THE BOOK REVIEW EDITOR

LAURA ROESCH

Time seems to be passing more quickly than usual but my book consumption is not quite keeping pace. Admittedly, there is no rhyme to the books selected except as evidence of my broad curiosity. Three WWII nonfiction, a social commentary, a history on the Middle East, two fantasy novels, five fiction novels, two mysteries, and one Victorian literature made their way, page by page, past my reading glasses in the last four months. And then there is the “TBR” stack – books waiting to be read. Often friends insist on lending me their favorite books. These go into the “’round-to-it” stack, joining an ever-growing assortment of books I will eventually get around to reading. Listening to a reader’s enthusiasm is inspiring as they explain why they are sure I, too, will love their selection. It is unlikely that the 1943 novel, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” by Betty Smith, would have landed on my reading radar had it not been for just such a friendly recommendation. Surprisingly, the book is often recommended for readers as young as 12, yet I doubt it would have made any sense to me at that tender age as it is mature in its nuances. A timeless coming-of-age story set in the early 1900s, the tale is bittersweet and eloquently written. My friend was right. It was an excellent read! Of course, not all recommendations are successful. In one of my previous columns, I described a book-recommendation faux-pas of trying to introduce Ignatius J. Reilly (who I thought hilarious when I first encountered him during my college years) to a conservative local book club. Let’s just say that no one was amused. However, when I shared this awkward moment with our readers recently, the story inspired one of them, Margaret Gamble, to share her own experience of trying to match literature to reader. When one of the readers turned the table and asked her to read a book, Margaret’s eyes were opened to a new genre that she would never have considered. And would have truly missed out on a masterpiece that brings together readers of all genders and ages. Check out her review on the pages that follow – and, by all means, read the book! How does a devoted reader keep up? It is truly a never-ending endeavor. But it is an exquisite dilemma. What a pleasure and a privilege to have available such reading opportunities, whether from personal recommendation of friends, the local bookstore, our public libraries, or online. How is your reading progressing this year? Are you keeping
up? Send me an email, share your bookish escapades or escapes.