A monthly interview with Bolinas Library readers
Kathleen O'Neill
Kathleen also known as KO came to Bolinas in 1997 by way of Sausalito where she was working on The Whole Earth Catalog, opens a new window as a graphic designer. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, her adventurous spirit led her to Canada in the 60s with a draft resister, and she lived in England for a couple of years as well. After meeting Stuart, she came out to Bolinas and was delighted to find a nice little library, too. KO has always been involved in the Bolinas community, having worked on the Hearsay, opens a new window in the past, and currently helps with the Thursday food giveaway and the Whitecaps. She continues to express her creativity through painting.
What are you reading now? Do you read one book at a time or several?
I just finished The Dressmaker’s Daughter, opens a new window (Linda Boroff), a story of WW II set in London. It’s just fun and charming. I usually read one book at a time. I get committed to a book and feel like I have to finish it.
Some recent books that I’ve enjoyed:
Have a Good Trip, Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience, opens a new window by Eugenia Bone.
Silk, A World History, opens a new window by Aarathi Prasad
On Mending, Stories of Damage and Repair , opens a new windowby Celia Pym.
Entangled Life, How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures, opens a new window by Merlin Sheldrake.
Lucky, opens a new window by Jane Smiley. This book surprised me. It’s from a musician’s point of view and it has an unexpected twist at the end.
A few of the authors that I’ve really enjoyed reading are the Australian author Liane Moriarty., opens a new window And all of Haruki Murakami, opens a new window’s novels.
Do you like to read paper or ebooks? Audio books?
I love paper. When Covid happened, I bought an iPad it was OK, and certainly better than no books. But I went back to paper immediately after. My mind wanders too much with audio books.
Are you a browser in the library or do you know in advance what you are looking for? Do you browse the library catalog or pick specific books? If so, how do you find out about them?
I get books many ways. I always browse when I'm in the library. New non fiction is my favorite section and new fiction. I listen to PBS, opens a new window radio and hear interviews with authors. I also get recommendations from friends or research a subject I have an interest in. Luckily our library system lets me order almost any book for free.
Do you have a favorite genre? Any genres that you never read? Have your preferences changed through the years.
I'd have to say non-fiction is my favorite. I enjoy how-tos, food, art, and gardening. I read a lot of science and psychology. In the past I’ve read classic fiction and sci-fi. I have never been able to get into mysteries or detective stories.
Recently rom-coms have gotten really fun. I never have to worry violence in them. I don't watch T.V. or movies, so they are good for relaxing.
Were there any books that made a big impression on you in your life? Perhaps a book that has impacted your consciousness a bit?
A Pattern Language, opens a new window by Christopher Alexander made me think differently about the space around me. It’s such an amazing book. When I read it, I was moving into a new place and looking around and I really got what he was doing! He had a systematic way of looking at different spaces, thinking about where the light was coming in etc. It’s really not a book you read from start to finish, almost like you the way you would read a book on astrology.
What was your reading experience as a child? Did you grow up with a lot of books? A favorite book?
My third grade teacher introduced me to the library and the pleasure of reading. She used Winnie the Pooh as bait and I never looked back. I was a voracious reader and preferred books to TV. I was often in my room reading and it was like going into a trance state for me. I even had a book open while I did the dishes much to my mother’s dismay. My parents read the paper and magazines but not books. We did have an encyclopedia.
What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?
I don’t have a lot of books. Some identification books - plants, birds, butterflies. A small collection of authors I know and some books I worked on as a graphic artist. I also have a small collection of tiny books but I totally rely on the Library for my reading material.
Is there a famous author you ever wanted to meet?
No, not really. I’m afraid I would be disappointed. You can learn so much about an author’s inner self from the writing.
Are there any books you like to re-read?
I’m not a re reader.
Why read?
The universe is there for you.
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