A Library Spotify Wrapped

Spotify released its annual Wrapped in late November—personalized listening data from the year compiled into a sharable, dynamic format. Getting to see social media stories of friends’ eclectic listening habits and going through my own “Top Songs of 2023” playlist made me (Sarah) think about how one’s reading habits can be just as wide-ranging as one’s taste in music. So, why not link the two? I’ve asked the social media team to join in and pair a song, album, or artist they’ve had “on repeat” this year with a book they also enjoy.

Amber Owrey, Instruction Librarian: “Long Haul” by Ian Munsick was our first dance song at our wedding, which is why I chose it. The song talks about staying with someone for the long haul, not just for the short infatuation/romance at the beginning of the relationship.

The idea of the long haul and the nature descriptions in the song made me think of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Although I wouldn’t necessarily say I approved of all the relationships in the book, Kya is very into nature, biology, and ecology. The book takes place in the marshes, and Owens describes the scenery well. Tate and Kya have a long relationship, with Tate teaching her to learn to read and eventually falling in love. (Again, not condoning the actions throughout the book of either character, but Tate is in it for the long haul with Kya).

Darius Mullin, Evening Circulation Supervisor: My most listened-to album of 2023 was With Love From Rob & Jay by Rob & Jay, a duo from right here in Jackson, Tennessee. Another writer from Jackson whose work I’ve enjoyed recently is Union University’s very own Bobby C. Rogers, whose excellent collection of poems, Shift Work, was published last year.

Rachel Bloomingburg, Circulation Manager: The main time I’m listening to music is when I’m in my car, and I will often have K-Love playing. Listening to this can help to put me in a better mindset and to think of ways to actively live my faith. When I think of putting faith into action, I can’t help but think of Love Does by Bob Goff. Taking the time to listen to others and being there for them can make a big impact. While music is not a major part of my daily routine, my mom will have a song to sing no matter what situation we’re in.  The songs “You are My Sunshine” and “Skidamarink A Dink A Dink” are ones that are special to me because they’re ones that my mom would sing to me. Having a strong mother daughter relationship is something I cherish, and it makes me think of books like Ramona and Her Mother, Her Mother’s Hope, and Little Women.

Sarah Blevins, Circulation Associate: Like many, my top artist this year was Taylor Swift. With so many songs in her ever-growing repertoire, it’s hard to pick just one or two to pair with a book. However, I think that “The Archer” from Swift’s 2019 album, Lover, fits the twist on a fairytale romance found in Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. Staying in the vein of pairing Swift’s music and Garber’s books, “Wonderland (Taylor’s Version)” from the recently released 1989 (Taylor’s Version) encapsulates the fanciful, yet dangerous feeling of the game of Caraval.

Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

If you have not read Caraval, you probably know someone who has. The Caraval trilogy has taken the young adult world by storm. Stephanie Garber wrote several books before publishing Caraval, but this is the first book that has given her success within her writing career. Now it is a New York Times Bestseller and being sold in multiple countries.

Scarlett Dragna has always dreamed of participating in the fantastical game of Caraval. For years she writes to Legend, the master of Caraval, until he finally writes back and sends three tickets to attend the game. With the help of a mysterious and handsome sailor, Scarlett and her sister, Tella, escape from their abusive father and arrive on the island that Caraval is taking place on. Once there, Scarlett discovers that her sister has been kidnapped and the person who finds her will win Caraval and be granted one wish to use however they want to. Scarlett has only five nights to save her sister and win the wish.

*Mild spoilers ahead*

What Caraval gets right:

Since the identity of Legend is a mystery, every time Scarlett meets a beautiful and intriguing man the reader automatically begins to wonder if it might be Legend. Not much is known about Legend except that he is said to make women fall in love with him and he has the potential to be wicked. Garber does an excellent job of reeling in the reader with her variety of compelling male characters.  

Speaking of compelling, the romance that develops between Scarlett and Julian, the sailor, is well-written. The moments between them are believable and build anticipation for when they finally have their first kiss. But Julian is not all that he seems, and Scarlett finds herself questioning the authenticity of their relationship at the end of the novel. The ending is dramatic and full of twists and turns that make the reader want to find out more about the world of Caraval.

What Caraval gets wrong:

Personally, I did not find much wrong with Caraval. However, while I admire her writing skill, sometimes Garber uses an overabundance of metaphors and similes to describe the scenery and emotions of the characters. While necessary to allow the reader to better imagine what Caraval looks like, I think she could have refrained in some places and continued forward with the plot of the story.

Another small issue I had was with the execution of the game. While she plays the game of Caraval, Scarlett is tasked with finding five clues. The clues she found never seemed to make logical sense. She always knew something was a clue even though it never struck me to be an actual clue. 

Overall, Caraval is a fun ride that fuels the imagination and keeps the reader returning for more. You can find Caraval in the Recreational Reading section of our library. If you like it, you can also find the second and third book of the trilogy in our library as well!

Sara Hand’s reviews reflect her personal opinions and not necessarily those of the library or university.