Reviewer Spotlight

Branch: Mint Hill Branch

Reader's Club recognizes Donna who works at the Mint Hill Branch. She has reviewed novels for both adults and teens. Here are her thoughts on reading and writing reviews:

When I was a young child, the first author who sucked me into books was Dr. Seuss. I loved his Seussical creatures and gobbled up his books with relish. I can remember my disappointment after I had read them all. But wait... new ones arrived!

In the 3rd-5th grades, I was an assistant to my school’s librarian (little did I know that this training would serve me well in years ahead). Opening new books, shelving and straightening, what fun! Getting first pick at the new books was great (we didn’t have holds back then). My parents let me join the Book of the Month Club, and I still have some of those cherished books (Key to the Treasure by Peggy Parish is among them).

For several summers, I remember reading every mystery I could get my hands on. Then, in high school, I purchased a copy of Dune. After that, came The Lord of the Rings. I would stay up until 3 or 4 in the morning reading these during the summer. SciFi/Fantasy books became my favorites after reading those two series.

Years later, when my youngest started t-ball, Janet Howell at the Mint Hill Branch recommended the Belgariad series by David Eddings. After reading his books, I went on to Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series.

When you ask a librarian, you are given a lot of much-appreciated reader’s advisory. They can actually make books sound fantastic that you normally wouldn’t even consider reading.

Romantic suspense is a favorite with authors Linda Howard, Iris Johansen, Sandra Brown, and Nora Roberts to name a few. Currently, my all-time favorite series is the In Death series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I love the character development you get in a series, and the characters feel like a part of your family. For fun, I read books by authors such as Janet Evanovich and Mary Kay Andrews.

Working with teens, I read young adult novels to be able to recommend them firsthand. Some favorites: Artemis Fowl, Uglies, Peeps, The Truth About Forever, Twilight, and Mimus.

Normally, I write reviews when asked. After all, I could spend that time reading a new book!

Thanks, Donna!