On my nightstand

So many books, so little time!

One of the hazards of working in a public library is seeing the new books every day ― and wishing you could do nothing but read. Contrary to popular opinion, librarians do not spend all day reading.

We do lots of other stuff.

My nightstand is covered with new and older books. Here they are, in no particular order:

--"Winter Journal," by Paul Auster, 2012. A wonderful literary memoir. Reminds me of another favorite memoir, Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking";

--"The Boy King of Texas: a Memoir," by Domingo Martinez, 2012. A National Book Award finalist for nonfiction;

--"Arrow Rock: Crossroads of the Missouri Frontier," by Michael Dickey, 2004. Living now in Arrow Rock, I'm learning about this special place by dipping into this book each day.

--"Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad," by Elvira Woodruff, 1998. This book for young people is part of my research for our 2013 summer reading program.

--"Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt," by Deborah Hopkinson, 1993. An easy book for pre-schoolers and early grades also about the Underground Railroad; and finally

--"Uncle Tom's Cabin," Harriet Beecher Stowe, my spousal book club selection for December.

On my hold list is Michael Connelly's "The Black Box." Connelly is one of my all-time favorite mystery writers. Unlike many other authors, he only gets better with each new book. "The Black Box" has received glowing reviews. I can't wait to read it.

Hope to see you in the library.