Reviewer Spotlight

Branch: Myers Park

Gina, who works at the newly renovated Myers Park Branch, is an enthusiastic reader and reviewer. She has reviewed a variety of fiction and non-fiction for adults. Here are her thoughts on reading and writing reviews:

My mother, Ginger, has always been the reader in our family. I have fond memories of going to the paperback book exchange with her as a child. My sisters and I found out early on that if we were grounded and it was "book day"; we’d be off the hook. All we had to do was make noise while she was reading to be told "go outside". She used to have a big pile of Harlequin Romance novels; she’d easily finish 3 or 4 books in one sitting. If Dad was out of town; she’d finish 10-12 in one day.

Reading has always been a presence in my life, although I don’t really remember reading that much as a child; could have something to do with living in Central Florida and being outside every minute. Oh, I read all the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books, but I don’t remember reading impacting me until I read Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice. I was 11 or 12 years old when I read that book and was convinced the entire thing was true. Who could make that stuff up? Happily, with many trips to our local Library, I found that many, many people could make that stuff up, and MORE.

My reading tastes are morphing all the time. I used to read primarily historical fiction; always makes me feel like I’m not wasting time, its history. I still enjoy historical novels, especially mysteries, biographies, history, mythology, and my new crush; the political book. The past decade has seen so many talented writers turning their attention to the way our government runs our lives. I usually read a fiction and nonfiction book at the same time. Although I love these political books, they frustrate me, and that’s when I turn to fiction for some relief. Currently I’m reading In the Night of the Heat by Blair Underwood and We Who Dared to Say No to War: American Antiwar Writing from 1812 to Now by Murray Polner and Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

Reviewing books is so enjoyable to me. I’m often asked what I’m reading and why I like it; I could bend your ear all day long. I find writing the reviews or performing Podcasts, to be different because you’re not face to face with the interested party. I find it easier to be short and to the point in these formats. By the same token, I’m always interested in what you’ve been reading and why you liked it, or didn’t. Stop by to see me at Myers Park and we’ll talk.

Hope to see you around, Gina.

Thanks, Gina!