Justin Hoenke is an all-star librarian and I was so thankful that he was able to take some time to answer three questions I had about what inspires him!

Before getting into his responses I urge you to take a look at Justin’s blog which is justinthelibrarian.com. He recently posted some amazing information about his recent trips to New Zealand and Australia!

Justin also pointed out that his friend Ned Potter (another great librarian!) was also there and his post sums up a lot about the experience. See http://www.ned-potter.com/blog/new-zealand-professional-nourishment-parenthood-and-opportunities

Now, here are Justin’s answers to my questions below.

1) What movie inspires you the most and why?

I think that most of Martin Scorsese’s movies inspire me, especially GOODFELLAS. I just love his storytelling style. It makes something that I have no interest in (the mafia and all sorts of bad guy stuff!) interesting.

2) What book inspires you the most and why?

The one book that inspires me the most is Mark Lewisohn’s THE BEATLES RECORDING SESSIONS. I used to read this thing through and through as a kid. It was so detailed and interesting.

3) What song inspires you the most and why?

This changes so much. In the long run, most of the Beach Boys work between 1966-1978 inspire me greatly. Their VERY overlooked album FRIENDS from 1967 is one of the most peaceful and beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. I also really enjoy the music played in NYC Gay Discos in the 1980’s! Follow my Mixcloud account favorites to listen to some of those songs. https://www.mixcloud.com/justinhoenke/favorites

I love that music because I think about what those men and women were going through in the 80’s with discrimination and AIDS and all that….and it amazes me how they could still just enjoy great music and dance the night away!