Celina Lozano

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes before a book makes its way into your hands, or onto your reading device?

Literary agents play a major role in that process, yet their influence on the publishing world and literature often goes unnoticed. Laura B. McGrath’s Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction, takes readers behind the scenes to explore how literary agents have shaped American literature form the 1950s to today.

McGrath’s research examines the roles agents take on in the publishing world, such as advocating for authors, acting as intermediaries between writers and publishers, and navigating the balance between artistic value and the business demands of publishing conglomerates. She also explores other aspects of the profession, including how agents find their first clients, the importance of foreign rights, how literary value is determined, and the influence agents have over an author’s success.

While reading the chapter “The Lunch,” I was surprised to learn that Joseph Heller became the first client for the highly influential literary agent Candida Donadio after his manuscript for Catch-22 was rejected by editors. Donadio helped get the novel published launching her illustrious career and playing an important part in Heller’s success. This is just one example of how much influence an agent can have on an author’s career, and the books that become part of American literature.

Readers interested in a detailed account of literary agents and their impact on American literature and the publishing industry will enjoy this read while gaining valuable insight into both fields.

Next, we have a book that centers on the relationship between readers and reading. Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books by Hwang Bo-Reum (translated by Shanna Tan) is filled with fifty-three short essays that touch upon some of our shared experiences as readers such as, not finishing reading a book, forgetting what we just read, and deciding what books to keep on our bookshelves when decluttering.

She offers advice on how to expand how we read, and shares her perspective on a variety of literary topics such as eBooks, book clubs, library visits, and indie bookshops. As you read the essays, you will encounter book titles relevant to each essay’s topic. For example, the essay, “Read Big Books” mentions Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, and describes reading it as feeling like a breathtaking hike. Nonetheless she enjoyed every moment.

Bo-Reum’s book is an easy read, but more importantly, she efficiently communicates her thoughts and perspectives on a variety of literary topics while establishing shared experiences that readers will find both relatable and refreshing.

Finally, we have a memoir by Oliver James, Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok. James shares his experience on how childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect led him to graduate from high school while being illiterate. At the age of thirty-two, James was motivated by his dreams and committed himself to learning how to read through books, audiobooks, voice-to-text, the support of others, and singing on TikTok Live, where he needed to read song lyrics in order to sing as an online audience cheered him on. Shortly after, he began reading live online to hundreds of people, many of them educators, who supported him by reading along and helping him along the way.

James shares his reading challenges and victories and introduces a fundamental book in each chapter that shaped and informed his reading journey. He also gives us glimpses into how illiteracy and literacy have impacted his personal life.

His story serves as an opportunity to reflect on the reality that, while reading may be commonly perceived as a skill many possess, today there are adults who continue to strive for literacy, and encourages us to cheer on those who are working toward improving their well-being.

Keep on reading and visit A.K. Smiley Public Library to find a book that resonates with you.

Celina Lozano is a library specialist at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

 

Summer’s longer days offer an opportunity to make time for activities we often set aside. For me, the extra daylight is an opportunity for one of my favorite hobbies, reading books about art. My interests range from my newest fascination–the subject of color–to learning how to analyze art, and exploring the history of images. Whether you enjoy books on art or simply want to discover some of the newest titles at A.K. Smiley Public Library, I hope these selections encourage you to pick up a book on a topic you love.

Kory Stamper’s True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color – from Azure to Zinc Pink, explores how the color definitions in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary came to be. Stamper introduces scientist I.H. Godlove who helped revise the dictionary, and with the assistance of his wife Margaret, developed its distinctive color entries. Along the way, Stamper combines humor and engaging storytelling with the history of color science, psychology, and manufacturing in the twentieth century. Readers will also discover fascinating historical tidbits, such as the National Bureau of Standards’ Colorimetry Station, which began developing color-based grading standards for products–including butter and margarine–in 1912. True Color will appeal to readers who enjoy history, language, and the stories behind everyday objects.

From color, we move to the art of looking. In How to Art, Kate Bryan brings comfort to readers who may feel that art appreciation is for experts or for those who studied art. Bryan encourages readers to approach art on their own terms. While there is no correct way to experience, discuss, or enjoy art, Bryan provides practical guidance for anyone unsure where to begin. Apart from viewing art, she also explores a range of topics including how artwork is priced, the different types of museums and galleries, caring for an art collection, and how to write an artist statement. Readers looking for an accessible and engaging introduction to the art world will enjoy How to Art.

Finally, Illustration: A Concise History by Andrew Hall, traces the evolution of illustration from the Industrial Revolution to the post-digital age. Filled with vibrant examples, chapters are organized chronologically and feature the work of influential artists such as French painter and sculptor Honoré Daumier, and Iraqi-British architect and artist Zaha Hadid. Hall also examines 11 commercial genres–including editorial, scientific and medical, and children’s literature illustration. Each feature on the commercial genre provides a brief history, career advice, and profiles of notable illustrators. Those interested in the history of illustration and its current practice will find this well-researched reference work to be an informative and accessible introduction to the field.

Take advantage of the longer days in summer and check out a new book at A.K. Smiley Public Library!

Celina Lozano is a library specialist at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Reading memoirs offer us the opportunity to step into an author’s personal life and immerse ourselves in the experiences that have shaped their growth, life purpose, and understanding of the world during a particular era. Thus, we may feel inspired by the author’s journey, connected through shared experiences, or motivated to learn more about unfamiliar perspectives and topics. Additionally, the format in which the memoir is presented plays a part in how we engage with it. Today, memoirs are presented not only in traditional book form, but also as graphic novels, which can appeal to a new generation of readers through the use of visual elements such as color to convey emotion and meaning. In addition, memoirs are available in audiobook format, allowing listeners to further immerse themselves in the author’s emotions and experiences.

What began as a letter correspondence between Sister Helen Prejean and Patrick Sonnier, a man sentenced to death for murder, led to Prejean’s lifelong advocacy for the abolition of the death penalty. Dead Man Walking: Graphic Edition, takes readers back to the beginning of Prejean’s work in this field through a visual adaptation of her 1993 bestselling memoir, “Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate.” Created in collaboration with writer Rose Vines and artist Catherine Anyango, the memoir aims to reach a new generation that perhaps has not heard of Prejean and her work. Combined, the visuals, colors, and the script, capture the sorrow and emotional weight of Prejean’s experiences, as well as those of inmates and families. The memoir humanizes those on death row while also acknowledging the impact of their crimes on their victims’ loved ones; multiple perspectives on this controversial issue are also presented.

The audiobook version of Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre was a finalist for the 2026 Audie Award for Best Narration in Biographies— an award that recognizes distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Narrators Gabra Zackman and Thérèse Plummer bring Giuffre’s story to life by giving voice to her experiences of childhood abuse, the exploitation she suffered by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the emotional challenges she faced in seeking justice. Listening to the memoir allows readers to connect to Giuffre’s emotions through the narrators’ tones and inflections, which can often be less apparent on the page. On the other hand, reading the physical memoir offers the reader flexibility to skim, or skip sections that can be difficult to read—both the audiobook and print formats are available for check out.

Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense by Joe Manchin recounts his experiences in the Senate and the White House, along with the defining moments that shaped his character, values, and work ethic. Organized into thirteen chapters, the memoir traces his journey from childhood to his career as both a businessman and senator. Each chapter centers on a guiding principle that has influenced his leadership approach, such as, “The dignity of work builds a good and accountable society,” and “If you can’t change your mind, you can’t change anything.” Manchin explains how these principles helped him overcome adversity, shaped his understanding of leadership, and influenced his view on commonsense politics.

There are several memoirs to be checked out at A.K. Smiley Public Library; perhaps there is one ready to be read by you.

Celina Lozano is a library specialist at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

One of my favorite literary genres is the exposé genre. It often uses interviews and in-depth research to expose hidden truths, and injustices, on social issues and other matters. Animal research and the treatment of animals are topics at the forefront of this genre. Reading exposés can create feelings of sadness, shock, and empathy, but at times it can also offer hope.

The following books highlight some of the current realities of fish, beagles, and lions—they also serve as a call to action by providing guidance on what we can do to promote a better world for animals.

Dive into the world of fish with Rose George’s book, “Every last fish: a deep dive into everything they do for us and we do to them.” George goes into an underwater exploration to understand the fish’s journey from ocean to dinner table. She travels to different places such as Alaska and Scotland, to understand how practices, illegal and otherwise, in the fishing industry affect our fish consumption during a time when consumption is increasing, and fish populations are decreasing, and oceans are warming. Readers will also be introduced to fishermen, marine biologists, and other individuals who are at the forefront of the fishing industry and working towards better fishing practices.

