumped on what to write this week. I feel like I’ve been throwing too many recommendations at you lately and need to take a minor detour, and then I realized that I’ve never really told you anything about myself. Here’s the twist though – it’s all book related! So here we go.

  • Why do you love to read? Reading is such an inherent part of who I am it’s hard to remember why I love it so much. That said, I love reading because it takes me somewhere else for a time. Whether it’s a grand magical adventure or a sweet romantic contemporary, it’s nice to get out of my own head and take in someone else’s experiences whether fictional or not. I also really enjoying learning something from what I’m reading. I find there’s often a lesson to be had or at least a new vocabulary word to add to my repertoire.
  • Do you have a favorite place to read? I really, really love to read outside, especially during autumn. When it’s too dark or we’re experiencing bad weather, I like to curl up with a book in one of the corners on my couch.
  • What book or series got you into reading? I’ve been reading since I was in kindergarten (I would pretend I couldn’t read so my mom would still read me a bedtime story) so it’s difficult for me to pinpoint a specific title. I feel like it was a combination of reading The Hobbit, The Phantom Tollbooth and a series called T*Witches, that I became extremely invested in. Of course Harry Potter and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants are two series that really solidified my reading obsession as I got a bit older. Both of those series are still near and dear to my heart. I reread Harry Potter once a year.
  • What kind of books do you like to read? Fantasy is my preferred genre. I love a book with magic and adventure, mythical creatures, seemingly impossible odds. However, I also love anything by Jane Austen or related to her in any way, and find myself more and more interested in classic books.
  • Do you prefer paperback or hardcover books? Why? I prefer hardcovers. They tend to hold up a bit better and I think they just look really nice, yet I also enjoy a nice, floppy paperback.
  • Do you read more than one book at a time? I never used to, but in the last year or so I always seem to have multiple books going. I’ll have one I’m reading on my own and one I’m reading with a friend. Right now I have six books going and I feel a bit out of control.
  • What book or book series are you most excited to read this year? I was recently gifted a set of the Han Solo Trilogy (Star Wars) and while it’s an older trilogy and not technically considered canon anymore, it’s one I’ve wanted for ages. I’m thrilled to finally have a set. Once I get through my current reads, I’m really looking forward to starting those. Also, my Harry Potter reread, whenever that happens.
  • Do you reread books? Why or why not? I’ve really already answered this question, but yes I reread. I really enjoy rereading favorite stories. I find it comforting and familiar. Rereading gives me a wistful feeling I find difficult to capture much of the time.
  • What was the last book you read? I most recently finished the book Ordinary Girls by Blair Thornburgh (such a cool name) and really enjoyed it. This book is a loose retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, and has a lot of great literary references, quirky characters/settings and an deep portrayal of sisterly bonds. I may be sharing a full review of it soon.
  • What book are you currently reading? I just started the first volume of the manga Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura. It’s off to a very unique start, but I’m finding it hilarious and charming. I can’t wait to read more.
  • What’s one book you think everyone should read? The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It’s a beautiful, whimsical, magical tale about love and discovering what you want out of life. It’s full of heartwarming friendships and some heartbreak, but most importantly it gives you a feeling of wonder.

So there you have it, all of my dark, bookish secrets. Have you read any of these books or do you have any similar preferences? Do you want more Librarian Q&A’s? You’re more than welcome to share your thoughts with me by emailing me at kendall.chapman@bhpl.net.