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Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life Of Librarians
“The not so quiet life of librarians…”
Life is a book… and every person is a chapter.
Everything’s looking up for Robin Walker. It’s 1994 in New York City, and he’s been transferred downtown to the 58th Street Branch Library. Ready to move up the ladder, Robin is excited about the opportunities that await him.
But success, personal or professional, is as elusive as a first-edition rare book. Robin struggles with his strange new work environment as this motley crew of employees generates more drama than a runaway bestseller. He doesn’t know who to believe – or who to let in. And as potential romance mingles with devious machinations, there’s no telling where Robin’s story will go. All he knows is that he must see it through to the very last page.
Call Numbers is a captivating and multilayered adult drama. Through realistic dialogue and situations, author Syntell Smith has crafted a modern-day classic about the trials and tribulations of adulthood. Because a library is usually the last place you’d expect high drama, but for these characters…it’s long overdue.
Life is a book… and every person is a chapter.
Everything’s looking up for Robin Walker. It’s 1994 in New York City, and he’s been transferred downtown to the 58th Street Branch Library. Ready to move up the ladder, Robin is excited about the opportunities that await him.
But success, personal or professional, is as elusive as a first-edition rare book. Robin struggles with his strange new work environment as this motley crew of employees generates more drama than a runaway bestseller. He doesn’t know who to believe – or who to let in. And as potential romance mingles with devious machinations, there’s no telling where Robin’s story will go. All he knows is that he must see it through to the very last page.
Call Numbers is a captivating and multilayered adult drama. Through realistic dialogue and situations, author Syntell Smith has crafted a modern-day classic about the trials and tribulations of adulthood. Because a library is usually the last place you’d expect high drama, but for these characters…it’s long overdue.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2019
17 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
dnf-shelf
October 20, 2019DNF @ 20%
When I got this book from the author for review, I was very excited, because it was about the inner workings of a library. But I've had to DNF it and that makes me sad. I've DNFed for two reasons:
1) there is so much anger and pettiness in that library between the staff - it's triggering the hell out of me (I was bullied at work in the past)
2) I think I'm not the right reader - way too many cultural references are going way above my head. I think you have to be American to read this.
Aside from this, I really struggled to get into it because a bunch of characters get introduced one straight after the other, basically in the first few pages. You end up with 10 names and nothing much else about them. (Apart from their clothes and looks. That's described in painstaking detail.) After a few pages all I was left with "name did this, and other name said that", but I couldn't really tell the characters apart. Again, this could be me and not the book.
There's also quite a lot of technical library talk that isn't explained much. I have no idea how American libraries work from the inside, nor even local ones. The staff positions or operations are not explained much, which left me feeling like I was reading a coded text. No idea what's going on. I think in this case it was simply that I was not the intended audience for this book at all.
I have to say, the book is very diverse though, so that's good. It's a shame I couldn't get into it. Maybe you will.
I thank the author for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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When I got this book from the author for review, I was very excited, because it was about the inner workings of a library. But I've had to DNF it and that makes me sad. I've DNFed for two reasons:
1) there is so much anger and pettiness in that library between the staff - it's triggering the hell out of me (I was bullied at work in the past)
2) I think I'm not the right reader - way too many cultural references are going way above my head. I think you have to be American to read this.
Aside from this, I really struggled to get into it because a bunch of characters get introduced one straight after the other, basically in the first few pages. You end up with 10 names and nothing much else about them. (Apart from their clothes and looks. That's described in painstaking detail.) After a few pages all I was left with "name did this, and other name said that", but I couldn't really tell the characters apart. Again, this could be me and not the book.
There's also quite a lot of technical library talk that isn't explained much. I have no idea how American libraries work from the inside, nor even local ones. The staff positions or operations are not explained much, which left me feeling like I was reading a coded text. No idea what's going on. I think in this case it was simply that I was not the intended audience for this book at all.
I have to say, the book is very diverse though, so that's good. It's a shame I couldn't get into it. Maybe you will.
I thank the author for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
February 18, 2022
I just realized that even though I read this book quite a while back, I'd never dropped a review. I'm the worst!
A behind-the-scenes look at the workplace politics that happen in public libraries. All the gossip, scandals, and interpersonal relationships the workers of an NYC public library experience. Smith writes believable, relatable, and diverse characters into a story that is fast-paced and so much fun!
I loved the pop culture references, the diversity, the scandals, and infighting amongst the workers of the library. Seeing the interpersonal relationships between the long-time employers and the new hires was especially interesting.
If you want a soap-operatic, funny, and exciting read (and you love libraries as much as I do), then CALL NUMBERS is worth picking up!
A behind-the-scenes look at the workplace politics that happen in public libraries. All the gossip, scandals, and interpersonal relationships the workers of an NYC public library experience. Smith writes believable, relatable, and diverse characters into a story that is fast-paced and so much fun!
I loved the pop culture references, the diversity, the scandals, and infighting amongst the workers of the library. Seeing the interpersonal relationships between the long-time employers and the new hires was especially interesting.
If you want a soap-operatic, funny, and exciting read (and you love libraries as much as I do), then CALL NUMBERS is worth picking up!
April 10, 2020
This book was amazing. It was well written. The character and location description was great. It flows well there is a hint of mystery and a whole truckload of drama. I can't wait till book 2 comes out in September.
July 27, 2022
(Actual rating: 2.5 stars)
Call Numbers is a unique book. I’ve never read anything like it and I doubt I ever will again.
Starting out, I was very intrigued by this story. All of the characters were interesting and well fleshed out, and I loved getting a behind the scenes look into the working of a library. The jargon and the inside knowledge the workers had and used to test the others was fun to read.
But beyond that, this book became a very intense read, one that I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Full of racism, hate, hazing, and violence, Call Numbers was a very difficult story for me to finish. I did do so, but I found myself having to skim across some of the more vicious scenes.
Now I’m not saying this is a bad story - it’s not. It’s very well written and executed, but for me, it was too much. The vitriolic way the coworkers treated each other and how fighting was used to solve almost every problem resonated badly with me. Certain themes like the racist remarks and hate acts were definitely there to teach a lesson, but I felt as if the use of violence was almost encouraged, or at the very least condoned.
At the end of the day, I was unable to relate or care for any of the characters because of their anger and the way they spoke and treated each other. They did have reasons for the way they acted and childhood traumas that made them more predisposed to violence but still...it felt so unrealistic, almost as if I was in another world where everyone was perpetually furious and had no brain to mouth filter.
Syntell Smith is a very talented author but this story wasn’t the one for me.
Call Numbers is a unique book. I’ve never read anything like it and I doubt I ever will again.
Starting out, I was very intrigued by this story. All of the characters were interesting and well fleshed out, and I loved getting a behind the scenes look into the working of a library. The jargon and the inside knowledge the workers had and used to test the others was fun to read.
But beyond that, this book became a very intense read, one that I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Full of racism, hate, hazing, and violence, Call Numbers was a very difficult story for me to finish. I did do so, but I found myself having to skim across some of the more vicious scenes.
Now I’m not saying this is a bad story - it’s not. It’s very well written and executed, but for me, it was too much. The vitriolic way the coworkers treated each other and how fighting was used to solve almost every problem resonated badly with me. Certain themes like the racist remarks and hate acts were definitely there to teach a lesson, but I felt as if the use of violence was almost encouraged, or at the very least condoned.
At the end of the day, I was unable to relate or care for any of the characters because of their anger and the way they spoke and treated each other. They did have reasons for the way they acted and childhood traumas that made them more predisposed to violence but still...it felt so unrealistic, almost as if I was in another world where everyone was perpetually furious and had no brain to mouth filter.
Syntell Smith is a very talented author but this story wasn’t the one for me.
March 17, 2019
If you ever thought that librarians were meek, mild-mannered individuals, then think again! Smith creates a world full of drama between the stacks in this New York library, where it seems that none of its employees can be trusted...
I found this book difficult to get into because of the vast number of characters. The read itself was quite dense and involved a lot of attention and I think this was because I struggled to connect with each individual’s story. With frequent dialogue and sudden shifts in storyline, it wasn’t until the last quarter of the novel did I find myself remembering all the different characters and understanding their plot involvement. I wonder, perhaps too many characters were given attention in this first novel of a series? Perhaps Smith would have created a better dynamic by reducing the number of characters he truly focused on, running their stories to a conclusion in the first novel, before bringing a different set of characters to the forefront of the plot in the next book of the series?
Despite my misgivings, I could not help but imagine the setting as my own childhood library. And it is with utmost fond memories that I was able to place the cast of this novel into my own library imagination. However, with these rosy memories comes stories of racism, family and loyalty as each member of the library staff appear to being tested by either other colleagues or external influences. It casts a shadow over a place typically associated with calm and tranquility, which shows how the writer creates a totally different world to one that you would expect within a library.
The central protagonist, Robin Walker, was equally endearing and irritating. His violence and bad temper made him seem immature and hot headed. I was frustrated by how often he was able to shout at others and resort to violence and, whilst this does reflect Walker’s passionate nature, made me wish that the writer had done more to reveal about Walker’s personality and background influences. It’s possible that I missed this from my reading but, nonetheless, I wish the writer had set an example that violence is not the resolution.
Within this story there are plenty of geographical demands - lots of references to New York streets which were hard to follow. Not being a resident or at all familiar with the city, I found this quite alienating and the details somewhat mundane. I am sure if you know New York well, this would make the story even more vivid but for me, this meant the plot was full of irrelevant details.
The reverence dedicated to librarians and the “code” was slightly unbelievable. It reminded me a bit of the “Pirates Code” from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and I wasn’t too sure whether this reverence was meant to be taken seriously. It seemed to suddenly get Robin Walker out of many sticky situations so it just felt quite ridiculous at times.
So, all in all, whilst I did enjoy reading a different perspective into the inner workings of the employees at a library, the intensity of the plot lessened my enjoyment. I certainly would read the next of the series out of curiosity to see how the writer develops the storylines further, especially now as I feel I finally understood all of the characters by the closing of the novel! It grabbed my attention and I predict that the next story would be more engaging, having fully established the characters in this book.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book difficult to get into because of the vast number of characters. The read itself was quite dense and involved a lot of attention and I think this was because I struggled to connect with each individual’s story. With frequent dialogue and sudden shifts in storyline, it wasn’t until the last quarter of the novel did I find myself remembering all the different characters and understanding their plot involvement. I wonder, perhaps too many characters were given attention in this first novel of a series? Perhaps Smith would have created a better dynamic by reducing the number of characters he truly focused on, running their stories to a conclusion in the first novel, before bringing a different set of characters to the forefront of the plot in the next book of the series?
Despite my misgivings, I could not help but imagine the setting as my own childhood library. And it is with utmost fond memories that I was able to place the cast of this novel into my own library imagination. However, with these rosy memories comes stories of racism, family and loyalty as each member of the library staff appear to being tested by either other colleagues or external influences. It casts a shadow over a place typically associated with calm and tranquility, which shows how the writer creates a totally different world to one that you would expect within a library.
The central protagonist, Robin Walker, was equally endearing and irritating. His violence and bad temper made him seem immature and hot headed. I was frustrated by how often he was able to shout at others and resort to violence and, whilst this does reflect Walker’s passionate nature, made me wish that the writer had done more to reveal about Walker’s personality and background influences. It’s possible that I missed this from my reading but, nonetheless, I wish the writer had set an example that violence is not the resolution.
Within this story there are plenty of geographical demands - lots of references to New York streets which were hard to follow. Not being a resident or at all familiar with the city, I found this quite alienating and the details somewhat mundane. I am sure if you know New York well, this would make the story even more vivid but for me, this meant the plot was full of irrelevant details.
