When I was younger, reading was my escape away from the noise of a large family living in a small house. I mostly read fantasy and historical fiction because I was fascinated with imagining worlds authors created, and stories based off things that actually happened in a time long ago. As I grew up, I branched out to include mysteries, thrillers and science fiction. I also started to appreciate the things I could learn on my own through a variety of nonfiction titles. I am on pins and needles waiting for summer so I can start on an enormous reading list that's been in the making for 2 years!
As for the future, I think some things will stay the same, though some things may be wildly different. Reading will still be an important aspect of life in 10 to 20 years, but I think the way we read and consume books will be different. We will probably have some technology that surpasses the shortcomings of ebooks that will serve as the main transmission of reading materials, but actual books will still be available and used often. Books would be regulated for leisure reading, while ebooks or their technological successors will be the chosen format for informational reading and for books that contain visual storytelling features. Publishing houses will still exist, but there will be more opportunities for people to self-publish and distribute their work. It is interesting to imagine how things might be in the future, but I have a feeling much of the fundamentals of reading and books will stay the same.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Week 15 Prompt - Marketing the Collection
I think that the best marketing strategies for attracting patrons to a library's fiction collection should ideally involve a mix of input from librarians and the patrons themselves. Throughout this semester I've learned about many different methods libraries have used to drive circulation rates, so here are just a few of the ways I think could be very effective in showing off fiction:
1. Book displays are easy ways to showcase various fiction titles. Endless possibilities abound for display themes, and as I write this I keep picturing different ways of creating some great attention-grabbers. I really liked the "Good Books You May Have Missed" cart idea from the Saricks reading for this week, which can offer options beyond new releases and blockbuster titles that can overshadow amazing but forgotten books. I also liked the idea of short weeklong displays, which lifts the burden of continually restocking after patrons have checked out display copies.
2. Book clubs are a great opportunity to raise fiction circulation and awareness of new or previously unknown titles. Library-sponsored book clubs are a way for librarians to suggest new reads based on the interests of club attendees. Librarians could also encourage patrons to form their own book clubs or reading groups and offer resources on selecting books and questions for book discussions.
3. Rather than creating book annotations and staff pick lists - which are great methods themselves - I like the idea of compiling "Your Favorite Reads" lists. Patrons could submit their own reviews on books they have read and enjoyed, and they would be displayed in the library for other library users to see. I think it has the potential of being a little more meaningful when the reading suggestions come from the community and people you know rather than from bestseller lists and outside recommendations.
1. Book displays are easy ways to showcase various fiction titles. Endless possibilities abound for display themes, and as I write this I keep picturing different ways of creating some great attention-grabbers. I really liked the "Good Books You May Have Missed" cart idea from the Saricks reading for this week, which can offer options beyond new releases and blockbuster titles that can overshadow amazing but forgotten books. I also liked the idea of short weeklong displays, which lifts the burden of continually restocking after patrons have checked out display copies.
2. Book clubs are a great opportunity to raise fiction circulation and awareness of new or previously unknown titles. Library-sponsored book clubs are a way for librarians to suggest new reads based on the interests of club attendees. Librarians could also encourage patrons to form their own book clubs or reading groups and offer resources on selecting books and questions for book discussions.
3. Rather than creating book annotations and staff pick lists - which are great methods themselves - I like the idea of compiling "Your Favorite Reads" lists. Patrons could submit their own reviews on books they have read and enjoyed, and they would be displayed in the library for other library users to see. I think it has the potential of being a little more meaningful when the reading suggestions come from the community and people you know rather than from bestseller lists and outside recommendations.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Week Fourteen Prompt - GLBTQ and African American fiction
No matter the genre, it is always a difficult task trying to determine the best way to organize fiction collections. In this particular case, I would keep these two genres with the general fiction collection.
1. Both GLBTQ and African American fiction (AA from here on out) crossover with different genres. At some point there can be too many genre divisions in a collection, which is why a general fiction section is a good category for many cross-genre books to be. I also think that, compared to genres like Westerns or fantasies, GLBTQ and AA fiction do not necessarily follow distinct criteria for classifying their genres (yet). Is the focus on the authors' ethnicity or sexual orientation, or that of the characters? Does a book need to focus on a GLBTQ relationship, or does one gay character qualify? While general characteristics may become more commonplace in the coming years, these genres could be easily categorized broadly or narrowly, which may prove problematic when it comes to shelving and labels.
