Credo Reference Blog

It should come as no surprise that an organization that blends technology, libraries, publishing and research would have an eclectic group of people with varied tastes and interests. This latest installment “What We’re Reading” is a perfect example!

From Al Stevens, CTO:

The Invention of Air

“The Invention of Air” by Steven Johnson, a fascinating account of the life of the English scientist and philosopher Joseph Priestley. His religious and political views forced him to flee England and then nearly landed him in prison in the US.  Besides discovering oxygen, he helped found Unitarianism, invented soda water and influenced the thinking of George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

From Lisa Hill, Senior Library Relations Specialist:
I’ve recently become immersed in the Karla-Smiley espionage trilogy from author John Le Carre.  Begun in 1974 the series takes place during the heart of the Cold War and pits British Intelligence chief George Smiley against his Russian counterpart known as Karla.  I’ve just finished “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” which dealt with the hunt for a Russian mole within British intelligence.  I’m now nearing the finish of “The Honourable Schoolboy” which has George Smiley and his men following Karla’s tracks in Southeast Asia.  “Smiley’s People” ends the trilogy, but I haven’t gotten there yet.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

I’m enjoying the series because it doesn’t follow the standard ‘espionage novel’ template and doesn’t read like a Hollywood movie.  Le Carre takes time to develop the characters, flaws and all, so that the reader receives a fully fleshed glimpse of the spy trade.  I’ve missed my train stop on more than one occasion.  Read “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” and you too can be late for work!

From Nancy King, Product Manager:

Pedaling Revolution

I’m reading “Pedaling Revolution” by Jeff Mapes.

Why am I reading it? Well, I’m desperately hoping for an early spring so that I can get back on my bike and off the subway. It’s an interesting read about bike-friendly cities and how they’re creating a place for cyclists on city streets. If only Boston were more like Amsterdam or even Portland, Oregon… Next up is another transportation-related book – “Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)”
But, wait, there’s more…our next installment will include dictionaries, heart transplants, librarians and Greek gods!