When I saw this book was about the library staff of the NYC library system I was excited. I have to say the book was ok but I was a little disappointed. There was too much going on and the story lost focus for me. This is book 1 in the Call Number series but I don't think I'll be getting book 2. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lol. I did not know libraries had so much going on. I guess it is like most places, always some drama!!! Overall, decent read. Storyline flowed well enough that I would read the second installment. Need to know what is going on with Yi and Gus. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good story.
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2020
Wonderful story filled with drama set against the backdrop of the New York Public Library. Lots of fun quirky characters and a good story. It kept my interest throughout. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion

I wanted to like this book ... BUT
I found the characters completely unlikable. Even the main character left me cold.
I’m not a fan.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read Call numbers : the not so quiet life of librarians by Syntell Smith. It’s 1994 in New York City, and he’s been transferred downtown to the 58th Street Branch Library. Ready to move up the ladder, Robin is excited about the opportunities that await him, but the staff at 58th are not thrilled to see Robin. One of the pages was promised she would be promoted to the next position, and she needs that position. So how do you get someone to transfer back out? By being nasty and rude...
When I read the description of this debut novel I was interested in reading it as I started working in a public library during my teen years, and have continued my career in the library for over 30 years. While I liked the basic plot of the book, parts of the book, the bullying and pettiness brought back bad memories of things that happened to me. I wish there was less subplots as well. It just became too muddled, when the plots were added about high school bullying as well. The last straw for me was the non-ending. Nothing in the description gave any hint it would be a first in a series, and so I was not happy, when the story just stopped and then said just wait for book 2. While I did like the character of Robin, he is way too angry, and the reaction to the prank, was a little over the top.

It usually takes me a few days to read a book . . . this one took me weeks. It was really hard to get into, there were too many characters, and the descriptions were filled with irrelevant details. Also, I am not sure how well it is fact-checked. I won't post a public review.

Call Numbers by Syntell Smith is a debut novel about the " The Not So Quiet Life Of Librarians ". The concept of the book is so promising! I know this is a first published book by Syntell Smith and I encourage the author to continue. I enjoyed the first chapter and was preparing for a good read.
Robin Walker begins his first day of a new position at the 58th Street Branch Library located in New York. He has high hopes but is met with an understandable confusion among the staff. He was expected to be a woman due to an error on the memo notifying the administrator of Ms Robin Walkers placement with the library. He is very unaware that "Dragon Lady" Sonyai Yi, the senior clerk already has plans to get rid of this new hire.
As far as the book content, I thought it seemed one dimensional, I could not feel warmth or respect for the characters. There is not enough feeling or emotional connection to encourage me to continue the book. Basically I trudged through to read the book wanting to give it a fair chance, but I did not like the stilted conversations or the lack of personality of so many characters. Maybe the next book will have more in-depth personalities.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Have you ever wonder about the people who work in a library? Robin Walker is going to his first day of work at a New York Public Library branch. He has transferred from another branch of the New York Public Library. On his first day, Robin picks up on the coolness of his fellow workers toward him when being introduced to them. Why? As time passes, he discovers his co-workers are freaky, petty and have multiple conspiracies for him. Robin tries to control his temper but does lose it at work. Robin is suspended one time due to the loss of his temper. He struggles at work to find a place for himself. Will he succeed? His grandfather’s home is where he lives as his mother and sister are traveling overseas. He has not seen or talk to them for a long time. After seeing a game of the “Knicks,” he goes home to find his grandfather on the floor. He calls 911. His grandfather goes and stays at the hospital for a few days. Robin learns that his grandfather my live only a month or so. When Robin goes to work, his boss can tell he is upset. He doesn’t tell anyone about his grandfather. Why?

The author includes the backgrounds of the library’s employees making them into a family of friendship and loyalty. I found myself laughing besides going through the emotions of Robin. The story.is sad, the author shows the pain of racism, teenagers pregnancy, ad bullying. It’s an excellent novel. I can’t wait to read the next book!.

This was so entertaining!
We follow the work and private lifes of the employees at the 58th Street Branch Library in New York City in 1994. There was so much drama, which I loved, sometimes quite exaggerated but funny at the same time. The story also deals with more serious issues such as racism and anger issues.
It was a quick read for me and I will definitely pick up the second book in this series.

Many believe that libraries have or will become obsolete. Kids have access to so much information on their phones and computers why do they need libraries?

I received my first library card at four years old. It was a momentous occasion. I remember standing in front of a counter I couldn't see over when I borrowed my first book with my very own card. I am thankful I had a mom who encouraged me to read. I still have and use a library card although it's attached to my keyring today.

Call Numbers is a fictionalized look at the New York Public Library and the people who work there. It is an entertaining story and gives a look at how the libraries function and how they raise money. Be warned, it ends with a cliffhanger but there are a few pages of the next book due out in September 2020. I hope my own library has a copy I can check out.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Syntell Smith Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own

#Call Numbers #NetGalley

This is book 1 of a series and frankly, I don't think I need book 2. Or really, I'm not interested in book 2 about these hateful people.

I love libraries. I especially love the libraries of New York City. Maybe it's wishful thinking to imagine rich inner lives of the librarians but this book is just full of jerks.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Being a librarian, I love reading books about books and libraries. I wanted to love this book and while I found the premise intriguing, I felt it was a bit unrealistic. The writing style wasn’t so much a story about libraries and librarians but one long conversation between employees of the NYPL. I didn’t find much substance or plot to this story. While I didn’t particularly like this book, my library would probably purchase this title because librarians, and library patrons, will find some common ground here with characters in the book in relation to their own co-workers and the library atmosphere in general.