In reviews that showcase his enjoyment and knowledge of speculative fiction, Matthew (a collection development librarian at Anythink Libraries in Adams County, CO) accurately and expressively describes plot details and thoughtfully conveys the reading experience, along with offering apt comparisons and read-alikes. He also often sends me additional, fascinating book highlights that didn’t make it into his final review, giving me extra (often fun) insight into the book. I appreciate Matthew’s constant eagerness to read, and I always enjoy editing his excellent and useful reviews.

‘‘Pokwatka tucks a Maurice Sendak fairy tale into a nature-attacks horror novel when she traps chemist Madigan Purdy in a library with a group of tweens." From Matthew’s review of The Parliament by Aimee Pokwatka

When did you start reviewing for LJ?

I started in February 2022 with audiobook reviews, after a year on ALA’s Listen List.

What are your favorite kinds of books to review?

I’m definitely mostly on the speculative fiction side of things—I love fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. I did once get to review a cookbook and loved the chance to try out the recipes. Lately, though, I’ve been extra excited for all the translated fiction coming from Korea and Japan. I’m half-Korean, so this has been a wonderful way to connect with my heritage.

What do you find most rewarding about the reviewing process?

I love the puzzle of figuring out how to connect a book to the people who’ll love it best. Essentially, trying to find the right words (when I only have so many!) to let [librarians] know whom they can most successfully recommend the book to.

Can you share three books that you have enjoyed reviewing for LJ?

Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur, was a ton of fun as the first Korean epic fantasy I’d ever read; I can’t wait to read the sequel. Aimee Pokwatka’s The Parliament blends fantasy and horror with a love of libraries (plus a flock of tiny murder owls). And The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks is a similarly tense and beautiful novel, though it’s set on a train racing across a surreal and literally maddening Siberia.