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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 non ction, a social com- mentary, a history on the Middle East, two fantasy novels, ve ction novels, two mysteries, and one Victorian litera- ture 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-grow- ing assortment of books I will eventually get around to read- ing. 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. Surpris- ingly, 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 com- ing-of-age story set in the early 1900s, the tale is bitter sweet 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-recommenda- tion faux-pas of trying to introduce Ignatius J. Reilly (who I thought hilarious when I rst 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 in- spired one of them, Margaret Gamble, to share her own ex- perience 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-end- ing 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 es- capes.
Submit your book review for consideration to: Laura@panamacityliving.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNIE BRANT
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALICE AND PHOEBE MASKER OF ALICE'S ON BAY VIEW RESTAURANT FOR THE USE OF THEIR RESTAURANT FOR OUR PHOTOGRAPHY
www.PanamaCityLiving.com • May - June 2018 • 21