Sorry for the Delay

I haven't been posting much lately, I apologize. I realize I'm probably apologizing mostly to myself, because I haven't been keeping up my promise to write as often as I could here this year. I can't say there was any real definite reason keeping me away, just a general mood and feeling like I had very little of interest to say. Just a bit of the late winter blues, I think. But as the snow has finally melted here in Pittsburgh & spring is just around the bend, I think my desire to spit more frequent blog posts is coming back.

For now, I'll start with some book recommendations, since I finally seem to be back in a reading groove this month as well. While nothing in February grabbed me, March has been a parade of books. I'm reading two more right now and have about 5 to 10 checked out or on the holdshelf waiting for me. Once again, not including picture books nor the social-networking related reading I've been doing as of late.

Keeping with my promise to write a few words here for every 3 books I finish:

This Book is Overdue: How Librarians & Cybrarians Can Save Us All

by Marilyn Johnson

finished 2/28/10

The only book I finished in February, just happened to be one that highlighted my profession. And of course, I really loved it. Written by a non-librarian, Johnson really gives friendly and approachable descriptions of what this job is about. It's the book I want to hand to people (or at least quote) when someone doesn't understand that this job requires a Master's Degree, or makes some crack about libraries being non-existent anymore. This book really isn't meant for librarians, it's a book written to bring a misunderstood and often "forgotten" profession into light during a period of time when libraries are needed almost more than ever. If you're a book lover, a techno-geek, amateur archivist or just someone looking for an interesting non-fiction read, don't hesitate to pick up Johnson's book.

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky

by Heidi W. Durrow

finished 3/1/10

Though I hope I can keep using this phrase as the year progresses, "this is the best book I've read this year." Author Durrow has a handful of different degrees and her intelligence shows through this well-written debut novel. It's a haunting tale of a young girl finding herself living in Portland after a tragic family event. Told through the perspectives of a few different voices as Durrow weaves the moving and touching tale together. You can't help but have sympathy for everyone of her characters and wish that the book was a *little* bit longer. Highly, highly encourage everyone to read this!

Brooklyn

by Colm Tobin

finished 3/5/10

The story of an American-Irish immigrant girl sent to better her life in Brooklyn. A sweet read for this time of year, Irish gals themselves, or those who enjoy "American Dream" books. Readers will be captured by Eilis' hesitations, excitements, romance and family drama as she tries to adjust to her new American life while being pulled back home to her Irish roots. Ever since I checked the book out & returned it, we've been getting a lot of requests for this title at the library. I think it's going to be a very popular book-club read. So you may want to read it now before it's super popular.

And I haven't been out of writing completely. Just busy with library writing. I am teaching classes on social networking next month and it has been very time-consuming getting hand-outs and resources together (and quite frankly, I'm not even quite done yet). I've also been asked and am excited to spin this class into a workshop for librarians in Allegheny County. More pressure, but of the super fun, exciting kind. And the library is now on Facebook and blogging itself. Check out our blog here: http://scotttwppubliclibrary.wordpress.com/

I've been busy, but it's been enjoyable and exhilarating. Lots of projects, many creative outlets and all-around good things.

So, what have you been reading this month? Anything I should check out? Let me know in the comments!