That one guy at the library book sale changed my mind on genre fiction

I was at the annual book sale at the downtown branch in my town, just grabbing a few thrillers. This older guy, maybe 70, saw my stack and said 'you're missing out on the good stuff' and handed me a sci-fi novel from 1984. He talked about how the author predicted social media before anyone had a computer... it was really specific and made me think. Has anyone else had a total stranger recommend something that completely shifted what you read?

3 comments

3 Comments

nathang672mo ago

Just let the old guy pick one for you, he's been reading longer than you've been alive.

reeseanderson2mo ago

My grandpa was a librarian for 40 years and he always picked out the best books for me, even when I thought I knew better. There's something about that kind of experience that just cuts through all the noise and hype. I hear you completely on this one - sometimes you gotta trust the guy who's been turning pages since before your parents met.

faith_smith7d agoMost Upvoted

Isn't that the truth though, @reeseanderson? Those old librarians have read everything, they know what sticks. They don't get fooled by a pretty cover or a big ad campaign. They just know a good story when they see one, plain and simple. Your grandpa sounds like a legend, and that kind of gut feeling about a book is worth more than any bestseller list. I'd take his pick over a TikTok recommendation any day, wouldn't you?