Book Review: Stalin's Library

 

Geoffrey Roberts, Stalin's Library: a Dictator and His Books. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2022.  ISBN:  9780300179040.

 

Genre: libraries, biography, politics

Subgenre: history, Russian, Soviet Union

Format: hardcover

Source: Via Interlibrary Loan through Hutchins Library, Berea College. The book came from Alcuin Library, St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  

 

If memory serves me right, I saw this book mentioned somewhere on social media. I like reading about books and libraries, so this book seemed to fit the bill. The book has an introduction, seven chapters, a conclusion, notes, and a further reading list. 

To be honest, this book is really a political biography of Stalin with a bit of a literacy narrative. We learn that Stalin was an avid and attentive reader. He read extensively, and he read books within his ideologies as well as books by his rivals and enemies. Stalin also read some works from other countries in Russian translation. 

We know a lot about Stalin as a reader from the remnants of his personal library. I say remnants because Stalin's personal library was dispersed after his death. Stalin was an active reader, and he made a lot of notes in his books as he read. This marginalia gives us insight into Stalin's thoughts on various topics and issues. In addition, Stalin was an active editor of documents, his and other people's documents, and scholars have studied these documents too. 

The most interesting part of the book is the look at Stalin's library, the kinds of books he collected and read. The part about how Stalin arranged his books, or rather had a librarian do it for him, is also interesting. 

The rest of the book is mostly a political biography, and it is not always interesting. At times, this biography goes a bit much into minutiae. This can make the text a bit dense to read at times. Some readers may choose to skim through some of this material. 

I would say that much of this book feels more like an academic article or two on Stalin as a reader. At some point, someone decided to pitch a book, and the additional biographical material, which often is not connected to Stalin as a reader, feels like filler at times. The result is that the interesting topic of Stalin as a reader and his books gets lost in the rest of the text. 

For public libraries, this may be a book to skip. For academic libraries, large academic libraries with strong collections on the Soviet Union, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Asia might find this to be an optional selection. It may also be an optional selection for LIS/library school libraries. 

In the end, this was just OK. This is not really a book that can be read for pleasure.

2 out of 5 stars. 

* * * * * 

 

Additional reading notes: 

 

 What the book aims to do: 

"This book explores the intellectual life and biography of one of history's bloodiest dictators: Joseph Stalin. Uniquely, it does so through the prism of his personal library. A dedicated reader and self-improver, Stalin's accumulation of books was a lifelong passion" (1).

Part of me thinks that the line we often hear about how reading makes people better is not really true, at least not in all cases. In this case, just look at Stalin. 

 

How the book views Stalin, according to the author: 

"This book views Stalin through a different lens-- as a dedicated idealist and as an activist intellectual who valued ideas as much as power, who was ceaseless in his own efforts at self-education, a restless mind, reading for the revolution to the very end of his life" (6). 

Books are the best way to know Stalin's inner life: 

"Apart from private photographs and some hastily written and perfunctory letters to family members, Stalin's library books are among the best means we have of accessing the dictator's inner life" (15). 

Stalin seeing himself as an intellectual: 

"Stalin saw himself as neither a worker nor a peasant, but as, in effect, an intellectual whose task it was to spread enlightenment and socialist consciousness. It was this fundamental choice of an intellectual identity that motivated his fanatical, life-long commitment to reading and self-improvement" (48). 

Yet in a way Stalin read like many of us read: 

"Stalin read books in diverse ways-- selectively or comprehensively, cursorily or with avid attention. Some he read cover to cover, others he merely skimmed. Sometimes he would begin reading a book, lose interest after a few pages and jump from the introduction to the conclusion. Some books he read in a single sitting, others he dipped in and out of" (97). 

What Stalin's library reveals: 

"In truth, no smoking guns are to be found anywhere in the remnants of Stalin's library. His pometki reveal preoccupations not secrets, and the way he engaged with ideas, arguments, and facts" (101). 

