The Tipping Point

Book Review 

By Malcolm Gladwell

4/5*

What is the trigger in which something becomes an epidemic? Is it natural or man-made? The author discusses many experiments and focus groups to determine how things change. He starts with the craze of Hush Puppy shoes. Sales were all but over until the right group decided it would be great to wear. People saw them being worn again. Next thing you know they’re popular once more.

I enjoyed the focus groups watching Sesame Street. They analyzed so many parts of the show. What works well, what children loved and what they ignored. Every marketer should read the depths that were taken to create this television show. 

There were studies on crime in New York City in the nineties. Statistics can help in every industry to make trends or break them when needed.

Book Titles with the word BOOK or LIBRARY in it

 What is it that draws you to buy certain books? 

I have recently found many books I have read recently or are in my tbr bookshelf have either the word bookshop, library or the like in it. I may have never read the author before but those words make me want to read them. I haven’t always run into the best stories. I mentioned Books by McMurty in another post. Others have been a little too cutesy for my taste such as Lighthouse Library Mystery by Gates.

My favorite of the LIBRARIES : Midnight Library by Haig. I also have a post regarding this book.

My favorite of the BOOKSTORES: A little harder to pick. I’m going to go with the Bookshop on the Corner by Colgan.

The books in the picture are literally on my tbr bookshelf.

New Year New Goal

 In the past I have set a goal each January for how many books I want to read. More recently I have added a percentage of fiction to nonfiction. I use GoodReads to keep track.

2017–35 ✅

2018–40✅

2019–60✅

I kept 60 as a goal for a few years until I realized how it was changing my choice of books. I started looking at the number of pages before picking my next read. I was also getting anxious at the end of the year about whether I would meet my goal. I didn’t want reading to be a chore. I want to relax and enjoy reading. I want to spend time on other projects such as creating this blog! I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts about books, bookstores and libraries even if no one but me reads it.

Book Clubs

 I have been a part of several different book groups over the years. Some people add in and others drop out. One was through work. A group got together at someone’s house and occasionally at a restaurant. There have been great discussions about themes and characters. One member created cards with questions when it was her turn. Eventually this group petered out when some stopped reading and made it more social than book related.

Another club I have been a part of, also has various members in and out. The core of this group has been consistent, family. We have always been serious readers since we were kids and mom brought us to the library regularly. Although we haven’t always picked 4 or 5 star books, we discuss our thoughts. On occasion we get a little crafty with food items or even mask making!

Author Talk

 Jeanette Walls author of Glass Castles

Spoke to an audience which includes a group of high school sophomores who read her book for their English class.The book is a memoir about her childhood experiences that were not always pleasant. Comments about forgiveness and guilt were some of the audience questions. She felt it was more about acceptance. She wouldn’t be the person she is now. A smooth life is boring. Texture is what makes you interesting. Her parents gave her resilience

and a love of learning. . A movie was made from the book. After hearing her talk about it, I think I want to see it.

To Finish or Not to Finish

 What do you do when you are reading a book you don’t like? Please comment.

I’ve heard some give a book 50 or 100 pages before making a decision to stop reading.

I know people who will finish no matter what.

* Is it because it was a purchase?

* Is it just stubbornness?

* Could it be because you have a yearly goal?

* Are you thinking it has to get better?

There was a book I read years ago that I thought I would love ❤️. It was called Books by Larry McMurtry. Nonfiction read about a used bookstore had to be great, right? I finished it but I didn’t enjoy the name dropping of authors and other issues. I'm sure there are some people who enjoyed it.

Gifts for booklovers

Comfy: Readers enjoy being comfortable while reading. Throws, fluffy socks, even pillows are great options.

Storage : From bookcases to bookends and bookmarks are always needed for those who like physical books.

Miscellaneous: There are so many trinkets like candles that smell like books. I’ve seen a lot of different knickknacks , bric-a-brac that have a book theme to them.

Books: This may be a difficult choice when you’re shopping for an avid reader. A suggestion could be a motivational read. It might be a genre they wouldn’t buy for themselves.

Gift cards: Are appreciated for their favorite book store. 

E-reader: There are a few choices; the most popular are the Nook and the Kindle. Some readers love the lightweight design as well as ease to buy and read. Others, like myself, prefer a book in my hands.