The reverence dedicated to librarians and the “code” was slightly unbelievable. It reminded me a bit of the “Pirates Code” from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and I wasn’t too sure whether this reverence was meant to be taken seriously. It seemed to suddenly get Robin Walker out of many sticky situations so it just felt quite ridiculous at times.
So, all in all, whilst I did enjoy reading a different perspective into the inner workings of the employees at a library, the intensity of the plot lessened my enjoyment. I certainly would read the next of the series out of curiosity to see how the writer develops the storylines further, especially now as I feel I finally understood all of the characters by the closing of the novel! It grabbed my attention and I predict that the next story would be more engaging, having fully established the characters in this book.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2019
Even though it took me a while to read the first 50 or so pages, I really found this book quite interesting. It has it all — drama, comedy, well-developed characters, and it deals with various social issues such as racism and sexism. Also, I love that the novel is set in the 1990s, as I’m a 90’s kid. It was so fun remembering that decade’s lifestyle, trends, and technology.
While we usually think we’re prepared for what awaits us after we graduate from high-school or college, the truth is that most of us have no idea how to deal with being a grown-up.
Therefore, the fact that this is one of the recurring themes in the novel, makes it quite universal. While many of the characters are still in their teens or early twenties, this is by no means only a Young Adult novel. It explores not only the process of growing up and dealing with adult responsibilities but also analyses the adult characters, their actions, and motivations.
Of course, it’s not all about social injustice and adulting issues. There are also some romantic subplots, suspense, and personal dramas to keep things spicy.
Whether you love or hate your job, you will surely find some of the library scenes very familiar. For instance, mean treatment of new employees, sometimes brutish colleagues, various intrigues and gossips, nepotism, an elderly lady who seems to know everything and anything that happens under the library roof — it’s all there.
The fact that Smith decided to create so many characters has both good and bad sides.
On the one hand, I love that no character in this novel is lazily portrayed. First, they all have well-developed backstories. Moreover, the novel doesn’t just portray their work-related issues, but also their private lives and problems.
Also, the characters are incredibly diverse: we have African-Americans, Native Americans, Caucasians, and Asians. Therefore, since diversity is a big issue in America, not just in books, but in pretty much every industry, this was a great and brave move.
The problem with having so many characters is that most of the first part of the book is all about describing them. Not just their backstories and basic features, but detailed descriptions of what they’re wearing and how tall they are, makes it hard to get into the book. This doesn’t apply only for the major characters, but also to the general public that shows up in the library from time to time.
All in all, this novel is definitely worth reading, and I’m looking forward to the nest part of the series.
P.S. I would like to thank Syntell Smith for giving me a chance to read his first novel and sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
While we usually think we’re prepared for what awaits us after we graduate from high-school or college, the truth is that most of us have no idea how to deal with being a grown-up.
Therefore, the fact that this is one of the recurring themes in the novel, makes it quite universal. While many of the characters are still in their teens or early twenties, this is by no means only a Young Adult novel. It explores not only the process of growing up and dealing with adult responsibilities but also analyses the adult characters, their actions, and motivations.
Of course, it’s not all about social injustice and adulting issues. There are also some romantic subplots, suspense, and personal dramas to keep things spicy.
Whether you love or hate your job, you will surely find some of the library scenes very familiar. For instance, mean treatment of new employees, sometimes brutish colleagues, various intrigues and gossips, nepotism, an elderly lady who seems to know everything and anything that happens under the library roof — it’s all there.
The fact that Smith decided to create so many characters has both good and bad sides.
On the one hand, I love that no character in this novel is lazily portrayed. First, they all have well-developed backstories. Moreover, the novel doesn’t just portray their work-related issues, but also their private lives and problems.
Also, the characters are incredibly diverse: we have African-Americans, Native Americans, Caucasians, and Asians. Therefore, since diversity is a big issue in America, not just in books, but in pretty much every industry, this was a great and brave move.
The problem with having so many characters is that most of the first part of the book is all about describing them. Not just their backstories and basic features, but detailed descriptions of what they’re wearing and how tall they are, makes it hard to get into the book. This doesn’t apply only for the major characters, but also to the general public that shows up in the library from time to time.
All in all, this novel is definitely worth reading, and I’m looking forward to the nest part of the series.
P.S. I would like to thank Syntell Smith for giving me a chance to read his first novel and sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2020
Call Numbers is an adult drama that follows the lives of employees at the 58th street branch library in New York. Whilst the narratives main focus is Robin Walker, a new employee of the library who comes to encounter a series of trials caused by his new colleagues, the book is filled with plenty of intriguing characters. Robin struggles to navigate his environment finding himself entangled in workplace politics as well as the drama of others, and boy was there drama!
This book initially appealed to me as a library assistant working in the UK. Whilst reading it, I was surprised to find that despite being set in New York, a lot of the day to day work of the clerks was similar to my own role. Some of the characters experiences with customers were also hilariously relatable. This is probably a wonderful time to mention that it infuriates us when people refuse to pay their fines!
Syntell Smith has been ambitious with the structure of his novel. There are a lot of characters who are introduced quickly and whilst this could be a put off for some, I really enjoyed the diverse cast of people. Furthermore, another problem with having too many characters is that sometimes they fall flat, not having the three dimensionality that is needed to make a reader empathise. Again, for Call Numbers, this is not the case. Each and every character is layered, having been shaped by their own personal experiences inside and outside of the library. Two characters really stood out for me. The first was Robin Walker, a witty but hot-headed young man who at times comes across as very irritating. Despite this his passion for libraries shines through. The second was Sonyai. Whilst I didn’t agree with some of the decisions she made throughout the novel, her clear love and protectiveness of one of the library pages and her willingness to fight for her made me respect her as a character. I think what makes some of these characters relatable is the fact that they aren’t perfect. Just like in reality, people have their flaws. We grow as people and these characters are no exception. I’m intrigued to see how these characters mature throughout the novel.
Finally, whilst I enjoyed the light more comical moments, Syntell Smith is not afraid to confront more serious issues such as racism, sexism, and nepotism. The cast of characters is very diverse with the employees of the library being from African American, Native American, Asian, and Caucasian backgrounds. We see attitudes to certain groups being manifested in the library’s customers, employees’ personal lives, and also between employees of the library themselves. Some of the more serious things that happen were uncomfortable for me to read, but this book serves as a lesson to the kinds of prejudice that everyday people face.
With that being said, this book also has wonderful moments of friendships being forged and people coming together to support each other. This book is both heart-warming and eye opening. This is a well-constructed novel with plenty to keep the reader guessing.
This book initially appealed to me as a library assistant working in the UK. Whilst reading it, I was surprised to find that despite being set in New York, a lot of the day to day work of the clerks was similar to my own role. Some of the characters experiences with customers were also hilariously relatable. This is probably a wonderful time to mention that it infuriates us when people refuse to pay their fines!
Syntell Smith has been ambitious with the structure of his novel. There are a lot of characters who are introduced quickly and whilst this could be a put off for some, I really enjoyed the diverse cast of people. Furthermore, another problem with having too many characters is that sometimes they fall flat, not having the three dimensionality that is needed to make a reader empathise. Again, for Call Numbers, this is not the case. Each and every character is layered, having been shaped by their own personal experiences inside and outside of the library. Two characters really stood out for me. The first was Robin Walker, a witty but hot-headed young man who at times comes across as very irritating. Despite this his passion for libraries shines through. The second was Sonyai. Whilst I didn’t agree with some of the decisions she made throughout the novel, her clear love and protectiveness of one of the library pages and her willingness to fight for her made me respect her as a character. I think what makes some of these characters relatable is the fact that they aren’t perfect. Just like in reality, people have their flaws. We grow as people and these characters are no exception. I’m intrigued to see how these characters mature throughout the novel.
Finally, whilst I enjoyed the light more comical moments, Syntell Smith is not afraid to confront more serious issues such as racism, sexism, and nepotism. The cast of characters is very diverse with the employees of the library being from African American, Native American, Asian, and Caucasian backgrounds. We see attitudes to certain groups being manifested in the library’s customers, employees’ personal lives, and also between employees of the library themselves. Some of the more serious things that happen were uncomfortable for me to read, but this book serves as a lesson to the kinds of prejudice that everyday people face.
With that being said, this book also has wonderful moments of friendships being forged and people coming together to support each other. This book is both heart-warming and eye opening. This is a well-constructed novel with plenty to keep the reader guessing.
August 24, 2019
Read this review at between-the-shelves.com!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Call Numbers is about libraries, so how could I say no! As someone in a library science program and dreaming of making a career of that, this seemed like the perfect fit.
First, the negative: there were way too many characters with sub-plots that made this book difficult to follow at times. There wasn’t much indication when we were switching between characters; often, I wouldn’t really register that we were following a different character until something drastic happened. If there’s going to be a sequel (better be, with that cliffhanger), that would be my recommendation. Find a way to ensure that the reader knows that the point of view is changing.
Despite this confusion, the characters were really fleshed out and brought to life the 58th Street Branch that was the main setting of the book. I also appreciated the little nods to the library profession. Though the profession has changed drastically since the 90s, there are little things about working at a library that haven’t really changed. Smith really captures that feeling, and that’s one of the things I appreciated most.
There was also growth throughout the book, and I appreciated the way the characters changed and evolved. Overall, my favorite thing was probably the characters. Writing notes might also be useful in order to keep track of everything that’s happened with all the characters throughout.
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I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Call Numbers is about libraries, so how could I say no! As someone in a library science program and dreaming of making a career of that, this seemed like the perfect fit.
First, the negative: there were way too many characters with sub-plots that made this book difficult to follow at times. There wasn’t much indication when we were switching between characters; often, I wouldn’t really register that we were following a different character until something drastic happened. If there’s going to be a sequel (better be, with that cliffhanger), that would be my recommendation. Find a way to ensure that the reader knows that the point of view is changing.
Despite this confusion, the characters were really fleshed out and brought to life the 58th Street Branch that was the main setting of the book. I also appreciated the little nods to the library profession. Though the profession has changed drastically since the 90s, there are little things about working at a library that haven’t really changed. Smith really captures that feeling, and that’s one of the things I appreciated most.
There was also growth throughout the book, and I appreciated the way the characters changed and evolved. Overall, my favorite thing was probably the characters. Writing notes might also be useful in order to keep track of everything that’s happened with all the characters throughout.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
May 29, 2020
Call Numbers by Syntell Smith is a modern day classic which focuses on the lives of few librarians set in 1994 New York. It's an adult drama, which is a highly character driven fictional novel. So if you like books which is focusing on characters and their lives, then you need to pick this up.
The story revolves around the main protagonist Robin Walker, who studies at a high school as well as works part-time. He has recently been transferred to downtown's 58th Street Branch Library. But the colleagues here aren't very friendly and he has to face alot of difficulties and drama.
The writing style and the narration is very impressive. I liked how the author has balanced between the dialogues and the narrations across the book. The book felt like watching a live drama in front of my eyes, which is a quality which very few author's can have in their debut novel.
This book will surely change your perspective towards the way you see libraries. 🙈 Didn't realise working in a library could be so complicated. At some parts in the story I felt that it's pretty stretched out. And I can't wait to read the next part.
The story revolves around the main protagonist Robin Walker, who studies at a high school as well as works part-time. He has recently been transferred to downtown's 58th Street Branch Library. But the colleagues here aren't very friendly and he has to face alot of difficulties and drama.
