Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks

July 15, 2017
A librarian delivers a charming epistolary volume that begs to be read with pencil in hand.In her debut book, Spence celebrates some of modern literature's darlings while scathingly reducing other works to pulp. Covering selections from across a vast range of subjects and genres, the author delivers flirty essays and cruel-to-be-kind rejection letters to books as she "weeds" her library's collection. Unafraid to take shots at publishing's most lucrative franchises, her letters to Nicholas Sparks and the Twilight series convey the exasperation of a woman who has seen these books checked out constantly while worthier books remain on the shelf. "You made me say 'erotica' to an old lady, Grey," Spence admonishes E.L. James' Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian. "I'm going to hate you forever for that!" Valedictions to obscure nonfiction works--e.g., Better Homes and Gardens Dieting for One--signal shifting societal mores and remind us of the never-ending nature of a librarian's job curating a collection. "Just looking at you makes me feel as if I'm squandering my life," she writes to The Leisure Alternatives Catalog, 1979. "We can't all be art-cinema buffs and sailing experts like you." Readers will find plenty to agree with--the letter to the Frog and Toad books is delightful--and plenty to take issue with--only one work of Russian literature is included--as well as an amusingly disproportionate amount of time devoted to the work of Jeffrey Eugenides. We also get letters to nonbooks that every bookish person will appreciate: a love letter to the library in Beauty and the Beast, a note to an acquaintance's too-perfect bookshelf. In the hearty second section, Spence provides a useful list of references, recommendations, and resources. Among the other notable works discussed include books by Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Walter Mosley, and Judy Blume. A smart, funny, forthright librarian in book form.

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July 1, 2017

Occasionally, librarian humor can get a bit niche. The subtitle of this collection of letters addressed to books, from librarian and debut author Spence, might mislead; while flavored with a good dose of librarian, it's perfect for any bibliophile and terrifically funny. These aren't only love letters to the books that have made the author laugh and cry, there are also letters to the titles she can't bear to touch. Literally. The ones that needed to be weeded decades ago. Those she can't bear to have recommended to her one more time (e.g., Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian). Like many inveterate readers, Spence learns about life through books, but she also discovers more about her surroundings--there's even a letter to bookshelves she encounters at a stranger's party. This book should appeal to readers who are looking for the next Texts from Jane Eyre, or those who enjoyed that concept but don't especially like texting. It will also attract anyone who, upon walking into someone's house, first side-eyes the bookshelves and instantly judges. VERDICT Highly recommended.--Audrey Snowden, Orrington P.L., ME

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2017
Public librarian Spence has something to say to many of the countless books she's known, from categories good, bad, and other. A consummate reader, Spence also considers being a kid, mom, wife, and librarian in this collection of letters to titles ranging from Nikki Giovanni's Love Poems to the weedable Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis or the more conceptual Book That Jeffrey Eugenides May Have Owned and Written Personal Notes In. Her letter to Roget's Thesaurus is a delight. Library lovers will dig the apropos subject headings she gives each letter; fellow bibliophiles will swoon at her well-articulated feelings about her favorites; all will find the breakup notes oddly cathartic ( I'm putting you in a Little Free Library ) and appreciate her book's final, readers'-advisory-informed section of superb reading lists of all sorts. Readers need not share Spence's likes and dislikes, or even have a familiarity with the books she addresses, to appreciate this clever, heartfelt, and often-funny exercise, and they will hope that Spence has more in store. Someday, somewhere, a book addressed in a loving letter might be one of hers: Dear Dear Fahrenheit 451, thanks for the lovely reminder of the ways we find ourselves in books.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)