In case you were wondering what keeps us inspired, informed, and relaxed, here is a collection of what we are currently into, what you would find next in the pile of books by our beds, and a book we were given from a friend that we think everyone should read.
Henry, Building Manager
Currently Reading: a collection of essays on photography by photographers.
In the other room where he reads: The End of Print by David Carson, a graphic designer, and Lewis Blackwell
Book From a Friend: “If I want it, I get it. And no one has anything to give me on Christmas or birthdays.”
Side Note: Henry was concerned that his material might not be relevant because “I’ve been reading non-fiction for, at least, the last ten years.” If you, too, are a non-fiction reader, join us in reassuring Henry that he is not the only one. Drop us a line: info@space538.org.
Koren, Office Manager
Currently Reading: You by Caroline Kepnes
Next on the Pile: Hidden Bodies (You #2) by Caroline Kepnes, the second book in the series
Book From a Friend: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Side Note: “Young adult is my jam.”
Gibson, Executive Director
Currently Reading: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Next on the Pile & Book From a Friend: Bye, Bye Land Christian Barter. This poet laureate of Acadia recently came to visit Gibson and dropped off a copy of his new book.
Catherine, Event Staff
Currently Reading: Song of Solomon Toni Morrison
Next on the Pile: “John Jeremiah Sullivan’s Pulphead has been on my bedside table, half read, for roughly 365 days.”
Book From a Friend: “When I was 10 or so, my mother gave me her copy of Anne of Green Gables from when she was a child, thus beginning my lifelong appreciation for headstrong, imaginative, and sassy women.”
Jon D, Volunteer Coordinator + House Manager
Currently Reading: Sapiens by Yuval Harari and A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
Next on the Pile: “err, I almost exclusively read on a tablet or my phone, so…no stack. If it’s a book I’m eager to start, I guess Coming Into The Country by John McPhee. It just nearly dislodged one of the others that I’m already reading.”
Book From a Friend: “A friend gave me audiobook versions of the first four books in A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. Escapism at its finest.”
Side Note: “I’m a fairly polygamous, albeit slow reader. And I have a serious problem when it comes to downloading too many free book samples.”
Genevieve , Communications + Membership Manager
Currently Reading: Postcards from Here by Peggy Guisinger and a packet of works in progress by Douglas W. Milliken (a perk of living with a writer).
Next on the Pile: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Book From a Friend: All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews
Side Note: The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis is always on my dresser so I can open to a random page when the mood strikes.
Ian, Production Manager
Currently Reading: Sound Man by Glyn Johns (Really)
Next on the Pile: Stroppy by Marc Bell
Book From a Friend: King Baby by Kate Beaton– “My brother and sister-in-law gave it to me and my wife when they found out we were pregnant.”
Elizabeth, Visual Arts Curator
Currently Reading: On Value by Triple Canopy & Ralph Lemon
Next on the Pile: In lieu of bedside table selection, I’ve been listening to A LOT of On the Media’s podcast. I *HIGHLY* recommend listening their 5-part series, Busted: America’s Poverty Myths. I listen to an episode (each is under an hour) while I’m making dinner. It’s fodder for good conversation during the meal
Book From a Friend: The Golden Guide (TM) to Hallucinogenic Plants by Richard Evans Schultes “These books were originally published as nature guides FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH. The Hallucinogenic plants guide is actually a pretty solid resource. It mentions specifically the historical (often indigenous) context for rituals and ceremonies related to hallucinogens from ancient Greeks to the Amazonian Shipibo tribes. It briefly touches on issues of colonization and also provides structural formulas for the active ingredients’ molecular compounds. It was published in 1977 and has wonderful illustrations.”