We asked top readers from past years to share their perspective, advice, and a few reading recommendations! Here's a few highlights from pearlmsqueaks, our first respondent and current leaderboard #1!
How do you keep track of books you’ve read or want to read?
I use a few different apps to track my reading lists. My general ones are Good Reads and StoryGraph. I prefer StoryGraph but both apps have their own strengths and weaknesses. For summer reading specifically I use Libby’s tagging feature and I have one where I put all the books I plan to read during the summer reading programs.
Librarian's note: Don't forget to visit Berlin-Peck's Goodreads account!
What is your favorite reading location or situation?
My favorite reading situation/location is in the evening curled up on the couch with a blanket, a cat and the sounds of rain, either outside or playing over a speaker.
What advice would you give to someone trying to read more?
Start with finding a book you will likely enjoy, if you don’t have time to actually sit down a read, audiobooks are just as valid as a print book. Next start small like listening to books during your commute or a chapter before bed. Any reading is better than no reading.
Do you read physical books, ebooks, audiobooks, or a mix?
I read a mix but 85% are audiobooks. I prefer audiobooks because I can listen almost all the time. I love graphic novels too and will definitely be accessing them on the Comics Plus app that has recently become available to Berlin-Peck Library users.
Librarian's note: Thank you for giving a shout-out to Comics Plus. Also, audiobooks are the BEST way to get through laundry day!
Has a book ever changed your perspective on something? What book was it, and how did it change your thinking?
Ron Chernow’s Grant has definitely broadened my knowledge on the US’s current political and social climate. Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond has changed my perspective on how our local zoning laws are discriminatory.
Please recommend a few of your favorite books or authors!
My favorite authors are Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl), Sophie Kelly (Magical Cats Mysteries), Sophie Ryan (Second Chance Mysteries) and Lynn Cahoon.
