Here on the blog the other Matchmakers and I share what we are reading, watching, or listening to quite frequently, but we don’t often hear from our other staff members all over the library system. Now, we will be sharing interviews from other staff members so that you the reader can see what we’re reading/watching/listening to all over the Heights Library system!
This interview comes from one of our Technology Trainers, Alyse!
Read
What book are you reading at the moment? What are your thoughts on it?
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. This book is adorable beyond words and a lot of fun for anyone who ever liked Harry Potter and thought Draco needed a redemption arch. I am a sucker for stories where the perceived villain gets to come to the other side and work with the hero. Highly recommend.
What kind of books do you typically read?
I LOVE science fiction and fantasy. I re-read Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman books almost monthly. I have a weakness for fairy tale retellings although recently I am really gotten into humor and self-published books. I would say that the quality of independent authors out there is surprising and everyone should go on the adventure to find these hidden gems. I have spent way more money on Graphic Novels than I am willing to admit. They are more than just superheroes these days and I need more book shelves at home.
Have you ever pretended to have read a book? If so, which one and why?
One? Hhahahaha. My parents ran a book club and would take me to all of the meetings growing up. I used to argue about books I had never read with other members just to play Devil’s Advocate. I got it from my dad. He once led a discussion about The Dogs of Babel having only read the back of the book.
Watch
Which do you prefer: movies or television?
These days I prefer television. The creative freedom that some television shows allow creators is so much larger than in movies. For example one of my favorite television shows, Sense8, is created by the Wachowskis. Their last movie Jupiter Ascending was a bit of a disaster because they tried to fit a television season worth of information into 2 hours. There are also shows like Stranger Things that use the extra time to build tension and develop deeper characters. Honestly, Netflix is the best thing that has ever happened to the industry. Also Anime. For serious, some of my favorite shows these days come from Japan because you can get away with some crazy ideas with animation. (Do yourself a favor and watch One Punch Man.)
Have you ever binge-watched a show? If so, what was it?
I really only binge-watch unless I stumble upon a show while it’s still airing. I am not good at waiting. (If I start reading the climax of a book before bed I won’t sleep until I finish the book because lack of sleep is better than not knowing.) It’s a bonding activity I do with my boyfriend. If it’s a bad show we yell at it, if it’s a good show I grip his hand really hard because I am so excited
Listen
What kind of music do you enjoy?
My brother describes my taste as 15 year old emo boy and girl rock. I have every single Fall Out Boy album and sing Regina Spektor loudly while cooking. I recently got the new Twenty One Pilots and the Marianas Trench albums from the library. Also, Audiobooks. I have more audiobooks in my iTunes than I have anything else. Putting my iPod on shuffle is a wild ride.
Have you found any new or new-to-you artists/bands lately?
I accidentally found PVRIS while looking up a playlist of Draco Malfoy inspired music on the website 8Tracks. I am now deep into the album and can’t get two their songs out of my head. If anyone hears me humming something that sounds like Ursula from the Little Mermaid blame PVRIS.
Do you listen to different music based on the seasons?
Less based on the seasons and more based on what I am reading. I am really fond of the playlist/internet radio website 8Tracks. People can make playlists based on themes and topics. I like to have a musical score to what I read. I am particularly fond of a collection of playlists I fond for The Raven Cycle series and like to listen to it when I work.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am sure this is going to get my “Librarian” card revoked and I won’t be invited to the tea parties anymore but: Fanfiction. Once upon a time being an author meant having a publisher and an agent and book in print. Honestly, these days some of the best written stuff I read is written by someone semi-anonymously on the internet about their favorite characters from television and movies. My iBooks is about 70% Fanfiction, 10% Self Published Books (Captive Prince series, love yourself and take a chance on this series), and the rest is just Terry Pratchett.
