Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World by Irene Vallejo

 

Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World by Irene Vallejo -442 pages

This book fills in a great deal of history on the origin and development of the book from clay tablets, papyrus, wax tablets, parchment and finally the codex that became the modern book. Along the way, the author explores many ancient Greek and Roman authors throughout the ancient Mediterranean from the Library of Alexandria to the end of the Roman Empire. It is also a great read for anyone who believes in the freedom to read and the importance of the written word. 

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

373 pages

★★★

Finding a sticky note with a list of classic books, Aleisha has to work at the struggling public library to help her brother take care of their mom. Mukesh finds an overdue library book among his wife’s things after she’s passed. They meet at the local library and help each other through their struggles through books and friendship.

This was just a random audiobook I saw on hoopla that sounded decent and it lived up to that expectation. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t blow my socks off. It was pretty cute but I found myself bored pretty often. I would recommend it as a simple, cozy read.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

377 pages

★★★★★

This romance novel by popular author Emily Henry pokes fun at its own genre by making the characters work in publishing and self-aware of all the common romance tropes. Nora Stephens is a literary agent who lives in the Big Apple and is your stereotypical New York business woman, and Charlie Lastra is a big-shot editor who is your stereotypical cold businessman. When Nora’s sister, Libby, drags them to small town Sunshine Falls for a month-long getaway and to push Nora to have a small-town romance like in the books, Nora wants to do nothing but work and go home. That is, until she runs into Charlie working at the local bookstore. 

As someone who doesn’t normally read or enjoy romance, I was surprised how much I loved this book but it hit all the right marks by making it funny, about books, and not too cheesy.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak-550 pages

One of my all time favorite books once I figured out that "Death" was the narrator.  WWII in Germany, everyone caught up in Hitler's propaganda, a young girl who was given to a couple on Heaven Street for a modest stipend when her mother could no longer care for her.  Her deep love and friendships that result from the trials that she endures.  A story of war and all its ugliness.  And even though she couldn't read in the beginning, she had a hunger for words.  Then when they hid a Jew named Max their basement, Liesel began to fully understand the power that words had.  The story starts with a train ride on the way to her new life.  An absolutely wonderful story that sticks with you for a long time.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak-566 pages

I previously read this during a teen librarianship class while studying for my MLS. I thought it was a good book then and I have an even greater appreciation for it after reading it a second time. It's the story of a young girl named Liesel who arrives, starving and lonely, at 33 Himmel Street, Molching, Germany during World War II. It's a story of love and loss. It's about Liesel's love for her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann and their love for her. Also, it's about the love between Liesel and Max Vandenburg, Liesel and Rudy, and all of Liesel's friendships. It's a coming-of-age story for Liesel. She goes from illiterate to writing a book of her own. Along the way, Liesel "steals" books and steals words away from Hitler and Nazi Germany. A quote from Liesel that stays with me is "I have hated the words and I have loved them and I hope that I've made them right." Words can be a very powerful tool for both destruction and building up. Hitler gained power through his rhetoric. He was a demagogue who said what the German people wanted to hear at the time. Albus Dumbledore says to Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” This is another great quote about the power of words. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. 

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, 388 p.

"Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.
    The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who’s never asked a man’s permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.
    What happens to them–and to the men they love–becomes an unforgettable drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. These heroic women refuse to be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at times breathtakingly beautiful, at others brutal, they’re committed to their job: bringing books to people who have never had any, arming them with facts that will change their lives.
    Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is unparalleled in its scope and epic in its storytelling. Funny, heartbreaking, enthralling, it is destined to become a modern classic–a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond."--Amazon

I really loved this book. It's the first book I've read by this acclaimed author, and it was beautifully written and engaging. The characters were all dynamic and the storyline was funny, sad, and heartfelt. 
 