2. These genres, especially GLBTQ, can deal with sensitive subjects that many readers would like to read discreetly. Separating genres like this can discourage readers from checking out books in that "one" area in the library. Even if a book had a GLBTQ spine label, it would most likely be more comfortable for someone to pull that book from the shelf if it was mixed in with the larger fiction collection than standing in the GLBTQ section of the library and knowing that people *could* judge you for your reading choices
3. Separating these genres would cut down chances of a patron picking up something they normally wouldn't read and giving it a chance. Genre labels can seem off-putting to some readers even though they may actually enjoy those genres. When I was a kid I wouldn't touch science fiction with a ten-foot pole simply because science was my least favorite subject in school. People can come up with all sorts of reasons to avoid certain genres, but a chance encounter is all it takes for a mind to change.
If those patrons requesting the separation of these genres sincerely thought they deserved to be highlighted in their own areas, there are other ways to honor their request. Temporary displays can honor Black History Month and GLBTQ authors. Spine labels, staff pick lists and entries on the library website are other ways to promote books from these and other smaller subgenres that your library patrons may not be familiar with. While I can understand that some libraries may choose to separate these genres based on the populations they serve, I think that they belong with general fiction.
1. Both GLBTQ and African American fiction (AA from here on out) crossover with different genres. At some point there can be too many genre divisions in a collection, which is why a general fiction section is a good category for many cross-genre books to be. I also think that, compared to genres like Westerns or fantasies, GLBTQ and AA fiction do not necessarily follow distinct criteria for classifying their genres (yet). Is the focus on the authors' ethnicity or sexual orientation, or that of the characters? Does a book need to focus on a GLBTQ relationship, or does one gay character qualify? While general characteristics may become more commonplace in the coming years, these genres could be easily categorized broadly or narrowly, which may prove problematic when it comes to shelving and labels.
2. These genres, especially GLBTQ, can deal with sensitive subjects that many readers would like to read discreetly. Separating genres like this can discourage readers from checking out books in that "one" area in the library. Even if a book had a GLBTQ spine label, it would most likely be more comfortable for someone to pull that book from the shelf if it was mixed in with the larger fiction collection than standing in the GLBTQ section of the library and knowing that people *could* judge you for your reading choices
3. Separating these genres would cut down chances of a patron picking up something they normally wouldn't read and giving it a chance. Genre labels can seem off-putting to some readers even though they may actually enjoy those genres. When I was a kid I wouldn't touch science fiction with a ten-foot pole simply because science was my least favorite subject in school. People can come up with all sorts of reasons to avoid certain genres, but a chance encounter is all it takes for a mind to change.
If those patrons requesting the separation of these genres sincerely thought they deserved to be highlighted in their own areas, there are other ways to honor their request. Temporary displays can honor Black History Month and GLBTQ authors. Spine labels, staff pick lists and entries on the library website are other ways to promote books from these and other smaller subgenres that your library patrons may not be familiar with. While I can understand that some libraries may choose to separate these genres based on the populations they serve, I think that they belong with general fiction.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Week Thirteen Prompt: Anyone can read YA, Graphic Novels, and Street Lit
In all cases, I believe it is more important to have kids and adults reading - anything
- than steering them away from specific genres and formats. To me,
libraries have always been a place for people to read what they want,
and learn what they want, without any interference. As librarians, we
are responsible for trying to meet our readers' needs to the best of our
abilities (and our budget's limits).
YA lit has exploded in recent years with a slew of memorable books and dynamic authors that have captured the attention of both teens and adults. Granted, movie adaptations are a major factor in this shift, but this new direction has, in my opinion, helped to dispel the stigma that adults should not be reading books written for young adults. Despite this move, librarians should be aware that some adults may still feel embarrassed about their desire to read YA fiction. I love the above sign because it says that YA books do have compelling plots and characters that adults could enjoy, even if they are far from "young." By making displays like this, librarians can create an open atmosphere in their libraries that encourages readers to try new books in spite of genre labels.
