Highlights of February's reading: Books and Writers Numerous thoughts arise from the combined list of the most popular fiction works in Armenia's public and community libraries. What books does the average library reader prefer? What genres of literature does the typical library patron read? How come the book that "conquered" Yerevan last month isn't listed at all in any library's February list?

Readers who visit libraries and read in libraries know that reading fiction books is very contagious and is quickly passed from reader to reader. In February, reading novels by Mike Omer was popular in the Kotayk region, reading books by Alex Michaelidis was popular in the Gegharkunik regional library, and reading books by Ruben Yesayan was "contagious" in the Vayots Dzor region.

The novel "The Extraordinary Story of Peter Schlemihl" by German author and naturalist Adalbert von Chamisso appears on the Lori Regional Library's book map, which is one of this month's discoveries. It was published in 1813 and within the last three years, has never been mentioned in the top ten list of any library. In this deeply philosophical novel about a man who has lost his shadow, Chamisso reveals the psychological state of his contemporary, tempted by wealth, and the danger of losing his individuality. I wonder which modern book will appear in the top ten most-read books in libraries two hundred years from now?