Life is a book... and every person is a chapter. Everything's looking up for Robin Walker. 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 success, personal or professional, is as elusive as a first-edition rare book. Robin struggles with his strange new work environment as this motley crew of employees generates more drama than a runaway bestseller. He doesn't know who to believe - or who to let in. And as potential romance mingles with devious machinations, there's no telling where Robin's story will go. All he knows is that he must see it through to the very last page. Call Numbers is a captivating and multilayered adult drama. Through realistic dialogue and situations, author Syntell Smith has crafted a modern-day classic about the trials and tribulations of adulthood. Because a library is usually the last place you'd expect high drama, but for these characters...it's long overdue.
“Life is all about turning the page.”
Robin Walker is not used to the quiet life. As a library clerk at the 58th Street Library in Manhattan, the disruptions come from office politics. But when Robin’s grandfather, Jon Walker, is found collapsed on Robin’s living room floor, Robin must brace himself for the worst. As he reaches out to family members, he holds onto slim hope that his grandfather will somehow come through.
Robin tries to find solace in his co-workers. But when his supervisor Sonyai Yi is locked in a private battle with head librarian Augustus Chavez, loyalties are tested. He’ll soon realize its not easy knowing who to trust, especially when his job could be on the line. As the days grow long and his grandfather’s time dwindles, Robin is suddenly energized when he dates Shinju, a beautiful Asian woman he saw months ago. When Shinju becomes a part of his life, Robin tries to find joy wherever he can. But it won’t be so simple, secrets are revealed, causing a great disruption that leaves the branch shattered. When this motley crew of characters finally comes together, a sudden departure leaves the library in a different place.
Book Endings: Loss, Pain, and Revelations is an absorbing slice-of-life look at characters on interlacing paths – trying to discover themselves. In this thoughtful sequel, life is what you make of it. Like books borrowed from the library of the universe, we’re only here until we must be returned to the earth… because our time is borrowed.
In the book of life, the page must always be turned.
Robin Walker is at a crossroads. It’s 1994, and he’s been suspended from his part-time clerical position at the 58th Street Branch Library. His co-workers are overburdened, even with visiting clerks from other libraries.
Still mourning the loss of his grandfather, Robin also pines for Shinju, his former girlfriend and the niece of his supervisor Sonyai Yi. Meanwhile, library page Tonya Brown attempts to reconcile with her cheating boyfriend Andrew Friedman. Information assistant Angie Trueblood is given the cold shoulder by Heywood Learner, still despondent over a breakup. And former 58th Street page Janelle Simms is due to give birth and go on maternity leave, all while feuding with her parents.
But all is not lost. Over time, these co-workers have become much more than that. Joy, anger, love and pain are etched among them like ink on paper. Now they must decide whether to renew their life choices or reserve a new path. And with their due dates fast approaching, one thing becomes clear – everybody wants a happy ending.
Hold Circulation is the latest entry in the Call Numbers series. Author Syntell Smith crafts a layered and thought-provoking novel that examines the drama-filled lives of the people that are best known for keeping quiet. Underneath the surface, these fascinating characters try to break free of life’s burdens… by leaping off the page.
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