Next we have “Lab Dog: a beagle and his human investigate the surprising world of animal research” by Melanie D.G. Kaplan. Kaplan’s curiosity into the animal research industry began when she adopted her beagle, Hammy—previously a research lab dog for four years. Part of her investigative work is to find answers to some of the most common animal testing questions such as: why are beagles the most common type of lab dog, where do they come from, and can we live in a world where animal testing is nonexistent? Kaplan also brings forth supporting and opposing viewpoints for animal testing from the perspectives of lawmakers, activists, researchers, and other individuals.

“The Last Lions”, edited by Don Pinnock and Colin Bell, is an eye-catching photography coffee table book showcasing lions in their natural habitat in the regions of Africa and India. The captivating photographs give us wildlife glimpses into the everyday moments of lions, from hunting, lounging on trees, eating, to caring for their cubs. The photographs also capture the sad realities that lions experience, including poaching, habitat loss, and illegal trade. The photographs are dispersed through several chapters that support the anecdotes of scientists and conservationists who advocate for the protection of lions. Other topics touched upon in the book are the behaviors, biology, and intricate lives of lions.

Do you have a particular animal or topic you are interested in reading? These and other new reads are available for check-out at A.K. Smiley Public Library. Let us know what you are in the mood for reading and we may just have a book for you—exposé or not.

Celina Lozano is a library specialist at A.K. Smiley Public Library and would love to adopt a dog one day.

November, for me, is a month when I reflect on my New Year’s resolutions and how they are coming along. This year my resolution was to read more, specifically to finish reading my library books from cover to cover. This may not sound like a big deal, but my day often consists of being surrounded by a variety of great books that I can’t help but start reading more than one! As a result, it’s difficult finishing a single book. However, it’s November, and I still have time to read at least one book in its entirety.

In an attempt to fulfill my New Year’s resolution, I decided to pick a book in the running for a 2025 National Book Award. This seemed fitting since November is the month when the National Book Foundation honors five authors with National Book Awards. There are twenty-five author finalists, but only one winner in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature. Different factors are taken into consideration by the National Book Foundation when selecting the winners, but all titles represent some of the best literature in the country. Here are just a few of the titles that have been nominated for a 2025 National Book Award.

Non-Fiction

In When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World, anthropologist and former Los Padres Hotshot wildland firefighter Jordan Thomas vividly describes his six-month fire season with the Los Padres Hotshots. Thomas recounts what is it was like to battle wildfires during a record-setting season and provides information on how wildfires have evolved throughout the years. Thomas also introduces historical factors that offer a new perspective on the climate crisis. These include the ways in which the Indigenous people in California used fire to shape the land, and how government actions tried to take the use of fire away from Indigenous people.

 

Translated Literature

The next 2025 National Book Award finalist is The Remembered Soldier by Anjet Daanje. Noon Merckem served in the Great War and lost his memory due to shell shock. While living in the psychiatric asylum, he receives visits from women responding to a newspaper ad—each hoping he might be their spouse who vanished during the war. Years later, Julienne identifies Noon as her husband and brings him home. Attempting to help Noon recover his memory, Julienne shares stories about his life, but Noon begins to doubt her sincerity and struggles to determine whether she is telling the truth. Can Noon find peace amid the confusion of his past and new identity?

 

Poetry

Great reading experiences often occur when we feel seen and understood. This occurs when an author captures what it’s like to live through a certain experience—or expresses emotions such as loss, love, and longing in a deeply familiar way. In The New Economy, poet Gabrielle Calvocoressi does just that. Her poetry collection explores themes of loss, love, memory, aging, and gender. Calvocoressi writes about what it’s like to protect the body one is born with while yearning to have been born in another. Additionally, her series of “Miss You” poems evoke the pain of absence—the people we wish we could see again and the moments we wish we could relive. Calvocoressi’s poetry invites us to face our sorrows and remember the people, or the what, that have left us.

These and other titles that speak to the heart and mind are available for check out at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

~ Celina Lozano is a Library Specialist who is currently reading, and hopefully finishing, When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World by Jordan Thomas.