From the Friends: Behind the Scenes at the Holiday Book Talk

Posted Nov 17, 2016

The Friends of Shorewood Library are excited to present book expert and proprietor of Boswell Book Company on Downer, Daniel Goldin, at the 2016 holiday book talk on Saturday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m.

This annual tradition is a popular event for readers and gift givers who respect Daniel’s expert advice on books. I asked Daniel about the books he brings and why.

Anne O'Meara Stillwell: How do you choose the books you feature in the book talk?

Daniel Goldin: It's a combination of things. I do look at what booksellers are reading, what publishers are pushing, and what critics are saying. I also look at the books themselves. Do I have anything interesting to say about this? Do I think there will be people in the audience who are interested in this particular book?

AOS: What genres and ages do you cover?

DG: For the Shorewood talk, I will include some picture books and middle grade, but I haven't had too much success with YA in that particular audience. It's my feeling that at that point, teens and young adults are choosing for themselves and they are not coming to this particular program (at least they haven't in the past). I know, for example, that the right narrative non-fiction works, but, for example, it's hard to interest folks in science fiction and fantasy. And I don't take along too many gift books because they are heavy, more likely to get damaged and generally don't do as well offsite. But there are always exceptions.

AOS: Can you tell us one fiction and one non-fiction book that you expect to be hot this holiday season?

DG: I don't want to give away all my secrets and there are still a number of hot titles to come out this fall, including novels by Michael Chabon and Zadie Smith, But The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, should probably get a strong holiday pop at Boswell, and Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer and Dylan Thuras is a quirky non-fiction gift book that should be hard to get by December 20.

AOS: Any new books with Wisconsin connections that you recommend?

DG: I am currently reading Milwaukee Frozen Custard, by Kathleen McCann and Robert (Bobby) Tanzilo. Delicious!

This year’s Holiday Book Talk with Daniel Goldin is December 3 at 11 a.m. in the Village Center. A portion of the sales supports the Friends of Shorewood Public Library who support the programs and collections of the library. It is an enjoyable and easy way to learn about interesting books, shop local and support your local library!

-Submitted by Anne O’Meara Stillwell



Share This: