By Anna E. Jordan
Book people, those who work in publishing, often have a gift wish list full of books. Today we've asked the staff at Islandport Press what books are on their lists. Each of us enjoys an old-fashioned, stay-home-from-work snow storm (minus the black out) to read snuggled under a blanket and cozy by a wood stove. Perhaps you'll put some of these on your own "To-Be-Read" or wish list.
Melissa Kim (Senior Editor,Children's): I’d love to get The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. I’ve just begun reading all his books, and am really loving his writing style. Not one word seems wasted or incidental.
Genevieve Morgan (Editor-at-Large): I’d like to read Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple. I’ve heard it’s terrific, and very funny, and I could really use some laughs these days.
Anna Jordan (Editor and Special Projects): At their core, many stories I enjoy are identity stories. Who are we when we are alone, how that changes when we are with people who define themselves differently, and how we change when faced with conflict. After hearing her on Fresh Air, I'm really excited about Zadie Smith's, Swing Time. Also on my To Be Read list: Born a Crime, Trevor Noah; Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates; and The Sun is Also a Star, Nicola Yoon.
Jennifer Hazard (Digital Editor): My book group is reading My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Frederik Backman, who also wrote A Man Called Ove, so that's first on my wish list. I also recently heard local author Caitlin Shetterly read from her latest book, Modified, on Maine Calling. I'm curious to learn more about her discussions with scientists and farmers about GMOs.
Shannon Butler (Operations Manager): I can't wait to get my hands on The Rain in Portugal by Billy Collins. He's been one of my favorite poets since college—witty, and accessible.
Taylor McCafferty (Sales & Marketing Assistant): Rather than wishing for a new book, I'm hoping instead for time to make my way through my overflowing to-be-read shelf. I'm most excited to read, Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom. Nordstrom was the editor behind a majority of the children's books we consider classics, like Where the Wild Things Are, The Giving Tree, Goodnight Moon, and my personal favorite, Harriet the Spy, among many others. She was encouraging toward her authors, incredibly witty, an advocate for the intelligence of children and the power of children's books, and one heck of a letter writer.
Teresa Legrange (Designer): During a sleepless night, I listened to an interview with Bruce Springsteen about his new memoir on NPR’s Fresh Air. It was a great interview and sold me on the book. I grew up listening to his music and I hope Born To Run, finds its way under my tree.
Penny (Warehouse Security Cat): Meow! Translation: Crafting with Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat by Kaori Tsutaya.
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