Introducing You to Rainbow Rowell

Sometimes you find an author and know instantly that you will always be a fan of their work. I had a moment like this after reading Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.


I recently joined a local Forever YA Book Club, which has fabulous picks btw. I decided to be ahead of the game and read some of the picks a few months before because ...well....I can be a slacker when it comes to book clubs (I do have good intentions though). It was through the FYA Book Club that I discovered Rainbow Rowell.

Since my move into Nonfiction and Reference Services and the fact that I have no outlet to write book reviews for work, my YA reading has tapered off some (and by some I mean it has pretty much ceased).This is one of the reasons I was keen to join the FYA book club. I will be forever indebted to FYA BC because this is how I discovered Eleanor and Park. This beautiful story of acceptance, love, and pain tore at my heart. I went back to my Goodreads Review to see what I had written and this is what I found (I read it in June): "The last sentence just shattered my heart into a billion pieces." That's not much of a review for you, but that last sentence did me in. For a waaaay better review of Eleanor and Park, check out fellow librarian blogger (and friend)'s My Fun-Size Life blog. Oooh, also read John Greene's NYT review as well! I'm such a lazy blogger, but they pretty much sum up everything I want to say...they just do it way better. 

So imagine my excitement when a lovely friend lent me an ARC of Fangirl, Rowell's upcoming New Adult book. I just knew that I would love Fangirl but I also knew that I probably wouldn't have that same euphoric feeling that Eleanor and Park left me with. I was wrong. Not only did I LOVE Fangirl, but it buried itself deep within my heart. Again, I went back to my Goodreads Review to see what I had written (I read it in July - 2 months ago): "Absolutely wonderful. I am completely in love with this book, Cath, Levi, Simon/Baz and pretty much everything else Rainbow Rowell touches." If I don't write a book review immediately after I finish the book, it is never going to happen. I should have written one (I'm kicking myself now for it), but you can read CuddleBuggery's review and relive my excitement about Fangirl .

So besides writing amazing books, let me give you another example of why Rainbow Rowell is a librarian's best friend. This woman epitomizes how wonderful social media can be for authors. I have written tons of book reviews over the years and though I can't always recall the author's name right off the top of my head, I CAN recall the authors who shared my reviews, who tweeted a thank you, or reached out in anyway through social media. Social media, whether it is Goodreads, Twitter, or Facebook, puts us all on the same playing field. Where else can you have instant contact to someone? 

Example: I tweeted this a few minutes ago, " I should be sleeping...not writing a blog about how awesome @rainbowrowell is. #librarianproblems"

Two minutes later I got this: Rainbow Rowell ‏@rainbowrowell

@LibrarianJuJu Thank you :)"

And this is not the first time that Rowell has reached out to librarians. Many of my libraryland friends have had interactions with her whether it is her favoring a tweet or joining in on our conversation. That little extra effort really makes a big difference!

If you need more examples of Rowell's awesomeness then I suggest you check out her blog post "Is Eleanor fat? Or does Eleanor just THINK she's fat?" or maybe "A Chat with Rainbow Rowell about Love and Censorship"

I probably should put a disclaimer somewhere in this post that I'm not some crazed fanatic...here: I promise I'm not stalking Rowell.

I just want you to know the awesomeness that is Rainbow Rowell.

Read All The Books: Week One

Project "Read All The Books" isn't going so well. On Day One someone donated 39 Johanna Lindsey books. Now, if you have read this blog in the past, you might know that I am obsessed with Johanna Lindsey. Didn't know that? Check out my post, "My Love Affair With Johanna Lindsey"

Johanna Lindsey is the author that got my hooked on romance novels. She just published her 50th book and I have read them all. I have even owned most of them (I did decided to trade the ones that I didn't love a few years back). I read most of her work when I was 13 or 14 years old. In those 12 years, I have reread and reread my favorites (Gentle Rogue), but have forgotten about some of the lesser novels. My coworkers know how much I love her so they immediately buzzed me to let me know about the donation. I bought 10. This did not help me succeed in my goal of reading all the books I own. 

