Need to better understand how I review books? You can review my book review criteria here.
Overview
Title: Beyond The Halls: An Insider's Guide to Loving Museums
Author: Mackenzie Finklea
Genre: Self-Help
Themes: Museums, Guidebook
Publish Year: 2019
ISBN-10: 641373494
Amazon: Buy Here
Utility: 3/5
Readability: 5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Literary Quality: 4/5
Pace: 3/5
Impact: 3/5
Favorite Excerpt/Quote
"Museums have the power to influence culture and society as a trusted source of information. That power should be used for good." (Finklea, 215)
Review
Mackenzie Finklea's Beyond the Halls is a sweeping analysis of museums and the museum industry. Finklea touches just about every topic one can consider on museums, from their history, to their cultural impact, to how they're adapting to the future. Beyond the Halls is a resource for those looking to expand their knowledge about one of the world's most culturally vital institutions.
The book is divided into seven sections, each touching a different perspective on the importance, impact, and functionality of museums. It starts with a definition and a brief history then dives into discussing what constitutes a museum. Finklea touches on the abstract meaning of a museum's contents, the business of museums, and their role as purveyors of culture. The book's most enticing concepts come towards the end of the book as Finklea focuses on the reparation of stolen artifacts and how museums are adopting new strategies to tailor to changing preferences.
The strongest part of the book isn't a particular argument or concept of knowledge, but the tone in which it was written. Sometimes it's easy for authors to feel removed from that which they research and advocate for as to remain objective. Finklea doesn't. Throughout the book and in the final section, she shares anecdotes that connect her to her writing and exemplifies her passion for the museums and the concepts presented. Her passion and enthusiasm combined with a conversational tone make the book extremely readable and connect the reader to the author in ways other similar books fail to do.
Structurally, the book moves through topics rather quickly, making it a pleasant read. On the flip side, there are some topics throughout the book that I wish were explored more deeply, such as the role of museums as purveyors of culture and writers of history as touched upon in the section of reparations. But maybe such deep explorations miss the scope of purpose for the book.
Beyond the Halls is a good resource for those looking to gain a bit of knowledge and a broad understanding of the functions, history, and impact of museums.
Overall Rating
Learn about museums and support emerging authors!: 3.6/5
Final Note
Two Points:
1) I believe that it's extremely important to acknowledge and support emerging authors. I commend Mackenzie, writing a research-driven book, especially as an undergraduate, requires a great deal of passion and ambition. I'm delighted to support and highlight the work of a bright young professional and look forward to keeping up with her future works and endeavors.
You can also follow Mackenzie and keep up with her life and works on Insta @mackfink
2) Like Mackenzie, I believe that museums serve a vital cultural and historical role in our society that is often underappreciated. Museums connect us to history, to other cultures and peoples, and most importantly to ourselves. They connect us to our humanity. To visit a museum is to recognize and appreciate that the world expands beyond our bubbles of comfort and immediate environments.
Many museums struggled with funding prior to the pandemic and will struggle mightily to sustain after it passes. I encourage you to make a consensus effort to take a trip to a museum or two once it is safe to do so. It's imperative to protect museums and you can be part of that effort!
Citation
Finklea, Mackenzie. Beyond the Halls: An Insider's Guide to Loving Museums. New Degree Press, 2019.