Graphic novels are becoming more acceptable as a legitimate genre as greater varieties in themes and subgenres have been released. I have only read a few graphic novels since I'd prefer to picture scenes in my mind, but the visuals can play a huge role in telling the story beyond the dialog boxes. I think the success of graphic novel series like The Walking Dead have helped to engage adult readers. The graphic novelization of popular books, such as Jane Eyre, Twilight Series, King Lear, and Outlander has also boosted interest in graphic novels.
I have had no experience with street lit, but I do know that it is a very popular genre in some of my local library branches. I can imagine how street lit may be the targets of censorship challenges based on its subject matter in some libraries. I thought Megan Honig's introduction in Urban Grit: A Guide to Street Lit was very helpful in presenting the genre and suggestions for its collection development. For those librarians uneasy about including street lit in the collection, Honig offers this reminder: "Your job as a librarian is to maintain a collection that reflects the reading tastes of all community members, and your collection should include street lit as well as other kinds of literature featuring African American characters and concerns" (xviii). Above all else, we should always strive to provide materials aligned with all of our patrons' preferences.
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| Photo by Mackenzi Lee |
YA lit has exploded in recent years with a slew of memorable books and dynamic authors that have captured the attention of both teens and adults. Granted, movie adaptations are a major factor in this shift, but this new direction has, in my opinion, helped to dispel the stigma that adults should not be reading books written for young adults. Despite this move, librarians should be aware that some adults may still feel embarrassed about their desire to read YA fiction. I love the above sign because it says that YA books do have compelling plots and characters that adults could enjoy, even if they are far from "young." By making displays like this, librarians can create an open atmosphere in their libraries that encourages readers to try new books in spite of genre labels.
Graphic novels are becoming more acceptable as a legitimate genre as greater varieties in themes and subgenres have been released. I have only read a few graphic novels since I'd prefer to picture scenes in my mind, but the visuals can play a huge role in telling the story beyond the dialog boxes. I think the success of graphic novel series like The Walking Dead have helped to engage adult readers. The graphic novelization of popular books, such as Jane Eyre, Twilight Series, King Lear, and Outlander has also boosted interest in graphic novels.
I have had no experience with street lit, but I do know that it is a very popular genre in some of my local library branches. I can imagine how street lit may be the targets of censorship challenges based on its subject matter in some libraries. I thought Megan Honig's introduction in Urban Grit: A Guide to Street Lit was very helpful in presenting the genre and suggestions for its collection development. For those librarians uneasy about including street lit in the collection, Honig offers this reminder: "Your job as a librarian is to maintain a collection that reflects the reading tastes of all community members, and your collection should include street lit as well as other kinds of literature featuring African American characters and concerns" (xviii). Above all else, we should always strive to provide materials aligned with all of our patrons' preferences.
Classic Young Adult Annotation
by: J.D. Salinger
Publication date: 1951
Pages: 277
Genre: Adult books for young adults; Coming-of-age stories; Modern classics; First person narratives; Psychological fiction
Setting: New York City
Time Period: Post-WWII era
Synopsis: After flunking out of Pencey Prep, sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield decides to leave the school before Christmas break commences. Over the next three days, Holden wanders around New York City attempting to overcome his loneliness by interacting with various people. He fails to connect on a meaningful level with any of these "phonies." His musings on his young siblings and general disdain for his peers and adults reveal his struggles with the reality of growing up and losing the innocence of childhood. Originally written for adults, J.D. Salinger's classic novel has become a staple for young adults who can identify with Holden's discontent and angst. However, Holden's unchanged attitude and seeming unwillingness to face adulthood defies the typical "coming-of-age" story arc present in a large part of young adult fiction.
Tone: Darkly humorous, reflective, moving
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing Style: Conversational
Subject Headings:
Caulfield, Holden (Fictitious character)
Runaway teenagers
Alienation in teenagers
Sixteen-year-old boys
New York (N.Y.)
Read-a-likes:
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
Look at Me by Jennifer Egan
Washington Square by Henry James
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Week Twelve: Readers' Advisory Matrix
1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose) - but I found that even the fact sections were fairly narrative.
2. What is the subject of the book?
The serial killer H. H. Holmes and the creation of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
3. What is the type of the book? True Crime
4. Articulate appeal
What is the pacing of the book? Facts are presented rapidly but the pace itself is leisurely.