Here is the updated challenge. Books Read: 0, Books Bought: 10, Total Books: 92

Discard Fridays

Sorry Regis, but you and your red jacket have to go. 

Project Read All The Books

Below you see a bookcase that holds all my TBR books....

The top shelf is filled with books that I currently have checked out from the library. The bottom 3 shelves, plus another shelf in the living room with my autographed books, hold all the books that I own that I still need to read. Currently numbered at 82 books. Yup. That's a lot. 

I picked up most of these books at conferences, yard sales, used bookstores, and my library's Friends. The problem I'm having is that I keep acquiring more books, but I am only reading the ones checked out from the library. 

To be fair, I only buy books after I do a little research. I don't just grab everything I see. I check Goodreads to see how the reviews fair and to see if any of my friends have read it. Still, when I am getting to the point of sneaking books into the house so the BF doesn't see, I know I have to do something. 

I have decided to challenge myself to read one of these books per week and maybe even right a quick review on it. For the most part, they are old school romance. There is a lot of old Diana Palmer, Lisa Kleypas, Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, and some Nora Roberts There is some general adult fiction, ya, and nonfiction, but mostly romance.

Wish me luck. 

Julius Caesar on audio book, you say?

To advertize any upcoming programs or special events at my library we have an old fashioned sign by the road. To update the sign, two staff members have to go outside and take off the old letters and replace them with the new events. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and it is a great way to get out of the library….unless a patron decides to follow you!

Last week I was outside changing the sign with one of my coworkers when we realized we left out one of the letters. I continued to update the sign as she ran inside to get the missing letter. When she came back she mentioned that there was a patron inside complaining about us not having Julius Caesar by Shakespeare on audio book. Since I am in charge of the classic books, I made a mental note to order it in audio the next time we do an order. Mental note was made and I went back to the task at hand.

Next thing I hear was “Excuse me! Excuse me!” I look up to see a woman coming out from the library and heading directly towards me by the road. She looked pretty angry and I wasn’t too thrilled that a patron was looking for me.

Patron: You don’t have Julius Caesar on audio book. I need Julius Caesar on audio book.

Me (I decided to play dumb just because this woman was ruining my little 30 minute escape): Excuse me?

Patron: You don’t have Julius Caesar on audio book. I need Julius Caesar on audio book.

Me: I’m very sorry, ma’am.

Patron: Well the Smithville Library has it, but this county doesn’t lend audio books and I need Julius Caesar on audio book. She has to listen to Julius Caesar on audio book. Why don’t you have Julius Caesar on audio book? I think it is completely ridiculous that you don’t have Julius Caesar on audio book!

I thought it was completely ridiculous how many times she was saying “Julius Caesar on audio book”, but that is not the point. The point is she was ruining my time away from the library. I go outside to get away from patrons and I don’t want them following me outside with their silly complaints.

Soapbox over. 

Life in the Library without Computers

When the computers go down (catalog and Internet) everything goes to hell.

Boy (about 9 or 10…always super annoying): What is wrong with all the computers?

Me: All of them are down. They will be down until at least tomorrow.

Boy: AAWWWW MAN! As you know I am a video game freak and I need to play.

Call numbers? I can do that....

At my library we have a patron who is the volunteer librarian at her church library. I have met her a few times when she has asked for suggestions about how to promote her library. When I saw her coming up to me the other day I was not prepared for the conversation that followed....

Patron: Hi, well you know that I am the librarian at my church

*Sidenote*: I did notice how she left out volunteer

Me: Yes

Patron: Well I just wanted to let you know that this book here (I noticed that she has one of our older nonfiction Christian books in her hand), well, you have it classified as 248.86. I classified it as 248.88, so you might want to change your call number.

