Call Numbers

By: Syntell Smith

Narrated by: P. G. Hammock

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 best seller. 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.

©2019 Syntell Smith Publishing (P)2021 Syntell Smith Publishing

Great workplace drama

Call Numbers is the first book in a new series written by former New York Library employee and blogger turned author Syntell Smith. With Call Numbers, Mr. Smith invites the reader into the tumultuous life of employees in the mid-1990s.

Who would have thought that librarians and their colleagues could have such interesting, palpitating and captivating lives!

Starting from the premise that life is a book…and every person is a chapter, we will witness the each day drama of said employees as they are navigating their interpersonal relationships and other challenges.

I enjoyed very much the flowing and easy to follow writing style, the well drawn lifelike characters and the tribulations each of them has to endure.

The audiobook production of Call Numbers is recorded by P.G. Hammock. He does a terrific job with the narration, assigning and performing individual voices for each of the main characters, reading in a strong, powerful voice and infusing the story with just the right amount of drama. Although this was my first time listening to this narrator, the more than 13 hours of the audio production passed in a very entertaining way and I can’t wait to get my ears on the next book in this series.

Fans of workplace dramas such as The Office or the West Wing should definitely give Call Numbers by Syntell Smith a try, especially since the audiobook version has the benefit of a superb narrator.

If you liked this review, please vote Helpful below and find more of them here and on theAudiobookBlog.

I also post honest reviews at the author, narrator, or publisher's request, you can get in touch with me for more details.

Action in the Library?

Syntell Smith tells a dramatic tale with Call Numbers: The Not So Quiet Life Of Librarians. I haven't listened to anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. I read the print book and have listened to the audiobook. This book is part of the Call Numbers series, and this is volume one. I enjoyed this book because, one, I'm a writer, and two, I'm an author, but I thought that the library setting would be interesting, and it definitely was. The year is 1994, seems like ages ago, but not really. The title is so interesting, that it seems like it was a take-off of the Dewey Decimal system's "a call to numbers." I'm a book nerd, so I really loved this story. The listener is introduced to Robin, a man who was just transferred to a new library, in NYC. He's excited for the change, and he believes that he can move up the ladder of the library, and become more successful. He has a bit of trouble fitting in, as this library is not what he expected. I love the drama, and these characters deserve some living it up. It's so realistic, but I love the literary references, and how they fit in with this interesting gang of employees. Shhh! is not the only words coming out of this librarian's mouth. This is one of those story that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. I'd love to go to this library and just observe! This author is a great storyteller. The listener just embarks on a superb journey. The narrator really brough this story to life. This book deserves both a read and a listen! A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Call Numbers on audiobook is a definite listening recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to listening to many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who listens to this book, to also write a review.

A very, very interesting listen!

I received this audiobook on a whim. The premise of the story sounded interesting, so why not right. Generally I listen to/ read horror. The more extreme the better. But this got my interest. Behind the scenes at a New York library can’t really be that interesting… could it?
Well, was I wrong. Betrayal, sabotage, racism, violence and a whole lot more.
Set in the 90’s (so many great pop culture references) made the story work so much better in my opinion. If this was today with all the characters having phones on them…
Speaking of characters, they are so well developed. You start to feel for one or the other, and then a situation occurs and now you hate them.
So many twists and turns as the plot developed, I honestly can’t believe how intense and interesting this story turned out to be.
The narrator did an amazing job at bringing the characters to life. I found myself ignoring my co-workers and I was completely immersed into this book.
With all that being said, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Ten stars out of five!!
I personally am going to pick up a physical copy for my collection as well as the second book.
I cannot wait to read how the story progresses. Honestly and truly a fascinating story.

great one

Love it! but I didn't finish it yet. love this narrated will finish it soon.

Interesting

Interesting take in life at the library

I received a free copy and left my honest review

Super entertaining! What a cast of characters!

I had no idea that the secret lives of librarians could be so fascinating. Insert a cast of motley characters, each with a distinctive and colorful personality, and you will get all sorts of drama, hijinks, and laughs. I also think I learned a lot about librarians and libraries. It's a cute and fun book that will keep you very entertained for many hours. Highly recommended. The narrator does a great job of bringing each character to life as well. Each character has their own voice and personality.

Drama

I enjoyed listening to P G Hammock.

Great characters, this book is set in the 1990s, around a Librarian. Drama, laughter, will make you see libraries and librarians in a different light.
Loved the plot.