Martin Tran

I live with autism and a lazy eye. My disabilities have made me become a lifelong learner. Being disabled allows me to be creative, empathetic, and strategic in any setting. I value education and academic success. With the support of professors, tutors, advisors, peers, and family, I was able to graduate college twice. I hold a B.A in Creative Arts at San Jose State Univesity and an A.A in English at Evergreen Valley College. Being in college taught me the value of building relationships, being resourceful, and paying it forward.

Books have played an essential part in my life since I was a child until becoming an adult. I enjoy reading. What draws me into literature is storytelling, character development, series of events, and people from diverse cultures. The themes in literature that resonate with me the most are the immigrant experience, ambition, heroism, relationships, and lifelong learning. My top five recommended books are Haben Deaf Blind Woman who conquered Harvard Law, Of Mice and Men, Alpha Abidjan to Paris, Pachinko, and Batman. I share my love of books in various formats.

Libraries and bookstores are special places in my life. Being in these spaces brings me happiness. I support these spaces for their community building events. My college education and volunteer work for the San Jose Public Library prepared me for my career path in Bookselling. I demonstrate my extensive book knowledge at Barnes and Noble to help customers to get them access to literature and provide great customer service. Being a Bookseller with disabilities has been an enriching experience for me because I am able to connect with readers and help them find their next read. To gain more knowledge, I interned at my community college's academic library to gain new skills for my career path. I aspire to continue to serve communities by sharing my passion for books.