You. could. have. knocked. me. over.

It took everything I had not to laugh right in her face.

I explained that sometimes books can fall in several different areas but the conversation was pretty awkward after the whole "you might want to change the call number" comment. I just could not believe the audacity.

Are you wondering if the book was in the right section? The original call number of 248.86 was the area that best suited this title.

Oh patrons....

Anne May Books?

Patron (older female): Hi, I am looking for books by Anne May for my granddaughter to read.

After some search, I couldn’t find anything related to Anne May in either our catalog or Amazon. I tried asking some questions, but the grandmother didn’t know anything. Suddenly the granddaughter walked up and in her hands was a graphic novel. Then it hit me.

Me: Ooooh, you mean Anime! 

Riddle Me This...

Question: How many police officers does it take to wake up a snoring patron?

Answer: 3

Welcome to my Friday. 

Librarian Throwback Thursday

Who doesn't love Clark Gable? *swoon*

From the movie, No Man of Her Own (1932) starring Gable and Carole Lombard. It is one of my favorite movies and the female lead is a librarian! 

TV Time

I thought I would break away from books (oh the horror!) just for a minute and update you on some TV shows I have been consumed by. I am not a big fan of TV…I’ll take my books any day! But BF watches a lot of TV and sometimes I get drawn in. BF also hooked up Netflix in the new house through his PS3 in the man cave room and through my blu-ray player in the den. I’m an old school Netflix girl (before streaming) so this is all new and shiny to me.

Here are some shows that I have really enjoyed lately (both on TV and Netflix). Chime in if you have seen any or have any recommendations for me.

The West Wing (all seasons available on Netflix)

            I know I am way behind on this but it is a recent discovery for me. I watch this and I feel guilty for not being more informed in today’s political chaos. I also have noticed that some of the issues they discussed in 1999 are still relevant and hot today.

Burgers (Fox and Netflix)

            I thought I would hate this show. BF had it turned on while I was reading and the next thing I knew it was 4 episodes later. Completely ridiculous and impossible not to watch. That Louise is so evil…I just love her!

House of Cards (Netflix)

            I am not a Kevin Spacey fan. He was always too sinister for my taste, but I had heard a good bit of buzz surrounding this especially since it received 9 Emmy nominations and it is solely a Internet show. This political drama is devious and hard not to watch. Props to Robin Wright for her portrayal of Frank Underwood’s cold and calculating wife, Claire. I thought she did an amazing job with her character and I was fascinated by Claire’s relationship with Frank (Kevin Spacey’s character)

Ray Donovan (Showtime)

          My mother insisted that we watch this show because she does not have Showtime anymore and she wanted someone to watch it. BF hasn’t started it yet but I find myself drawn to this mystery drama. Ray Donovan is played by the gorgeous Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight stars as his father who was just released from prison…supposedly after Ray set him up to take a murder fall. The show focuses on the mystery surrounding why Ray setup his father, Ray’s work as a professional “fixer” and his family. The show does take its time bringing all the storylines together so be patient with it. While you wait for everything to come together, stare at Live Schrieber and you will forget the wait.

X Factor (Fox)
         I don't as a rule watch too many reality shows. I have a big issue with them playing up people being mean and getting embarrassed. This is a big soapbox of mine, but that is another post. But last Fall I decided to watch the new season of X Factor because Britney Spears was joining as one of the judges. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I am a Britney Spears fan....I've even seen her in concert. Ain't no shame.
        Anyways, I really started enjoying the X Factor because they didn't embarrass the contestants or focus on the terrible auditions. They focused on the talent and I thought this was refreshing, especially since it seems to me that all American Idol does is make a mockery out of anyone who auditions
   

Banshee (Cinemax)

            BF actually got me hooked on the Cinemax drama that focuses on a recently released con who assumes the identity of a local police chief after he is murdered. Alan Ball (of True Blood) is one of the producers so expect some gore. Sidenote: Pay attention to the evolving introduction

Mystery Diners (Food Network)

            I worked in a restaurant for 6 years so I can attest to the amount of sneakry (I’m pretty sure I just made up this work) that goes on in a restaurant. Mystery Diners is an undercover operative show that helps restaurant owners figure out who is backstabbing them in their business. Watching restaurant shows reminds me of the life I led for 6 years. Working in a restaurant is something that no one can relate to unless they have working in a restaurant.