Describe the characters of the book. The two separate but related narratives focus on Daniel H. Burnham, the architect heading up the construction at the Chicago World's Fair, and H. H. Holmes, the serial killer drawn to Chicago because of the promise of thousands of fair visitors to prey upon.
How does the story feel? Suspenseful, intriguing, disturbing, imaginative
What is the intent of the author? To present two historical accounts together in a novelistic fashion.
What is the focus of the story? The impact of the Chicago World's fair on the city, the country, and on the individual visitors who attended the fair.
Does the language matter? Yes
Is the setting important and well described? The setting of the World's Fair is the key component that ties the book together. Grand sweeping descriptions and tiny trivial details are given space within the two narratives.
Are there details and, if so, of what? Extensive details about the fair's construction and exhibits, as well as personal details of both major and minor characters in each narrative.
Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? Contains several pictures of fairgrounds, people and maps, although reviews of the book say the author could have included more, such as H. H. Holmes' hotel layout.
Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? The entire book is a history lesson, and it attempts to convey the experiences of the characters during this time period and understanding of what life was like in 1893 in Chicago and America.
5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
1. Storyline (intricately plotted) 2. Pacing (Leisurely) 3. Tone (Dramatic/Suspenseful/Disturbing)
Western Annotation
by: Charles Portis
Publication date: 1968
Pages: 215
Genre: Western
Setting: west central Arkansas
Time Period: 1870s
Synopsis: An elderly Mattie Ross recounts the quest she took at the age of fourteen to avenge her father's murder by their hired hand Tom Chaney. He made off with $150 of her father's cash, two gold pieces, and her father's horse. After settling her father's affairs, she enlists the help of mean U.S. Marshal Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn and a Texas Ranger named LeBoeuf to track down Chaney in Indian Territory to bring him to justice and recover her father's stolen possessions. Considered to be one of the great American novels, True Grit is a traditional Western in its setting and plot. However, Mattie Ross's narrative delivery bucks most Western depictions of women, highlighting her strong will, independence, and spunk as she faces skepticism from strangers and unfamiliar dangers on her quest.
Tone: Strong sense of place, Suspenseful
Storyline: Plot-driven
Writing Style: Descriptive, Dialect-rich, Engaging
Subject Headings:
Fathers -- Death
Teenage girls
United States marshals
Outlaws
Revenge
Read-a-likes:
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Butch Cassidy by William W. Johnstone
Coyote Summer by W. Michael Gear
Fantasy Annotation
by: Kiersten White
Publication date: 2013
Pages: 279
Genre: Fantasy fiction, Mythological fiction, Urban fantasy fiction
Setting: Egypt; San Diego, California
Time Period: Present day
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Isadora is the mortal daughter of Egyptian deities Isis and Osiris, and is fed up with feeling like an afterthought to her immortal relatives. As family drama begins to ramp up after Isis learns she is pregnant with her next child ahead of schedule, Isadora decides to live with her older brother in San Diego. While adjusting to her new life, Isadora tries to fend off feelings for Ry, an unbelievably good-looking guy who writes poetry, and stubbornly ignores the prophetic dreams that indicate danger is looming for her and her family. The Chaos of Stars is a contemporary coming-of-age story that uniquely merges with ancient Egyptian mythology.
Tone: Angst-filled
Pacing: Quick, Includes dream flashbacks and short passages of Egyptian lore
Characterization: Mix of unique characters and well-known figures of Egyptian mythology
Subject Headings:
Interpersonal relations
Mythology, Egyptian
Gods
Goddesses
Families
Immortality
Teen Literature
Read-a-likes:
Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck
Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Another Pan by Daniel Nayeri
Week Eleven Prompt - Ebooks and Audiobooks
The last two weeks have been a bit hectic for me, but I am finally getting back on track with my posts.
Personally, I love getting my hands on an actual book if I can since I stare at a computer screen for much of my work and classes, so I am often relieved when I can escape to the comfort of an unlit page. On the other hand, ebooks can be terribly convenient, especially if you are often on the move and are (like I often am) splitting your time between multiple books. Ereaders allow us to carry our entire reading libraries if we so choose, and give us the option of instantly checking out library ebooks.
