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Hold Circulation - A Call Numbers novel: Trial and Redemption
In the book of life, the page must always be turned.
Robin Walker is at a crossroads. It’s 1994, and he’s been suspended from his part-time clerical position at the 58th Street Branch Library. His co-workers are overburdened, even with visiting clerks from other libraries.
Still mourning the loss of his grandfather, Robin also pines for Shinju, his former girlfriend and the niece of his supervisor Sonyai Yi. Meanwhile, library page Tonya Brown attempts to reconcile with her cheating boyfriend Andrew Friedman. Information assistant Angie Trueblood is given the cold shoulder by Heywood Learner, still despondent over a breakup. And former 58th Street page Janelle Simms is due to give birth and go on maternity leave, all while feuding with her parents.
But all is not lost. Over time, these co-workers have become much more than that. Joy, anger, love and pain are etched among them like ink on paper. Now they must decide whether to renew their life choices or reserve a new path. And with their due dates fast approaching, one thing becomes clear – everybody wants a happy ending.
Hold Circulation is the latest entry in the Call Numbers series. Author Syntell Smith crafts a layered and thought-provoking novel that examines the drama-filled lives of the people that are best known for keeping quiet. Underneath the surface, these fascinating characters try to break free of life’s burdens… by leaping off the page.
Robin Walker is at a crossroads. It’s 1994, and he’s been suspended from his part-time clerical position at the 58th Street Branch Library. His co-workers are overburdened, even with visiting clerks from other libraries.
Still mourning the loss of his grandfather, Robin also pines for Shinju, his former girlfriend and the niece of his supervisor Sonyai Yi. Meanwhile, library page Tonya Brown attempts to reconcile with her cheating boyfriend Andrew Friedman. Information assistant Angie Trueblood is given the cold shoulder by Heywood Learner, still despondent over a breakup. And former 58th Street page Janelle Simms is due to give birth and go on maternity leave, all while feuding with her parents.
But all is not lost. Over time, these co-workers have become much more than that. Joy, anger, love and pain are etched among them like ink on paper. Now they must decide whether to renew their life choices or reserve a new path. And with their due dates fast approaching, one thing becomes clear – everybody wants a happy ending.
Hold Circulation is the latest entry in the Call Numbers series. Author Syntell Smith crafts a layered and thought-provoking novel that examines the drama-filled lives of the people that are best known for keeping quiet. Underneath the surface, these fascinating characters try to break free of life’s burdens… by leaping off the page.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2023
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 6, 2023
“Hold Circulation: Trial and Redemption” is the third book in the Call Numbers series by Syntell Smith. It follows “Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life of Librarians,” and “Book Endings: Loss, Pain and Redemption.” In this episode, we step back into New York City in 1994, at the 58th Street Branch Library. The protagonist, a young man named Robin, has been suspended from his job at the library. As with the previous books in the series, he has continued to have difficulties dealing with the huge loss of his grandfather and trying to get along with coworkers and supervisors who have had it in for him since the day he started. His coworkers also have their own issues going on, and they are not dealing with them in the best way possible. Robin’s supervisors have huge issues as well. The highest-ranking man at the library is engaged in subterfuge, and his dishonest acts put him in a precarious position. The individual next in line behind him is hoping to find a reason to take him down.
“Hold Circulation” is a well-written novel. Syntell Smith has a talent for bringing his words to life in a way that conveys both feeling and action. The characters are well-developed and feel like real people, which makes it easy to become invested in their stories, especially if you are following the series. Robin is a likable protagonist who is often his own worst enemy due to his impetuous nature and quick temper. Knowing his story and the losses he has experienced made him more relatable to me. I was rooting for him despite his misbehavior. The supporting cast, which includes Robin’s coworkers and patrons, are all well-developed and add depth to the story. I enjoyed revisiting these characters, especially during their moments of introspection and reflection because I could see how they are evolving not only in this novel but as the series progresses.
Overall, I highly recommend “Hold Circulation” to readers who are looking for a compelling and thought-provoking novel. It tackles important themes like poverty, family, racism, community, and subterfuge. It does it in a way that is both entertaining and informative. Never again will I be able to look at librarians without wondering what kind of trickery they might be involved in. Syntell Smith has crafted a well-written, well-researched, and engaging novel that will leave you thinking long after you have finished reading. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
“Hold Circulation” is a well-written novel. Syntell Smith has a talent for bringing his words to life in a way that conveys both feeling and action. The characters are well-developed and feel like real people, which makes it easy to become invested in their stories, especially if you are following the series. Robin is a likable protagonist who is often his own worst enemy due to his impetuous nature and quick temper. Knowing his story and the losses he has experienced made him more relatable to me. I was rooting for him despite his misbehavior. The supporting cast, which includes Robin’s coworkers and patrons, are all well-developed and add depth to the story. I enjoyed revisiting these characters, especially during their moments of introspection and reflection because I could see how they are evolving not only in this novel but as the series progresses.
Overall, I highly recommend “Hold Circulation” to readers who are looking for a compelling and thought-provoking novel. It tackles important themes like poverty, family, racism, community, and subterfuge. It does it in a way that is both entertaining and informative. Never again will I be able to look at librarians without wondering what kind of trickery they might be involved in. Syntell Smith has crafted a well-written, well-researched, and engaging novel that will leave you thinking long after you have finished reading. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
April 11, 2023
Very impressive story telling.