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe-424 pages

I wanted to read this for a while because it is based on the true story of a girl interred in Auschwitz who secretly curated a small library. The Nazis didn't allow books or teaching of any kind, so it was dangerous and risky to have this hidden library and school in the middle of a concentration/extermination camp. While it is a story worth telling the translation into English and/or the author's writing was left wanting a bit. The story is not told only from Dita's (the librarian) perspective but also from a handful of other perspectives and the transitions between voices aren't always clear. Overall, it is a story worth reading, but be aware that the writing (and/or the translation) is a bit underwhelming.

Books, Books, Books by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom

Books, Books, Books by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom, 42 pages

How could I resist reading a book called Books?  This particular book is about the wide variety of  books in the British Library.  Come explore the amazing collection of the British Library.  This book is also beautifully illustrated.

The Book of Books by Jessica Allen

The Book of Books by Jessica Allen, 276 pages

I checked this book out from the library, but after reading it, I decided I will probably buy it.  The book is based on the series on PBS called the Great American Read.  The book covers 100 of America's most favorite books.  The book contains a summary and background of the books including wonderful photos of the covers.  The Book of Books also contains lists like favorite characters and some of the early jobs of the authors.  Some books were surprising to see on the list like the Twilight series and the Fifty Shades series.  After reading this book, I discovered I had only read about a dozen of books on the list and was inspired to read some books I did not have on my to read list.  I would say this book may be one for every reader's collection!  The introduction is written by former Today show host Meredith Vieira.

The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland

The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland - 368 pages

This is a story that will attract book lovers and readers looking for stories of healing from one's past. The author makes many references to well known books and literary works. Poetry authored by the characters is incorporated into the story. It is a story of processing past events, renewal and ultimately, stepping forward. I enjoyed the writing and the tale of this book because I value stories that show character development and growth in knowledge and maturity. This is a story that has stuck with me in the weeks since I finished it.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan; 368 pages

Books, books, books!  What better topic for us? This lovely book was an easy and enjoyable read.  The main character is a librarian whose lovely job is being downsized.  Worrying about what to do next, she decides to explore her dream of owning her own bookshop and helping others find the "perfect book" that will make them fall in love with reading. She takes a risk and moves to another country.  Along the way, she learns to make room in her life for new relationships, take risks, and embrace life. The Bookshop on the Corner was a good story that held my interest and brought a lot of book titles into the story.  This was my first encounter with this author, and I would definitely give her other books a chance when I am in the mood for that type of story.

Dark in Death by J.D. Robb

Dark in Death by J.D. Robb - 384 pages

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has another murder to solve.  It seems that someone is recreating murders from a book series.  She must determine who the killer is before more women are killed.

This is the latest J.D. Robb mystery by romance author Nora Roberts.  I listened to this one on audio.  I really enjoyed this book.  There is the perfect amount of mystery and suspense to character development by the main characters.  Another great entry in the series.

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine - 352 pages
The Great Library Book 3

In this world the Great Library of Alexandria never burned and it serves for hundreds of years as the keeper of the world's knowledge.  Original copies of books are kept behind lock and key and the public can only access approved texts through their blanks that act like an eReader.  Those with the talent for quintessence manipulation are kept as prisoners in the tower in order to keep the Library's infrastructure functioning.   

But there is corruption at the heart of the library where power and wealth are being hoarded at the expense of those the Great Library is supposed to serve.  A group of rebels is continuing their quest to overthrow the Library's tyranny and restore it as a force for good in the world.  The action in this book takes place in the besieged Burner city of Philadelphia where the American colonists have been resisting the Library for over a hundred years. 

This series definitely needs to be read in order.  It's a fascinating look at the power of the printed word and the danger inherent in those who want to keep that power for themselves.     

