One-Sentence Reviews of Books I Read While Working on My MLS

Happy Wednesday! As seems usual, May is flying by. Tomorrow I have a meeting at work which will be our first attempt at a hybrid meeting, where many people are attending in person but some are there virtually. I will be running the meeting and handling the technology, and to be honest I am nervous about how it is all going to work out. It could go really well, or it could crash and burn. Either way, I’ve prepared as best I can, so there is no point in stressing about it. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

In the meantime, I want to share some of the highlights from books that I read but didn’t get around to reviewing while working on my MLS. Some of these books were required reading, and some I simply read on my own, but all made some sort of impact. A few I may come back to and give a proper review at some point, but for now I thought it would be fun to just give a one-sentence rundown for each.

Information Now by Matt Upson, Colin Michael Hall, and Kevin Cannon Nonfiction, Library/Information Science, Graphic Novel

Deserving of its space in every MLS orientation class; fun and empowering.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Libraries and Gardens: Growing Together by Carrie Scott Banks and Cindy Mediavilla Nonfiction

Full of ideas, easy to read, and inspired one of my projects.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For the Common Good by David D. Chrislip and Ed O’Malley Nonfiction, like a biography for an organization

#HumbleBrag without the humble.

My Rating: ⭐⭐.5

Tables in the Wilderness by Preston Yancey Nonfiction, Memoir and Theology

This book reflected my own heart; compulsively readable, like talking to a friend; wanted to reread it as soon as I reached the end.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Giver by Lois Lowry YA Dystopian Classic

Lives up to the hype, except for the open ending.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Historical Fiction

Beautiful and painful exploration of grief, love, growing up, and C. S. Lewis.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict Fictionalized History

Disappointing morals, impressive setting descriptions.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Comeback by E.L. Shen Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction

Fun figure skating story for middle schoolers and up that also addresses racism at an age-appropriate level.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Uncomfortable Brett McCracken Nonfiction, Theology

The best book I have ever disagreed with.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum Nonfiction, Environmentalism

Shares a lot to think about and some practical tips, but a little overwhelming to tackle all at once.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What were your bookish highlights over the past few months? Are there any of these that you would really like to hear more of my thoughts about?

Until the next chapter,

Jana