Union County Library discussion

Hi Everyone! Welcome. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What's the last great book you read? What are you reading now? Book or audiobook? Kindle or hardback?

My name is Sheri and I'm the assistant manager at Union West. I enjoy historical fiction, crime fiction, smart/funny romances, women's fiction, and the occasional nonfiction book. A few of my favorite authors are Diana Gabaldon, Michael Connelly, Sara Donati, and Lisa Kleypas. I'm usually reading one or two Kindle books and an e-audiobook. I love OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla!

Hi! My name is Aly and I'm a library associate at Union West. I like contemporary fiction, fantasy, quirky romance, historical fiction, and YA.
I recently finished Circe by Madeline Miller which I found very unique and completely engrossing. I'm also currently reading the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness which, thus far, is full of twists and turns and I'm sure has captured the hearts of many a history buff.
A few of my favorite authors are Rainbow Rowell, Leigh Bardugo, Angela Carter, and Colson Whitehead.
While I am partial to the physical book, I have definitely become a fan of Libby/OverDrive and Hoopla, especially for eAudiobooks. Next on my list to listen to is The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow!

Hi I’m Laura, a library associate at the main Union County Library in Monroe. I love audiobooks, and I read a lot of fiction with some sci fi mixed in. My favorite two books of the last few year are. A Gentleman in Moscow and Homegoing.

Hi! I'm Rachel, your Acquisitions and Collections Librarian at the Main Library in Monroe. What that means is my department handles all the materials that come into the library (books, dvds, audiobooks, digital items and more) and get them ready for you to take home. I also order many of our collections including Adult Fiction, Large Print, DVDs, and our eBook/eAudios on Overdrive.

I enjoy Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, and Young Adult genres. While I love a physical book, I will listen to audios and take my Kindle with me everywhere I go. A few of my favorite authors are Leigh Bardugo, Tessa Bailey, Amie Kaufman, and J.K. Rowling/Robert Galbraith.

Hi everyone! Im Madelaine, a Library Associate at Union West Regional Library. I enjoy reading literary fiction, poetry, classics, and books on art and art history. I recently read Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, and was completely enthralled. I continuously read Mary Oliver’s Devotions… usually out loud… to my dog! He’s a big Mary Oliver fan too! I’m a painter, and love to listen to audiobooks while I work. Im always looking for books with good narrators, and am open to suggestions! Next on my list is to finish listening to Anna Karenina ( its 35 hours!). Im excited to hear about what books youre interested in!

Hi! I'm Syl Walker, an avid library patron. My favorite reads are all over the place - mysteries, espionage, sci fi, politics, non-fiction, crafts, gardening, cooking...

Welcome, Syl!

Hello ... most of my Goodreads friends (and Shelfari before GR), call me BC.

I am a voracious reader, usually having 3-5 books going at once.
I still love a good hardcover book (and the only books I buy are HC first editions), but I also enjoy listening to audiobooks.

My first preference is literary fiction, but I'll read just about anything that has words. Sci Fi, thrillers, romance, historical fiction, nonfiction, poetry, YA, mysteries (hard-hitting or cozy), biography, women's fiction, ....etc.

Right now I'm reading:
How to Walk Away (audiobook in the car)
Scones and Scoundrels (on the nightstand)
A Royal Pain (book in my purse)
Get a Life, Chloe Brown (digital audio on my MP3 player)

As soon as I finish A Royal Pain I'll pick up The Five Wounds by Kristin Valdez Quade, which is the selection for one of my F2F book clubs. I had read about half of it when I had to return it to the library because I was going out of town. I just got it back and am itching to pick it up again.

I am retired from healthcare administration, but am still active as a volunteer. I am on the board of a local arts organization (theatre), and also currently the Vice President of the Board of Trustees for my local library (North Shore Library in Glendale, WI)

I'm not really sure how Union County Library came across me or why I was invited to join, but here I am ... always happy to talk about books with other book lovers!

Hi, I'm Lata. Though not a library professional, I am a voracious reader, and have loved libraries all my life. I read a LOT of speculative fiction and mysteries, with some fiction and nonfiction thrown in. I also am a heavy listener of audiobooks, as they help me get through my TBR mountain, and encourage me to get moving while enjoying a book.

Thanks for inviting me! :)

Hello! I'm Stephanie, an information services librarian at the Davenport Public Library in Iowa! Thank you for having me - I love making friends with fellow readers.

I read across all genres, but my favorites are twisty psychological thrillers, young adult fiction, true crime, romances, and cozy mysteries (I just started reading cozies in November when the podcast I co-host for work chose that as a topic).

I always have multiple books going: one in my car, one audiobook on my phone, and either one in my house or on my kindle.

I'm currently reading
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal (book that stays in my house) - this is actually being read as part of my family's book club!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (audiobook on my phone) - I LOVED Circe, so this was a no-brainer
Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien - eighth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series (book that stays in my car)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - been reading this for MONTHS and it's taking me a while to get through it (last year my goal was to read all the HP books since I had never read them before)

I can't wait to read and learn more from you all!

Book Concierge wrote: "Hello ... most of my Goodreads friends (and Shelfari before GR), call me BC.

I am a voracious reader, usually having 3-5 books going at once.
I still love a good hardcover book (and the only boo..."

Welcome to the group, BC! We're so excited to have you join the group. While our library may be far from Wisconsin, we love chatting with new friends who are just as excited about books as we are. It's so cool how you read multiple books at once and keep them in different places!

Lata wrote: "Hi, I'm Lata. Though not a library professional, I am a voracious reader, and have loved libraries all my life. I read a LOT of speculative fiction and mysteries, with some fiction and nonfiction t..."

Welcome to the group, Lata! We love audiobooks too. What's your favorite work of speculative fiction?

Stephanie wrote: "Hello! I'm Stephanie, an information services librarian at the Davenport Public Library in Iowa! Thank you for having me - I love making friends with fellow readers.

I read across all genres, but ..."

Yay, thank you for joining, Stephanie! We love to chat about books with fellow librarians and library workers! Especially during National Library Week :) It looks like many of us read multiple books at once and keep them in different places - it's so fun to have a car book, a walking book, a before bed book, etc. We can't wait to keep talking books with you!

Hi. My name is Kim. I am a member of 3 book clubs and volunteer to submit reviews for the UCPL. I am currently reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Woman on Fire. I love historical fiction but will read just about anything. I was recently on a Vanderbilt binge and read Vanderbilt The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty and A Well Behaved Woman. Both were fantastic and I highly recommend reading them as a pair! I prefer hardcovers but also listen on audible as well. I am a mom and also play tennis and bridge in between reading. Thank you for inviting me to the group.

Kelly wrote: "Hi! I'm Kelly! I'm located in Spokane, WA. I read almost everything but my favorites are manga, horror, fantasy, fantasy romance, murder mysteries, historical fiction, and myths/folktales, and hist..."

Welcome to our group, Kelly! Wow - all the way from Washington. That's so cool! Our library is full of historical fiction fans - what are some of your favorites?

Hello! My name is Zina and I'm from Algeria. I'm a third year English student.

I mostly read ficitonal books. Recently, I've been into retellings a lot. I'm currently reading "Circe" by Madelaine Miller an I'm enjoying it so much!

Thanks for adding me to the group! I love how active the library is here! Wish I could visit one day ^^

Kimberly wrote: "Hi. My name is Kim. I am a member of 3 book clubs and volunteer to submit reviews for the UCPL. I am currently reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Woman on Fire. I love historical fiction..."

Hi, Kim! Thank you for joining the group. We love our volunteers and so value your reviews! Addie LaRue is such a beautiful read - enjoy!

