This book was okay and I found certain passages more than a little amusing (I did laugh out loud several times). Unfortunately, Borchert is a one-noteThis book was okay and I found certain passages more than a little amusing (I did laugh out loud several times). Unfortunately, Borchert is a one-note guy and I found the book as a whole to be a superficial treatment of public libraries. What Borchert has essentially done is string together a bunch of colorful anecdotes (librarian "war stories") but offers very little insight into what makes the job so great and why public libraries are so important to their communities. He hints at it, but never really gets there. I know his goal was to make us laugh, perhaps even shock us, but I found the lack of real substance disappointing and uninspiring....more
Very sentimental, sweet engaging story combining two of my favourite things: the public library and cats. The writing is a little schmaltzy and melodrVery sentimental, sweet engaging story combining two of my favourite things: the public library and cats. The writing is a little schmaltzy and melodramatic, and Myron imbues Dewey with an almost saintly, omniscient presence, but cut her a break because she is blinded by love. The ending broke my heart, which I knew it would. ...more
Douglas has a cheeky (if somewhat cynical and over-bearing) sense of humour; the kinda guy you might wanna go for a beer with. He's also incredibly hoDouglas has a cheeky (if somewhat cynical and over-bearing) sense of humour; the kinda guy you might wanna go for a beer with. He's also incredibly honest about his flaws and the unkind thoughts he has on the job (which we all have working at the public library, no question). He's also insightful and sensitive, attempting to recognize and respect people's humanity and dignity. Where he succeeds he manages to do so without being too preachy or coming off like a self-appointed saint.
His anecdotes are enlightening and hilarious (sometimes a little depressing), but reminded me in a good way why I love to do this job; because it isn't always easy or fun. People can be rude, scary, or downright bewildering. There are days you just want to pack it all in; Douglas shows us why we don't and why being a librarian isn't such a stupid thing after all, it's actually pretty cool.
I don't agree with many of his observations and generalizations about librarians (especially that none of us read)! For the record, I work in an environment surrounded by library staff who are dedicated readers. And they're reading by choice and for pleasure, not because they think they should. I also know that the people who suffered through the trenches of library school with me and have now gone on to work at libraries scattered all across Canada, are dedicated readers.
I could definitely appreciate his unique point of view though. Working in an underfunded American public library in a city with social and economic problems really has to impact on the job and your co-workers. I'm only thankful that I work in a downtown public library in Western Canada in a city with a population of less than 300,000. I face problem patrons everyday, but at least homelessness, mental illness, and youth violence are at a minimum. Most patrons are wonderful and appreciative of our help. My co-workers are wonderful and people I feel blessed to know.
A generalization I would make about library staff is that the majority of them are dedicated, love their job, and 90% of the time are trying their best.
What can I say about this book that hasn’t already been said a thousand times, in a thousand different ways in various languages throughout the world?What can I say about this book that hasn’t already been said a thousand times, in a thousand different ways in various languages throughout the world? I struggled with whether to even write a review at all – the task seemed daunting, not to mention unnecessary. This is, after all, one of those classics considered sacred by literary critics past, present, and we can only assume future. It makes every list you can think of, including the one for banned books (and you know only the best show up there).
But that in itself isn’t what impresses me … it’s that To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those magical books that readers cherish for years (despite being made to read it in school). Readers young and old carry it in their hearts, keeping dog-eared copies around the house that show the obvious wear and tear that only the truly well-loved, well-thumbed novel shows. There are favorites, and then there are favorites, you know? And Mockingbird is the latter kind.
There’s a lot at work in its pages to make it so. Harper Lee’s lyrical prose for one thing (oh, how it sings, hanging so sweetly on each and every lazy southern drawl). Then there’s the book’s heart and quiet dignity (like Atticus Finch himself), that any weaknesses (which won’t be pointed out by me) are forgiven because it’s a story that is perfect in its imperfections. It’s a simple book really, and that is part of its charm too. The best stories with the most powerful messages don’t need to be complicated. Their truths are so universal, so inarguably human, that they don’t need to rely on a lot of literary “tricks” and hocus-pocus.
Atticus Finch is our moral compass – a man who cherishes his community, his profession, his friends, and above all else, his children. Fairness, Courage, Patience, Loyalty, Love, Empathy. That’s Atticus, and these qualities the best of what humanity is capable of when it lets itself.
Lee gives us the world through the innocent eyes of a child, and we are there when that innocence is stripped away. Scout and Jem come to know the complicated, contradicting ways of their small, insular community, but by so doing learn something just as true about the larger world. The reality is harsh, the truth is cold, but Atticus’s warmth and strength exists to comfort them and inspire hope. We don’t stop needing that comfort and hope as we grow older; if anything, we need it more. And books like this one exist to give it I figure.
One last thing; in case you thought this novel heavy and “serious” with a capital S because of its themes of racial, gender, and class inequality, have another think. This novel is supremely funny in parts (I laughed out loud in numerous places). Lee offers delightful insight into small town minds, manners and sensibilities revealing the signature buffoonery and hypocrisy of a particular time and place. I love Dill – he had me screaming with laughter, and has made me consider whether he’s the inspiration behind Irving’s Owen Meany character. I know I don’t have to say it but I will anyway: highest possible recommendation. ...more
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