A reason Stalin read a lot: 

"Admittedly, complexity, depth, and subtlety were not strengths of Stalin's nor was he an original thinker. His lifelong practice was to utilise other people's ideas, formulations and information-- that was why he read such a lot. His intellectual hallmark was that of a brilliant simplifier, clarifier, and populariser" (153). 

Additional Notes from US Book Show 2022: Session on "Tik Tok and Books"

Another session I listened to after the conference. This is my last set of notes for the conference this year.

 

This panel featured a BookTok influencer (just one by the way) and rest were book publisher marketing representatives. Part of the reason I listened to this panel was curiosity. A couple of people have suggested to me that I should give Tik Tok a try. I remain skeptical. I recently launched a YouTube channel, bare bones as it is, and to add another bit of work filming content, even if it is very short, sounds like more of a work burden and perhaps too high a price for whatever little additional exposure I may get as reviewer, writer, and cartomancer. But, in part to be aware, I listened to what they had to say.

• As of 2022, Tik Tok has experienced large growth and has become the 3rd most popular social media platform with 1 billion active users as of this year. They are 3rd behind Facebook and Twitter. (Publishers are basically tripping themselves with interest in TikTok, or BookTok, as the niche community of book talkers and reviewers is known, due to the platform's very high engagement numbers. Not too shabby for a channel that features videos of 1 to 3 minutes in length.)
• The short form video is appealing to TikTok users. They also mention that finding content on TikTok is easier versus finding content on YouTube. Overall, this is still about the algorithms both platforms use. 
• They cite the "authenticity" in TikTok, that videos there are less staged than in other platforms. (Given some TikTok videos I have seen, they can be just as staged as any other platform.) In theory at least, there is less need to edit, and users say that is appealing. 
• Diversity of voices is cited as a good element in TikTok (so far in the panel, everyone is just gushing about the service like it's the 2nd Coming). 
• The main demographic is 18-34 years old, and it is mainly women (women predominance is consistent in social media overall). Males may or not exist in BookTok it seems, or if they are there, it is in very niche communities, so not as visible. 
• Common BookTok genres that "work well" include romance, romantic comedy, and fantasy. Also some literary fiction. 
• (In a way, the publishers here sound a lot like many librarians back in the Library 2.0 days, as in wanting to be in spaces where they may or not be wanted.) 
• The panel's lone BookToker argues there are niche areas for some genres, depending on interests. The platform has progressed a bit according to them. 
• They may find new books to read from follower suggestions. Finding other BookTokers they like and trust. 
• Sponsored content does not do well on TikTok. Like other reviewers, publishers and authors, especially indie authors, need to tailor their communications to potential reviewers on BookTok. Mass e-mails get mostly ignored (and as a reviewer, I can agree with that. Mass e-mails asking for a random review are e-mails I delete). It is better for authors and publishers to do their own research, find fans of whatever genre they write in or market, and go from there. 
• On publishers reaching into TikTok. (And by the way, let me say again they needed more than one BookTok influencer on this panel.)
• Pay attention to what people are interested in. Making contacts and networking are important. Keep in mind a BookToker may not be interested in your specific book, but they are likely to know someone who does, and if you have a good relationship with the influencer they may be willing to pass the book suggestion on down their network. 
• Overall, BookTok cannot be forced. It needs to be organic. 
• A question I wish they had answered but left "for a later panel" was how to find time for TikTok. (I would have liked the answer now. Managing social media for me to share my blogging and writing takes a chunk of time as it is.) 
• Is TikTok a flash in the pan? The influencer thinks it will stay. (Personally, I am skeptical.) 
• Currently, TikTok is growing, especially BookTok. BookTok is a reviewers' platform mostly. Not all book authors need to be on TikTok, or if they are, they need to do authentic things other than peddling their books; authors already have made that mistake on other platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and they need to learn from that mistake. An author "messing up" is basically a "death sentence" on BookTok (i.e. being racist, homophobic, etc.) as BookTokers will just ignore and block them. Also, an author bitching about a bad review is a big mistake, again, one that will earn an author getting ignored and blocked. 
• Transparency for everyone is essential on BookTok. 

 

 

A couple of books I got from US Book Show 2022

As I mentioned in my short video about this, here are two books I received from the US Book Show event courtesy of Beacon Press. 