Hi UCL! You've asked me a really tough question, so this is how I'll answer it regarding my favourite speculative fiction title:
I can't really narrow this down, but here are some works that affected me strongly or that made me happy:

-The Goblin Emperor, and The Witness for the Dead, by Katherine Addison
-A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
-Kiki's Delivery SErvice by Eiko Kadono
-Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts
-The whole Murderbot series by Martha Wells
The whole Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch
-Silver in the Wood and Drowned Country by Emily Tesh
-Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
-The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius
-The whole Hamster Princess series by Ursula Vernon
-Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood & Co series
-Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand
-The Linesman by S.K. Dunstall
-The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
-The Imperial Radch series by Ann Leckie
-Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
-The Cyteen series by C.J. Cherryh


The list could be even longer, but I knew I had to stop somewhere. :)

Hey there! My name is Jessica and I am happy to be here. Hopefully I will pick up different books from what you guys have said :D Right now I just started The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata but I am also on the fourth in the Boston Belles series The Rake by L.J. Shen.

I used to be a hardcore PNR reader. My favorite series is Skinwalker by Faith Hunter. Actually met her in Rock Hill a couple years back and was starstruck LOL. I read or listen to books on my phone but if I am at home playing a game or crocheting, I will go to audiobooks. My go-to genre is romance - any kind. Mostly I have been stuck in the dark romance sub-genre but switch to fluff every few books.

My favorite female narrators are Ava Erickson aka Vanessa Edwin, Andi Arndt, Savannah Peachwood, and Desiree Ketchum. Male narrators are Joe Arden, Sebastian York, Jacob Morgan, Shane East, and Teddy Hamilton. If their names are on an audiobook, I will choose that before any kind of book format.

Some of the books I have read have made me want to throw them against the wall (if I had the physical ones of course). But for this thread I will go with Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas and Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry as my favorites since 2021.

Hi everyone! I'm Jaime, I moved to NC last year. I devour books and right now I'm reading "Aspergirls" and "Broken".

I'm a firm believer in all formats, I generally have two books and an audiobook in rotation.

The book that absolutely blew my mind was "Geek Love," I would love to read it again for the first time, when will science catch up!

My favorite genres: True Crime, Horror, Magical Realism, and Graphic Novels.

I'm also working my way through the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die.

I'm so happy that this group was made.

Aly wrote: "Hi! My name is Aly and I'm a library associate at Union West. I like contemporary fiction, fantasy, quirky romance, historical fiction, and YA.
I recently finished Circe by Madelin..."

Oh I love your taste in books!

Zina wrote: "Hello! My name is Zina and I'm from Algeria. I'm a third year English student.

I mostly read ficitonal books. Recently, I've been into retellings a lot. I'm currently reading "Circe" by Madelaine..."

Hi, Zina! Welcome to our group. Come visit us any time!

Jessica wrote: "Hey there! My name is Jessica and I am happy to be here. Hopefully I will pick up different books from what you guys have said :D Right now I just started [book:The Wall of Winnipeg and Me|29367958..."

Welcome to the group, Jessica! We definitely understand choosing audiobooks based on the narrator - sometimes it can make all the difference. We have some big romance fans working at the library. Come visit us sometime!

Jaime wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Jaime, I moved to NC last year. I devour books and right now I'm reading "Aspergirls" and "Broken".

I'm a firm believer in all formats, I generally have two books and an audioboo..."

Welcome, Jaime! We're so excited you're here and we're really looking forward to reading your reviews! And welcome to North Carolina :)

I hope it's ok. . .I'm joining from the Pacific Northwest. . .I read in all formats and have many books going at once. . .on purpose. . .working my brain to stay nimble as age moves toward 3 digits. . .hello from Oregon!!

Moonkiszt wrote: "I hope it's ok. . .I'm joining from the Pacific Northwest. . .I read in all formats and have many books going at once. . .on purpose. . .working my brain to stay nimble as age moves toward 3 digits..."

We're so happy to have you all the way from Oregon!

