From the Publisher
Perfect for any bibliophile and terrifically funny.” —Library Journal, starred Review
“A librarian delivers a charming epistolary volume that begs to be read with pencil in hand.... A smart, funny, forthright librarian in book form.” —Kirkus
“Dear Dear Fahrenheit 451, thanks for the lovely reminder of the ways we find ourselves in books.” —Booklist, starred review
“The truest testament to the quality of Dear Fahrenheit 451…is that my enjoyment of it was, in the end, great enough to outweigh my fury that someone other than me had written it....She has a unique ability to capture the thoughts and feelings of book lovers, both professional and otherwise, on the page.” —NPR
“Readers (and librarians especially) will appreciate the sly stabs or ‘roasting’ that the author makes to point out fine and not-so-fine moments of key books that she is contemplating removing from her shelf. She weaves in stories from her life inside a library (which is fodder for chuckles in itself). Perfect for fans of Jenny Lawson.” —LibraryReads, “The top ten books published this month that librarians across the country love”
Library Journal - Audio
★ 01/01/2018
Former public librarian Spence delivers a charming, funny, sometimes snarky, and thoroughly enjoyable first book. She begins with letters she has written to books that had an impact on her life—some uplifting, some not. She follows with somewhat more serious but still humorous ruminations about other works that have played a role in her life. More than just a bibliography or "books I like" title, this volume connects with readers on why books have such a strong place in our lives. Book lovers will find much to enjoy here, from explaining the "falling down a rabbit hole" reading, to books to read after you've experienced a bad book, but be beware: your to-be-read list will be getting much longer! Narrator Stephanie Spicer delivers a terrific performance, truly bringing the emotions of the book to life. VERDICT A must for anyone who has ever worked in a library or has ever read a book. ["While flavored with a good dose of librarian, it's perfect for any bibliophile and terrifically funny": LJ 7/17 starred review of the Flatiron: Macmillan hc.]—Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL
Library Journal
★ 07/01/2017
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
NOVEMBER 2017 - AudioFile
This audiobook, which contains conversations with and notes to a variety of books (and to a bookshelf while at a cocktail party), will resonate with many bibliophiles. While the listener will enjoy the humorous and often snarky missives, the frequently monotone quality of Stephanie Spicer’s narration, especially during the “recommended titles for every scenario” portion, may leave listeners nodding off in drowsiness instead of nodding in agreement. Additionally, Spicer’s pronunciation of “451” as each individual number (“four-five-one”), rather than in the standard way in which the well-known title is verbalized (“four-fifty-one”), makes for a disruptive listening experience during this lackluster performance. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2017-06-27
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.
