Something to ponder.

suggested by Spelling Search

"What would you do if the internet disappeared tomorrow? Are we becoming too dependent on the internet for our information and social interactivity?"

I was intrigued by this blog prompt and decided to share. If the Internet disappeared tomorrow, I feel like contact with others would dry up. Sure, we have telephones and addresses, but the Internet is a convenient way to stay in touch, and I feel like losing the Internet would be very isolating. On the flip side, it would be so freeing. Imagine just using your computer to type a document or edit photos! No constantly checking email or Facebook. I know I am very dependent on the Internet. It's how I go to school, for heaven's sake. But not having people expecting you to be always available...ahhh.

Ex libris,

Marissa

Is that the what?

I just finished listening to Dave Eggers' What is the What yesterday. It has always intrigued me when I've seen it in the library-- the title and the cover. I decided the fastest why I'd get through it would be to listen to it. It is amazing. I admit I didn't know much about the Lost Boys of Sudan, nor do I really understand the conflict in the region. But it's not necessary to enjoy this book. Valentino's trek to Ethiopia and then Kenya is sad but compelling. His way of referring to people (TV Boy, Quiet Baby, Christian Neighbors) is so simple yet logical. While the action of the story goes on, Valentino describes his time fleeing his home in Sudan. It is basically one large flashback grounded in his life in Atlanta where he is not really known. He tells his story so we know where he comes from. He also addresses people indirectly to tell his story ("I was like you, TV Boy...) As usual, I don't want to go too much into the book because I feel like it should be experienced without my personal slant on it. I loved it, though, and I didn't think I would. If you know nothing about the conflicts in Sudan, fear not, Blog Reader. Stripped down, it is a bildungsroman (thank you 11th grade English teacher Ms. Smith). However, Valentino's coming of age is a much longer path (literally) than any you have ever heard of and, while full of hardship, is ultimately quite triumphant. I loved how the book ended...I will not reveal, but it gave me a real sense of perseverance. Also, it ended logically, not tied up in a neat little bow.

Dion Graham is the audiobook's narrator and brings the book to life so much that I felt that this wasn't a book I was listening to, it was someone telling me a story directly. As if it was just told to me. Graham is in "The Wire," which I don't watch but I hear is really good.

Valentino Achak Deng, the Sudanese refugee who is the book's protagonist, is a real person. The book is billed as a novel, but it is based on Valentino's life. He runs a foundation called the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation that rebuilds Sudanese communities that have been decimated by the war.

A great read or listen! One of my top for the year so far, I think.

Ex libris,

Marissa

The Whisper Initiative

There was a complaint the other day that the Children's staff was too loud.  I find this a little bit hilarious because the kids are loud, so I feel our loudness is justified.  Nevertheless, libraries are supposed to be quiet places, so my pal Ketti and I launched "The Whisper Initiative."  It was her idea and she named it, but I was totally onboard.  We were both on the Children's desk and whenever we got asked a question, we spoke in a whisper to the patrons.  And you know what?  They lowered their voices as well!  So maybe that is the answer...sort of a "monkey see, monkey do" type thing.

Unrelated: my class is chugging along.  I have a lot of work to do, plus my job, so it is tough, but only about 5 more weeks of reference, then a mini-break before the fall semester!  Yay!  And also, it was my birthday on June 17.  I'm 26 now, which is scary, BUT I know what I want to do for a career, so that is awesome.

Ex libris,

Marissa

Happy Birthday to me!

I am 26 today!

The grind. I'm back to it.

I had a brief break from school in which I read books, chilled, and basically soaked in free time after work.  My summer semester just started this week (Monday).  I find it rather amusing that I blog when I have homework to do, but don't blog at all when I have free-ish time.  Hmm.

Went to the CLA conference last month which totally rocked and reaffirmed that I'm in the right career.  Phew.  Oh and I got a scholarship!  Yay!  Thanks to the Fairfield Libraries Administrators Group.  

Got my grade back for cataloging: A- omggggggg!  Thank God.  Cataloging is tricky business.  This semester I'm taking my reference course.  Lecture notes are staring at me accusingly from my bed.

I'll make up a recommended summer reading list soon and post it.  Please comment if you read (or have already read) a book from the list.

Finally, if you aren't playing Farm Town on Facebook, I am sad for you and you should add it and become my neighbor so I can get a trophy.  This is also what I did on my summer vacation.  :)

Ex libris,

Marissa