Call Numbers
The Not So Quiet Life Of Librarians
by Syntell Smith
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jan 27 2020 | Archive Date Aug 16 2020
Talking about this book? Use #CallNumbers #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
Life is a book... and every person is a chapter.
Everything's looking up for Robin Walker. It's 1994 in New York City, and he's been transferred downtown to the 58th Street Branch Library. Ready to move up the ladder, Robin is excited about the opportunities that await him.
But success, personal or professional, is as elusive as a first-edition rare book. Robin struggles with his strange new work environment as this motley crew of employees generates more drama than a runaway bestseller. He doesn't know who to believe - or who to let in. And as potential romance mingles with devious machinations, there's no telling where Robin's story will go. All he knows is that he must see it through to the very last page.
Call Numbers is a captivating and multilayered adult drama. Through realistic dialogue and situations, author Syntell Smith has crafted a modern-day classic about the trials and tribulations of adulthood. Because a library is usually the last place you'd expect high drama, but for these characters...it's long overdue.
Advance Praise
"A drama-filled romp through the stacks. The complexity of the characters, with all their foibles and failings, makes them come alive on the page. The dialogue is sharp and believable, and the pacing of conversations feels torn from real life. Written with a fearless and stylish edge, Call Numbers is a riot to read, and never again will you look at a librarian in quite the same way." Self-Publishing Review
"Call Numbers is steeped in both the brisk, gruff atmosphere of New York City and the conundrums faced by a young man who is uncertain of his place in the world. Robin has a reputation for getting into trouble and fighting--qualities one doesn't anticipate in a library employee--and the juxtaposition of his interactions within the library system with his urban encounters is very nicely done. " - Midwest Book Review
"Syntell Smith brings the 1990's back in Call Numbers. For many readers, this will be a nostalgic trip. Every detail brings that decade back to life, including technology. He creates a realistic and interesting dialogue between characters...Smith knows that every good drama needs intrigue, suspense, and mystery. He doesn't disappoint in Call Numbers." - Entrada Book Reviews
"Vastly satisfying and original...Smith manages to infuse rollicking fun into a wildly chaotic yet sad story...Exploration of the complex themes of racial issues, unsafe sex, teenage preganacy, bullying, and psychological abuse." - The Prairies Book Review
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9780578440521 |
| PRICE | |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Susan M, Reviewer
Have you ever wonder about the people who work in a library? Robin Walker is going to his first day of work at a New York Public Library branch. He has transferred from another branch of the New York Public Library. On his first day, Robin picks up on the coolness of his fellow workers toward him when being introduced to them. Why? As time passes, he discovers his co-workers are freaky, petty and have multiple conspiracies for him. Robin tries to control his temper but does lose it at work. Robin is suspended one time due to the loss of his temper. He struggles at work to find a place for himself. Will he succeed? His grandfather’s home is where he lives as his mother and sister are traveling overseas. He has not seen or talk to them for a long time. After seeing a game of the “Knicks,” he goes home to find his grandfather on the floor. He calls 911. His grandfather goes and stays at the hospital for a few days. Robin learns that his grandfather my live only a month or so. When Robin goes to work, his boss can tell he is upset. He doesn’t tell anyone about his grandfather. Why?
The author includes the backgrounds of the library’s employees making them into a family of friendship and loyalty. I found myself laughing besides going through the emotions of Robin. The story.is sad, the author shows the pain of racism, teenagers pregnancy, ad bullying. It’s an excellent novel. I can’t wait to read the next book!.
Gina Z, Reviewer
This was so entertaining!
We follow the work and private lifes of the employees at the 58th Street Branch Library in New York City in 1994. There was so much drama, which I loved, sometimes quite exaggerated but funny at the same time. The story also deals with more serious issues such as racism and anger issues.
It was a quick read for me and I will definitely pick up the second book in this series.
Christine L, Reviewer
Many believe that libraries have or will become obsolete. Kids have access to so much information on their phones and computers why do they need libraries?
I received my first library card at four years old. It was a momentous occasion. I remember standing in front of a counter I couldn't see over when I borrowed my first book with my very own card. I am thankful I had a mom who encouraged me to read. I still have and use a library card although it's attached to my keyring today.
Call Numbers is a fictionalized look at the New York Public Library and the people who work there. It is an entertaining story and gives a look at how the libraries function and how they raise money. Be warned, it ends with a cliffhanger but there are a few pages of the next book due out in September 2020. I hope my own library has a copy I can check out.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Syntell Smith Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own
#Call Numbers #NetGalley
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Vanita Oelschlager
Health, Mind & Body, Nonfiction (Adult)
Jodi Picoult; Jennifer Finney Boylan
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