Book by Karen Brookfield

Book by Karen Brookfield, 64 pages

How fascinating and fun it was to read a book called Book about books!!  Although this was a juvenile book, it was quite interesting. Beginning with the history of the written language, Book takes us through the history of how civilzations kept records of history through writings in different forms on different media. It is interesting to think that before there were printers, books were hand copied.  Book also gives a brief history off when and how children's book were created about 250 years ago.  And, what Book about books would be complete without a brief history of the library.  And, how interesting before public libraries, there were only private libraries.  Imagine that!!  Book also contains some fantastic photographs.

Chosen by Ted Dekker

Chosen by Ted Dekker -- 260 pages

The land of the Forest Dwellers has been decimated by the Horde under the watchful eye of the vilest of all creatures, Teeleh. Thomas Hunter, supreme commander of the Forest Guard, is forced to lower the recruitment age of his army from 18 to 16. From among thousands, four new recruits are chosen to lead--and perhaps die--for the greater good.

The chosen four are sent on a quest to prove their character, but their mission takes a dramatic turn when they are intercepted, sworn to secrecy, and redirected to a different endgame. Now they must find the seven lost Books of History. Books that have power over the past, present, and future. Books whose words are alive. Books sought by the Dark One that control not only the destiny of their world...but that of ours as well.

This is book 1 of the Lost Books series

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier - 444 pages
A Peter Nimble Adventure

Sophie Quire's life changes the day she tries to save some books from being burned.  It brings her to the attention of the city Inquisitor Prigg who is trying to get rid of all "nonsense".  It also brings Peter Nimble into her life as he rescues her from Prigg and then asks her help in repairing an old book.  That old book will lead Sophie and Peter on an adventure to save the world.

This is the second Peter Nimble book and it was just as good as the first one.  I really enjoyed reading on how Peter's life has changed since regaining his sight.  I also enjoyed the introduction of the new character Sophie.  I hope that further adventures are written for both of them.

Fahrenheit 451: The Authorized Adaptation by Tim Hamilton

Fahrenheit 451: The Authorized Adaptation (Graphic novel) by Tim Hamilton-149 pages

I read Fahrenheit 451 a few years ago, so when I saw this I decided to read it on a whim. I do enjoy reading graphic novels for a respite from "regular" books sometimes. Fahrenheit 451 is similar to other futuristic political satires like 1984, Brave New World, and others which inspired movies like Gattaca and Equilibrium. The moral is that we have to think for ourselves and be educated. It doesn't mean we all have to get graduate degrees or even undergraduate degrees. It does mean that we should exercise our freedom of choice and never let someone take that away. I took a class in high school in which we read a bunch of this type of books and really enjoyed it and I have liked reading similar books ever since, although I just really enjoy reading period. Reading and imagining and thinking critically is good to do.

My Pet Book by Bob Staake

My Pet Book by Bob Staake, 40 pages

How could one who works in a library resist reading a book with this title? What a great idea, to have a pet for a book! This seems especially appropriate after reading the new Dr. Seuss book.  So, a little boy in the town of Smartytown chooses a red book for his pet.  What could possibly go wrong with having such a perfect pet as a book?  But, when the little boy finds his red book lost, he gets to experience first hand how to find a lost pet.  This book does have a happy ending.  Written in rhymes, this book also has colorful illustrations.

Return of the Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy

Return of the Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy - 32 pages

The Library Dragon reappears on her last day before retiring when she sees all the books have been taken out of the library to make room for computers.

I did not think this book was as good as the first book - The Library Dragon.  The story line was forced.  I don't really know any librarians that hate computers as much as shown in the book.  Same with kids hating computers.  Definitely not the best library-themed book.  Stick with the original.

How To Treat A Book by Amanda StJohn

How To Treat A Book by Amanda StJohn, 24 pages

Opal and Stew visit the public library and learn how to treat a library book.  Unfortunately, Opal's dog Pansy rips her book.  Opal's mom tells her and Stew that the librarian can fix the book with special tape, but she will be charged a fine to repair it.  The very last page has some very helpful tips on how to treat a library book.   This should be a must read before anyone gets a library card!