The writing style and the narration is very impressive. I liked how the author has balanced between the dialogues and the narrations across the book. The book felt like watching a live drama in front of my eyes, which is a quality which very few author's can have in their debut novel.
This book will surely change your perspective towards the way you see libraries. 🙈 Didn't realise working in a library could be so complicated. At some parts in the story I felt that it's pretty stretched out. And I can't wait to read the next part.
March 21, 2020
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I enjoyed it. You don't expect much to happen in a library, but this story will prove otherwise.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking for additional book as I enjoyed this one.
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking for additional book as I enjoyed this one.
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers.
April 12, 2020
Complimentary copy received from voracious readers only for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book but it was a bit slow to get into, with lots of characters. Ended abruptly with a preview of book 2 carrying the story straight on.
I enjoyed this book but it was a bit slow to get into, with lots of characters. Ended abruptly with a preview of book 2 carrying the story straight on.
July 29, 2020
Spoilers: Syntell Smith's Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians, could be considered the library equivalent of Joshua Ferris' Then We Came to The End. Both are humorous workplace satires about the wacky hijinks of employees and are also used to make important serious points about their societies. However, they are very different in many ways. Then We Came to The End was about an office set at an advertising agency facing the early 2000's economic crisis dealing with the fear of layoffs and possible workplace violence from an unhinged fired employee. Call Numbers is about the staff of a New York Public Library branch in 1994, that have to deal with budget cuts, an underprivileged neighborhood, and racial tension between staff members and the people around them.
Robin Walker, library clerk, is a transfer to the 58th Street Branch of the New York Public Library, from the Ft. Washington branch. As soon as he enters his new workplace, he is surrounded by conflict. He may be able to memorize the locations of various books by the call numbers, recognizes the lion statues in front of the Central Branch by name, and knows the Procedures of Conduct by heart, but that doesn't stop him from making a few enemies the second that he enters the doors.
His first enemy is Sonyai Yi, Branch Senior Clerk. She doesn't trust Robin's friendly but obstreperous behavior. However, that is not the only reason that she doesn't like him. Sonyai is in charge of the four young pages and she promised the next clerk position to high school student, Janelle Simms. Janelle needs the promotion because she's pregnant and the only ones who know are Sonyai and the other three pages.
Another enemy is Tommy Carmichael, another clerk and Sonyai's protege. Tommy doesn't like Robin, mostly because Sonyai doesn't. He isn't above playing juvenile pranks to force his authority over the newbie.
Yet another enemy is Ethel Jenkins. She and Gerry Coltraine are the only two African-American clerks at the 58th Branch until Robin comes along. Gerry bonds with him partly out of solidarity and partly to show Sonyai up. (He wants to become Senior Clerk in her place). Ethel however is suspicious of him for a personal reason. He is lighter skinned than she and she can't resist mocking him every chance she gets. She gets a page, Alex Stevens, to go along with the snide attitude until Alex takes a prank too far.
Oh yes and there are other plots going along with Robin and his Not-So-Merry Team of Rivals. Library Director, Augustus Chavez constantly vies with Heywood Lerner, Information Assistant, for movie nights and philanthropic donations, but has a loyal supporter in Zelda Clein, Librarian, who acts like a pit bull defending her boss.
Angie Trueblood, Information Assistant, is trying to earn her Associates in Library Science degree. However, she discovers some shady things about Augustus.
Meanwhile the youngest staff member, 14-year-old, Lakeshia Seabrooke develops a crush on Robin. She gets some off color advice from fellow page, Tanya Brown, who also has to deal with some bullies at school. The library staff of the 58th Branch may want their patrons to shush for the good of other patrons, but this staff is anything but silent.
There are some situations that are so broad that they are almost farcical. One is the hazing ritual that Sonyai and Tommy put Robin through in which he is faced with checking patrons out during the closing rush. Unfortunately, this ends in a fist fight between the two clerks to be broken up by Zelda and the police.
Another situation involves the extremes that Heywood goes through to prevent Blazing Saddles from being loaned out to 58th Branch for an upcoming Mel Brooks Film Festival.
Then there's the crash course on sex that Tonya gives Lekeshia complete with The Joy of Sex as a manual. (They borrowed the book under Tanya's name and oops, it's past due. Of course, Tanya's parents get a phone call.)
There is also the bar where library employees from different branches meet and compare notes about the awful people that they work with and conspire against them. They may be information professionals, but sometimes their immaturity shines through as much as or more than their willingness to offer books and other sources of knowledge to the New York public.
While the book is very broad at times, there are moments that Smith makes the Readers see the real characters inside the goofy hijinks. The characters show a lot of depth that take them beyond sitcom stereotypes. While Robin instantly goes on the defensive when he arrives at 58th, making enemies with his blunt attitude, he also shows a vulnerable side. He cares for his ailing grandfather, who has long been hearing impaired, and remains estranged from his superstar half-sister and stage mother.
He also has a friendly relationship with Gerry where the two quiz each other on call numbers. Once he and Tommy get past their testy initial dislike, their relationship cools down to frienemies who like to tease, but will defend each other. Robin also helps Tanya with her bully situation and agrees to go out with Lakeshia while letting her down gently by reminding her that he is an adult and it would be illegal for them to be together.
Even the more antagonistic characters show real depth and strengths both inside and outside the library. Just when we are ready to write Sonyai off as a domineering bitch, she shows a maternal side to the four pages. She treats them like wayward daughters giving them advice and lecturing them. She dislikes Robin mostly because of her protectiveness towards Janelle and the girl's situation.
In one of her best moments, she stands up for Janelle when her parents are furious about her impending pregnancy. She even gains a grudging respect towards Robin by the end.
The pages have their own girl squad. They act like sisters who disagree but help each other. Even when they are split about Robin, Lakeshia and Tanya like him and Alex and Janelle don't, it doesn't end their friendship with each other.
Augustus shows an antagonistic side as he cuts corners, sucks up to wealthy donors, and kills anything that would resemble negative publicity. The latter particularly at the expense of the staff's welfare. However, he makes it clear that he loves his library and would do anything to make sure that it remains operational and gets all of the new equipment, releases, and technology that they need. Even if he might have to commit potentially questionable and possibly illegal deeds to do it.
Some of the characters shine best in their home lives away from the library. Tommy has a loving interracial marriage with his pregnant wife, Sarah, which still bears some animosity from their families.
Angie shows a lot of spunk in her information science classes and exhibits knowledge that rivals her professors (and probably most of the staff). The conservative nerdy, Heywood gains an appreciation for grunge music, thanks to a friendship with a female musician who is mourning for a friend and fellow musician who recently committed suicide. (It's 1994, guess who?)
Ethel learns that she has a medical condition which could cause complications for her future career plans. Even characters like Zelda who seem to not have a life beyond the library show how important their jobs are to them and how hard they work to give people the information that they need. These moments show these characters' many facets. They can be selfish jerks, sarcastic wisecrackers, wacky goofballs, sympathetic friends and family members, and well-rounded individuals.
There is a serious undercurrent of racial tension that moves along as a theme throughout the book. Many characters suffer from comments or stereotypical remarks about their race creating a Mutual Animosity Society.
In one passage, a racist patron asks Angie for a librarian. She puts him in his place by not only telling him that she is an information professional and in two years will be a librarian, but also sharply reprimands him for his dismissive attitude towards her for being Native American. Many other characters like Sonyai and Robin respond similarily to racist comments while others like Augustus and Zelda turn a blind eye, trying to keep the library free of bad publicity.
Many characters are aware of the undercurrent of tension and how it affects their relationship with the other staff members and the public. When Robin is met with hostility on his first day, he responds back with further hostility. This tension leads to some violent encounters such as Tommy and Robin's fist fight.
The worst encounter is a final prank in which Alex writes an obscene message inside the library before opening, one that she knows will get under Robin's skin. Robin responds as violently as expected. This prank causes all the undercurrents to explode and come to the forefront.
In 2020, this prank would end up on social media and there would be a firestorm so big that no one could contain it. The encounter wouldn't slide and for better or worse, there would be some serious questions and a restructuring of the library and its staff.
However since the book is set in 1994 and they have a library director who is obssessd with giving the library a good facade, that doesn't happen. He only suspends Robin and Alex and practically cajoles and bribes them not to make it public. They agree but it is painfully clear that this tension isn't over.
With a second book on the horizon, those undercurrents will become stronger and what simmered will explode. What was once funny may no longer be. There are some hints that the comedy will stop when reality steps in and takes center stage. The 58th Street Branch staff are a pretty humorous character driven bunch now, but what happens next may take the humor out and show the real characters.
November 24, 2020
If “Game of Thrones” was set in a public library in the 1990’s, it would be the 58th Street Branch of New York Public Library, as it is depicted in Syntell Smith’s self-published novel, “Call Numbers.” Befitting the book’s subtitle, “The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians,” the 58th Street Branch is rife with palace intrigue, blood feuds, toxic relationships, uneasy alliances, and all sorts of venality. Yet, peculiarly, the whole dysfunctional realm is governed by an inveterate code of honor:
“The library is a public resource…where every man, woman and child of any race, class, or religion is treated fairly and equally.”
Alas, these ideals clearly do not apply to the staff in their internecine dealings with each other. Behind that smile at the circulation desk, the staff from top to bottom are engaged in almost constant fighting, scheming, gossiping, and backstabbing. Robin Walker, a new employee, is often the object of these machinations, although he can give as well as he gets.
For example, in a particularly ugly, racist scene, Robin becomes so infuriated he nearly strangles a teenage girl. Afterwards, he is called into the head librarian’s office, where he “sat patiently on the couch, thinking of numerous ways to extract revenge on Augustus [the head librarian]. He was contemplating pouring fire ants all over his body and watching them eat his flesh alive…”
Really? Revenge for what? The head librarian did nothing but stop Robin from killing the girl. He should have been glad he wasn’t in jail.
The numerous melodramas unfolding in the stacks lead to some unlikely scenarios and contrived plot lines. For example, there is an inordinate degree of shock, outrage and treachery surrounding the head librarian’s decision to change the checkout period for videos. Sonyai Yi, the library’s senior clerk, is so irate she plots mutiny.
In another strained scene, Sonyai assumes responsibility for telling one of her page’s parents that the single, teenage girl is pregnant. How it is her place to do that, I can’t quite fathom. Then, to further test the reader’s credulity, Sonyai delineates to the parents how they should feel and what they will do next to achieve her desired outcomes in their own daughter’s pregnancy. When the girl’s father points a finger at her, the senior clerk pulls a martial arts move that leaves the man flat on his back.
Several characters tend to have unwarranted and sometimes volatile reactions. Robin is the most mercurial of them all. He has no qualms about cursing out or coming to fisticuffs with anybody who crosses him. He scorns all authority figures, even when they try to help him. His most inconsistent behavior is directed toward young women, with whom he can be frivolous, dismissive, hostile or downright chivalrous.
And the dialog is occasionally stilted, with numerous references to 90s popular culture that are perhaps intended to invoke the times, but which come off as forced. Some of the quips are cringe-worthy, such as when Robin asks a coworker if he is certain about something he overheard, and the response is “As sure as the Bills losing the Super Bowl.”
Despite these flaws, Smith successfully weaves together the strands of multiple story lines. The pace is brisk and takes some unexpected turns. The narrative sustained my interest, until…
Around page 300, as the novel approached its ending, I began to wonder how the author was going to pull together all the disparate plot strings. Then, on page 359, the book ends abruptly with a note, “Call Numbers continues in Book 2.”