Book link information from publisher.

• Kavita Das, Craft and Conscience: How to Write about Social Issues. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 2022. I requested this in part for curiosity and my personal use. I am hoping to learn some new things about writing, especially about social issues so I can apply it to my blogging and personal writing. I also requested it to see if we should acquire it for our library. This copy is an advanced reader's copy (ARC). 
• Catherine Ceniza Choy, Asian American Histories of the United States. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 2022. Requested it mainly for possible library acquisition consideration, but I also intend to read and review it on my blog. This is a finished book copy. 

 Thanks to Beacon Press for the opportunity to read and review these.

 

Additional notes from US Book Show 2022: Libraries are Essential, Part 2 session

This is one of the sessions I watched on demand after the conference. 

 

Session: Libraries are Essential, Part 2. 

Session to look at critical areas, especially in the "post-pandemic" times. 

Access to e-books and digital content:

• Yes, publishers' onerous restrictions on e-book purchases for libraries are inequitable (i.e. nothing new here). Publishers then suing libraries over it is just bullying. The bottom line on this issue is that it is about fair and equitable digital access. Publisher greed is not a good look no matter what lip service they give about libraries being good, etc. 
• On digital lending and e-book demand: 
• E-book usage continues to grow. Foot traffic in libraries fell with the pandemic and is not back to pre-pandemic levels yet in many places. Some libraries in fact encouraged use of electronic resources (my library certainly did). 
• Other libraries do report lower materials circulation. For electronic resources, again, publisher onerous demands and restrictions mean that libraries are less able to meet patron demand at a time when demand is increasing. 
• Defining equitable digital access. Collections bridge content gaps. To provide quality content for all in a safe environment. Equitable access to content that reflects the community. 
• Equitable digital access is difficult given publishers' exploitative pricing on e-books, which is often at least 3 times higher or more than print book pricing. So librarians are more likely then not to "license" more e-books and buy print, but this means many patrons can be left out, thus an inequitable situation. This can be blamed on publishers' greed. 
• Advances in technology have allowed publishers to avoid/refuse to offer fair pricing on e-books and electronic resources. Playing victim for them is a common disinformation tactic in their industry. Meanwhile publishers continue to disadvantage libraries. 
• Despite publishers' clout, some librarians are working to advocate for themselves and their patrons. However, it may be serious time, as stated by the librarian from Maryland, for libraries to withhold funding from publishers, i.e. time for boycotts of certain publishers. 
• Contrary to what publishers say, librarians do defend and support copyright. Libraries and schools teach about copyright. When we help a student cite their sources properly, we are defending copyright. 
• With better terms from publishers (as if, but work with me here), libraries could buy more content, including more diverse authors, debut authors too instead or in addition to just the "usual" bestsellers. Libraries propose digital access should be as access for print resources. Bottom line: librarians need to continue and expand their role as advocates, but also steer themselves and patrons to smaller and indie publishers willing to give libraries a better deal. This means then also to steer away from large exploitative publishers. Libraries need to put contingency plans in place. 

Interview with Jennie Rose Halperin, of Library Futures (advocacy group).  

• Publishers may not see everything libraries do to promote reading, culture, uplift communities, and providing new ways for people to understand their world (this is true as libraries go, but it is a very charitable way to see publishers. I'd say publishers are just willfully blind). 
• On a tech positive future for libraries. There are many reasons we need access and use electronic resources. The world is moving more to digital content, and libraries need to be part of this future. However, libraries, largely due (we are saying it again) to publisher onerous restrictions, face various challenges. 

Panel discussion: "We are still not OK: Protecting library workers after the pandemic." 

