NL: What are you reading? Please elaborate on what you like about it.
SC: I just started the Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. This book has all the things I like in a book. It’s historical fiction, so you learn a little something as you enjoy the story. There’s a compelling main character. It’s well written with a good story line that moves quickly. Most importantly, it’s about libraries.
NL: What’s on your to-read pile?
SC: I’m currently juggling a mix of a few other books including: Remarkably Bright Creatures, Amusing Ourselves to Death, and The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up. I read a limited number of fiction books each year so they need to be good. Shout out to my wife Julie who is a veracious reader and provides spot on recommendations.
NL: If you could have an author speak at Nyack Library, who would it be and why?
SC: Ezra Klein is an author, NY Times columnist, and podcaster. His theories and options are well reasoned and data based.
NL: Which character in a book would you most like to spend a day with?
SC: My favorite non-fiction character is Abraham Lincoln. As for fictional characters, there are almost too many options, but I’d select Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. His quiet confidence and embrace of the present moment is something I’d like to experience firsthand.
NL: What was the first book you read that was really meaningful to you?
SC: I can’t think of a first or any one book that is especially meaningful. Every book can impart some meaning, even if only to help shape your preferences. However, a general theme to many of the books that I find meaningful involves insights into the human condition with which I have no direct contact. It’s a way to foster empathy without a shared lived experience.