So, that’s another way in which “Call Numbers” is similar to “Game of Thrones”—it is an ongoing series. This is information that any reader might expect to be told up front. While the stories were compelling enough to keep me reading, I expected a legitimate conclusion. It is hardly a “Game of Thrones” caliber cliffhanger, though, so it is unlikely to hold my interest enough to wait for a sequel.
Merged review:
If “Game of Thrones” was set in a public library in the 1990’s, it would be the 58th Street Branch of New York Public Library, as it is depicted in Syntell Smith’s self-published novel, “Call Numbers.” Befitting the book’s subtitle, “The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians,” the 58th Street Branch is rife with palace intrigue, blood feuds, toxic relationships, uneasy alliances, and all sorts of venality. Yet, peculiarly, the whole dysfunctional realm is governed by an inveterate code of honor:
“The library is a public resource…where every man, woman and child of any race, class, or religion is treated fairly and equally.”
Alas, these ideals clearly do not apply to the staff in their internecine dealings with each other. Behind that smile at the circulation desk, the staff from top to bottom are engaged in almost constant fighting, scheming, gossiping, and backstabbing. Robin Walker, a new employee, is often the object of these machinations, although he can give as well as he gets.
For example, in a particularly ugly, racist scene, Robin becomes so infuriated he nearly strangles a teenage girl. Afterwards, he is called into the head librarian’s office, where he “sat patiently on the couch, thinking of numerous ways to extract revenge on Augustus [the head librarian]. He was contemplating pouring fire ants all over his body and watching them eat his flesh alive…”
Really? Revenge for what? The head librarian did nothing but stop Robin from killing the girl. He should have been glad he wasn’t in jail.
The numerous melodramas unfolding in the stacks lead to some unlikely scenarios and contrived plot lines. For example, there is an inordinate degree of shock, outrage and treachery surrounding the head librarian’s decision to change the checkout period for videos. Sonyai Yi, the library’s senior clerk, is so irate she plots mutiny.
In another strained scene, Sonyai assumes responsibility for telling one of her page’s parents that the single, teenage girl is pregnant. How it is her place to do that, I can’t quite fathom. Then, to further test the reader’s credulity, Sonyai delineates to the parents how they should feel and what they will do next to achieve her desired outcomes in their own daughter’s pregnancy. When the girl’s father points a finger at her, the senior clerk pulls a martial arts move that leaves the man flat on his back.
Several characters tend to have unwarranted and sometimes volatile reactions. Robin is the most mercurial of them all. He has no qualms about cursing out or coming to fisticuffs with anybody who crosses him. He scorns all authority figures, even when they try to help him. His most inconsistent behavior is directed toward young women, with whom he can be frivolous, dismissive, hostile or downright chivalrous.
And the dialog is occasionally stilted, with numerous references to 90s popular culture that are perhaps intended to invoke the times, but which come off as forced. Some of the quips are cringe-worthy, such as when Robin asks a coworker if he is certain about something he overheard, and the response is “As sure as the Bills losing the Super Bowl.”
Despite these flaws, Smith successfully weaves together the strands of multiple story lines. The pace is brisk and takes some unexpected turns. The narrative sustained my interest, until…
Around page 300, as the novel approached its ending, I began to wonder how the author was going to pull together all the disparate plot strings. Then, on page 359, the book ends abruptly with a note, “Call Numbers continues in Book 2.”
So, that’s another way in which “Call Numbers” is similar to “Game of Thrones”—it is an ongoing series. This is information that any reader might expect to be told up front. While the stories were compelling enough to keep me reading, I expected a legitimate conclusion. It is hardly a “Game of Thrones” caliber cliffhanger, though, so it is unlikely to hold my interest enough to wait for a sequel.
“The library is a public resource…where every man, woman and child of any race, class, or religion is treated fairly and equally.”
Alas, these ideals clearly do not apply to the staff in their internecine dealings with each other. Behind that smile at the circulation desk, the staff from top to bottom are engaged in almost constant fighting, scheming, gossiping, and backstabbing. Robin Walker, a new employee, is often the object of these machinations, although he can give as well as he gets.
For example, in a particularly ugly, racist scene, Robin becomes so infuriated he nearly strangles a teenage girl. Afterwards, he is called into the head librarian’s office, where he “sat patiently on the couch, thinking of numerous ways to extract revenge on Augustus [the head librarian]. He was contemplating pouring fire ants all over his body and watching them eat his flesh alive…”
Really? Revenge for what? The head librarian did nothing but stop Robin from killing the girl. He should have been glad he wasn’t in jail.
The numerous melodramas unfolding in the stacks lead to some unlikely scenarios and contrived plot lines. For example, there is an inordinate degree of shock, outrage and treachery surrounding the head librarian’s decision to change the checkout period for videos. Sonyai Yi, the library’s senior clerk, is so irate she plots mutiny.
In another strained scene, Sonyai assumes responsibility for telling one of her page’s parents that the single, teenage girl is pregnant. How it is her place to do that, I can’t quite fathom. Then, to further test the reader’s credulity, Sonyai delineates to the parents how they should feel and what they will do next to achieve her desired outcomes in their own daughter’s pregnancy. When the girl’s father points a finger at her, the senior clerk pulls a martial arts move that leaves the man flat on his back.
Several characters tend to have unwarranted and sometimes volatile reactions. Robin is the most mercurial of them all. He has no qualms about cursing out or coming to fisticuffs with anybody who crosses him. He scorns all authority figures, even when they try to help him. His most inconsistent behavior is directed toward young women, with whom he can be frivolous, dismissive, hostile or downright chivalrous.
And the dialog is occasionally stilted, with numerous references to 90s popular culture that are perhaps intended to invoke the times, but which come off as forced. Some of the quips are cringe-worthy, such as when Robin asks a coworker if he is certain about something he overheard, and the response is “As sure as the Bills losing the Super Bowl.”
Despite these flaws, Smith successfully weaves together the strands of multiple story lines. The pace is brisk and takes some unexpected turns. The narrative sustained my interest, until…
Around page 300, as the novel approached its ending, I began to wonder how the author was going to pull together all the disparate plot strings. Then, on page 359, the book ends abruptly with a note, “Call Numbers continues in Book 2.”
So, that’s another way in which “Call Numbers” is similar to “Game of Thrones”—it is an ongoing series. This is information that any reader might expect to be told up front. While the stories were compelling enough to keep me reading, I expected a legitimate conclusion. It is hardly a “Game of Thrones” caliber cliffhanger, though, so it is unlikely to hold my interest enough to wait for a sequel.
Merged review:
If “Game of Thrones” was set in a public library in the 1990’s, it would be the 58th Street Branch of New York Public Library, as it is depicted in Syntell Smith’s self-published novel, “Call Numbers.” Befitting the book’s subtitle, “The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians,” the 58th Street Branch is rife with palace intrigue, blood feuds, toxic relationships, uneasy alliances, and all sorts of venality. Yet, peculiarly, the whole dysfunctional realm is governed by an inveterate code of honor:
“The library is a public resource…where every man, woman and child of any race, class, or religion is treated fairly and equally.”
Alas, these ideals clearly do not apply to the staff in their internecine dealings with each other. Behind that smile at the circulation desk, the staff from top to bottom are engaged in almost constant fighting, scheming, gossiping, and backstabbing. Robin Walker, a new employee, is often the object of these machinations, although he can give as well as he gets.
For example, in a particularly ugly, racist scene, Robin becomes so infuriated he nearly strangles a teenage girl. Afterwards, he is called into the head librarian’s office, where he “sat patiently on the couch, thinking of numerous ways to extract revenge on Augustus [the head librarian]. He was contemplating pouring fire ants all over his body and watching them eat his flesh alive…”
Really? Revenge for what? The head librarian did nothing but stop Robin from killing the girl. He should have been glad he wasn’t in jail.
The numerous melodramas unfolding in the stacks lead to some unlikely scenarios and contrived plot lines. For example, there is an inordinate degree of shock, outrage and treachery surrounding the head librarian’s decision to change the checkout period for videos. Sonyai Yi, the library’s senior clerk, is so irate she plots mutiny.
In another strained scene, Sonyai assumes responsibility for telling one of her page’s parents that the single, teenage girl is pregnant. How it is her place to do that, I can’t quite fathom. Then, to further test the reader’s credulity, Sonyai delineates to the parents how they should feel and what they will do next to achieve her desired outcomes in their own daughter’s pregnancy. When the girl’s father points a finger at her, the senior clerk pulls a martial arts move that leaves the man flat on his back.
Several characters tend to have unwarranted and sometimes volatile reactions. Robin is the most mercurial of them all. He has no qualms about cursing out or coming to fisticuffs with anybody who crosses him. He scorns all authority figures, even when they try to help him. His most inconsistent behavior is directed toward young women, with whom he can be frivolous, dismissive, hostile or downright chivalrous.
And the dialog is occasionally stilted, with numerous references to 90s popular culture that are perhaps intended to invoke the times, but which come off as forced. Some of the quips are cringe-worthy, such as when Robin asks a coworker if he is certain about something he overheard, and the response is “As sure as the Bills losing the Super Bowl.”
Despite these flaws, Smith successfully weaves together the strands of multiple story lines. The pace is brisk and takes some unexpected turns. The narrative sustained my interest, until…
Around page 300, as the novel approached its ending, I began to wonder how the author was going to pull together all the disparate plot strings. Then, on page 359, the book ends abruptly with a note, “Call Numbers continues in Book 2.”
So, that’s another way in which “Call Numbers” is similar to “Game of Thrones”—it is an ongoing series. This is information that any reader might expect to be told up front. While the stories were compelling enough to keep me reading, I expected a legitimate conclusion. It is hardly a “Game of Thrones” caliber cliffhanger, though, so it is unlikely to hold my interest enough to wait for a sequel.
June 3, 2019
The book started off with a lot of information about the characters, but after that it was an easy page turner. I have a very busy schedule and had only allotted a certain amount of time during the week to read the book, but I kept reading longer than I had scheduled. I would have to force myself to stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next! It had twists and turns that I never would have suspected to happen in a library. There were thriller parts that I didn't see coming. I could relate to the main character when trying to find his way in an already established system. However, he was working the system to get what he wanted. It was full of allegiance, relationships, suspense, and a little romance.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
February 4, 2019
Drama isn't really my favoured genre, but I got really attached to Robin; he's hot-headed and impulsive, but caring and warm and he's really passionate about the world in which he moves.
You certainly don't think of libraries as places filled with political intrigue and high-drama, but at the 58th street branch, this really is the case. I found myself switching between cheering for Robin and wanting to throttle him!
If you want something that's thoughtful, but easy to read, which deals with hard topics in a more light-hearted way, and which offers a cast of incredibly human characters then Call Numbers is a great place to start!
Can't wait to read the next one!
You certainly don't think of libraries as places filled with political intrigue and high-drama, but at the 58th street branch, this really is the case. I found myself switching between cheering for Robin and wanting to throttle him!
If you want something that's thoughtful, but easy to read, which deals with hard topics in a more light-hearted way, and which offers a cast of incredibly human characters then Call Numbers is a great place to start!
Can't wait to read the next one!
March 18, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed this book! From start to finish, I knew Robin would be my favorite no matter what. If you enjoy reading a book with diverse characters and real drama - read this book! The best part is that it all happens in one of my favorite places - the library!