Scandal (ABC)

          Oh. My. God….I love this show. Do not call or text me while Scandal is on. I am a big fan of the early Grey’s Anatomy and this reminds me so much of that wonderful writing (hello Shonda Rhimes!) but only as a political drama. (Sidenote: what is up with me and all these political dramas?) Let’s just say the chemistry between Olivia Pope and President Grant is undeniable! Also, I love seeing Jeff Perry in anything (I have followed him since Nash Bridges)

The Good Wife (CBS)

            I have always loved Julianna Marguiles (Any ER fans?) and when I saw this show I knew I would love it! I have always been drawn to strong women characters that are stoic, but come off cold. There is also a great supporting cast with Alan Cumming, Archie Panjabi, Christine Baranski, Chris Noth, and Matthew Czuchry. It starts its 5^th season this Fall, but it won’t take you long to catch up with this legal drama.

Modern Family (ABC)

     Seriously, who doesn’t love this show?

Sherlock (BBC)

            Mr. Cumberbatch you are a delightful Sherlock Holmes. (Sidenote: Why don’t more parents name their kids Sherlock?) I like to think of each episode as a movie because even though there are only 3 episodes per season, each is an hour and a half. Great series that I cannot recommend enough to people.

Game of Thrones (HBO)

            Winter is coming. Gosh, I love this show, but remember…no one is safe (i.e. Red Wedding). Also, don’t be one of those people who watches the show but hasn’t read the book…then takes to FB to express your surprise when people die unexpectedly (i.e. Red Wedding) 

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)

            I am a late joiner to Grey’s. My Dad watched it religiously until the 4^th or 5^th season when he said it turned Soap Operay, which I agree with. Between seasons 4 to 7, it became ridiculous. I still love the show but I do not like how they have transformed the characters, like Callie, who was so strong in the beginning but is silly and overdramatic now. But I keep watching…Oh, Owen Hunt.

Downton Abbey (PBS)

            Season 3 was not my favorite, but I still love this period piece.

Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

            I will admit that I have a strange crush on Steve Buscemi. I cannot explain it and I will not justify it to you. That being said, from the very first episode I knew I was going to be hooked on Boardwalk Empire the HBO period piece that follows prohibitionist mobster Nucky Thompson.

Nashville (ABC)
     I love country music and since I live in the South, I knew I wanted to watch Nashville when it premiered last Fall. It definitely didn't disappoint. Went to the Grand Ole Opry in August and they had several of the cast members preforming, which was a great treat.

Restaurant Impossible (Food Network)

            I was a fan of Dinner Impossible back in its heyday, but I truly enjoy Robert Irvine’s Restaurant Impossible more. Irvine goes into failing restaurants and shows the owners and managers what they need to do to get back in the black. He also take $10,000 to modernizing the restaurant with a new décor. It is a fascinating show to watch, especially after working in a restaurant for 6 years.

Absolute Favorite Show? (even after 14 ½ years?)

General Hospital

            I can never get enough of the Q’s, the Cassadine’s, the Spencer’s, or any of the other crazy characters on GH. I left for a while, but I am back with a passion now!

For a person who says they don’t watch much TV, I sure did list a bunch of shows. I did leave off some that I still watch regularly (I’m talking about you, True Blood. You and all your completely ludicrous storylines.). I have also discovered some new shows that I am still working through (Orange is the New Black, Netflix and Luther, BBC). Maybe you saw a show you want to try. Any recommendations for me?