Hi, Mary from Nashville by way of Chicago. Avid reader and favorite genres are true crime, history, WWII, litRPG, fantasy, and cozies.

Current favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Peter F. Hamilton, Ben Macintyre, and Adam Selzer.

Thanks for the invite.

I love that you list your current favorite authors! Mine change as well.

Mary wrote: "Hi, Mary from Nashville by way of Chicago. Avid reader and favorite genres are true crime, history, WWII, litRPG, fantasy, and cozies.

Current favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Peter F. Hamil..."

Hi, Mary! Welcome to our group. We have a staff member who wants to read her first Neil Gaiman book. Which one would you recommend starting with?

I'm Eric from NC, and have been working in libraries for 10+ years.
I read a lot science fiction, not as much fantasy. I've been getting into reading more non-fiction and contemporary fiction. I've read a lot of comic books. My favorite author is Michael Crichton.
I'm now 19 books into a reading rut, where I've liked some of them but haven't loved any of them. The last book that got my blood pumping was Fight Club but I don't like telling people that because I don't want to be known as someone who likes Fight Club!

Jaime wrote: "Aly wrote: "Hi! My name is Aly and I'm a library associate at Union West. I like contemporary fiction, fantasy, quirky romance, historical fiction, and YA.
I recently finished [book:Circe|35959740..."

Thank you!

Eric wrote: "I'm Eric from NC, and have been working in libraries for 10+ years.
I read a lot science fiction, not as much fantasy. I've been getting into reading more non-fiction and contemporary fiction. I've..."

We would never hold your love of Fight Club against you :)

Hi, I’m Betsy. I’m a library associate at Union West. I recently finished reading The Sentence by Louise Erdrich and The 1619 Project. I’m currently reading Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis, and Red Comet by Heather Clark. I like to jump between multiple books at once :] So many books, so little time!

I am Jon from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I am an avid reader of a fairly wide swath of genres. Mysteries are my comfort read destination and also enjoy history, political, humor, literary fiction, classics, thriller, young adult, science fiction and biography. I tend to read two books at a time with at least one being in an electronic format. I just finished Cloud Cuckoo Land today and will be starting A Tale of Two Cities tonight. Favorite authors include John Sandford, Fredrik Backman, Michael Connelly. Robert Crais, Studs Terkel, John Steinbeck, Craig Johnson and Bob Woodward.

I am Pernette from Union County. I read all of the time. I prefer fiction. I mainly read Advance Readers Copies and post reviews. I have a Kindle but I mainly read on my Paperwhite because it is so lightweight and versatile. When new books come out by my favorite authors I request an ebook from the UCPL. I am glad to be with like-minded people and am always open to new authors and books.

Jon wrote: "I am Jon from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I am an avid reader of a fairly wide swath of genres. Mysteries are my comfort read destination and also enjoy history, political, humor, literary fiction, classic..."

Welcome, Jon! We recently read Cloud Cuckoo Land in one of our book clubs. What did you think of it?

Pernette wrote: "I am Pernette from Union County. I read all of the time. I prefer fiction. I mainly read Advance Readers Copies and post reviews. I have a Kindle but I mainly read on my Paperwhite because it is so..."

Hi, Pernette! We are so glad you've joined our group and that you use our digital resources! What was the last eBook you read?

Union County Library wrote: "Pernette wrote: "I am Pernette from Union County. I read all of the time. I prefer fiction. I mainly read Advance Readers Copies and post reviews. I have a Kindle but I mainly read on my Paperwhite..."

I am currently reading Out Of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristen Higgins. I read French Braid. I noticed that on one of your recommendations emails.

Union County Library wrote: "Jon wrote: "I am Jon from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I am an avid reader of a fairly wide swath of genres. Mysteries are my comfort read destination and also enjoy history, political, humor, literary fict..."

Cloud Cuckoo Land was excellent. Huge project that Doerr pulled together masterfully. I did not think it was as good as his All the Light We Cannot See but still overall fantastic.