But before seeing the readings for this week, I had never really considered how formats could affect the appeal factors for certain books. This probably shouldn't surprise me, since I am selective about the appearance and font used in the books I read. I still remember reading old hand-me-down paperbacks of the Anne of Green Gables series, loving the stories but absolutely detesting the typewriter-style, scrunched up font the editions used. I was able to overcome my issues with the printing choices in order to enjoy the books, but not every reader may be able to do this. The customization options on ereaders may prove to be a boon for nitpicky people like me, but even if we are able to customize the text in a way that we like, those changes might take away the intended visual cues the original design intended. A silly example would be someone reading a suspense novel in pink - the text may be pretty, but it may take away from the overall suspenseful tone the author has tried to cultivate. I admit I'm not sure how I would even broach this subject in an RA interview with a patron, other than if they said they stopped reading an ebook and then suggesting making visual adjustments to make it a better reading experience. This is definitely an issue to consider when discussing ebooks with patrons.
While ebooks can involve personal manipulation of the format to suit the readers' preferences, audiobooks are more like regular books in that they are what they are, and readers will have to consider the story, the narrator, the CD/digital format, and the length of the book when selecting their next read. Librarians providing RA to audiobook users will need to consider where they will be listening to the audiobook. If they are looking for audiobooks for the car - either for commutes or road trips - the length of an audiobook could factor into the patron's choice. While the story itself is important, the performing artists narrating audiobooks may turn out to be more important to some readers than the stories they are narrating. My sister drives a lot between work and visiting family, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts are the only way she is able to read and take in new information. I remember her gushing over a particular audiobook of The Great Gatsby and the perfection of the narrator. Some audiobooks may include music and musical cues, which could appeal to some readers or be a turn-off for others. Librarians should be familiar with how audiobooks are cataloged to ensure that all of these pertinent pieces of information are available for patrons to make informed decisions.
Personally, I love getting my hands on an actual book if I can since I stare at a computer screen for much of my work and classes, so I am often relieved when I can escape to the comfort of an unlit page. On the other hand, ebooks can be terribly convenient, especially if you are often on the move and are (like I often am) splitting your time between multiple books. Ereaders allow us to carry our entire reading libraries if we so choose, and give us the option of instantly checking out library ebooks.
But before seeing the readings for this week, I had never really considered how formats could affect the appeal factors for certain books. This probably shouldn't surprise me, since I am selective about the appearance and font used in the books I read. I still remember reading old hand-me-down paperbacks of the Anne of Green Gables series, loving the stories but absolutely detesting the typewriter-style, scrunched up font the editions used. I was able to overcome my issues with the printing choices in order to enjoy the books, but not every reader may be able to do this. The customization options on ereaders may prove to be a boon for nitpicky people like me, but even if we are able to customize the text in a way that we like, those changes might take away the intended visual cues the original design intended. A silly example would be someone reading a suspense novel in pink - the text may be pretty, but it may take away from the overall suspenseful tone the author has tried to cultivate. I admit I'm not sure how I would even broach this subject in an RA interview with a patron, other than if they said they stopped reading an ebook and then suggesting making visual adjustments to make it a better reading experience. This is definitely an issue to consider when discussing ebooks with patrons.
While ebooks can involve personal manipulation of the format to suit the readers' preferences, audiobooks are more like regular books in that they are what they are, and readers will have to consider the story, the narrator, the CD/digital format, and the length of the book when selecting their next read. Librarians providing RA to audiobook users will need to consider where they will be listening to the audiobook. If they are looking for audiobooks for the car - either for commutes or road trips - the length of an audiobook could factor into the patron's choice. While the story itself is important, the performing artists narrating audiobooks may turn out to be more important to some readers than the stories they are narrating. My sister drives a lot between work and visiting family, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts are the only way she is able to read and take in new information. I remember her gushing over a particular audiobook of The Great Gatsby and the perfection of the narrator. Some audiobooks may include music and musical cues, which could appeal to some readers or be a turn-off for others. Librarians should be familiar with how audiobooks are cataloged to ensure that all of these pertinent pieces of information are available for patrons to make informed decisions.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Creepy Booktalks
I tend to shy away from public speaking, but I am able talk about things that I am really interested in and passionate about, so I think with time and practice I could give great talks on books I enjoyed. I think taking a video of myself is a little more nerve-wracking for me because I don't like being on camera at all, whereas if I were giving a talk in front of an audience, I would just have to talk for a few minutes and then never have to revisit that moment again for editing purposes. Hope you enjoy them!