May 3, 2020
Not at all what I was expecting, Call Numbers is a surprisingly gritty, and I have to say a particularly angry book, with all of its somewhat disagreeable characters displaying a level of aggression and antagonism which occasionally took me aback, and seemed strangely out of context with the book’s supposedly tranquil, library workplace setting. That is not to say it is not a good book – it is, and very well written by an undoubtedly good author – I’m just not sure what the intended narrative was. With its elements of armed school bullies, violently-menacing youth, racially insensitive customers and their sometimes overly-sensitive attendants, and overt racism within ethnic groups, this comes across as a book which takes itself and its reader seriously. Every character in the book looks ready for a dust-up; there are no shrinking violets here, for sure, when perhaps in the real world most people would have just walked away.
The melodrama is laid on thick, like a TV soap, the emotive expression of its characters intense, while the subplots within the story are more something you might expect from a murderously competitive understudy troupe, or a cut-throat Wall Street firm, than a library. Some of the shenanigans would give the Mob pause for thought, and for this reason, I have to be honest and say I just wasn’t sure if it wasn’t intended to be satirical, or some sort of spoof. There are several references to this angle, I suppose, in the form of the prominence of Mel Brooks movies, and characters reciting Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at a point in the book when it could be construed as metaphorical. Though, if the book was satire, and the library setting a metaphor for some shadowy organization, I’ll tell the truth and say I just couldn’t tell, any humour lost amongst the drama – I really hope that it was.
Still, I won’t deny that this book had me utterly gripped; it is hugely entertaining, and I read the whole thing in two sittings. Syntell is high quality, of that there is no doubt at all. I should warn the reader, this is the opening instalment in a series, which you might want to know before you take it up. Some of the PC moments get a little tiresome, but this is all an ingredient of the overall theme, and I did find myself gritting my teeth by the author’s continued use of numerals, instead of writing numbers, in dialogue. These points aside, if you can overlook the fact that the book is set in a library, and perhaps imagine it in a competitive sports club, or perhaps a car sales office, it is an engaging, entertaining, well-written book by Syntell.
The melodrama is laid on thick, like a TV soap, the emotive expression of its characters intense, while the subplots within the story are more something you might expect from a murderously competitive understudy troupe, or a cut-throat Wall Street firm, than a library. Some of the shenanigans would give the Mob pause for thought, and for this reason, I have to be honest and say I just wasn’t sure if it wasn’t intended to be satirical, or some sort of spoof. There are several references to this angle, I suppose, in the form of the prominence of Mel Brooks movies, and characters reciting Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at a point in the book when it could be construed as metaphorical. Though, if the book was satire, and the library setting a metaphor for some shadowy organization, I’ll tell the truth and say I just couldn’t tell, any humour lost amongst the drama – I really hope that it was.
Still, I won’t deny that this book had me utterly gripped; it is hugely entertaining, and I read the whole thing in two sittings. Syntell is high quality, of that there is no doubt at all. I should warn the reader, this is the opening instalment in a series, which you might want to know before you take it up. Some of the PC moments get a little tiresome, but this is all an ingredient of the overall theme, and I did find myself gritting my teeth by the author’s continued use of numerals, instead of writing numbers, in dialogue. These points aside, if you can overlook the fact that the book is set in a library, and perhaps imagine it in a competitive sports club, or perhaps a car sales office, it is an engaging, entertaining, well-written book by Syntell.
July 6, 2020
I just finished reading Call Numbers: The Not so Quiet Life of Librarians by Syntell Smith, and let me tell you, it was an interesting read. I won’t lie. It isn’t the type of book I’d normally be drawn to, but it still has A LOT going for it. I’m going to need a print copy of this beauty to my bookshelf. It earned a spot.
The cover was striking for the genre. It fit the story and topic well, but I have to say I’m not sure if it would have drawn me in super well placed next to a bunch of other books. The point behind it mirroring a card catalogue is clever, though. And the longer I looked at it, the more it grew on me. It was one of those covers I decided I loved after looking at it for a few minutes.
When the book first starts, there is a character index. I was a little overwhelmed and didn’t really use it. I might have found this more useful as a guide at the end to skip to if I got confused. At the beginning, I felt like I had to read it, and I didn’t really know what to do with it yet. I didn’t know the characters, so the descriptions seemed vague.
Once I made it to the story though, man was there so many cool storylines, cultural references, and lifelike situations I fell into. I mean, from Robin, the main-ish character, dealing with hate crimes and microaggressions to workplace drama, it was captivating. That’s not even mentioning all the other characters and their antics. There was hidden pregnancy, hidden identity, first crushes, rivalry, budding friendships…the list goes on and on. And Zelda…she’s a firecracker!
There were some things that made the great story a bit less likable. I didn’t love the scene hopping that occurred. I felt a little frustrated when we jumped from one scene to the next the way we did. Sometimes it felt difficult to see why we jumped from one place to the next. It all ended up connected, but it was a lot of jumping.
I have to commend Smith, though. This book has exceptional writing. It’s clear, concise, and extremely pleasing to read. I wasn’t stumbling over anything text wise. It was pleasing to read and well laid out.
The ending was the best part. I loved the cliffhanger that left me dangling in the abyss of the unknown. I mean, if I don’t have a reason to come back, then I won’t. I thought it was going to come to this slow drifting end, and I was getting disappointed. I was prepared for the bow tie ending when bam! I got hit out of the blue. I was impressed.
I definitely want to hear more about this quirky bunch of librarians in book two. I award this book a solid four out of five stars! Great book!
The cover was striking for the genre. It fit the story and topic well, but I have to say I’m not sure if it would have drawn me in super well placed next to a bunch of other books. The point behind it mirroring a card catalogue is clever, though. And the longer I looked at it, the more it grew on me. It was one of those covers I decided I loved after looking at it for a few minutes.
When the book first starts, there is a character index. I was a little overwhelmed and didn’t really use it. I might have found this more useful as a guide at the end to skip to if I got confused. At the beginning, I felt like I had to read it, and I didn’t really know what to do with it yet. I didn’t know the characters, so the descriptions seemed vague.
Once I made it to the story though, man was there so many cool storylines, cultural references, and lifelike situations I fell into. I mean, from Robin, the main-ish character, dealing with hate crimes and microaggressions to workplace drama, it was captivating. That’s not even mentioning all the other characters and their antics. There was hidden pregnancy, hidden identity, first crushes, rivalry, budding friendships…the list goes on and on. And Zelda…she’s a firecracker!
There were some things that made the great story a bit less likable. I didn’t love the scene hopping that occurred. I felt a little frustrated when we jumped from one scene to the next the way we did. Sometimes it felt difficult to see why we jumped from one place to the next. It all ended up connected, but it was a lot of jumping.
I have to commend Smith, though. This book has exceptional writing. It’s clear, concise, and extremely pleasing to read. I wasn’t stumbling over anything text wise. It was pleasing to read and well laid out.
The ending was the best part. I loved the cliffhanger that left me dangling in the abyss of the unknown. I mean, if I don’t have a reason to come back, then I won’t. I thought it was going to come to this slow drifting end, and I was getting disappointed. I was prepared for the bow tie ending when bam! I got hit out of the blue. I was impressed.
I definitely want to hear more about this quirky bunch of librarians in book two. I award this book a solid four out of five stars! Great book!
May 8, 2020
Set in 1994, in this wildly funny debut installment in the Call Numbers series from Smith, a newly transferred young man struggles to find his place among the motley crew of his coworkers in a downtown New York library.
When Robin Walker walks to the 58th Street Branch Library in New York on his first day of work, he is excited about the opportunities that await him. But his new workplace is nothing like he imagined it to be: disdain and hostility linger in the air; conspiracies, pettiness, and idiocy are in full swing; and people will go to any length to realize their ulterior motives. Struggling with his personal issues, Robin must do everything in his power to stay cool or risk losing his sanity.
Smith's large cast is both pleasantly freakish and entirely credible and makes a real impression: Robin despite his rudeness and self-absorption is an appealing everyday character. As a librarian (clerk), he is good; informed and informative. He can quote Shakespeare in the midst of his tirades— the action that fails to gain him a shred of integrity among colleagues whose hostility toward him continues to spin out of control. Smith depicts Robin’s difficulties with credibility and ease: in his personal life, he has past traumas to deal with; in the workplace, he struggles to find a place for himself.
At times readers may find themselves questioning whether the drama of coworkers at the 58th Street Branch will become too much for Robin, but his resilience sees him through. The book’s strength lies in Robin’s hardiness with his ability to bounce back from some well-meaning mistakes. Smith manages to infuse rollicking fun into a wildly chaotic yet sad story, with each of Robin’s outburst revealing a new aspect of his traumatic personal life.
Sonyai’s concern for Janelle at times feels more like a notion of philosophical experiment than an organic concept on Smith’s part, but the whole bunch of the teenager pages’ characters make for a delightful diversion from the pettiness and hostility of the grown-ups in the story. While the level of misery gets quite high with most of the characters neck deep in petty schemes, Smith also keeps deliverance and help within reach for his characters.
Smith’s exploration of the complex themes of racial issues, unsafe sex, teenage pregnancy, bullying, and psychological abuse make it an unsettling, timely story.
When Robin Walker walks to the 58th Street Branch Library in New York on his first day of work, he is excited about the opportunities that await him. But his new workplace is nothing like he imagined it to be: disdain and hostility linger in the air; conspiracies, pettiness, and idiocy are in full swing; and people will go to any length to realize their ulterior motives. Struggling with his personal issues, Robin must do everything in his power to stay cool or risk losing his sanity.
Smith's large cast is both pleasantly freakish and entirely credible and makes a real impression: Robin despite his rudeness and self-absorption is an appealing everyday character. As a librarian (clerk), he is good; informed and informative. He can quote Shakespeare in the midst of his tirades— the action that fails to gain him a shred of integrity among colleagues whose hostility toward him continues to spin out of control. Smith depicts Robin’s difficulties with credibility and ease: in his personal life, he has past traumas to deal with; in the workplace, he struggles to find a place for himself.
At times readers may find themselves questioning whether the drama of coworkers at the 58th Street Branch will become too much for Robin, but his resilience sees him through. The book’s strength lies in Robin’s hardiness with his ability to bounce back from some well-meaning mistakes. Smith manages to infuse rollicking fun into a wildly chaotic yet sad story, with each of Robin’s outburst revealing a new aspect of his traumatic personal life.
Sonyai’s concern for Janelle at times feels more like a notion of philosophical experiment than an organic concept on Smith’s part, but the whole bunch of the teenager pages’ characters make for a delightful diversion from the pettiness and hostility of the grown-ups in the story. While the level of misery gets quite high with most of the characters neck deep in petty schemes, Smith also keeps deliverance and help within reach for his characters.
Smith’s exploration of the complex themes of racial issues, unsafe sex, teenage pregnancy, bullying, and psychological abuse make it an unsettling, timely story.
March 4, 2020
Call Numbers is a captivating drama. It might also have readers looking at librarians in a new light. Very rarely do we get to see inside the lives of these supposedly meek and quiet professionals, but in Call Numbers, readers find out their lives are the same as everyone else.
Librarians fall in love. They also have arguments and may not be as nice as most people might believe. The main character, Robin Walker is a sarcastic 19-year-old with violent behavior working as a librarian. He is transferred to the 58th Street Branch Library where he believes professional success will happen. He quickly learns that everything changes in a new work environment, and gaining success isn’t as easy as he thinks. He may not deal well with it but his character and the other’s do grow as the story progresses.
Along with Robin Walker, there are several other characters. Each one has his or her own subplot. This can get confusing since the transitions from character to character aren’t always clear, but it also helps to lighten the negativity that Robin emits. Call Numbers might be a story about librarians but it has a dark side that might not appeal to all readers.
