The Library

I’ve always loved libraries. They are proof that we’ve made some progress as a society. Free information for the general public, archives of history, literature for the masses. 

My friend Mandi says that “a library is the last place for an introvert.” 

When I first moved to Calgary, the library was my sanctuary. I would nestle into one of the comfy chairs in a suburban library, surrounded by mothers and young children scouring for picture books and movies. On the weekends I would take the train down to the Central library and surround myself with the homeless, the freaks and the leftover hippies. I would scour the shelves for CD’s from local bands, and the entire discography of every member of the band Uncle Tupelo. 

I still remember pulling Joseph Heller’s Catch 22 off-the-shelf, and realizing shortly into the book, that my life would never be the same. I think about finding Slaughterhouse-Five and being properly introduced to Kurt Vonnegut. I can’t forget going through Paul Newman’s filmography on DVD while being alienated and alone in a new city. 

(Ps, The Sting and Sometimes A Great Notion are underrated gems) 

The last 10 books I’ve read (from the Calgary library) *This list has not been updated*

Rebirth: A Fable of Love, Forgiveness, and Following your Heart 

by Kamal Ravikant 

Perfect Youth: The Birth of Canadian Punk 

by Sam Sutherland 

Get Started in Self-Publishing 

by Kevin McCann 

Comedy Writing Secrets 

by Mark Shatz 

Barney’s Version 

by Richler Mordecai 

On Writing 

by Charles Bukowski 

How To Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia 

by Mohsin Hamid 

New Slow City 

by William Powers 

Purity 

by Jonathan Franzen 

Undermajordomo Minor 

by Patrick deWitt