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Editor's note: This week's Page Turner reader interview is with Janette Jacquay, director of the Allen County Human Resources department.
“I love books. I started working at our library when I was 16, but as a 13-year-old, I spent a lot of time there, too. The Little Turtle branch was only four blocks from our home when I was growing up, and I never spent enough time there with books! And now I read at night, relaxing before going to bed. I know people who love their Kindles, but I still like holding the book.
“I read nonfiction primarily. Recently, I finished 'Man's Search for Meaning.' It's by Victor Viktor Frankl, and I really liked it. I try to find books I can take something from and improve my life or help fellow employees. This is a sad book: He was in a concentration camp for three years, but somehow he survived. He found some meaning in life and felt you do have power, you can survive. It's how you react. It's an excellent book.
“Now, I'm a quarter of the way through 'You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought.' It suggests ways we can motivate employees and make sure they're happy. I'm in human resources — in public service — and we have 1,800 employees; 1,300 are full time. They are longtime and really good employees. So I like books with suggestions I can use.
“I do read some fiction, and I like history. I've enjoyed books about Henry VIII and Marie Antoinette. I have a friend who works at the downtown library, and she's my 'personal reference person.' She suggests new books that arrive, so she's a good resource. When I was growing up, I read all different styles of writing, but somehow I didn't get into the 'Jane Eyre'-type literature. I'll try it again one of these days.
“Favorite reading includes the Bible, which I don't read as much as I should. And I like self-help books. One favorite is 'Spontaneous Healing.' The author is a doctor who has written a series dealing with the mind, body, spirit — and making a connection. You're in control, he writes, and you can dictate how your body responds to stress.
“I loved 'Robinson Crusoe'! My son had to read it for school, and I picked it up and read it, too. I had never read it before and, as I said, I loved it. My son has a friend who has all the Harry Potter books, so he is borrowing them and enjoying them. He's on the fourth book now. I haven't read them yet. He is 13, and I'm very glad he is becoming a reader. Everyone should read! It is so beneficial — in so many ways.”
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