Syntell Smith brings the 1990’s back in Call Numbers. For many readers, this will be a nostalgic trip. Every detail brings that decade back to life, including technology. Librarians will also appreciate the accurate references and descriptions of how the public library functions.
This is the first novel by Syntell Smith and his style of writing is easy to read. He also creates a realistic and interesting dialogue between characters. It is this dialogue that keeps the story moving along. It also helps to keep readers abreast of which character’s story they’re following.
Smith knows that every good drama needs intrigue, suspense, and mystery. He doesn’t disappoint in Call Numbers. The ending will leave readers on edge, anxiously waiting for the second installment in The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians series.
Anyone that has ever wondered what a librarian’s life could really be like, will find Call Numbers a fascinating look into their lives. While this is a dramatic fiction novel, readers will still find themselves paying a little more attention to librarians in general.
Librarians fall in love. They also have arguments and may not be as nice as most people might believe. The main character, Robin Walker is a sarcastic 19-year-old with violent behavior working as a librarian. He is transferred to the 58th Street Branch Library where he believes professional success will happen. He quickly learns that everything changes in a new work environment, and gaining success isn’t as easy as he thinks. He may not deal well with it but his character and the other’s do grow as the story progresses.
Along with Robin Walker, there are several other characters. Each one has his or her own subplot. This can get confusing since the transitions from character to character aren’t always clear, but it also helps to lighten the negativity that Robin emits. Call Numbers might be a story about librarians but it has a dark side that might not appeal to all readers.
Syntell Smith brings the 1990’s back in Call Numbers. For many readers, this will be a nostalgic trip. Every detail brings that decade back to life, including technology. Librarians will also appreciate the accurate references and descriptions of how the public library functions.
This is the first novel by Syntell Smith and his style of writing is easy to read. He also creates a realistic and interesting dialogue between characters. It is this dialogue that keeps the story moving along. It also helps to keep readers abreast of which character’s story they’re following.
Smith knows that every good drama needs intrigue, suspense, and mystery. He doesn’t disappoint in Call Numbers. The ending will leave readers on edge, anxiously waiting for the second installment in The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians series.
Anyone that has ever wondered what a librarian’s life could really be like, will find Call Numbers a fascinating look into their lives. While this is a dramatic fiction novel, readers will still find themselves paying a little more attention to librarians in general.
April 30, 2020
I chose this book because it is a debut novel and as a library worker myself, I was intrigued by the setting and the drama in the stacks.
Robin Walker, charming, volatile, a man with the moves, and "The Battleaxe's protege", has been transferred to one of the most diverse libraries in the New York Public Library system. Unfortunately, the employees don't want him there and will go to any lengths to get rid of him.
Backstabbing, secrets, and mayhem come to mind when I read this book. And what better and more unique place than a public library. The author does a thorough job explaining the different services and policies the New York Public Library system entails and he includes a helpful Library Terminology Glossary at the beginning for those who don't speak library-ese. In addition, Mr. Smith, provides a useful Character Index at the beginning for some background on the multitude of characters throughout the book.
As for the characters, Robin is a mystery to me. His personality is mercurial. I want to like him with his charisma, charm, and wit one minute, but his unstable temper frightens me the next minute. As for Augustus Chavez, the head librarian, I understand he wants to make his branch library the best in New York, but his decisions are sketchy at best Ms. Yi is also a mystery to me with her diligence to maintain the equilibrium of her library by hiring employees who value the sanctity of the Clerks Credo, but will use any means necessary to get rid of one man who just happened to get hired at the wrong time. And of course, the other supporting characters have their own individual story-lines and a myriad of secrets that add to the depth of the story.
Overall, the 58th Street Branch Library holds a lot of surprises and laughs that this reader enjoyed immensely. The book thoughtfully touches on social justice, nepotism, diversity, mysteries, romance, and just good old fashioned drama in 1994 New York. Triggers include racism and bullying. And the book ends in a cliffhanger.
If you think you know librarians and library staff, this book will change your mind.
Thank you to Mr. Smith for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Robin Walker, charming, volatile, a man with the moves, and "The Battleaxe's protege", has been transferred to one of the most diverse libraries in the New York Public Library system. Unfortunately, the employees don't want him there and will go to any lengths to get rid of him.
Backstabbing, secrets, and mayhem come to mind when I read this book. And what better and more unique place than a public library. The author does a thorough job explaining the different services and policies the New York Public Library system entails and he includes a helpful Library Terminology Glossary at the beginning for those who don't speak library-ese. In addition, Mr. Smith, provides a useful Character Index at the beginning for some background on the multitude of characters throughout the book.
As for the characters, Robin is a mystery to me. His personality is mercurial. I want to like him with his charisma, charm, and wit one minute, but his unstable temper frightens me the next minute. As for Augustus Chavez, the head librarian, I understand he wants to make his branch library the best in New York, but his decisions are sketchy at best Ms. Yi is also a mystery to me with her diligence to maintain the equilibrium of her library by hiring employees who value the sanctity of the Clerks Credo, but will use any means necessary to get rid of one man who just happened to get hired at the wrong time. And of course, the other supporting characters have their own individual story-lines and a myriad of secrets that add to the depth of the story.
Overall, the 58th Street Branch Library holds a lot of surprises and laughs that this reader enjoyed immensely. The book thoughtfully touches on social justice, nepotism, diversity, mysteries, romance, and just good old fashioned drama in 1994 New York. Triggers include racism and bullying. And the book ends in a cliffhanger.
If you think you know librarians and library staff, this book will change your mind.
Thank you to Mr. Smith for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
July 24, 2025
1.5 stars rounded up.
I wondered so many times if I should just DNF this book. I'm not sure why I didn't, but I haven't left a book unfinished in over a decade, no matter how long it takes me. I'm stubborn and have severe FOMO. And I was using this for my summer reading challenge of a book set in the decade you were born and I just wasn't finding a lot out there for the 1990s. If only I'd finished Reprieve a few days later after June started, or maybe I should've just gone for Kittentits after all.
I don't know how often books normally describe the outfit characters are wearing, but it sure as hell ain't every single character in every scene no matter how inconsequential the character or outfit may be, because boy howdy it stuck out like a sore thumb all the way through this book. Whew.
There were A LOT of characters with varying degrees of (un)importance. It was a lot to keep up with, especially at first when there wasn't much differentiating them (except the descriptions of their outfits).
A lot of this book really read like a series of vignettes that were only tangentially connected and rarely or never tied back to the main character/plot dealing with Robin. I mean, it's impressive to come up with so many different characters, but there's not enough substance and driving plot; we're just bouncing between surface skims on everyone. At some points it felt like we were running down a checklist of the characters looking in on what each and every library employee was doing in their evening. And there was one scene where we spent like 3 pages on a play-by-play of the girls' Uno game and that was just... so unnecessary.
I know traditional publishing can be very classist and racist and exclusionary, but this book really could have benefitted from more and/or better editing.
The thing that got me the most was the frequent jumping between scenes and characters without any transitions or even just blank lines. Occasionally there's these fancy filigree dividers, but other times there's nothing at all. I was often so confused about how other characters appeared in a scene or conversation, only to realize it was supposed to be a different scene entirely. At one point the pages are doing their ad hoc sex-ed and we get a divider before moving to Robin and Sonyai discussing his future, but then not so much as a blank line before going right back to the girls screaming about genital warts. I was so confused as to how R & S could hear them from the soundproof room on another floor, until I realized it was just another wholly unindicated scene change.
There were a lot of errors of missing words, words that didn't fit, or places that were hastily edited and this got more frequent toward the end of the book.
I didn't translate all the Spanish, but where I did, it didn't seem to be correct even when one character was correcting another character.
Yes this was a debut novel, but everything felt really unpolished and amateurish. The dialogue often felt stilted and preachy and unrealistic. Yes people can assimilate to a toxic workplace culture over time and you definitely get people who never leave a high-school mentality and/or claw for and hang on to any shred of power for dear life, but everyone cannot be like this all the time. There were a lot of soapbox moments. Yeah we're dealing with many forms of racism, but it can be done less ham-handedly. Everyone has a giant chip on their shoulder about something and there were a lot of mini-sermons, speeches, and monologues.
I know this was somewhat autobiographical, but the amount of, like, teen-angst vibes radiating off of everything... I guess writing a book may be cheaper but dude, please go to therapy.
Do people really fistfight this much??? Is it an NYC thing? Was it a '90s thing before people had the opportunity to just be keyboard warriors instead? Geez.
Is/was the Special Investigations Unit of the NYPL real or made up here for dramatic flair? Because that felt unlikely, but my library system only has 3 branches so who knows lol.
The book has no real wrap-up or ending for any of the dozens of characters and plot threads, although there is a bit of a cliffhanger on one front. Props for being interesting enough for me to finish the book, but I do not have plans to continue reading the next 2 in the series, especially since they're not available in my library consortium. I did read the descriptions though and I gotta say that was almost enough to hook me onward for half a second lol.
(Totally unrelated to the book but an interesting note: the copy I borrowed has a printing/binding error where there's the last 27 pages of a different book in Spanish about some kind of fifth-dimension starseed woo-woo cult stuff before Call Numbers actually starts.)
--------
6/19/25
I have no memory of how this book got on my radar, because it doesn't show any of my goodreads friends as having activity for it, and I had it on my "to-find" shelf as of Nov 20, 2019 which means it wasn't available in my library consortium at that time, so I didn't spot it at work. But anyway, the other day I was looking for books set in the 1990s for our summer reading challenge and this was on a list! It fills a couple other challenge prompts too. And now there's one copy in the consortium! which I got on hold.
--------
2025 Staff Summer Reading Challenge
- Read a book set in the decade you were born (1990s).
- Read a book by a BIPOC author.
- Read a book that takes place in a library or with a librarian character
I wondered so many times if I should just DNF this book. I'm not sure why I didn't, but I haven't left a book unfinished in over a decade, no matter how long it takes me. I'm stubborn and have severe FOMO. And I was using this for my summer reading challenge of a book set in the decade you were born and I just wasn't finding a lot out there for the 1990s. If only I'd finished Reprieve a few days later after June started, or maybe I should've just gone for Kittentits after all.
I don't know how often books normally describe the outfit characters are wearing, but it sure as hell ain't every single character in every scene no matter how inconsequential the character or outfit may be, because boy howdy it stuck out like a sore thumb all the way through this book. Whew.
There were A LOT of characters with varying degrees of (un)importance. It was a lot to keep up with, especially at first when there wasn't much differentiating them (except the descriptions of their outfits).
A lot of this book really read like a series of vignettes that were only tangentially connected and rarely or never tied back to the main character/plot dealing with Robin. I mean, it's impressive to come up with so many different characters, but there's not enough substance and driving plot; we're just bouncing between surface skims on everyone. At some points it felt like we were running down a checklist of the characters looking in on what each and every library employee was doing in their evening. And there was one scene where we spent like 3 pages on a play-by-play of the girls' Uno game and that was just... so unnecessary.
I know traditional publishing can be very classist and racist and exclusionary, but this book really could have benefitted from more and/or better editing.
The thing that got me the most was the frequent jumping between scenes and characters without any transitions or even just blank lines. Occasionally there's these fancy filigree dividers, but other times there's nothing at all. I was often so confused about how other characters appeared in a scene or conversation, only to realize it was supposed to be a different scene entirely. At one point the pages are doing their ad hoc sex-ed and we get a divider before moving to Robin and Sonyai discussing his future, but then not so much as a blank line before going right back to the girls screaming about genital warts. I was so confused as to how R & S could hear them from the soundproof room on another floor, until I realized it was just another wholly unindicated scene change.