 

• (I should mention that I loathe the "after the pandemic" phrasing. At this point, the pandemic is not over no matter how much wishful thinking most of society is doing now.)
• This sessions mostly looks at libraries' work during the pandemic (a lot of this falls under the "we did good" category of library presentation). What many often did not realize was library workers' trauma at the time (and still ongoing). Many library workers remained at work in libraries that stayed open. (I worked even as the campus was, mostly, locked down in the early stages of the pandemic. Personally, I never "went home.) The issue of trauma has an impact on everyone. 
• "Normal" is a problem. The pandemic exposed various critical needs and forms of suffering. 
• Keep in mind that libraries, especially public libraries, had been suffering divestment and defunding before the pandemic. The pandemic just made things worse for libraries. 
• Trauma is endemic at all library levels according to researchers. Yet attitudes in library workers can be cavalier, meaning they may leave the work in libraries, get transferred out of public services, or just "mentally check out." 
• On defining trauma. A key difference is when people feel supported and able to cope they tend to see it more as a "bad experience" than as trauma. 
• The pandemic has disproportionately affected library workers of color (PoC). In addition, issues of low pay, white supremacy, mission creep need to be addressed. Still, the pandemic has shown and exposed changes that need to be done. 
• To library directors: it is a certainty your PoC library staff have endured abuse in some form at the reference desk. You nor the rest of the staff should be OK with that nor just let it slip. Directors, you need to make choices then, including policy changes. As leaders, you need to lead, not tolerate racist or otherwise abusive behavior. Period. Full stop. 
• A question asked: what if nothing changes? (I think that scenario is possible if not very likely.) The speakers believe change will come, even if some need to get out of the way. Thinking in 20th century terms is no longer an option. Overall, the speakers are optimistic (but again, what if nothing changes? As I often say, a magnificent question. I do want to believe.)

Panel on library leadership. 

 

• R. David Lankes, on panel, says library leaders need "radical empathy." However, leaders more than not are NOT in touch with front line workers (not surprising. That is a common situation, and one I have witnessed often. But heaven forbid you point it out if you are like me, i.e. a front line worker with no clout). 
• A lot of healing needs to happen in the profession. Asking your front line workers about "the future of libraries" may not be the best thing for leaders to be doing at this time (yea, you may want to shut up about that topic in the Hard Times, at least in front of your library workers). Instead of trying to speculate about futures take care of your library workers first.
   
• Flexibility is necessary in the Hard Times. Leadership needs to communicate consistently and clearly. It might also help if leaders take the same risks as everyone else (I am definitely not holding my breath on that). 
• Leaders need to do more than give pretty speeches (and this was said without irony given that we are listening to some very pretty speeches).
   

 

 

Some notes from the PW's US Book Show 2022

 Publishers Weekly held their annual U.S. Book Show virtually from May 23 to May 26, 2022. In a nice gesture, they offered free admission for librarians, so I registered and watched the sessions from my desk at work. As I have said before, I do appreciate conferences when they have a virtual option that saves me from traveling and the related prohibitive costs. I wish more LIS and higher education conferences would offer virtual options given they are "relaxing" under the now chic philosophy of "the pandemic is over." For some of us, the pandemic is far from over, but that is another story. 

I did the following sessions during the conference. PW did allow some time after the conference to watch sessions on demand  you may have missed, and I will do that later. I may add notes to the blog from what I see later. 

 

I live tweeted a lot of the event, so if you go on Twitter and search my profile (@bloodravenlib) with the hashtag #USBookShow, you can see more of my notes, which I am using to enhance this blog post. 

Day 1.

• I started with the David Sedaris keynote. Not much memorable here. To be honest, after listening to him I fail to see what the broad appeal is. He is (supposedly) known for humor writing, but this interview with him was seriously lackluster. This was the only event of the first day since they wanted attendees to have time to visit the virtual exhibits. By the way, Sedaris has a new (at this time) book out, but he barely mentioned it.
  

 

Day 2.

• Welcome and Opening Keynote with Ukrainian author Andrey Kurkov. Now this was a good way to start the conference with a writer speaking on a timely issue. Some points from his presentation: 
• The role of writer as a witness to war and history. 
• Writers and intellectuals killed in the war. The war in Ukraine has taken a toll on Ukrainian culture and identity. 
• Russian science fiction has a recent trend of military/combat SF with conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. These books are written in Russia. Some Ukrainian writers respond to this and other Russian writings and propaganda, often with satire
  
• Kurkov urges Americans and others to read books on and about Ukraine. He recommended Gates of Europe. He adds that people may know a lot about Russia but little about Ukraine, so a balance is needed. On a small side note, turns out my library had that book, so I have checked it out to read soon. I will review it in The Itinerant Librarian down the road.
  
