So Confused...

So, I was browsing Barnes and Noble, just checking out their rare books section on the website, when I came across this complete rip-off. What?!? I didn't realize someone would actually pay that much for one of those. I definitely wouldn't. Not for an author inscribed copy, not for a first edition. Ever. Such bizarre things you find on the internets.

An historic account

I’m not sure how I became drawn to the genre of historical fiction. My mother left regency romance novels lying around the house when I was a teenager, and I pretty much devoured any fiction I could get my hands on at that age, so maybe that had an influence. Several non-romances had an impact on me as well. I absolutely adored survival stories: think My Side of the Mountain or The Island of the Blue Dolphins. (No wonder I love Lost so much!) Also, I was somewhat of a medieval junkie: enter my brief affair with Karen Cushman. When school librarians plugged award-winning books, I paid attention. There’s a reason those books win awards. My middle school library had the Newbery winners separated out from the other fiction and I’m pretty sure I read almost all of those. (The Nancy Drew books were also separated out, but I didn’t go so much for them. To this day I’m still not much of a mystery reader.) The Newberys I read included such historical fiction as Caddie Woodlawn, Adam of the Road, Johnny Tremain, King of the Wind (I had an affair with Marguerite Henry, too. Influenced by my elementary school librarian.), The Door in the Wall, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, The Bronze Bow, Julie of the Wolves, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Number the Stars, and The Midwife’s Apprentice.

I have just realized that I must go back and read some of those old Newberys. Also, apparently, I read a lot more historical fiction as a child and teen than I originally thought.

Anyway, as time went by, I suppose I lost touch with historical fiction. During high school and college, I don’t remember reading historical novels. I remember reading a whole lot of fantasy. And a smidgeon of science fiction. But then, one day, I picked up a little (hah!) book called Sarum by Edward Rutherford. It took me a while to get through the darn thing (and I’m not a slow reader: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in six hours! Woot!), but it sparked my interest and I delved into the genre again. I’ve become a fan.

There’s so much history to choose from, if I ever get bored with a time period, I can just pick something different. And I feel like I’m learning something, too, especially from the big fat novels with lots of research, like The Pillars of the Earth. I tend to neglect the classics, though I finally did get around to reading all of Jane Austen’s works. However, the classics aren’t really in the same genre. There, I found some justification for myself. I’ve also found some delightful little books that have become favorites like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. In conclusion, I don’t think I’ll be drifting away from historical fiction ever again.

At least until the next book in the Hunger Games series comes out.

Times When it is Totally Awesome to Work in a Small Town Library

1. When you get to ride on a float in a local parade (And there were, indeed, giant tractors)
2. When people buy you lunch from the local Mexican restaurant and bring it to you in the library
3. When people give you freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
4. When small children recognize you as the librarian outside of the library
5. When groups of old ladies walk into the library and flatter you with compliments about how nice the library is
6. When a small girl reads "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" aloud in the cutest little southern accent
7. When a little boy stands with his face right up against the glass front door of the library, looking inside

Numbers 6 and 7 are reasons why I really should have a video camera with me at all times.

Also, a little boy asked me how old I was today. I told him to guess. His first guess was...wait for it...70. Apparently, I am quite ancient to 7 year olds. This was one of the kids riding in the float with me. He kept asking me, "Where are we going?" and "When are we gonna get there?" and "Are we there yet?" It was the cutest thing! Then again, I'm sure when I grow up and have 7 year olds of my own, those same questions will be highly annoying and bothersome, especially on excruciatingly long 18-hour car trips.

Events

Let's see, what's been happening in my life lately?

Well, I recently went to Washington, D.C., for my cousin's wedding reception. I got to hang with lots of family on my dad's side and I visited the Library of Congress with an old roommate. We saw the amazing reading room and did some fun little learning activities around the exhibits. Very nerdy stuff. Perfect for me. Thank you so much, Maya, for taking me!

The town where I work is having a town celebration this weekend and guess what? I'm going to ride on a float in the parade. The Friends of the Library built this apparently awesome float with a giant book on it. I have no idea what it looks like, but the Friends have assured me that it is amazing. I guess I will see on it on Saturday morning.

Marie, one of the Friends, tells me that throwing things from the float is explicitly forbidden. Darn. I was going to suggest that I toss books at the parade-viewers. I really need to weed out the reference section.

From what I hear, this town really knows how to throw a parade. Years ago, when the local high school was still in town, people would line the streets for the homecoming parade. It was a big deal. In my head, I imagine tractors. Giant tractors. Like this.

Also, in random news, my library is adopting a sea turtle!