Reading Recommendations From: Sherri Myers

This week we introduce a new feature to our blog, “Reading Recommendations From: ______.”  In addition to the recommendations from library staff, this new feature will appear periodically with book recommendations from a notable “guest reviewer.”  Our first guest reviewer is avid reader and library user Sherri Myers, HCC Director of Institutional Advancement.  Thanks to Sherri and all future guest reviewers for helping us all find more good books to read!

11/23/63 by Stephen King

This was a great book – Like many of his, it does not end as you expect.  It is a little intimidating at first because of the length (over 800 pages) but it is a very, very good read.

All of us, especially when we reach a certain age, wish we could go back and change something in our past.  We wish we could travel back, knowing what we know now, and make a change: study harder for a test; marry someone different; not drive on a certain road; take a different job. This book is about time travel and changing something – but from a higher level.  Not just changing something in our past but significantly altering the face of history.

Don’t be intimidated by the length or that it is Stephen King. You will be intrigued, jealous and horrified all at once. Enjoy!

The Inn at Angel Island by Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer

I absolutely love Thomas Kinkade’s art – the stories that I imagine when I view his paintings he has now brought to life in his novels.

This is an uplifting story of a woman who thought she had it all just to find out life was changing beneath her and how she drew strength from her past to deal with the changes and make difficult choices.  It is the story of her family, her brother, her nephew, new friends she meets and how they intertwine with her past to strengthen her going forward.  This book was a blessing.

The Personal Interview, Part IV: Finishing Touches

You’ve arranged an interview, done your research, and received insightful answers to your brilliant questions. Now what?

• It goes without saying that you will thank your source at the interview’s conclusion but don’t forget to send a thank you note.
• If possible, before you conclude the session arrange a method (generally by email or phone) by which you may contact your source if you have any additional questions. Make sure to ask first and keep your questions brief and few in number-remember, your source has already been generous enough with their time by granting the interview.
• Interviews provide a large amount of information but to get the most from this resource you will need to transcribe and/or organize it to allow quick and easy access to the material.-Review your notes or audio recording of the interview as soon as you can while the material is fresh in your mind.
  -As you review, begin noting the information you might use and categorizing it to allow for quick reference later.
  -Develop a clear system of organization to distinguish exact quotes from paraphrasing.
• Don’t forget your citation! Find examples of citing interviews on our library style manuals page.