There were a lot of errors of missing words, words that didn't fit, or places that were hastily edited and this got more frequent toward the end of the book.
I didn't translate all the Spanish, but where I did, it didn't seem to be correct even when one character was correcting another character.
Yes this was a debut novel, but everything felt really unpolished and amateurish. The dialogue often felt stilted and preachy and unrealistic. Yes people can assimilate to a toxic workplace culture over time and you definitely get people who never leave a high-school mentality and/or claw for and hang on to any shred of power for dear life, but everyone cannot be like this all the time. There were a lot of soapbox moments. Yeah we're dealing with many forms of racism, but it can be done less ham-handedly. Everyone has a giant chip on their shoulder about something and there were a lot of mini-sermons, speeches, and monologues.
I know this was somewhat autobiographical, but the amount of, like, teen-angst vibes radiating off of everything... I guess writing a book may be cheaper but dude, please go to therapy.
Do people really fistfight this much??? Is it an NYC thing? Was it a '90s thing before people had the opportunity to just be keyboard warriors instead? Geez.
Is/was the Special Investigations Unit of the NYPL real or made up here for dramatic flair? Because that felt unlikely, but my library system only has 3 branches so who knows lol.
The book has no real wrap-up or ending for any of the dozens of characters and plot threads, although there is a bit of a cliffhanger on one front. Props for being interesting enough for me to finish the book, but I do not have plans to continue reading the next 2 in the series, especially since they're not available in my library consortium. I did read the descriptions though and I gotta say that was almost enough to hook me onward for half a second lol.
(Totally unrelated to the book but an interesting note: the copy I borrowed has a printing/binding error where there's the last 27 pages of a different book in Spanish about some kind of fifth-dimension starseed woo-woo cult stuff before Call Numbers actually starts.)
--------
6/19/25
I have no memory of how this book got on my radar, because it doesn't show any of my goodreads friends as having activity for it, and I had it on my "to-find" shelf as of Nov 20, 2019 which means it wasn't available in my library consortium at that time, so I didn't spot it at work. But anyway, the other day I was looking for books set in the 1990s for our summer reading challenge and this was on a list! It fills a couple other challenge prompts too. And now there's one copy in the consortium! which I got on hold.
--------
2025 Staff Summer Reading Challenge
- Read a book set in the decade you were born (1990s).
- Read a book by a BIPOC author.
- Read a book that takes place in a library or with a librarian character
October 2, 2024
Book Review: Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians by Syntell Smith 🥰🥰📚🤩📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉If you ever thought libraries were quiet, peaceful sanctuaries filled with nothing but the sound of pages turning, Call Numbers will change your mind! Syntell Smith’s novel takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the drama, rivalries, and personal struggles of library staff in the heart of 1994 New York City. 🏙️
👉The story centers around Robin Walker, a young librarian eager to climb the career ladder after being transferred to the 58th Street Branch Library. But Robin quickly finds out that this library isn’t just about books and information; it’s a hive of personal vendettas, hidden agendas, and chaos. From day one, he faces hostility from his coworkers—each one more eccentric than the last—who seem more interested in playing power games than doing their jobs. As Robin navigates this dysfunctional environment, we see him wrestle with not only the strange dynamics of his new workplace but also his own personal issues and traumas. 📚
👉One of the strongest aspects of Call Numbers is the depth of the characters. Smith creates a colorful cast that feels realistic yet unpredictable, with Robin serving as the anchor. Despite his flaws—like his occasional arrogance and self-absorption—he is a relatable character who battles his way through adversity. His determination to survive in this toxic work environment, despite his personal struggles, makes him an endearing protagonist. 🥰
👉The library staff is quirky and believable, from the conniving, backstabbing coworkers to the more light-hearted pages like Sonyai and Janelle, whose youthful innocence provides some much-needed relief from the grown-up drama. As the story unfolds, we witness Robin’s inner turmoil, and it becomes clear that the library’s petty rivalries are only part of the pressure he’s under. His traumatic past and ongoing personal conflicts add layers to his character, making his journey not just one of professional survival, but of personal growth. 🤩
Happy reading 😁 😁
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉If you ever thought libraries were quiet, peaceful sanctuaries filled with nothing but the sound of pages turning, Call Numbers will change your mind! Syntell Smith’s novel takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the drama, rivalries, and personal struggles of library staff in the heart of 1994 New York City. 🏙️
👉The story centers around Robin Walker, a young librarian eager to climb the career ladder after being transferred to the 58th Street Branch Library. But Robin quickly finds out that this library isn’t just about books and information; it’s a hive of personal vendettas, hidden agendas, and chaos. From day one, he faces hostility from his coworkers—each one more eccentric than the last—who seem more interested in playing power games than doing their jobs. As Robin navigates this dysfunctional environment, we see him wrestle with not only the strange dynamics of his new workplace but also his own personal issues and traumas. 📚
👉One of the strongest aspects of Call Numbers is the depth of the characters. Smith creates a colorful cast that feels realistic yet unpredictable, with Robin serving as the anchor. Despite his flaws—like his occasional arrogance and self-absorption—he is a relatable character who battles his way through adversity. His determination to survive in this toxic work environment, despite his personal struggles, makes him an endearing protagonist. 🥰
👉The library staff is quirky and believable, from the conniving, backstabbing coworkers to the more light-hearted pages like Sonyai and Janelle, whose youthful innocence provides some much-needed relief from the grown-up drama. As the story unfolds, we witness Robin’s inner turmoil, and it becomes clear that the library’s petty rivalries are only part of the pressure he’s under. His traumatic past and ongoing personal conflicts add layers to his character, making his journey not just one of professional survival, but of personal growth. 🤩
Happy reading 😁 😁
April 11, 2023
Action in the Library?
Syntell Smith writes a dramatic tale with Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life Of Librarians. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This book is part of the Call Numbers series, and this is volume one. I enjoyed this book because, one, I'm a writer, and two, I'm an author, but I thought that the library setting would be interesting, and it definitely was. The year is 1994, seems like ages ago, but not really. The title is so interesting, that it seems like it was a take-off of the Dewey Decimal system's "a call to numbers." I'm a book nerd, so I really loved this story. The reader is introduced to Robin, a man who was just transferred to a new library, in NYC. He's excited for the change, and he believes that he can move up the ladder of the library, and become more successful. He has a bit of trouble fitting in, as this library is not what he expected. I love the drama, and these characters deserve some living it up. It's so realistic, but I love the literary references, and how they fit in with this interesting gang of employees. Shhh! is not the only words coming out of this librarian's mouth. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. I'd love to go to this library and just observe! This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This is a magnificent plot that kept this reader turning the pages. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Call Numbers is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Syntell Smith writes a dramatic tale with Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life Of Librarians. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This book is part of the Call Numbers series, and this is volume one. I enjoyed this book because, one, I'm a writer, and two, I'm an author, but I thought that the library setting would be interesting, and it definitely was. The year is 1994, seems like ages ago, but not really. The title is so interesting, that it seems like it was a take-off of the Dewey Decimal system's "a call to numbers." I'm a book nerd, so I really loved this story. The reader is introduced to Robin, a man who was just transferred to a new library, in NYC. He's excited for the change, and he believes that he can move up the ladder of the library, and become more successful. He has a bit of trouble fitting in, as this library is not what he expected. I love the drama, and these characters deserve some living it up. It's so realistic, but I love the literary references, and how they fit in with this interesting gang of employees. Shhh! is not the only words coming out of this librarian's mouth. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. I'd love to go to this library and just observe! This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This is a magnificent plot that kept this reader turning the pages. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Call Numbers is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
April 23, 2023
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3mUijv9.
Recently transferred from the Fort Washington branch Robin Walker is a part time college student part time New York Public Library clerk. Although the transfer is new the employees of this branch are not thrilled to have him and are intent to see him out. Be it one library head intent on having her own page promoted to full time clerk position due to a delicate situation or the other head librarian's desire to keep "bending" the rules for his desired patrons. Can this one employee make such a difference?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Just based on the name on the book this title has been staring me down from my TBR needing me to jump it to the top of my list since I first got it. However, I let it wait on it's turn and I was not disappointed by this book. Set in the 90s you have a throw-back book with plenty of racism issues confronted.
I will say I have no idea what body type the main character, Robin has. He is often described as chubby and fat by Alex in the book, however, he is also described as quick enough to outrun the police and a girl running her hands across his abs in the club. So, I have no idea what his body type is. I know his skin tone because it bothers him so much and I know about his hand, but otherwise not so much.
The book ends on a bittersweet note and I would absolutely read more by this author in the future. While the main issue of if Robin will be forced out of the new branch satisfied there are a lot of other issues within this book that have no resolutions.
The fact that the page, Lakesia, 14, who has a crush on Robin, 21, is very cringy. I hope he handled it completely and that doesn't develop because that is pretty gross as is. If she was of consent age it wouldn't bother me as much, but she is a kid and just no.
Recently transferred from the Fort Washington branch Robin Walker is a part time college student part time New York Public Library clerk. Although the transfer is new the employees of this branch are not thrilled to have him and are intent to see him out. Be it one library head intent on having her own page promoted to full time clerk position due to a delicate situation or the other head librarian's desire to keep "bending" the rules for his desired patrons. Can this one employee make such a difference?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Just based on the name on the book this title has been staring me down from my TBR needing me to jump it to the top of my list since I first got it. However, I let it wait on it's turn and I was not disappointed by this book. Set in the 90s you have a throw-back book with plenty of racism issues confronted.
I will say I have no idea what body type the main character, Robin has. He is often described as chubby and fat by Alex in the book, however, he is also described as quick enough to outrun the police and a girl running her hands across his abs in the club. So, I have no idea what his body type is. I know his skin tone because it bothers him so much and I know about his hand, but otherwise not so much.
The book ends on a bittersweet note and I would absolutely read more by this author in the future. While the main issue of if Robin will be forced out of the new branch satisfied there are a lot of other issues within this book that have no resolutions.
The fact that the page, Lakesia, 14, who has a crush on Robin, 21, is very cringy. I hope he handled it completely and that doesn't develop because that is pretty gross as is. If she was of consent age it wouldn't bother me as much, but she is a kid and just no.
May 27, 2020
🌸🌸🌸
📚Book Review
Title : Call Numbers
Author : Syntell Smith
Language : English
Edition : Kindle
Pages : 424
🖋Library is known as the storehouse of knowledge. It is the source of knowledge and information. The entire responsibility of the library lies on the librarian. They organize the library so that everyone can easily find what they need. They help people to find the information and conduct research too.
🖋The main protagonist of this book is Robin Walker who has been transferred to Branch Library. He eagerly looks forward to his new job along with mixed feelings. But he finds his work place to be quite different. Everyday he witnessed strange people and finds himself in a very challenging position.
🖋The book describes the life of a librarian. The challenging position of a librarian and the troubles through which a librarian goes through and how they handle the same. The narration is truly commendable. The description is also done very well.
🖋The book is full of drama. We don't feel distracted while reading.Its captivating too. The book has many characters which sometimes makes it difficult to memorize. The book covers some sensitive topics such as teen love, crime inside school, sex education, teen pregnancy and much more.
🖋My school librarian has very special place in my life. She was very strict but also quite efficient in her work. It was because of her I developed a reading habit. And now it has become my favourite hobby or you may also call it a favourite pastime.
🖋I always wondered what the life of a librarian could be like ? This book gives us the insights of a librarian life, both professional and personal.
🖋According to me the title of the book doesn't goes along with the theme. At first the book sounded that its about a call center. The cover of the book is attractive and appealing. The book is long read and with multifold drama is fun reading it.