Hi, I'm Amy. I live in Union County. l read ALL the time. Lately, I've been on a WWII non-fiction kick, so the NF book I'm reading now is The Storm on Our Shores, about the Japanese attempt to invade the Aleutian Islands of Alaska in 1943. I have a copy of Adventures in the Atomic Age, by Glenn Seaborg that I might read next (because I am a total nerd >_<).

There isn't much I won't read. I don't really have a favorite author, although I love Neil Gaiman (The Ocean at the End of the Lane is my FAVORITE), Naomi Novik, Stephen King (his early stuff more than the last 10 years or so), and Lisa See.

I just finished listening to The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron (loved it), and I am now listening to The Alice Network (not loving it as much).

I'm reading One of Us is Lying on my Kindle, and Luckiest Girl Alive (a book club pick). Next on deck is the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (another book club pick) and Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Amy wrote: "Hi, I'm Amy. I live in Union County. l read ALL the time. Lately, I've been on a WWII non-fiction kick, so the NF book I'm reading now is The Storm on Our Shores, about the Japanese attempt to inva..."

There's a wonderful FICTION book for young adults written by Karen Hesse about this - Aleutian Sparrow
You can My review HERE

Jon wrote: "Union County Library wrote: "Jon wrote: "I am Jon from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I am an avid reader of a fairly wide swath of genres. Mysteries are my comfort read destination and also enjoy history, po..."

All the Light We Cannot See was SO good! A few of us read it and absolutely loved it.

Amy wrote: "Hi, I'm Amy. I live in Union County. l read ALL the time. Lately, I've been on a WWII non-fiction kick, so the NF book I'm reading now is The Storm on Our Shores, about the Japanese attempt to inva..."

Welcome, Amy! We're so happy to have you here.

Hi hello, Gabi here. I'm part of the Union County staff. I like to listen to whodunits on audio while I'm driving, and I love graphic novels (not while I'm driving). I'm a proofreader and editor, and I've published a book of my own online (a collection of essays about roleplay games). I just finished reading "Lucky Penny" and "Clyde", which were both sassy, manic, and hilarious.

My name is Georgia Scott and I've been reading and writing since a Dr Seuss dictionary got me hooked on words.

I read mainly classics and forgotten 20th century novels. I am a poet and author of a memoir.

Georgia wrote: "My name is Georgia Scott and I've been reading and writing since a Dr Seuss dictionary got me hooked on words.

I read mainly classics and forgotten 20th century novels. I am a poet and author of ..."

Welcome, Georgia!

Hello! My name is Vansh and I am an online teen volunteer for Union County Library. I am from the Marvin, NC area. The last great book I read would probably be the Outliers by Malcom Gladwell. It was really interesting and described some of the unique factors that makes successful groups and individuals so special. I also got to give a presentation in my ELA class on the book, which was really fun. Right now I am currently reading the Star Wars Revenge of the Sith novellization by Matthew Stover. In general, I prefer physical book copies over audiobooks, and I like paperback because it easier to hold when reading in various angles.

Hi. I’m Greta. I am a wife, mom, clinical informatics nurse and book lover.
I created a little free library in my office at work years ago and it’s been a wonderful way to connect with all sorts of people at our hospital.
I love all kinds of fiction and I sprinkle in at least a couple non fiction books every year too.
Im currently reading The Sun Down Motel by Simon St. James for a local book club that I participate in and it’s a perfect ghost story pick for October.

I look forward to being a part of this group and can’t wait to read some of your reviews - I’m sure I’ll be adding lots of new titles to my want-to-read list 😀

Sheri wrote: "Hi Everyone! Welcome. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What's the last great book you read? What are you reading now? Book or audiobook? Kindle or hardback?

My name is Sheri and I'm the assist..."

Hi Sheri! Thank you for inviting me to your group. I do not live in NC but hope that I can participate anyhow.

Welcome, Vansh! We're excited to have you on our volunteer team!