Reading Recommendations for Museum Folks During a Pandemic
I don't know about you, but at times since the world turned upside-down in March, my interest in reading has become fairly limited. However, in the last few months, my interest has picked up and I've been reading and enjoying a number of books -- some museum-related, some not.
So here are some reading recommendations for museum folks -- pick a few books out to explore now, or just save the link for future reference. (NOTE: some of the links in this post are Amazon Affiliate links. That means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions about the books featured remain my own.)
Brenda Cowan is the author (along with Ross Laird and Jason McKeown) of a book entitled Museum Objects, Health and Healing. Brenda was kind enough to share some thoughts about the book and her museum work in an interview earlier this year.
"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller was a surprisingly easy and enjoyable read considering the subject was Greek Mythology. The writing was top-notch, no doubt one of the reasons the book was awarded the Orange Prize for fiction. Highly recommended for a (physically-distanced!) beach trip or weekend getaway.
During a conversation with Jennifer Martin, as part of my Museum FAQ YouTube series, Jennifer recommended this short but powerful book, "Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change" by William Bridges. Given the times we are living in, I found the book especially timely. You can purchase it on Amazon, but cheaper used copies are also readily available on the Web.
Ready for a rollicking, fantastical ride through an alternative universe version of New York City? If so, you will definitely want to pick up the latest book from N.K. Jemisin called "The City We Became". I tore through this book because I kept wanting to find out what happened next. Since this is the first book of a projected trilogy, I'm looking forward to reading future volumes!
Jen Oleniczak Brown's latest book, "Think on Your Feet: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Impromptu Communication Skills on the Job" is one of Inc. Magazines “20 Books That Will Kick Off 2020 on the Right Foot” and has been called “a helpful maven’s guide ideal for anyone who views a podium with fear and trembling” by Publishers Weekly.
Jen was kind enough to share some impromptu communication tips and tricks with ExhibiTricks readers in a guest post earlier this year.
Wildwood is a strange and wonderful book that starts off with a baby being carried away by a murder of crows! If that doesn't inspire you to pick up this first book in the fantasy adventure series by Colin Meloy, lead singer of the Decemberists (and illustrated by Carson Ellis) I'm not sure what will. I suppose Wildwood is technically a children's or YA book, but I enjoyed it just the same.
I hope you find inspiration and enjoyment in the books mentioned above. Do you have your own book suggestions for museums folks? Let us know in the "Comments" section below!
Paul Orselli writes the posts on ExhibiTricks. Paul likes to combine interesting people, ideas, and materials to make exhibits (and entire museums!) with his company POW! (Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.) Let's work on a project together!
