Say hello to our July 2026 Reader of the Month, Zach! We’ll let Zach introduce himself:
Born and raised in Dubuque, I’ve always had a love for stories, whether I’m reading them, watching them, or stepping into them through cosplay. When I’m not working at Books-A-Million, you’ll usually find me at pop culture conventions all across Iowa, with the cosplays I’ve done ranging from Beetlejuice to Ghostbusters and Batman. When I’m not suiting up for a con, I’m happiest relaxing with a good movie or spending time writing stories of my own.
Read Zach’s Q&A below, and check out his list of recommendations here.
What is your ideal reading environment?
- It doesn’t have to be anyplace special for me to want to read, I’ve read on the back of the city buses, on a road trip to Wisconsin, etc. As for sounds I usually like to have music of any kind going, whether it be instrumental to country or rock. It just depends on the book and it’s theming.
What format do you prefer and why (physical book, e-book, audiobook)?
- All of the above, one of my favorite series of books Blame It On The Goth Girl by Bettina Busiello I discovered as an e-book, but of course nothing beats a physical copy of a book, however I am coming around to the audiobook format.
What book are you currently reading?
- “Muppets in Moscow” by Natasha Lance Rogof.
What is the best book you have read within the last year (or ever)?
- In the last year I have to say Sunny Days: The Children’s Television Revolution That Changed America by David Kamp was a favorite of mine, I mean who doesn’t love the Sesame Street gang? But the all time number one book I’ve read is The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurtry.
What book are you most excited about reading next, and what about it is most exciting?
- I’ve had Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe in my TBD for about 3 years now, I think it’s time I read it. I’ve really found myself wanting to learn more about the pop culture landscape of the 1960s and 70s and how it still shapes our society today.
Do you remember when your love for reading began?
- Oh gosh, I’d have to say it began before I could actually read like my mom and grandparents reading to me and our trips to the library will always hold a special place in my heart. Although I do remember falling in love with Edgar Allan Poe’s works around the seventh grade.
What other library resources do you enjoy?
- I’m ALWAYS checking out new movies to watch, I just finished Twin Peaks.
Thanks for sharing your reading style, Zach! Don’t forget to check out the full list of Zach’s recommendations on our catalog, or visit the Reader of the Month display on the first floor of the library.