Lakeland Public Library discussion

So, earlier this month, we celebrated National Library Week. Did you stop by and celebrate with us? If not, don’t worry. We’ll always be here for you. For this month’s non-fiction spotlight, I thought I’d carry on the theme of National Library Week and focus on the objects we’re all here for: books! Few things make me as happy as I am while reading a good book. You have probably felt the same. The books in this list all have to do with books in a physical sense, but also how they have shaped us as much as we have shaped them. Most of these contain lists of recommended books to read. Try picking up some of these titles and watch your To-Be-Read pile grow!

The Great American Read: The Book of Books by Jessica Allen

A companion to PBS’ The Great American Read, this illustrated book examine the books Americans have picked as their favorites and why they have our enduring affection.

Dear Fahrenheit 451: A Librarian's Love Letters and Break-up Notes to the Books in Her Life by Annie Spence.

One librarian’s letters to the books in her life; those on the shelf at the library, those she owns, and those received from flirty bartenders at her favorite bar. Her letters are witty and funny, and I can’t help but share some of her sentiments.

Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult by Bruce Handy

Half the joy of reading to my preschooler is reliving how awesome children’s books are. This book explores the how, why and who of children’s literature you may not have experienced since your school days. Go ahead put a request on Charlotte’s Web or Ramona the Pest and enjoy all that children’s literature can still offer. No judgements.

The Year of Reading Dangerously: How Fifty Great Books (and Two Not-so-Great Ones) Saved My Life by Andy Miller

One reader’s quest to do something he’s avoided so far: read what are considered the greatest books in the world. Follow his journey as it leads from the local library, to reading Moby Dick on a Nintendo DS, to finally getting his life back.

Black Ink: Literary Legends on the Peril, Power, and Pleasure of Reading and Writing by Stephanie Stokes Oliver

Reading and writing is an act of resistance. This collection of essays on the history and importance of reading and writing in the Black community is enthralling. You’ll find contributions from iconic Black writers such as Solomon Northup, W.E.B. Du Bois, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Roxane Gay, Barack Obama and Colson Whitehead. This collection is not to be missed.

The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time by Keith Houston

How can a book tell a story without having anything written on its pages? The author traces the history of civilization through the 2,000-year history of the book. How did the book evolve from clay cuneiform tablets and papyrus scrolls to the object we know and love today? Find the answers here.

1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life Changing List by James Mustich

I have to admit I love checking this book against my Read shelf on Goodreads, to see how many of the 1000 I’ve read. This book has inspired me to branch out and read new things. If you don’t have a librarian handy to recommend a title, this is a fun substitute.

I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel

This title might as well be my personal motto. One book lover’s (or possibly addict’s) musings on life and how books have impacted her in sometimes unexpected ways.