Garry Gilbert’s library collection reflects a life steeped in journalism, history and a passion for curiosity about the human experience. Each title tells a story, not just of the past, but of the passions and philosophies that have shaped his character.
Gilbert, Adjunct Instructor of Journalism and adviser for The Oakland Post at Oakland University, has spent his life engaged in stories, discovery and words. His comforting personal library offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of a lifelong journalist.
Growing up in a household filled with books and newspapers, Gilbert was influenced by his father, a self-taught minister, and his mother, an elementary school teacher. From an early age his environment shaped his curiosity, which led him down a path filled with storytelling.
Gilbert’s love for writing began in high school when his basketball coach suggested he write about the team. This interaction further led Garry to become the voice of the high school sports program, starting out as a sports writer. His coach’s motivating encouragement was a major influence on Garry when it came to pursuing writing. By age 18, he was working as a full time reporter.
He went on to study American history throughout college. He later landed a position to work in the newspaper reporting business for 40 years. He rose to become editor-in-chief at one of his final newspaper publications he worked for. In 2006, Gilbert began to realize that the newspaper industry was progressively declining due to digital media news outlets.
After reflecting on where the newspaper industry was beginning to go, Garry decided to go back to school in his 40s to pursue his master’s degree. During this time, he was fortunate enough to meet many great professors and mentors, one being the late Jane Briggs-Bunting, who at the time was the Chair of Journalism at Michigan State University. Jane offered him the opportunity to join the faculty as a visiting editor, which gave him a platform for visibility. One year later, Gilbert was offered a position to teach at Oakland University, and he has been there since.
“I owe Jane Briggs-Bunting the most gratitude, she was the most inspirational figure I had, and made it possible for me to become a teacher at 55 years old,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert’s appetite for knowledge remains continuous, his inspiring library book collection holds approximately 1,000 books, a collection of memorable stories curated over decades.
“My kids and I often joke that they will not know what to do with all my books once I have passed,”Gilbert said.
Gilbert cherishes the stories in his collection, his most influential book being “Shoeless Joe” by W.P. Kinsella, the inspiration behind the film “Field of Dreams,” and a story that resonates deeply with Garry’s beliefs in second chances. The author went back to school later in life to pursue his master’s degree, which inspired Garry to do the same.
“I feel so fortunate to have a second chance at my career by being able to have achieved my masters degree. I am a big believer in second chances; second jobs, second careers, second educations, which ‘Shoeless Joe’ acknowledges throughout the story,” Gilbert said.
He even named his son Jackson after the book’s main character, Shoeless Joe Jackson. Gilbert had the opportunity to meet Kinsella and obtain an autographed copy of the book, which he greatly treasures.
Opposite of his wife, Holly Shreve Gilbert, who enjoys fictional books, Garry’s genre preferences gravitate toward American history and political journalism. His favorite United States president was Franklin D. Roosevelt — Gilbert wrote his masters thesis on Roosevelt and his relationship with the press.
“We laugh and say that’s why our marriage works. I enjoy non-fiction and golfing, and she does not,” Gilbert said.
One of his favorite reads, “All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr, combines fiction with historical insights — his favorite genres — and also reflects on the complexities of the human experience.
One book in his collection offers sentimental value in Gilbert’s life. “My Word,” an autobiography and family history book authored by Gilbert’s late uncle John Gilbert, holds a special place in the library.
“My uncle was a political science professor who wrote this family history book of my family’s heritage. I’ve read the whole book, and have learned so much about my family from it. I feel honored 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 was a great influence to him in regards to going back to school, encouraged him to make certain decisions throughout his career, and was able to watch Garry pursue his master’s degree.
Having recently been diagnosed with — and successfully treated for — cancer, Gilbert now approaches his reading and lifestyle habits with greater intentions.
“I’m grateful to be cancer-free now, and with that, I try to be intentional with what I put my time towards. For instance, I would love to spend more time reading, instead of being on social media,” Gilbert said.
Publication was always a goal of Gilbert’s when writing. He wrote a freelance story that went on to receive awards for explanatory journalism. His article was headlined for Hour Detroit, and was based on the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth. Fascinated by post-traumatic growth, Garry was inspired to write his story about a colleague who, after surviving a nearly fatal accident, emerged with a more positive outlook on life.
Storytelling 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 Hersey’s “Hiroshima,” which highlights journalism’s power to connect us by reminding us of our shared humanity.
Garry Gilbert hopes to convey the message that Hersey demonstrated, which is to remember we are all humans, and journalism should make us feel more connected with one another, not further apart.
Through his cherished book collection and love of storytelling, Gilbert hopes he passes down a legacy of his own.