• The interviewer commented that Ukraine has a very individualistic culture, something that Americans can relate to. Kurkov adds that yes, they are individualistic, very independent, have their own opinions. In running for politics, a Ukrainian is more likely to form his own political party then join an existing one (a touch of humor here from Kurkov). However, Kurkov states that Ukrainians will unite against a common enemy. 
• In terms of recent writing, Kurkov has published articles in places like The Guardian and The Economist.
• "Libraries are essential program, Part 1." This was a program in two parts. I only managed to listen to the first part at the time. I hope to listen to the second part on demand later. This program was the highlight of the conference for me, and I found it well worth listening to. It is also very timely given the coordinated efforts of certain people to censor libraries and librarians and ban books. The program was divided into major segments. An issue was that this recording laster about 2 1/2 hours with barely a break between the segments. That is a heck of a long time to expect someone to sit at a desk. I think they should have made the panels here about 45 minutes long, spread them out better to allow for breaks. Anyhow, some points from the program: 
• They started looking at key issues. 
• During pandemic times, libraries have needed to adapt rapidly. Electronic resource use and availability are on the rise with more access options for patrons. (So far, this is not not anything I do not know already.)
• American Library Association (ALA) did the semi-obligatory for this event promotion of their annual conference. They claim it could be a moment for libraries to make a statement and "march on DC." At least so says the ALA president (but I am not holding my breath on it). 
• A lot of this is the usual "libraries do good" platitudes. That is fine for non-librarians, but it is not too exciting for us librarians. 
• They mentioned the book banning epidemic in the U.S. Statement made that we can't go back to pre-pandemic "normal" (no shit). The work for accessibility and services continues. 
•  On U.S. book bans. 
• In 2021 ALA saw an alarming rise in challenges according to its Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF). They went from one or two reports weekly to 3 or 4 reports of censorship and challenges daily. This makes for a significant increase. The trend here is to challenge and/or ban LGBTQIA+ books and materials.
• In a way, the ALA OIF representative basically tip toes over the real issue: we are dealing with flat out bigotry, often fundamentalist religion motivated, along with bad faith bigots. Overall what we got from ALA OIF was mostly platitudes and a relatively mellow response. As I said when I live tweeted, you need to call out the enemy unequivocally. 
• The PEN America spokesperson is a more more honest and direct, pointing out lacks of process and policies in many libraries and often mostly clandestine bans (i.e. bans that happen from ignoring any due process or review procedures that may be in place. ALA was mostly silent on this). Local politics and proposals are getting worse, and to be honest, that is un-American. 
• ALA-OIF states that local organization is crucial to oppose vocal minorities. Silence here is not an option I would say. ALA at this point took a moment to promote their new online initiative: Unite Against Book Bans. Personally I am not sure how much good another "initiative" will do, but there it is. At the end of the day, librarians are doing the best they can. 
• PEN America spokesperson states this is really about showing up. The bigots need to be challenged. But we need to be mindful of privilege (something ALA is notorious for conveniently forgetting or just giving it lip service): who can or not organize, go to meetings, etc.? Who can speak or not? 
• I say the bottom line here is this needs to be treated as going on the war path. PEN emphasizes this will not go away on its own. It needs to be confronted. 
• On library neutrality, or how the phrase is misused. Panelists in this segment are responding to a New York Times column, "The Battle for the Soul of the Library" (link may be paywalled, consider asking your local librarian for possible access if needed. I had someone ask me, and I sent it to them from our library's access).
  
