C-SPL December Reader of the Month

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Meet the C-SPL December 2024 Reader of the Month, Marie Wright!

I’m a retired Tax Accountant/Investment Advisor, having had my own practice for 31 years. Some of my hobbies are golf, playing cards with friends, working in the yard, traveling, working on my model railroad, and of course, reading. I was raised on a farm and have lived mostly in rural areas all within 200 miles my entire life. 

I’ve always loved to read a wide selection of books ranging from fiction novels, travel guides, autobiographies, books about cats, farm stories, and libraries all over the world with photos included. 

This photo of me was taken at a one room schoolhouse at Belden School in the Galena Territory. I attended a 3-room school house in the country for my first 5 grades, sharing a teacher with the other grade in the same classroom. 

C-SPL December 2024 Reader of the Month Q & A:

Q: What book(s) are you currently reading?

A: “Firefly Lane” by Kristin Hannah

Q: What is the best book you have read within the last year (or ever)?

A: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Q: What is your ideal reading environment (location, sound, snacks, etc.)?

A: In my La-Z-Boy recliner in the living room, most of the time with the TV on softly. I can’t just sit and watch TV, I have to be reading also. Sometimes I like reading in bed. I also enjoy spending 2-3 hours at Carnegie-Stout Public Library in a comfy chair in the Reference Center, especially if it is raining or snowing outside. Several times while traveling in the U.S., we have stopped at a town’s library to check it out and spend time browsing for an extra treat. A must see was the Mason City, Iowa, Public Library to see where Dewey the Cat lived.  The guest register had names from all over the world.

Q: What book are you most excited about reading next, and what about it is exciting?

A: “Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour” by Elton John. I’m anxious to read the tribute to one of the most popular musical artists of all times. I was thrilled to attend his last concert in Moline. It was out of this world—2 ¼ hours without an intermission.
“Iowa Places, Spaces, Faces: an Entertaining Ride Through all 99 Counties” by Carson Ode. No book have I referred back to as many times as this book. When first moving to the area 22 years ago, past friends said, “There’s nothing in Iowa except corn fields.” This book divided Iowa into 16 tiers from West to East. It gave interesting things to see along with photos in each county. I took 18 different 2-4 day trips through most parts of Iowa over the next 5 years. I was thrilled to find so many interesting places throughout Iowa. 

Q: Do you remember when your love of reading began?

A: I always liked to read books. Living on a farm when I was a child, I would always take out books from our school library. But during the summer, we couldn’t check out books at our school. My parents would drive 25 minutes to Joliet, IL, to their huge public library. We bought a three-month library card each summer so I would have books to read. Mrs. Draves, my third and fourth grade teacher, had us reading book after book. We would then either discuss what parts of the book we liked best, or many times we would write a book report. 
From 1980 – 2021, I lived in an unincorporated area and paid $75 per year to have my library card from Park Forest, IL, to always have enough books to read. Then in 2022, when I moved to rural Galena, I visited Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque, IA, again paying yearly for my library card. I didn’t have to think twice what library I would choose to belong to. They have such an awesome collection of books and are so prompt in getting new publications. The employees are so friendly and helpful, and there are so many wonderful resources to take advantage of. I truly am proud to pay yearly to be part of such a wonderful library here in Dubuque.

Q: What format do you prefer and why?

A: I’ve only read two books on my Kindle many years ago, and it felt like I’d never get to the end of the book, always swiping page after page. I like the old-fashion format of holding the physical book in my hands. The feel of the pages and the sound made as pages are turned. Several people
like me also like the smell of mainly newer books. This is called “Bibliosmia.” It’s an added pleasure of reading tied to ones’ memory, mostly from their childhood.

Q: What is something interesting you learned from a book?

A: I learn so much when I read various travel books for our future trips. Rick Steves’ books are so helpful with his words of wisdom on what is best to see, best restaurants, and suggested hotels.   

Q: What book has the most challenging for you to read? How did it challenge you?

A: “Grant” by Ron Chernow was the most challenging book due to the small print along with having 1,074 pages. It was a very interesting book, especially with Grants’ ties to Galena. I’d read for a while, and it didn’t seem I was making any progress except if I looked at the page number. I read the entire book and learned much, wishing Ron Chernow would write more than his 10 current books. I’m looking forward to his Mark Twain book coming out in May 2025.

Q: When do you decide to stop reading a book? Do you read every book to the last page, or is there a moment when you decide to stop?

A: I have read close to 95% of the books from cover to cover. If a book doesn’t seem to grab me, I will still continue reading midway through the book hoping it will become more interesting. I want to give each book a chance to enlighten me.

Q: What other library resources do you enjoy (DVDs, CDs, board games, baking pans, digital content, etc.)?

A: Primarily I check out books. A couple of times I checked out CDs, DVDs a little more, mainly on places to visit.

Q: Have you discovered any exciting new authors or genres?

A: Kristin Hannah. About a year ago I read her books, finding them very interesting and making a good relaxing book to read.

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