Jo's Fourth Book Note

Do you enjoy conversations about books? Is it hard to initiate a conversation about a title you are really enjoying? Some think that reading is a solitary event. Others love to talk about books. With today’s social media, joining a book club is very easy. Some libraries still have the face to face book clubs also.

I remember my anticipation of watching the Oprah Book Club specials on her earlier Oprah shows. I read titles I would not have considered reading if I saw the book just sitting on a shelf. As her format has evolved readers have been encouraged to engage in a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction reads. If you check her web site and type in book clubs on the search tool, you can find out what is new and favorites of the past. Just saying, Oprah’s love of reading and seeking of understanding the human experience has definitely had an influence on this reader.

Jo’s book note is this.  Some youth do not enjoy the required “Reading Circles” required for their English class.  If you are a parent, remind your teen that it is okay not to like the book. But, focused conversation on something other than the “teen scene” is an essential life skill.

On the flip side of teen readers, try not to stress out when your teen won’t stop talking about a book and its characters. Yes, I have one of those teens in my house. As parents we have a lot of other things to worry about.  We may get bored of hearing their commentary, but humor them. We just might learn something from the conversation. And who knows, maybe they will become a “J.K. Rowling” in their future. That’s my backup retirement hope!

Jo's Third Note

What is your response when asked, “What is your favorite book?” My first response is usually a moderate themed title. Some people like to give an outlandish answer to get a conversation going. The truth is, it depends on who I’m talking with or what kind of reading mood I am in.

So, if the person inquiring is more of an acquaintance I frequently respond with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Smith as it is a historical fiction piece about an Irish girl coming of age. A good friend recommended this to me when I was in my 30’s. The thing is, I have a lot of favorites in different genres. I love illustrated books targeting children that also have a deeper meaning for adults. For example, Frederick by Lionni tells about a mouse family and Frederick’s gifts are very different from the others and he isn’t appreciated until a challenge for the family occurs.

At different stages of growth we need favorite books. My book note is that keeping a dated and running list of different favorite books is valuable. The list represents a variety of interests and concerns we have in our changing seasons of life.  

Another tip, asking your children their favorite story and why they choose that title or inquiring what it is about may give you some insight to their interests, needs, and thinking.

Jo's Second Note

Do you prefer a hard back printed book, a paperback book, newspaper, magazine, or digital device in your hand? One is not necessarily better than the other. Some folks like all forms of text. Others have become dependent on digital devices for reading, either for information gathering or for pleasure. How many of us are going to a link to read an article from a social media platform like Facebook? I know I am.

Books of all kinds can now be found in digital format. For example, some encyclopedia companies have chosen to stop printing hard bound books because it is so much easier and cost effective to update a website data base. At the same time, I still have memories of a rare trip to the Powell’s Book Store in Portland, OR.  Walking in the old building on the squeaky wood floor, non-uniformed books on the shelves now out of print, and the texture of the various covers cannot be recreated.

So, Jo’s Book Note today is: don’t judge too harshly the digital readers or those who still have bounded books on their shelf. It is the content on the page that has value to the individual. By the way, most library systems have recognized that to keep up with the needs of their patrons, digital books need to be available. Two of the more popular digital book platforms for book loaning with your library are Overdrive and 3M. So, check it out!

Share with me what format you like for reading.

Jo's First Note

Do you ever feel like no one around you is reading a book? Well, there must be people reading somewhere as there are a slew of publishers still going strong. Even Amazon created their own physical book store to create an atmosphere similar to the well-known chain Barnes and Nobles. And, books are more accessible with digital publishing than ever before.

So, I’ve decided to provide this short blog for your reading pleasure.

My first “Jo’s Book Notes” is to simply state, visit your local library. It hasn’t disappeared and is working hard to keep up with the trends of those who visit. We are fortunate in the United States that most libraries are free. Okay, they are funded by taxes and grants. But, in most locations, the local resident may walk in and still borrow a book with an agreement of trust that the book will be returned with minimum wear and in a timely manner.

When you visit the library you will discover that people are still reading books. You might even find someone you know! Where else can you go and get something free!