Reader's Fave

I recently interviewed Pearl Blackburn for our 13th installment of Reader's Fave, a casual talk with someone who shares their favorite book. Currently serving as president of the Woman's Club, Pearl sat down with me at the Patty Cakes Café. As we talked, Pearl shared At Home In Mitford, by New York Times bestseller Jan Karon, an author who wrote a series of books set in a small town in the western foothills of North Carolina. Pearl first read this book, given to her by her sister-in-law a couple of years ago.

As she shared, there seemed to be two attractions which appealed to Pearl. First, it had a small-town setting. Pearl was raised in a small town in West Virginia right on the Ohio River, and has felt at home in small towns throughout her life.

Also, what greatly appealed to her about the book was it made her laugh. "You'll laugh, straight out laugh," she said. "The author makes you see and feel the viewpoints, thoughts, and sensations of each character. You get involved with all the characters as you read." Pearl further said that this book was a great picker-upper. "If you're feeling down, go back and read it," she said. Pearl was certain the reader would get a boost in their spirits from reading the book a second or third time. She has read it herself several times, finding enjoyment in each reading.

Another book which Pearl wanted to mention in our conversation was the first Harry Potter book, by J.K. Rowling. Pearl has read all of the books in the series, but what drew her to the first Harry Potter book? There were two primary outside influences she shared. One was her son, who was around 16 years old when he read the first book and was hooked. He was talking about it all the time at home. Also, it seemed many people Pearl was around were talking about the book, so she got a copy of the book, read it, and was also hooked. What she enjoyed about the Harry Potter book was that it "gives the character confidence with what they can do." Now she could understand her son and share with him about the book and enjoy his thoughts about it.

As our talk wound-down, Pearl shared how as a kid she remembered getting her own library card. "A library card was a big deal to get," she said. "It was one of those first steps. I remember how important I felt." Later, she went to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where she "spent hours and hours in the library for class research." It was evident libraries have always been an important part of her life in some fashion.

Finally, Pearl made it clear in our interview that, for her, she always needs some unread books around, and not just one book. "I get nervous without books lined-up to read," she said. It was obvious she is and has been a reader all her life.

So, you wonderful Wahkiakum readers, whether it be hard cover, soft back, e-books, or even audio books on the Libby app with your library card, may you have some books lined up and ready to read at a moment's notice.