Monday, March 3, 2014
I think we've all felt this way...
As members of this class, we all love our books. But sometimes, publishers can get in the way of this pure, unsullied love by not realizing that yes, a book's cover does matter...
*Kudos to Hank Green of vlogbrothers
*Kudos to Hank Green of vlogbrothers
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Week Seven Prompt - The James Patterson Business
Reading Jeff Zaleski's article, "The James Patterson Business" makes me wonder about all of those co-authors who chose to yield their talents to support the efforts of another. Do they use this role in the hope it will springboard their own literary careers? Or do they do this because they would otherwise never see their words in print? Admittedly I have not read any books that feature co-authors supporting a more well known author, so my opinion is decidedly subjective. I think the commercialization of novels in the vein of James Patterson completely disregards the traditional writing process for the sake of turning higher and higher profits. This negative view is perhaps due to my preference for stories that were written from great passion and labor. I do realize that many people would prefer books that are fast reads and easy to follow, which is apparent from the great number of these books that have been sold. In cases such as these, it's important to understand the appeal of such books in order to provide good reader's advisory to patrons who will still clamor for each new release.
Science Fiction Annotation
By: Douglas Adams
Publication date: 1979
Pages: 215
Genre: Science fiction, Picturesque fiction, Adult books for young readers, Humorous stories
Series: Hitchhiker series
Series information: The first in a trilogy of six parts
Synopsis:
Arthur Dent is trying to prevent his house from being demolished due to a bypass needing to be built when his friend, Ford Prefect, informs him that Earth will be destroyed in only a few minutes’ time. He also explains to Arthur that he is from an alien planet near Betelgeuse, and has been conducting research for a new edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, an electronic book of sorts that contains information about all areas and beings in the Milky Way galaxy. This novelization of the popular BBC radio series by Douglas Adams chronicles the adventures of Arthur and Ford after the Earth is destroyed. They encounter Vogons (bad-tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous aliens) hitchhike aboard the Heart of Gold spaceship powered by an infinite improbability drive, visit the planet Margrathea, home of the planet-building industry, and become mixed up in a plot to uncover the Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Tone: Funny, offbeat
Writing Style: Witty
Read-a-likes:
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W.E. Bowman
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Mystery Annotation
by Tana French
Publication date: 2007
Pages: 464
Genre: Mystery, Police procedural, Psychological suspense
Setting: Dublin, Ireland
Time Period: Present day
Series: Dublin Murder Squad novels
Series information: This is the first of four books in the Dublin Murder Squad series
Synopsis: As detectives on the Murder Squad with the Dublin police, Adam “Rob” Ryan and his partner, Cassie Maddox, are tasked with solving the murder of twelve-year-old Katy Devlin. She was found in the same woods where Adam and his two best friends went missing twenty years ago. Adam was the only one found, with blood on his shoes and no memory of what happened to his friends. While Cassie is one of the few who knows about his past, Adam has avoided media attention by using his middle name, Rob. As the investigation into Katy’s murder drags on, the case starts to mess with Adam’s head and his partnership with Cassie. Though the pieces eventually start to fit together, Adam is unable to foresee the unimaginable consequences of solving the case.
Tone: Disturbing, Moody
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing Style: Compelling, Lyrical, Richly detailed
Subject Headings:
Girl murder victims
Detectives
Cold cases (criminal investigation)
Murder investigation
Crimes against children
Police
Read-a-likes:
The End of Everything by Megan E. Abbott
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
Bent Road by Lori Roy
Little Face by Sophie Hannah
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Week Six Prompt - Booktalk and Baker response
by: Neil Gaiman
William Morrow and Company, 2013
192 pages
What do you remember from your childhood? While you can probably recall major milestones, you've probably forgotten most of the details. Many things that used to be life-and-death matters to you as a kid probably don't affect your life as an adult, things you've long forgotten about. Sometimes, though, certain memories can reappear if you find yourself in an old familiar place, or with people you haven't seen in years. These can be pleasant experiences.
Sometimes, they can be much more sinister than we remembered.
