Virtual bookshelves

I just watched an author talk on Zoom with Curtis Sittenfeld and Roxane Gay (both of whom I adore). And like Curtis, I am in love with Roxane Gay's full-wall, wraparound, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

So I was so excited when they started to talk about them! And then wonderfully amused when Roxane admitted that they were a virtual background... of another room in her house. With a window photoshopped in.

How amazing is that?

Also, she's building a Little Free Library in her front yard to put the galleys of all the books she's sent, and if I didn't want to be neighbors before, I definitely do, now.

I am so looking forward

To spending a little time before bed reading a book.

Reading

I'm a library kind of gal, and I've been a little thrown by the inability to check out books. True, there's Overdrive and electronic options, but without an e-reader, it seems like a lot -- to try to read a whole book on my phone.

So I'm trying something new -- audiobooks. So far, it's been really neat to hear the tone and voices change. I don't know that I'm processing as well as I would if I were reading... but I'm trying something new. And that's never a bad thing.

Book club

I've been going to the same book club (practically) every month for nine years, so it was a bummer when it looked like that whole staying-at-home thing was going to put a damper on it. But lo and behold, Zoom. We were still able to meet.

I most appreciate the thoughtful, intellectual (and often not) conversations we have about characters and choices and motivations. And especially working alone in a room, I was really glad to be part of a long, windy conversation with a bunch of smart women.

And amazingly, we (for the most part) didn't talk over each other and conversation just flowed.

Plus, a friend (who I hope also enjoyed it -- if not the book) was able to join, too, from another state. It was great to see her face and to hear her weigh in on the book, too. So I feel a little closer to her and to the group, both.

Swearing in

I came across this tweet:
https://twitter.com/emilynussbaum/status/1082336816412454913
which asks what book one would be sworn in on, if not a religious text.

I love the variety and thoughtfulness of the answers -- from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (it says "Don't Panic" in big letters right on the cover!) to "A Tale of Two Cities" to "Everybody Poops."

Mine? "The Phantom Tollbooth." Easy.

Books, books, books (and a bonus)

A post in three parts (and a bonus):

Today -- for the fourth time in recent memory, which is indeed a dangerous thing -- I stumbled upon Bag Day at my local library. This means that you can fill a grocery bag full of for-sale books for super cheap. In today's case, I spent $12 on two paper bags full of books. Luckily (because my shelf space is severely limited), I intend to give some of them away. I also came out with the John Green book I went in for, which was the original purpose of the library visit.

In the free book bin, I found a book of poems by Billy Collins. I was lucky enough to see him converse with Paul Simon last year, and I really loved the poems he read then. But I haven't sought out any others, despite intent. When I picked up the book, the co-worker who put it there saw my face. "It's gone to the right place," she said.

I got in the mail a book I lent out maybe two years ago. I'd forgotten just how beautiful it is. You should definitely read it. And now I have my copy back to lend again.

And! What else should come in the mail but a blue canary! For putting in the outlet by the light switch! (It's already there.) It was totally unexpected and I am super stoked!

Reading time

When I checked my email today, I was temporarily taken aback by a note with the subject "Library Notice." I have a sordid history with library notices and, I thought, I'd been particularly careful to return my books on time. So I was concerned that I'd missed one, and would now have to pay exorbitant fines.

Imagine my relief when the library notice instead was sent to inform me that a book I'd requested -- and didn't expect for another month or more (the waiting list is SO LONG!) -- arrived at my local branch!

So now I get to learn what's next for Katniss and the gang. And while I didn't love the first book as much as a lot of other people seem to have loved it, I am looking forward to seeing how the adventure continues.

Poetry

So, I know the newest U.S. Poet Laureate.

And that's kind of cool.

Also, I'm nerdily excited to tell you that I'm now the proud owner of a library card to the Library of Congress (which is where said poet laureate will set up shop come January). In case you were wondering, despite requiring a photo and a signature, it is not an official government ID.

The Craziest Thing Happened on the Way to the Library Today....

OK, OK... so it was AT the library, YESTERDAY. But you know how I love my catchy titles.

So, I have been spending more and more time at the previously dumped upon Durham Public Library. I am, in fact, there right now! I was here yesterday, as well, with one of my clients. It is a convenient place to meet, as it is not as distracting as the home, not as cold as the outside, has computers, and doesnt require a specific action (e.g.: going to the museum basically means we will be viewing the exhibits at the museum.)

Anyhow... My client and I were at the library, playing games on the computer. And the fire alarm went off!!! We all had to evacuate the library. Some people were pissed. We just braved the cold and went to the playground instead.

I don't know why this strikes me as so amusing, but it does. A loud, blinking, fear inducing alarm. At a LIBRARY. Who'd'a'thunkit?

Something else I find extrememly amusing? I am posting about this incident instead of writing my case note on said outing. Aye De Mi.

Like a Child in a Candy Store.

I feel that I have been spoiled.  I have been a student... well.. most of my life.  And most of my friends will tell you that I am CRAZY and want to GO BACK.

I was recently lamenting the crappiness that are the Wake County and Durham County public libraries.  Functional websites? Yes  Multiple Branches.  Yes.  Ok, so they beat the Newmarket Library by Leaps and bounds.  But you try to find a book about children of alcoholics published since 1985?  Shoot, you try to find a book about children of alcoholics that isn't a memoir/story... and you can not.

Where, oh where, have my university libraries gone?!?!  Carrying titles such as Working with Children of Alocholics:  A practitioner's handbook, and The Forgotten Children; A Study of Children with Alcoholic Parents.  What?!?!  Books that may be useful?!?!?  books that are STUDIES !?!?!  Books that address the topic I am trying to find that were NOT published by a 12-step program!?!?!?  H-E-A-V-E-N, thy name is Duke!  (though admittedly the study is old.)

Okay, Okay, I guess I will just have to put in some quality time at the Duke Library since I can't check out books.

Way-Oh!  What do you say person on the other side of the IM box embedded into the library website page that allows me to talk to a librarian real time without bothering to call??  I Can get a Duke Library Card?  For an Annual Fee of $50!!!  Oh Em Gee, Guise!  I am going to get one today! I am WAY TOO EXCITED for my own good.  Watch for pics of me with my library card posted to my facebook.  No.  I am not kidding.  I don't think.