We said goodbye to Bookseller Riona recently, but she’s not going far. She’s joining the team at the Key West Library and planning to start a Masters in Library and Information Science through distance learning at the University of South Florida. For old time’s sake, we asked Riona a few questions and she offered up a few book recommendations.
Q: What will you take away about your time at the bookstore?
A: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Books & Books, and have especially enjoyed branching out into other genres. I have read fantasy and literary fiction, but have branched out into science, history, and romance. The bookstore’s lifeblood is its booksellers and volunteers, who always have a great recommendation and kind word ready! I will take away the vibrant passion everyone has for connecting readers to the right book at the right moment.
Q: What are you looking forward to at the library?
A: At the library, I’m looking forward to continuing to connect readers to new books and authors. I am also excited to help the community engage with all the resources and programs accessible through the library, such as clubs and online options, such as Libby for ebooks and audiobooks.
Q: What was your favorite book of 2023 or what are you reading now?
A: This is a tough one! I have devoured a slew of great books this year. I just finished listening to The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty and am about to finish Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. Both are audiobooks through Libro.FM with dynamic narrators and fantastic stories. I’m eagerly awaiting Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff, the sequel to Empire of the Vampire (which was incredibly engrossing). I am also on the Fourth Wing and Iron Flame bandwagon; such fast-paced and fun books! I have a lot of friends expecting new babies this year, and have loved gifting Jory John’s Nothing’s Wrong! picture book. It’s a blast to read and the illustrations are whimsical!