Aimee
Hello, and welcome!
A few years back, I rediscovered my love of reading. I know as a child I’d devour books, but then, through my teen years and university, I disconnected with reading. Since becoming a librarian, I’ve rediscovered everything I used to love about reading. I love getting lost in a world that is not my own. It doesn’t matter if it’s fantasy, crime, romance, adventure, I just like being lost.
I used to do most of my reading on my commute to work, but I’ve recently moved closer and now have to actively choose to find time to read. I didn’t realise the space reading gave me to clear my head, prepare for the day, or to unwind in the evening, so I’m not going to be giving it up any time soon.
I started this blog a few years back as a creative outlet for my thoughts about what I’d read, but then lost interest and wandered away. I think the time now (it’s currently April 2020, there’s a global lockdown, and all I’ve been doing is reading) to start this up again, and create some conversation starters about the weird corners of the book world I’ve found.
The aim of this blog is partially so I can vent my feelings about the books I read. I tend to like the majority of materials I read, but even if I don’t, I’ll share that too! This blog is also so you can find something you might love too. I’ve always felt that reading is so important; it helps the imagination to grow, gives you a respite from your every-day life, and teaches you, all at the same time. So if this blog helps only one person find a book that makes them stop, think, and smile, then I’ll be more than happy. I’d also really like people to share their own reviews if they read books I’ve reviewed, because nothing brings people together like the wonders of fiction.
Happy reading!
Lots of love,
Aimee
Our Guest Writers
Emma
Hi all,
I am not a librarian. I wanted to be, and my mum always said I should be, but I’m not. I did, however, go to university, twice, to study reading. Well, literature, but it’s basically reading books and then writing about them. Which isn’t to downplay it. I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t important. The history of literature is a fascinating one. It starts somewhere in the time of tribal communities and the oral tradition of folk tales and fairy stories. Our social and technological advancement has been made possible by these practises, and they have evolved alongside us. Our relationship to literature and storytelling is nothing if not symbiotic.
And yet, somehow, literature has come to be viewed by our economy as unimportant. Indulgent, even. As not contributing to the market. Public libraries are under threat, arts and humanities are subject to funding cuts; books and reading don’t directly generate money, and they are therefore of no value. This is not a rant, or a complaint, this is reality. It is also the reason blogs like this exist. As human beings, we would die without stories. And I don’t think I’m being melodramatic. I honestly can’t think of any part of my life I don’t think of in terms of narrative, as a story. And besides that, books are so much fun, in all their forms.
It was Aimee that started this blog. And I’m so grateful she shared it with me. I love being able to put down somewhere what’s going on inside just after I finish reading something. To share the experience. And possibly encourage someone else to have their own experience with some of the things I have read. No spoilers though, I promise.
So go, get lost in a good book, it’s worth it.
Emma
What Librarians Read 