Audiobooks: The Way This Librarian Read on the Go
Despite being surrounded by books all year, I have a surprisingly hard time dedicating time to read. To be fair, it is not uncommon for librarians to be too busy at work to squeeze in some recreational reading, even if it is common for people to think that is a perk of the job. Nevertheless, I did find time to read by dedicating some of my commute time listening to audiobooks on Libby. Below are some of the titles that I was able to squeeze in during my busy year!
Some of What I Read in 2019
Letter to my Daughter by Maya Angelou
I really loved this book. I have not read much Maya Angelou until now, although I have always wanted to. What I tend to enjoy from literature are honest stories that show the depth and range of humanity. I found the stories in this book inspirational, honest, and compelling, often thinking about how I would react to being exposed to different scenarios that were encountered. A great read!
Inspired by the work that was put into the 2019 Treasure Valley Reads reading project, I decided to give There There a go. I was absorbed into the story immediately, having spent a chunk of my adult life in the Bay Area. The identity issue theme was something that I particularly related to - and still struggle with. I am excited for the next Treasure Valley Reads theme and look forward to exploring more panels, discussions, and events in 2020!
Boundaries: Updated and Expanded by Henry Cloud
Boundaries are hard to maintain sometimes. This can be true in professional and personal relationships. This book had some logical and rational tips on how to determine what boundaries work for you and how to implement, re-define, or assert them. Every now and then I dip into the world of self-help, and I always learn something about myself that I didn't know before. I encourage you to explore topics that both interest you and challenge your daily routines and interactions, even if it's just a refresher for maintaining healthy habits.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
I read this book for the Thursday Afternoon Read Book Club that we run once a month here at the library. It has been way too long since I have read any English Literature, and I had a great time reading and discussing this book. While I came to the meeting prepared for a serious academic discussion, I was delighted to find the book club as a fun, popcorn-discussion group atmosphere with lively interpretation. Every time I get to lead this program I have a great time!
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
This was another read for the Thursday Afternoon Book Club. This was my first time reading a Fannie Flagg book, and while I always enjoyed the movie, reading it was so fun that I couldn't stop listening. I even cooked while enjoying this story! For the book club, I came prepared to lead the group with some of the discussion notes that we use. What a fun time!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
I was really inspired by our Treasure Valley Reads theme this year to pick up some more Native American Literature. I have read some Sherman Alexie books but had not gotten around to reading this one yet, and I chose it to drift into Young Adult literature more. I loved the narration and really enjoyed the story. If you haven't read it before, I would highly recommend it!
The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich
Still on a quest for good Native American literature, I read this one almost immediately after the Alexie novel. This one was a whole other world. Instead of the Young Adult genre, it was real and honest, and I was completely engrossed. Using multiple layers of storytelling, and again with great narration, I was thrown into this world of harsh realities and reminded again that not one story or experience is similar to each other. I have read some of her work before and remember really enjoying it. I should think about reading some more of her work this year...
What's To Come
While these are some of the e-audiobooks that I listened to last year through Libby, I didn't even look over the ones that I checked out in physical form, whether audiobook or print. I guess I read more than I thought I did! I am going to be participating in our Ultimate Book Nerd Reading Challenge this year, and I look forward to not only reading as much as possible but also expanding my interests and pushing myself to explore different topics. Check out the reading challenge on our website and join us for our quarterly silent book club meetings!
What Did You Read?
What books did you get around to reading this year?
Let us know in the comments what some of your favorites were and don't forget that we have the Thursday Afternoon Read Book Club and our Ultimate Book Nerd Reading Challenge for 2020! Happy reading!