Meet our Readers' Advisory Team: Catherine

Join us each month as we interview a Readers' Advisor at WPL so you can get to know the team a little better! This month we are featuring Readers Services Coordinator, Catherine. Continue below to see what book she can’t stop raving about, tips for branching into new genres, and more.

 

How long have you worked in libraries?

5 ½ years – 2 ½ years here at Wheaton Public Library where I enjoy working in readers’ advisory and choosing and delivering books for our homebound patrons.

 

What is your favorite genre, series, or book?

I love fantasy and both historical and contemporary fiction. Really anything that creates a good sense of place and has characters I want to get to know. I always fall in love with the characters in Natasha Pulley’s books.

 

What is the last book that you read?

What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, it is delightful! It’s like a collection of short stories, with a small community library as the common element. A quick, uplifting read.

 

Where is your favorite spot to read?

In a hammock on the deck in summer, curled under a blanket on the sofa in winter.

 

Tell us about a book you can’t stop raving about.

I will always love Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. It’s in the YA section and reminds me of the film Stand by Me mashed up with To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s a hauntingly beautiful coming of age story set in small town Australia.

 

What resources do you personally utilize when looking for the next book you want to read?

Recommendations from friends and family, journal reviews, the Next Reads eNewsletters from the library.

 

Do you have any tips for someone who is looking to branch into a genre they normally don’t read?

Find out some of the most popular titles/authors in that genre and give them a try, but don’t feel bad about giving up on a book if you don’t like it – put it down and try something else. There are also many genre mixes out there, so if you like thrillers but want to try romance, why not try a romantic suspense novel?

 

Do you have any tricks for someone who might want to incorporate reading into their daily routine, but is struggling to do so?

Audiobooks are great for listening to during your commute or while doing chores. Also, don’t try to do too much, even just 10 minutes before going to bed will get you started and before you know it, you’ll get hooked on the story and want to read more.