Such is the lot of the unnamed narrator in Neil Gaiman's book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane. When he returns to the English countyside where he was raised in order to attend a funeral, our narrator recalls his friendship with a young girl named Lettie Hempstock. He is drawn to Lettie's home and the pond she called an ocean, when the past rushes back to him. I can't give out more details because this is a story that simply cannot be summed up in just a few sentences. What Neil Gaiman has created is a wonderful ode to childhood wrapped up with magic, innocence, and a proper fear of things that go bump in the night, in only 192 pages. While this fantasy is appropriate for young adult readers, this book is truly a fairy tale for adults. The Ocean at the End of the Lane will stay with you long after you finished reading, a book that is meant to be read over and over and appreciated more with the passage of time.
Response to Baker
I think in an ideal world, Baker's opinion is right: people should only do booktalks on books they have actually read and liked enough to be able to recommend it to other readers. However, most of us do not have the time to read every book on every booklist, so this scenario may not be feasible for many librarians. Since the structure of a booktalk demands we do not reveal the endings, I think it is perfectly fine to talk on stories we haven't read yet or haven't finished reading. I actually like the idea of giving a book talk on a book you haven't quite finished, because you can tell others what you like about the book with absolutely no danger of accidentally spoiling the ending. Personally, I would only be comfortable talking up books that I have either read or have started to read. And what are reviews for, if not to help librarians booktalk about books they haven't read yet!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Kirkus-style Review: The Book Thief
Death can sure spin an enthralling yarn, even in humbling circumstances.
Though he is busy in Nazi Germany, Death still makes time to chronicle the adventures of a young girl who begins her career as a book thief on the way to her new foster home outside of Munich. Liesel Meminger learns to read with the help of her foster-father as a comforting activity to quell her nightmares that soon develops as a way to cope with the chaotic realities of war and fascist society. Other story lines weave in seamlessly with Liesel's which gives the reader greater context of the war without fully leaving our protagonist on Himmel Street. This unconventional perspective and setting of this story provides a refreshing, but no less devastating, picture of World War II from the experience of ordinary Germans. The wide range of characters are all carefully and often poetically defined no matter their position on the moral compass. It is no wonder Death utters, "I am haunted by humans."
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Secret Shopper Assignment
I went to a library branch I had never been too, and was slightly surprised to find it a relatively small single-story building. As I walked in, I found the circulation desk directly in front of the entrance, and took a few minutes to familiarize myself with the layout. The children's area (with its own children's reference desk) was contained in its own area to the right of the circulation desk, while the rest of the library extended to the left. I found the reference desk along the right wall not far into this next area, so I walked past to see if there were any displays. Bookshelves lined all the walls except for the designated teen area in the back, which had a display of new teen books and read-alike suggestions for many popular YA novels. While there was one display featuring books and materials in honor of Black History Month, any space not occupied by bookshelves housed computers, tables and study cubicles for patrons' use.
I made my way back to the reference desk, where I noticed they had displayed a few current bestseller lists. The one librarian at the desk was a middle-aged woman who was typing something up as I approached. She stopped and smiled when she noticed me and asked if she could help me with something. I told her I was trying to find a good mystery book to read, something like The Cuckoo's Calling. She didn't quite understand the title I mentioned (I may have unintentionally mumbled) so I repeated it and added that it was a book J.K. Rowling wrote under a pen name. She started typing in a search in what I guessed was the library catalog, and confirmed the title and "Robert Galbraith" as the author. She then asked if I liked military subjects (most likely because the main character was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan). I told her I was more interested in a contemporary mystery like this book, something fast-paced. At that she got up and said she could show me their mystery section, which was located on the opposite wall. She pointed out a few popular authors that were "supposed to be good" like Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton, authors that I have not had the chance to read. She then pointed out James Patterson as a possibility (which I haven't read any of his books either) and said she just loves his Alex Cross novels. I thanked her for her assistance and that I'd check her suggestions out, and she went back to the reference desk. I did look at some of books in these authors' series, but I couldn't find the first books in the series at this branch. I did take an Alex Cross book with the intent of putting the first book on hold.
