501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
What are you reading, Sylvia Blain?
My name is Sylvia Blain – I am 53 years old and live in Central Arkansas with my long-time partner, Shannon Sanders, and our pup, Tucker. I am the mother of two grown sons living in the Bay Area. I am the executive director at Potluck Food Rescue, a role that brings me a lot of satisfaction and growth.
What are you reading (now, just finished, lined up to start soon), if you’ve finished it, what’s your favorite part (no spoilers!)
I am currently reading Manifesto For A Moral Revolution by Jaqueline Novogratz. It’s short but I needed the inspiration!
What is your favorite memory of reading as a child?
Reading was my escape as a child. I tore through books from an early age and spent many hours alone in my room with a good book. My parents used to joke that they were unable to punish me by sending me to my room because I was content to be in there with my books.
What was/ is your favorite book for children? Why?
It’s been a long time since I had small children to read to, but the classic Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw was a standard at our house along with the Berenstain Bears books. For teenage children, I recommend books on social issues that expand their perspectives. I encouraged both of my boys to read Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates when they were young men in high school.
What did you like reading to your children when they were younger?
My oldest could not get enough of Winnie the Pooh!
Do you have any random literary-related story that you love to tell?
When I first moved to Arkansas I worked at the Capital Hotel as a cocktail waitress. One evening, I was tasked with keeping a focus on and catering to Hunter S. Thompson, specifically, try not to let him bring his own bottle of whiskey into the bar! Let’s just say my 22 years of world experience at that time was no match for the literary giant and I was not successful in my charge.
When is your favorite time to read?
Sunday mornings when my partner is on a long bike ride and the house is quiet and in my office when I need a break from whatever task is at hand.
Book Hot Takes:
Physical/ digital/ or audio?
Physical or Digital. I have not gotten into audio but who knows?
Do you judge a book by its cover?
Sometimes.
Read for business or pleasure?
Business-related books for pleasure. I have a soft spot for sociology and ethics.