#Rating : 4.5/5
🌸🌸🌸
📚Book Review
Title : Call Numbers
Author : Syntell Smith
Language : English
Edition : Kindle
Pages : 424
🖋Library is known as the storehouse of knowledge. It is the source of knowledge and information. The entire responsibility of the library lies on the librarian. They organize the library so that everyone can easily find what they need. They help people to find the information and conduct research too.
🖋The main protagonist of this book is Robin Walker who has been transferred to Branch Library. He eagerly looks forward to his new job along with mixed feelings. But he finds his work place to be quite different. Everyday he witnessed strange people and finds himself in a very challenging position.
🖋The book describes the life of a librarian. The challenging position of a librarian and the troubles through which a librarian goes through and how they handle the same. The narration is truly commendable. The description is also done very well.
🖋The book is full of drama. We don't feel distracted while reading.Its captivating too. The book has many characters which sometimes makes it difficult to memorize. The book covers some sensitive topics such as teen love, crime inside school, sex education, teen pregnancy and much more.
🖋My school librarian has very special place in my life. She was very strict but also quite efficient in her work. It was because of her I developed a reading habit. And now it has become my favourite hobby or you may also call it a favourite pastime.
🖋I always wondered what the life of a librarian could be like ? This book gives us the insights of a librarian life, both professional and personal.
🖋According to me the title of the book doesn't goes along with the theme. At first the book sounded that its about a call center. The cover of the book is attractive and appealing. The book is long read and with multifold drama is fun reading it.
#Rating : 4.5/5
🌸🌸🌸
May 29, 2020
Life is a book... and every person is a chapter.
.
.
Title - Call Numbers : The Not So Quiet life of
librarians
Author - Syntell Smith
Pages - 424
Format - kindle
.
.
The story is set up in 1994 in New York City and the story revolves around the protagonist Robin Walker who's been transferred downtown to the 58th street Browmick library. Robin is thrilled to think that new possibilities are waiting for him. But as we know the struggles and problems are the part of life both as personal and professional. He is ready to fight a new battle with his new work environment. He doesn't know who to believe. To know more about the drama filled journey of Robin you have to read the book.
.
.
Review -
The cover of the book is simple and the title of the book is totally apt to the content. The plot of the story is fascinating, different and fresh. It is a perfect blend of action, drama and thrill. In this book the author has also elevated some solid issues like racial discrimination, teen pregnancy, sex education, crimes in schools etc.
Author has amazingly narrated the life of librarians and drama within the library. This book is the first book of the series and divided into 18 chapters which is readers friendly. At the beginning of the book Library Terminology Glossary is provided which is very helpful.
Language used is simple and lucid. Dialogues are very impressive. Characters are well developed and described by the author. Equal importance is given to the supporting characters. Through this book the author talks us the importance of libraries and librarians in our life.
Overall, a good and different read.
.
.
Rating - 4.2/5
.
.
I recommend this book to all.
.
.
Title - Call Numbers : The Not So Quiet life of
librarians
Author - Syntell Smith
Pages - 424
Format - kindle
.
.
The story is set up in 1994 in New York City and the story revolves around the protagonist Robin Walker who's been transferred downtown to the 58th street Browmick library. Robin is thrilled to think that new possibilities are waiting for him. But as we know the struggles and problems are the part of life both as personal and professional. He is ready to fight a new battle with his new work environment. He doesn't know who to believe. To know more about the drama filled journey of Robin you have to read the book.
.
.
Review -
The cover of the book is simple and the title of the book is totally apt to the content. The plot of the story is fascinating, different and fresh. It is a perfect blend of action, drama and thrill. In this book the author has also elevated some solid issues like racial discrimination, teen pregnancy, sex education, crimes in schools etc.
Author has amazingly narrated the life of librarians and drama within the library. This book is the first book of the series and divided into 18 chapters which is readers friendly. At the beginning of the book Library Terminology Glossary is provided which is very helpful.
Language used is simple and lucid. Dialogues are very impressive. Characters are well developed and described by the author. Equal importance is given to the supporting characters. Through this book the author talks us the importance of libraries and librarians in our life.
Overall, a good and different read.
.
.
Rating - 4.2/5
.
.
I recommend this book to all.
January 27, 2021
No connection or compelling storyline
Just finished "Call Numbers" by Syntell Smith - the first book in a series with the subtitle "The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians."
I like to support new authors and I'm sure that knowing this was the author's first novel was a compelling factor in making this a Kindle First Reads selection. Having finished the book, there was not enough compelling me to buy part two in the series.
The novel is heavy on character development. But there appears to be too many characters with too many issues and too many story lines to pull into a cohesive narrative. The dysfunctional, hostile work environment depicted in the New York Public Library system made the characters unlikable. I found myself about a third of the way into the book wanting to read faster for the purposes of finishing so I could just move on to another book. I just didn't care enough about how anyone under the employment of this branch fared.
I may have completely missed the point or the charm of this one. I'm still not sure what message the author was trying to convey with this tale. If 360 pages were a Part 1 to set the stage for a Part 2 revelation and climax, there was not enough emotional connection for me to want to invest more time and money to find out.
A favorite part of the book was uncovering some unique New York City locations referenced where action takes place outside of the 58th street branch. I have a few places I'd like to visit when NYC reopens post pandemic.
Not every book is for everybody. There are plenty of 5 star reviews on Amazon for "Call Numbers" and I would encourage you to check those out. As for me, I'd give it 2 stars and would recommend other books - even for my librarian friends.
Just finished "Call Numbers" by Syntell Smith - the first book in a series with the subtitle "The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians."
I like to support new authors and I'm sure that knowing this was the author's first novel was a compelling factor in making this a Kindle First Reads selection. Having finished the book, there was not enough compelling me to buy part two in the series.
The novel is heavy on character development. But there appears to be too many characters with too many issues and too many story lines to pull into a cohesive narrative. The dysfunctional, hostile work environment depicted in the New York Public Library system made the characters unlikable. I found myself about a third of the way into the book wanting to read faster for the purposes of finishing so I could just move on to another book. I just didn't care enough about how anyone under the employment of this branch fared.
I may have completely missed the point or the charm of this one. I'm still not sure what message the author was trying to convey with this tale. If 360 pages were a Part 1 to set the stage for a Part 2 revelation and climax, there was not enough emotional connection for me to want to invest more time and money to find out.
A favorite part of the book was uncovering some unique New York City locations referenced where action takes place outside of the 58th street branch. I have a few places I'd like to visit when NYC reopens post pandemic.
Not every book is for everybody. There are plenty of 5 star reviews on Amazon for "Call Numbers" and I would encourage you to check those out. As for me, I'd give it 2 stars and would recommend other books - even for my librarian friends.
August 4, 2019
Now this review is a little different. It isn't part of any of my book club reading lists (yet). However I will approach it as I always do with a brief synopsis.
Normally I would say this is the typical workplace drama book that always finds a sprinkle of love here and there. For me, this workplace drama was a total shock. Who knew there would be sooooooo much controversy and back-stabbing happening at the public library. This particular branch had enough discord going on before Robin Walker came along. His joining of the so-called team brings even more discontent to the forefront between the head librarian, librarian assistant, and the senior clerk along with her team of clerks and pages. From racial discrimination, out-right hazing, and some possible fraudulent activity the drama seems never-ending.
Smith sets out to expose some of the workplace drama that even the public library isn't exempt from. He hits on some very time relevant issues as it is set in the 90s. Some of these issues are still relevant today. Which leads me to what spoke to my soul.
First, you must deal with your own demons. If you don't, your reactions to others may be amplified as a result. This is absolutely true for Robin Walker. You may find this the case for other characters as well. I choose to focus on him in this review. Next, communication is needed to resolve issues wherever they occur. Work, home, friendships, marriage, acquaintances. Just about every character could take a lesson in communication especially when it came to the teenage characters in the book. Teenage pregnancy, bullying, and having parental trust come up with one or more of the young pages.
The last idea that spoke to my soul is while you must remember where you came from don't let that determine your greatness. At times our past can overshadow our present and future. Let every experience in life (good or bad) push you to be the best possible version of yourself. Don't let your past force you into making questionable decisions or downright unethical decisions. This for me stood out for Robin, Head Librarian Augustus, and Senior Clerk Sonyai.
Smith is very detail-oriented and builds the anticipation for Book 2, Call Numbers: Loss, Pain and Revelations. I anxiously await for how the drama continues at 58th Street Branch.
Tracey Robinson
Words For The Soul Book Club
Normally I would say this is the typical workplace drama book that always finds a sprinkle of love here and there. For me, this workplace drama was a total shock. Who knew there would be sooooooo much controversy and back-stabbing happening at the public library. This particular branch had enough discord going on before Robin Walker came along. His joining of the so-called team brings even more discontent to the forefront between the head librarian, librarian assistant, and the senior clerk along with her team of clerks and pages. From racial discrimination, out-right hazing, and some possible fraudulent activity the drama seems never-ending.
Smith sets out to expose some of the workplace drama that even the public library isn't exempt from. He hits on some very time relevant issues as it is set in the 90s. Some of these issues are still relevant today. Which leads me to what spoke to my soul.
First, you must deal with your own demons. If you don't, your reactions to others may be amplified as a result. This is absolutely true for Robin Walker. You may find this the case for other characters as well. I choose to focus on him in this review. Next, communication is needed to resolve issues wherever they occur. Work, home, friendships, marriage, acquaintances. Just about every character could take a lesson in communication especially when it came to the teenage characters in the book. Teenage pregnancy, bullying, and having parental trust come up with one or more of the young pages.
The last idea that spoke to my soul is while you must remember where you came from don't let that determine your greatness. At times our past can overshadow our present and future. Let every experience in life (good or bad) push you to be the best possible version of yourself. Don't let your past force you into making questionable decisions or downright unethical decisions. This for me stood out for Robin, Head Librarian Augustus, and Senior Clerk Sonyai.
Smith is very detail-oriented and builds the anticipation for Book 2, Call Numbers: Loss, Pain and Revelations. I anxiously await for how the drama continues at 58th Street Branch.
Tracey Robinson
Words For The Soul Book Club
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
Have you ever wonder about the people who work in a library? Robin Walker is going to his first day of work at a New York Public Library branch. He has transferred from another branch of the New York Public Library. On his first day, Robin picks up on the coolness of his fellow workers toward him when being introduced to them. Why? As time passes, he discovers his co-workers are freaky, petty and have multiple conspiracies for him. Robin tries to control his temper but does lose it at work. Robin is suspended one time due to the loss of his temper. He struggles at work to find a place for himself. Will he succeed? His grandfather’s home is where he lives as his mother and sister are traveling overseas. He has not seen or talk to them for a long time. After seeing a game of the “Knicks,” he goes home to find his grandfather on the floor. He calls 911. His grandfather goes and stays at the hospital for a few days. Robin learns that his grandfather my live only a month or so. When Robin goes to work, his boss can tell he is upset. He doesn’t tell anyone about his grandfather. Why?
The author includes the backgrounds of the library’s employees making them into a family of friendship and loyalty. I found myself laughing besides going through the emotions of Robin. The story is sad, the author shows the pain of racism, teenagers pregnancy, and bullying. It’s an excellent novel. I can’t wait to read the next book!.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all.
The author includes the backgrounds of the library’s employees making them into a family of friendship and loyalty. I found myself laughing besides going through the emotions of Robin. The story is sad, the author shows the pain of racism, teenagers pregnancy, and bullying. It’s an excellent novel. I can’t wait to read the next book!.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all.
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