Because I select nonfiction for the library, I read reviews instead of books in my spare time, trying to find the best books in each subject. But my daughter, who is a librarian also, told me I had to read a fiction book that was on the best seller list this summer, even buying me a copy when I said there were holds on our library’s copy and I would read it after the rush. I gave in and read The Help by Kathryn Stockett and loved it! I’m sure it will be a classic – well written, strong believable characters, compelling story. Can’t wait for more by this first time author and can’t think of anybody who wouldn’t love this book. When I passed on my copy to a friend who works in the library, she in turn suggested I read Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott. This was another thoughtful, well written book about people you might meet and like, struggling with everyday problems. And I was on a roll so picked up another fiction book, The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine. This was a light, funny beach read with one of the three being a librarian and one being a literary agent. But it too, hit the mark with enlightening family and generational attitudes.
Of course, I have to encourage you to read at least one nonfiction book this summer. My favorite this month was Switch : How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath.
It is a book primarily for businesses on how to make changes but tells about lots of recent, thought provoking studies and examples that show how change, sometimes unconsciously, happens. It says “for things to change, somebody somewhere has to start acting differently.” Then it lists step by step ideas to make that happen. Whether you want to change something about yourself or something about where you work, I think you will find innovative ways to do it in this book.
Phyllis Rogan, Reference Librarian
Steele Memorial Library
you are the second person to mention this book as one worth reading, I am going to have to give it a try