• For one, libraries are more about place and service. 
• Also keep in mind, not all libraries have the same values, and the history of our profession has not always recognized the value of humans, or certain humans.
•  On a side note, the book Libraries: a Fragile History, which I recently read and reviewed, has a whole section on ALA and its historical failures. 
• Note that much of the rhetoric from bigots is to make minorities seem like they are toxic, thus the need to "protect the children" (if you take a moment to think about it, you can see how insidious that rhetoric is).
• A good quote: "One person's or family's norms are not the norms of the country."  
• If you do not want to use and consume certain materials and books, then don't. Who are you to dictate to others? That arrogance is and should be offensive to decent people. What you don't want to read does not mean it is not desired nor valued by others. 
• Information access for all means for ALL. Still, the library profession as a whole needs to keep working on this. 
• Librarians do need to interrogate our work and our processes. Need to think about equity and work towards inclusion. This means libraries need to be representative of communities, country, and even the world. The field needs to take an expansive and inclusive view for everyone. Need to work on it, talk about it in the "nuts and bolts" sense. Like the public at large, there ARE some librarians who need to do their work, serious work not just performative. DEI work is meant to be ongoing, not "trendy." 
• Why now, the bans? This is a bit cyclical, but it is also a backlash. Censorship of books is low hanging fruit in their agenda. It's part of larger a whitewashing agenda erasing history, difference and culture. (I have said this before, the Right Wing in the U.S. is very organized, and they give zero fucks about the rights of others.)
• "Can't point to somewhere else and say it can't happen here." This is why you need vigilance and to stand up and fight against fascists, bigots, fundamentalists, etc. 
• Librarians need to honestly think beyond themselves. So do writers like the author of that column, who in using their kind of rhetoric put librarians in danger. As for us, we need to have empathy in our counter-narratives. 
• One thing librarians can do: read (or reread) and act upon our professional Code of Ethics (see ALA: https://ala.org/tools/ethics), which is pretty clear on things like intellectual freedom and resisting censorship. You may or not agree with ALA, but this is clear.
•  On bans and politics. This session included political activists like folks from EveryLibrary.
  
• The Right Wing in the United States has politicized families and politicians, schools, and libraries. Anti-intellectual, anti-education, anti-funding for public schools. Accusing librarians and educators as porn peddlers, etc. This is the RW attack strategy.
• You need to know your history. History shows that conservatives have spent the 40 years or more attacking government, its institutions, and the public good. Public education is a prominent target for them. It is an assault on the idea of government and institutions. 
• In politics, you have to "message well," and RWNJs do it well. How do decent people counter?
• Debunking is needed, but more needs to be done. You need to learn history, about people and perspectives (as I say, you need to know your enemy). Need to understand others. (The question I have is we do understand them, what next? Empathy is nice and all but it's not going to get you far with certain folks.)
• Books are targeted because they move hearts and minds. Need to talk about the First Amendment but also talk more about the 14th Amendment (the one about due process). Librarians, folks need to hear our story, why we do our work. 
• Librarians need to be defended, and our first defense is us librarians. But we also need to show up with others to listen as well as lead. 
• For some, this may mean running for office, especially at the local level. For the less able, keeping an eye on the community and reporting to watchdog groups. 
• Remember that the library is one of the few places where everyone meets and connects. Librarians need to remember this and highlight it and all we do. 
• For librarians, consider doing readings outside of libraries, make alliances with students doing them.
• You may need to turn to courts, but this may require a brave plaintiff willing and able to sue with some support from lawyers, so on. Also keep an eye out on judges who are elected, especially at local levels. And keep working on making alliances. 
• Important: lift the idea of how librarians expand knowledge, teach, teach to ask questions, so on. Tell these stories. (On a side note, reminds me of a certain college administrator early on my career here now that urged me to tell my story. I need to work on that.)
• Don't get distracted by individual bans, so on. This situation is moving to state government levels. You need to also watch and work to counter broader attacks. 
• The final segment is an interview with R. David Lankes, whose latest book is Forged in War. 
• He spoke on propaganda and how to counter it. 
• The truth is out there,  but it is confused by noise and gets drowned. This ranges from spins of truth to outright disinformation. This is censorship of noise. 
• Technology is not neutral.  You need to build in liberatory structures. 
• Lankes reminds us again that free speech does not mean speech without consequences. It requires responsibility. 
• Of concern are efforts to remove librarians and information professionals from discussion and decisions by certain anti-democratic forces. This is new now. Book bans have always been here. The other big concern is conversations not happening, again due to those anti-democratic forces. 
• After the long libraries segment, I listened to a graphic novels and comics panel. 
• A highlight here was the book Ducks (link to publisher info). At the time, I saw galleys were available on NetGalley, so I requested one. We'll see if the publisher approves the request. 
• After presenting the titles, editors are speaking on their work and how they do what they do to get comics and graphic novels for us. A bit of how the sausage is made. 
• Interesting point about cartoonists: a concern for what they are NOT showing on the page. A degree of restraint is good in their line of work.  

