TBR Pile

The Diary of Lies is the newest thriller from the Scottish writer Philip Miller, and critic John Powers has this review. It’s the third in his series following hard-nosed reporter Shona Sandison who is looking into a murder case in post-Brexit London. Powers writes, “far from being one of those cozy British crime stories, the novel offers a lament for a Great Britain that’s lost its bearings.”

On this week’s The Book Ahead, an investigative reporter goes deep on the rehab industry! A writer looks back on their time fighting wildfires! And a Ukrainian boy comes of age during Russia’s invasion. Only one of the three I mentioned is fiction – find out which here.

Mailbag!

Some of you are, uh, pretty hard core about keeping your books in good condition, eh? Here’s what you had to say about dog-earing books.

Lori M. wrote: “My books are among my very very most prized possessions. NEVER do I dog-ear them, or write in them, or press down on their spines to hold my place. It wasn't always this way. But they speak of who I am; they're a shorthand to my history, my values, my aspirations. I have moved my books cross-country multiple times and refer to them often. It gives me pleasure just to look at them. So whyever would I abuse or mistreat them?”

Sonia F. wrote: “I would never dog-ear a book. Books are living beings and I give them all my love. I will loan my books (rarely) with a bookmark.”

Liz L. wrote: “My perspective is that of a public librarian. Books are meant to be used and loved and chewed on by babies. Not every book is worthy of archiving! My coworkers and I sneak out after hours to toss damaged books so that we can avoid the patrons who stop us and tell us to preserve the poor things. The world is adamant that books must be preserved no matter how much mold, bedbugs, or missing pages there may be!”

See you next week!

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