I’m trying to read more books that I choose for my own reading enjoyment. Not for review, but because I’ve been wanting to read them or they caught my attention. Most of them have been talked about ad nauseam or have been on my to-read list for a long time so they don’t really need a full review. But, I’d still like to give them some space here on the blog, so instead, I’m offering mini-reviews of the books that won’t get full-page space here.
I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly Quick Lit link up. Be sure to head over to see others link up their Quick Lit posts.
THE POWER OF MOMENTS
By: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Published: October 3, 2017
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Non-Fiction
Format: Audiobook
If you have a leadership role in your business or have an influential role over adults or children, this is a must-read. This book offers practical examples of ways to create moments that leave a lasting impression on others. With examples like the first day of work at a John Deere plant in China to a school “signing ceremony” for students going to college to a run-of-the-mill hotel that offers a “popsicle phone” for its guests the authors share how personal yet small efforts can make a big difference in the memories of employees and customers.
The examples were shockingly simple yet impressive in its impact on those who received treatment. I listened to it on audio and it was quite a quick listen. However, if I wanted to really look at adding some of the steps to my leadership role, I would want to have a physical copy to highlight and make notes.
Overall, the simple efforts that businesses, employers, and really anyone can make to add a bit of excitement to a regular moment, can leave a lasting impression.
ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE
By: Gail Honeyman
Published: May 9, 2017
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Fiction
Format: Paperback
Well, I didn’t know what to think about Eleanor Oliphant at first. She was definitely strange and quirky, but once I got to know her and learn more about her, I was enamored with her. Eleanor will make you laugh out loud, shake your head, drop your jaw, and ultimately make you cry. What Eleanor has gone through and her reasons for doing things the way she does them will come out as her story is gradually told. There is a nice twist at the end and will make everything even more clear about Eleanor, but no matter what, you’ll wish you could give her a hug and tell her she is….completely fine!
I loved all the other characters that come into Eleanor’s life at just the right time and each of them serves a purpose including the briefly mentioned store clerk, the department store gal, and the makeup counter gals. Each of them opens up Eleanor’s world to new things and help her continue to stretch outside of her comfort zone.
This is a quick and enjoyable read! I hope there is more to come from Honeyman!
I WORK AT A PUBLIC LIBRARY
A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks
By: Gina Sheridan
Published: July 31, 2014
Publisher: Adams Media
Non-Fiction
Format: eBook, purchased
I’m on the Library Board of our local library and volunteer there when our librarian needs to take a day off. So, I totally get some of the crazy things that can happen while working at the library. The author is a librarian (at least at the time) in St. Louis which is MUCH bigger than our tiny library in our town of 700. So, her stories are much crazier, but I could totally relate.
Gina Sheridan decided to keep a log of all the crazy things that happened while helping customers at the library. Let me tell you, she has definitely had some mind-boggling and hilarious questions and situations to deal with. Her chapters are headlined with a Dewey Decimal category of Computers, Listening in, Bullying, and Human Anatomy to name a few. Her chapters are brief and the stories are short so you can breeze right through the pages. You’ll want to keep reading to find out what crazy thing she is going to tell you about next. You will either laugh, smack your head, or cringe.
Anyone who loves our libraries and librarians would get enjoyment out of learning some of the weird and funny things that they may deal with on any given day.
I’D RATHER BE READING
The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
By: Anne Bogel
Published: September 4, 2018
Publisher: Baker Books
Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover, purchased
The much loved “book therapist” Anne Bogel shares essays on the many delights of reading. Her gorgeous little book is perfect to keep out and entice visitors to talk about their love of reading with you. Her chapters include brief essays on all the things we love about reading and being a life-long reader.
I loved the Confess Your Literary Sins chapter because it has taken me until later in life to realize that I don’t have to “like” every book I read or every book someone else likes. It’s ok to NOT finish a book. It’s ok if I don’t ever plan to read HARRY POTTER. It’s ok if I didn’t like TWILIGHT or FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. We all have our literary confessions and these are just a few of mine. But, it’s what makes reading fun and varied and exciting. If we all read the same books how boring would we be?
The chapter on Book Twins was also a fun chapter to read. I have a couple book twins, one I’ve known since college and one I have met in the last ten years. We both have very similar tastes in reading and I feel like we are book twins. We don’t seem to ever have a conversation that doesn’t somehow turn to books.
If you have a life-long love for reading or maybe you are a new voracious reader, this book will remind you of all there is to love about opening up a book and ignoring the world to finish a chapter or the next one or the next one.
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Posted Under Anne Bogel, Book Review, Chip Heath, Dan Heath, fiction, Gail Honeyman, Gina Sheridan, non-fiction, Quick Lit