Reviewer Spotlight

Branch: Mountain Island Branch

Reader’s Club recogizes Rene, who works in the Children’s Department at Mountain Island Branch Library. She has reviewed novels for both adults and teens. Here are her thoughts on reading and writing reviews:

“Like so many avid readers, I was born a bookworm. As a kid, I loved to read the same books over and over again. My grandmother would patiently comply when I requested The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids for the hundredth time. And the local public librarians should have bet money when they saw me coming that I would head straight for that Howard Carter book about King Tut’s tomb. (Maybe they did).

These days I read all sorts of books and find it nearly impossible to name just one kind of book that I prefer. Because I have lots of hobbies, I enjoy perusing the non-fiction aisles in search of new knitting patterns, unusual cookie recipes or a trail guide for my next hiking adventure. Working with children keeps me on my toes, and I’m always searching through books for creative games and activities.

When choosing fiction, I spend equal time with all genres. I especially love quirky comedies, horrifying thrillers, historical dramas and science fiction. Some of my favorite authors include Tom Robbins, Patricia Finney, Neil Gaiman, Kathy Reichs, Bill Bryson and Richard Montanari.

I keep an on-going “wish list” of books that friends and co-workers have recommended, and I enjoy asking kids about the books they have read (their informal reviews are usually very concise and extremely honest). It is a great feeling to share a new book with an old friend or to make a new friend through a classic tale!”

Thanks, Rene!