Reviewer Spotlight

Branch: Morrison Regional

This month Reader's Club honors Natalie, charter member of the Reader's Club team, expert readers' advisor, and "mystery queen." Here's what Natalie has to say about books, reading, and reviewing: "Reading has always been important. It is one of those things you can do for yourself that’s educational, relaxing and entertaining and doesn't cost anything. Even though I am strictly a fiction reader, I do learn a lot about what I am reading. Once upon a time, reading was our major source of entertainment. When Ed and I were in the army (or rather he was in the army, I was an army wife), we had no money for frivolous things such as movies or eating out, but there was the small Spring Lake Library and the books were free!!!! One of my favorite books of all time is the fantasy novel, A Fine and Private Place by Peter Beagle. She Walks These Hills by Sharyn McCrumb also ranks high on my list of favorites. I am a genre reader with my favorite being mysteries. I especially enjoy Southwestern Native American mysteries and I think the reason for that is that I like the sense of place, the cultural background and the traditions of the area and the people. McCrumb's book gives that same sense of place although it takes place in the Appalachians with people forgotten by time. When I read I am looking at the possibility of writing a review for Reader's Club or using that title for a program. I look for the gist of the book, the most important characters and what makes this a good or an interesting book. After all a review runs from 100 to 125 words so you need to be succinct and to the point. The same philosophy holds true when I am considering books that may or may not make a good program or book discussion. The only difference for a program is that there is usually more room to elaborate on the author or the content of the book. I think the reason I enjoy writing reviews and being a member of the Reader's Club is that I really enjoy doing Reader's Advisory. Matching a reader with the right book is a satisfying accomplishment." Thanks, Natalie, for your many contributions to Reader's Club! Take a look at some of the titles Natalie recommends in her Reader's Club reviews. Go to "Book Search" and put Natalie's name in under "Reviewer."