library_2.gif I put a lot of books on hold. You’d think with a shelf full of galleys (or ARCs as I usually call them), I wouldn’t even need the library anymore, but the truth is I check out a handful of blogs and people mention books that sound good. Also, authors I like have new books come out. So, every week I usually have 2-3 books to pick up at the library that I’ve put on hold at one time or another.

My response is usually one of two things. “All right! I’ve been waiting for this book!” or “Hmmm…the title sounds familiar, and I’m sure someone recommended this to me, or I read about it on a blog…Wish I could remember who. Oh, well. I know I wanted it.” and then I take home my books and read them and usually enjoy them.

However, every once in a while, the librarian hands me a book and I don’t have a CLUE why. The title doesn’t ring a bell, I have no idea who the author is, even the cover looks like something I’ve never seen before. Usually, I check these books out anyway because I’m sure that once upon a time, someone must’ve told me about the book. These books often don’t get picked up again until days before they are due, and then I start reading them frantically. Occasionally, they turn out to be a happy surprise, but sometimes I cannot imagine for the world why I would’ve put these books on hold.

This has just happened to me with THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeanette Walls. It was actually due Saturday, so today I thought I better have a look at the first page at least. It is a memoir. I rarely read memoirs. It is about a very dark and tragic childhood. Definitely not my cup of tea. It’s got great blurbs, and sounds like if dark memoirs are you thing, it’s probably pretty good. The first page is darn good. So now I’m left wondering if indeed someone did tell me about this book, or if someone has hijacked my library card and is putting random books on hold for me. Also, I’m wondering if I should read it. After all, since it’s overdue, it’s now in what I call “the rental phase” so I better decide quickly. I’ll let you know! And if you recommended it, please, drop me a line and tell me why!