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Meet the C-SPL April Reader of the Month: Amy Muchmore! Amy is also the Carnegie-Stout Public Library Adult Services Manager.
About Amy:
Growing up, my mom always told me I should be a librarian because of my love of books. Being stubborn, I couldn’t admit she was right until I was in my early 30s and decided to get my Master’s Degree in Library Science. Sometimes moms do know best. Over the years my reading interests have varied and I tend to binge read a genre until I just can’t read in that genre anymore. I’ve been binging cozy mysteries for at least five years, and fortunately (or unfortunately) there are thousands to choose from. I do mix it up with the occasional historical fiction, space opera, or fantasy novel. I read very quickly so it isn’t uncommon for me to read a book in a day or two. I believe that is why I’m so stuck on cozy mysteries. I can finish a typical cozy mystery in one day and then move on to another book. Digital books are a blessing, I used to travel with suitcase full of books, now I can just read on my phone or some other device.
Q & A:
Q. What book(s) are you currently reading?
A.  I’m currently reading “Encore in Death” by J.D. Robb and I’m getting ready to read “Sitting Pretty” by Rebekah Taussig, the book that all the area libraries will be discussing over the next couple of months.
Q. What is the best book you have read within the last year (or ever)?
A. My two favorite books ever are “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Over the past few years I’ve really enjoyed “Dead Wake” by Erik Larson and “The Book of Two Ways” by Jodi Piccoult. I also loved the graphic novel “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei.
Q. What is your ideal reading environment (location, sound, snacks, etc.)?
A. I’m a big fan of white noise so I typically read on my couch with my TV or some music on in the background. I always read for at least 30 minutes to an hour before I go to bed. I’m also a huge re-reader. What I read before bed is usually something I’ve read before so I don’t have to keep reading to know how the book ends. If I start something new at night I just keep saying “one more chapter” and the next thing I know its 4 a.m., the book is finished, and I have to get up in 3 hours for work.
Q. What book are you most excited about reading next, and what about it is most exciting?
A. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire “Sleep No More”. I love her October Daye series and also her Incryptid series. She is such an amazing writer! “Sleep no More” doesn’t come out until September so I’m open to suggestions. I just finished Naomi Novik’s “Scholomance” series and I love all of Jenn McKinlay’s cozy mystery series.
Q. What is something interesting you learned from a book?
A. I think I learn something new from every non-fiction or historical fiction book I read. I typically read something and then go find out more information about the topic. The first time I remember doing this was after I read “Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown. I didn’t grow up Catholic, and until that book I had no idea how a new Pope was chosen.
Q. What book has been the most challenging for you to read? How did it challenge you?
A. The first book that comes to mind is “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. The only reason I finished that book was because it was for a book discussion, and to be honest I skipped many chapters and just read the last one to see how it ended. That was when I realized that suspenseful books with unreliable narrators are not for me. I need to root for at least one character in the book.
Q. When do you decide to stop reading a book? In other words, do you read every book to the last page, or is there a moment when you decide to stop?
A. It took me a long time to learn that I don’t have to finish every book I start to read. Now I always give a book a chance, but if I’m a third of the way through and it just doesn’t hold my interest, I stop reading and move on to something else.
Q. Do you remember when your love for reading began?
A. My mom swears I taught myself to read when I was about 3. I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love to read.
Check out Amy’s Favorite Books
Be the next C-SPL Reader of the Month!
More Reader of the Month posts.
One thought on “C-SPL April Reader of the Month”
Your love of reading and book follow up to go beyond the book brought you to your perfect career as a librarian.
It’s amazing to have taught yourself to read as a 3 year old.
And more interesting that your parents didn’t take credit!
See you at the Library!