 

Day 3. 

 

• Did the 10am chat with Adult Books Authors session. 
• A highlight were Amber Ruffin and Lamar, authors of The World Record Book of Racist Stories (link to publisher info). I am adding this to my TBR list. Way to look at this book: Better you (white Anglo fuckbagel) learn about these things you are not supposed to do privately, with a good book, than through a meeting with HR.
• Alan Moore spoke about his new collection of short stories, Illuminations (link to publisher info) I will be looking for this one. 
• Thomas E. Ricks spoke on his new forthcoming book Waging A Good War (link to publisher info). This is one we may need to order for our library, in fact, we'll probably order it since we get most everything we can on the Civil Rights Movement.  
• Next, I listened to the interview with John Grisham. He is not really my jam, but still worth a look. He also has a new short fiction book: Sparring Partners (publisher info link).
• Next, listened to the sessions of PW's picks for Thrillers and Mysteries, Biography and Memoir, and Fiction. Nothing here stuck out for me as much, but worth listening to for reader's advisory purposes. On my live tweet, I did highlight some books that, while I may not be interested, may be of interest to other readers. 
• A quote from the Fiction panel, one of the authors: "...every novel written in American now is (or should be) a horror novel." Do what you will with that. Keep in mind by the way fiction here means literary and/or commercial fiction. 
• I also managed to listen to the PW Picks of Current Affairs. I found this more interesting, even if the books likely fall on my self-imposed moratorium on books and materials that are political/social issues/activist. 
• First book highlighted is Surveillance State (link to publisher). This is about the Chinese surveillance state, but should be of interest to anyone interested in surveillance and privacy issues. 
• Another book, this one may be very relevant in these Hard Times, including recent events this week (as of this post, a big event was the school shooting in Uvalde, TX). May need to break my politics/social issues/activist reading moratorium for it.  The book is Raising Them Right (publisher info link).
• Book highlight: Chaotic Neutral (link to publisher info). This is a bit of a history of Democrats in the US, of interest to those who think the party needs to grow an effing pair. To be honest, before my self-imposed reading moratorium, this is a kind of book I might have read. A good point from the editor commenting on this book: "Do not allow for compromise with those who are basically destroying the nation."
• Next book highlighted: Ransomware Hunting Team (publisher info link), and yes, this is nonfiction. This may be one for readers who enjoy books about history, technology, and/or true crime. 
• Book highlight, exemplifying how often white supremacists use racism and xenophobia as scapegoats when it is corporate America effing them over. Possible TBR list add for me.  The book is The Fishermen and the Dragon (publisher info link).
• Some other points from the panelists: 
• What can publishers do better? Find new readers. The field is losing readers, esp. in nonfiction. This because authors do have important things to tell to readers.
• Current Affairs needs to shed a bit that image that it is a field where you have to be an expert in order to read one of those books and/or that those books are dry. Ideally would be good to see these books more all over media, incl. places like TikTok.  On a side note, I do review some current affairs books now and then, but to be honest, at times, they can be on the dry side. In my humble opinion, this category also needs to shed away some of the image a lot of its books are political junkets and politician navel gazing books that will soon go in the remainders bin of a bookstore. 

 

Day 4. 

 

• This day was mostly children's and young adult books, which are not part of what I commonly read. To be honest, I think the organizers needed to spread these panels over the other days too instead of bottling them up on the last day. I mostly listened a bit less on this day.