Syntell Smith writes a dramatic tale with Hold Circulation: Trial and Redemption. This book is part of the Call Numbers series, and this is volume three. I recommend reading the books that came before this one, to get a feel for the characters, and the happenings at the library. Robin is stuck, like he's not sure which direction to go in, especially because he's suspended from his library clerk job. Things in the past, seem to keep haunting him, loss, regret, and betrayal are at the top of the list. I think that the story is not just about Robin, but it's about the employees of the library, their lives both professional and personal, and how it affects them. We learn more about Tonya, Angie, and Heywood, and there is about to be another member, a very small member, when Janelle is ready to go on maternity leave. An epically interesting cast of characters, and how life is compared to the chapters of a book, and we always hope there is at least another chapter to write. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. A reader can get lost in the stacks of this story. Hold Circulation: Trial and Redemption 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 Hold Circulation: Trial and Redemption. This book is part of the Call Numbers series, and this is volume three. I recommend reading the books that came before this one, to get a feel for the characters, and the happenings at the library. Robin is stuck, like he's not sure which direction to go in, especially because he's suspended from his library clerk job. Things in the past, seem to keep haunting him, loss, regret, and betrayal are at the top of the list. I think that the story is not just about Robin, but it's about the employees of the library, their lives both professional and personal, and how it affects them. We learn more about Tonya, Angie, and Heywood, and there is about to be another member, a very small member, when Janelle is ready to go on maternity leave. An epically interesting cast of characters, and how life is compared to the chapters of a book, and we always hope there is at least another chapter to write. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. A reader can get lost in the stacks of this story. Hold Circulation: Trial and Redemption 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.
June 6, 2023
Hold Circulation written by the author Syntell Smith is the last installment in the Call Numbers book series.
The story revolves around the staff of the 58th Street Branch Library. Robin Walker was discouraged at his job to the point of resigning. After his grandfather Jon passed away, Robin was devastated and made a decision to suicide. Shinju and Robin were in a relationship but it got over. Shinju's aunt was Sonyai Yi, Robin's supervisor.
Page Janelle Simms was pregnant and went on maternity leave. Tanya Brown is a library page. She was in a relationship with Andrew Friedman, Sonyai’s previous protégé and current Senior Clerk of the Webster. Even though Tanya was cheated on, she tried to make things right with her ex-boyfriend Andrew.
Library Terminology Glossary is helpful. Robin Walker's character had most of my attention. Tanya is also one of my favorite characters. The story is thought provoking. If you enjoy reading stories with many characters then don't miss this dramatic fiction. This book is a reminder to pursue the happiness that we deserve. The story is engaging and I had a great time reading this book.
The story revolves around the staff of the 58th Street Branch Library. Robin Walker was discouraged at his job to the point of resigning. After his grandfather Jon passed away, Robin was devastated and made a decision to suicide. Shinju and Robin were in a relationship but it got over. Shinju's aunt was Sonyai Yi, Robin's supervisor.
Page Janelle Simms was pregnant and went on maternity leave. Tanya Brown is a library page. She was in a relationship with Andrew Friedman, Sonyai’s previous protégé and current Senior Clerk of the Webster. Even though Tanya was cheated on, she tried to make things right with her ex-boyfriend Andrew.
Library Terminology Glossary is helpful. Robin Walker's character had most of my attention. Tanya is also one of my favorite characters. The story is thought provoking. If you enjoy reading stories with many characters then don't miss this dramatic fiction. This book is a reminder to pursue the happiness that we deserve. The story is engaging and I had a great time reading this book.
March 20, 2024
Hold onto your bookmarks, my fellow literary rebels! Hold Circulation isn’t your grandma’s tea-and-crumpets read—it’s a rollercoaster ride through the Dewey Decimal System! Picture this: Robin, the brooding library clerk, suspended like a spider in a web of intrigue. Shinju, the elusive ex-girlfriend, flits around like a caffeinated hummingbird. And Tonya? Oh, honey, she’s got more drama than a telenovela marathon! Cheating boyfriends, cold shoulders, and a pregnant page—this ain’t your average library shift. But wait, there’s more! The library itself? It’s like Hogwarts meets Cheers, where everybody knows your overdue fines. Syntell Smith sprinkles magic dust on every page, turning mundane moments into literary fireworks. So, grab your library card, because this book? It’s a passport to heartache, laughter, and overdue romance. Trust me, you’ll finish it and scream, ‘Shush me, librarian, I need the sequel!’ 📖✨
March 25, 2024
Hold Circulation is a literary mosaic that weaves together the lives of the 58th Street Branch Library staff in 1994 New York City. Imagine a symphony of emotions—joy, sorrow, love, and longing—played out against the backdrop of dusty shelves and whispered secrets. Robin Walker, suspended from his clerical job, tugs at your heartstrings as he navigates loss, yearning, and the enigmatic Shinju. Tonya Brown’s struggle to mend a fractured heart resonates like a well-worn paperback. And Angie Trueblood? She’s the unsung hero, battling rejection with a steely resolve. As I turned each page, I felt like a silent observer in their cozy corner of existence. The library, with its quirky patrons and hidden dramas, became my sanctuary. So grab your reading glasses and immerse yourself in this tale of resilience, friendship, and—yes—happy endings.
April 21, 2023
I found the characters of this book to be haunting. Syntell Smith has taken his experience an created a cast of characters we would see at the local library. The just to add flavor he's added drama and excitement. We find ourselves drawn into their lives and get lost in hoping our favorites come out on top while the the ones we see as bad guys get caught. Another great book in the series by Syntell Smith.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews