The Strange Library

Author: Haruki Murakami

A boy wanders into the public library, randomly curious about taxation in the Ottoman Empire, for whatever reason. When he asks at the main circulation desk, he is sent (rather than to the normal stacks) to room 107, a lonely, distant room inhabited by a single elderly man. The man finds the boy’s books, but demands that he read them in the library, leading the boy down an even more deserted maze of corridors until the boy finds himself locked in a cell with the books. A man wearing a sheep-skin and a beautiful, enigmatic girl visit his cell, bringing food and warning him that as soon as he’s finished memorizing the books, the old man will eat his well-informed brain. The boy is desperate to escape–if only he hadn’t been so obliging to follow the man to start with!

I’ve been seeing Haruki Murakami’s name come up quite a bit recently, but I’d never read anything of his until I picked up The Strange Library at (gulp!) my own local library. I’m not quite sure how to put my impressions of it. Philosophical and odd, I suppose is the best way to express it. That, and experimental. The story itself is very strange, in a way that makes me think there are probably cultural, philosophical, and literary connections that I’m just missing. Mostly, to me, it was a fable saying “stop being so blasted Japanese and stand up for yourself!” or something like that; the boy in the story is really absurdly accommodating. The tone of the text itself is interesting–almost poetic, maybe? It’s rather brief, yet there’s an atmosphere to it that is more than you’d expect from the shortness of the style. Possibly one of the most unusual aspects of this volume is the rather experimental use of pictures and layout. Nearly every other page is some sort of picture–drawing or photograph–that in some way relates to the story, but not in clear way like a picture book or graphic novel. More like it’s helping to set the mood or something. Added to that, the cover has this odd wrap-around vertical sleeve that you have to open before you can get to the normal horizontally opening pages–this vertical wrap ended up dangling the whole time I was reading, getting in my way and generally being annoying. I think The Strange Library was an interesting reading experience, one that might be greatly enjoyed by those with a more philosophical taste, although if you’re more into action and clear-cut storytelling, this probably won’t be to your taste.

Here Lies the Librarian

Author: Richard Peck

The year is 1914, and Peewee McGrath and her big brother Jake just about do all right with their garage on the outskirts of nowhere, fixing flats and selling gas to passing travelers. They’re looking forward to the day the government finally gets a paved road out their way, though–then they’ll show those Kirbys. When the elegant Irene Ridpath and her three best friends take the long-vacant position of town librarian, Jake and Peewee find their world in a not-unpleasant sort of upheaval what with lady-like acquaintances in expensive cars, library teas, even dresses for Peewee–not something she’s particularly fond of, for sure. And on top of all the to-do with the updated library, there’s the automobile race Jake plans to win . . . if he can ever get his home-build car up and running.

No matter how many times I read Richard Peck’s books, I’m always impressed by just how good they are–and how much good solid fun they are. Here Lies the Librarian is an excellent example: vintage cars, strong-willed and capable women, nutty old couples still thinking they’re living during the Civil War, a tornado that rips up a graveyard, and numerous showdowns with the other garage in town go into making this amusing story. There’s a nice balance of history, drama, romance, and humor–this is a book with a great story that never takes itself too seriously. As for excellent characters, they abound: Irene and her friends who are ready to take on the world, Peewee who’s trying to find her place in it, Jake the shy car-crazy enigma, Aunt Hat who’s known by all to be crazy, and a slew of others. Whether you’re looking for a solid look at country life in 1914, for an interesting look at vintage automobiles or that time, or just for a good laugh, Here Lies the Librarian is an excellent choice.

Bookbuying Tips

I’ve been asked more than once how I get so many books. The short answer is that people will find ways to afford the things that they are truly passionate about. But beyond that essential concept, there are some practical steps you can take to make growing your library less painful for your wallet.

1. Establish a good relationship with your local library. Checking out books at the library first is a great way to screen books so that you only spend money on the books you really want in your personal library. Most libraries also sell books they are done with for very reasonable rates–I’ve seen library sales where you can buy a brown paper bag full of books for $2.
2. Make a point to discover your local used book store(s). Large national bookstores are making it less common to frequent local stores, but if you’re looking for bargains, a local used bookshop is really the way to go. Their stock might be a bit unpredictable, but it’s possible to find some unexpected treasures if you’re willing to dig a bit. (Note: don’t forget to check the bookshelf at places like Goodwill, too.)
3. Get a membership with a national bookseller, and get on their e-mail list. For books you can’t find at a used bookshop, a major bookstore is a good way to go. If you have one in town, get a membership–it will make impulse buys less expensive. (This is assuming that you will buy enough from them either at the local store or at their online store for the savings to cover the cost of membership–do the math before you buy the membership.) Even if you don’t get a membership, most major book retailers have an e-mail list and will send out coupons fairly regularly. If in doubt, ask a cashier–a lot of them don’t offer because they’re tired of being turned down.
4. Take the time to shop around online. Please support your local bookstores. Having said that, sometimes it is possible to find much better bargains online. However, don’t just assume that a book is cheaper because it’s online; take the time to compare prices. Also, don’t just check out the major retailers’ sites–there are several excellent sites dedicated to selling used books at very reasonable prices.