By james art 
With the kind assistance of Alina Zetuna
The collection of Gary Gary’s library reflects life, penetrating journalism, history and passion for curiosity for human experience. Each title tells a story not only about the past, but also about the passions and philosophies that have shaped its character.
Gilbert, an assistant instructor in journalism and adviser at Oakland Post at the University of Okland, has spent his life engaging in stories, discoveries and words. His soothing personal library offers a view of the mind and heart of a journalist throughout life.
Growing in a household filled with books and newspapers, Gilbert was influenced by his father, a minister of self -taught and his mother, a teacher at elementary school. From an early age, his environment formed his curiosity, which brought him along a path filled with storytelling.
Gilbert’s love for writing began in high school when his basketball coach offered him to write about the team. This interaction further made Gary become the voice of the high school sports program, starting as a sports writer. The motivating encouragement of his coach was a great influence on Gary when it came to pursuit of writing. Up to 18 years he worked as a full -time reporter.
He continued to study American history throughout the college. Later, he landed a position to work in the business, reporting newspapers for 40 years. He rose to become editor -in -chief in one of his recent newspapers for which he worked. In 2006, Gilbert began to realize that the newspaper industry was gradually decreasing due to news about digital media.
After thinking where the newspaper began to go, Gary decided to return to school of his 40s to continue his master’s degree. During this time, he was fortunate enough to meet many great professors and mentors, one of which was the late Jane Brigs Bungs, who at the time was the chairman of journalism at the Michigan State University. Jane offered him the opportunity to join the faculty as a visiting editor who gave him a platform for visibility. One year later, Gilbert was offered a position to teach at the University of Oakland and since then he has been there.
“I owe Jane Briggs, as the most thank you, she was the most inspiring figure I had and made it possible for me to become a 55-year-old teacher,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert’s appetite for knowledge remains continuous, his inspiring collection of library books contains approximately 1000 books, a collection of memorable stories that has been horny over decades.
“My children and I often joke that they will not know what to do with all my books after I went,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert appreciates the stories in his collection, as his most influential book is.Without shoes joe ” By WP Kinsella, the inspiration behind the movie “Field of Dreams” “ And a story that resonates deeply with Gary’s beliefs in a second chance. The author returned to school later in his life to continue his master’s degree, which inspired Gary to do the same.
“I feel so happy to have a second chance in my career as I can achieve my master’s degree. I am a big believer in the second chances; Second job, second career, second education, which ‘Shoeless joE ‘ He confesses throughout the story, ”Gilbert said.
He even baptized his son Jackson on the main character of the book “Shoy Joe Jackson”. Gilbert had the opportunity to meet the dagger and receive a copy of the autograph of the book, which he appreciates significantly.
Opposite to his wife Holly Shrev Gilbert, who enjoys fictional books, Gary’s genre preferences gravitate towards American history and political journalism. His beloved President of the United States was Franklin D. Roosevelt – Gilbert wrote his master’s thesis about Roosevelt and his relationship with the press.
“We laugh and say that that’s why our marriage works. I enjoy non -fiction and golf and she doesn’t, “Gilbert said.
One of his favorite readings, “All the light we cannot see, ” From Anthony Doer, he combines fiction with historical insights – his favorite genres – and also reflects the complexity of human experience.
A book in the collection offers sentimental value in Gilbert’s life. “My word“Autobiography and a book on family history, author of the late uncle of Gilbert John Gilbert, occupies a special place in the library.
“My uncle was a professor of political sciences who wrote this book about my family’s family history. I read the whole book and learned so much about my family from it. I feel an honor that my uncle chose me to be the current guardian of the book, “Gilbert said.
Gilbert’s late uncle was a role model in his life; He had a great influence on his return to school, encouraged him to make certain decisions throughout his career, and managed to watch Gary pursue his master’s degree.
Having recently been diagnosed – and is successfully treated for cancer, Gilbert is now approaching his reading habits and lifestyle with more intentions.
“I am grateful that I am without cancer now, and with that I try to be deliberate with what I put time to. For example, I would like to spend more reading time instead of being on social media, “Gilbert said.
The publication has always been Gilbert’s goal when writing. He wrote a freelance story that continued to receive awards for explanatory journalism. His article is entitled for an hour of Detroit and is based on the phenomenon of post -traumatic growth. Fascinated by post-traumatic growth, Gary was inspired to write his story as a colleague who, after the survival of an almost fatal incident, appeared with a more positive perspective on life.
The story is at the heart of journalism for Gilbert. A story he believes is a great example of the power of great journalism and another of his favorite books is John Hers.Hiroshima, “ Which emphasizes the power of journalism to connect us, reminding us of our shared humanity.
Gary Gilbert hopes to convey the message that Hursy demonstrates, which is to remember that we are all people and journalism should make us feel more involved with each other, not further.
Through his hidden collection of books and love for telling stories, Gilbert hopes he will transfer his inheritance.