HI! I'M MONICA
THE SHORT VERSION
Join host Monica Fumarolo as she explores books from the backlist that haven't gotten the attention she feels they deserve from current audiences. Life's too short to read only read one book at a time, and just because a book is a New York Times Bestseller doesn't mean it's the best book for you. Two Book Minimum takes listeners and readers to the library, the bookstore, and the bottom shelf in search of stories that deserve a second look. These books may not be new, but they may be new to you.
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THE LONGER VERSION
You could say that I've always been a bit of a "book person." Growing up, I always loved reading. In undergrad, I got my B.A. in English with a minor in secondary school teaching. In grad school, my first master's degree was in library and information science. Yup, "library school" is very much a real thing. I'm a licensed teacher as well as a National Board Certified Teacher in Library Media.
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Do these things mean I am necessarily more knowledgeable than any other book blogger, vlogger, podcaster, or Tik Tokker out there? Of course not. It just means that what I'm looking for when I'm reading is different. As a librarian, I'm thinking past what I like and instead on what would appeal to others. As a middle school librarian, I think about what would be an asset to my collection which I carefully currate with tax dollars with my students' and community's needs in mind. I think about how I get sticker shock every time I go into a bookstore lately and see what a hardcover costs. Books are magical in their ability to transport us, but prices may keep some readers from going very far. That's what this podcast and blog are for - to highlight books that aren't brand new but could be new to you. The books that are already out in paperback or you may have luck getting a cheaper copy from a used book store or free from your local library. It's also about shining a spotlight on the books and authors who may not claim bestseller status yet, but they're worth your attention.