I have mixed feelings about this RA interview. I think I caught the librarian off guard at the start, since she didn't initially understand the name of the book I mentioned and was not familiar with it once she did establish the title. While she did ask me if I liked a certain type of book, it seemed at that point in the conversation she was already trying to find a way to get the interview over with quickly. While I did appreciate her walking me over to the mystery section and recommending a few popular authors, she didn't necessarily highlight choices that aligned with what I was looking for. She did have a friendly, non-judgmental attitude and was willing to help, but since the interview had a rocky start I think she may have felt a little panicked about being asked about a book she had never heard of. Instead of brushing it off and digging in a little deeper, she looked for an easy way to end the interview by offering a few general suggestions. I do know that feeling of wanting to find a quick solution from working as a reference assistant in an academic library and fielding research questions in subjects I had never studied before. This was a good chance to gain perspective on the patron side of an interview, and it did drive home that taking a little extra time to fully understand the initial question and find a more specific answer can make all the difference in a readers' advisory interview.
I made my way back to the reference desk, where I noticed they had displayed a few current bestseller lists. The one librarian at the desk was a middle-aged woman who was typing something up as I approached. She stopped and smiled when she noticed me and asked if she could help me with something. I told her I was trying to find a good mystery book to read, something like The Cuckoo's Calling. She didn't quite understand the title I mentioned (I may have unintentionally mumbled) so I repeated it and added that it was a book J.K. Rowling wrote under a pen name. She started typing in a search in what I guessed was the library catalog, and confirmed the title and "Robert Galbraith" as the author. She then asked if I liked military subjects (most likely because the main character was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan). I told her I was more interested in a contemporary mystery like this book, something fast-paced. At that she got up and said she could show me their mystery section, which was located on the opposite wall. She pointed out a few popular authors that were "supposed to be good" like Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton, authors that I have not had the chance to read. She then pointed out James Patterson as a possibility (which I haven't read any of his books either) and said she just loves his Alex Cross novels. I thanked her for her assistance and that I'd check her suggestions out, and she went back to the reference desk. I did look at some of books in these authors' series, but I couldn't find the first books in the series at this branch. I did take an Alex Cross book with the intent of putting the first book on hold.
I have mixed feelings about this RA interview. I think I caught the librarian off guard at the start, since she didn't initially understand the name of the book I mentioned and was not familiar with it once she did establish the title. While she did ask me if I liked a certain type of book, it seemed at that point in the conversation she was already trying to find a way to get the interview over with quickly. While I did appreciate her walking me over to the mystery section and recommending a few popular authors, she didn't necessarily highlight choices that aligned with what I was looking for. She did have a friendly, non-judgmental attitude and was willing to help, but since the interview had a rocky start I think she may have felt a little panicked about being asked about a book she had never heard of. Instead of brushing it off and digging in a little deeper, she looked for an easy way to end the interview by offering a few general suggestions. I do know that feeling of wanting to find a quick solution from working as a reference assistant in an academic library and fielding research questions in subjects I had never studied before. This was a good chance to gain perspective on the patron side of an interview, and it did drive home that taking a little extra time to fully understand the initial question and find a more specific answer can make all the difference in a readers' advisory interview.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Week Three Prompt - NoveList
Part I
1. I am looking for a book by Laurell K. Hamilton. I just read the third book in the Anita Blake series and I can’t figure out which one comes next!
In the NoveList database I searched 'Anita Blake' using the Series designation. Two series by Laurell K. Hamilton came up in the search, one for a graphic novel series and one for books. Since they didn't have the same titles and graphic novels weren't specified, I looked at the book series and found that the fourth book in the series is The Lunatic Cafe.
2. What have I read recently? Well, I just finished this great book by Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer. I really liked the way it was written, you know, the way she used language. I wouldn't mind something a bit faster paced though.
Since I haven't read any of Barbara Kingslover's books, I brought up the Prodigal Summer listing in NoveList to get a sense of its themes and tone. While NoveList didn't list any appeal words to search for similar titles, I did notice a list of read-alike novels in the right-hand column of the page. The first novel listed was Anthill by Edward O. Wilson, which is listed as an eco-fiction novel with a similar lyrical writing style as Prodigal Summer. Anthill is also marked as suspenseful, and about 100 pages shorter than Prodigal Summer, so it could potentially be faster-paced to suit your preferences.
3. I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!
Searching NoveList for 'Japan historical fiction,' I found a book called The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery, which seems to fit your preferences. It is set in 19th century Japan as the country begins a radical period of modernization and westernization. Its writing style is deemed to be both 'descriptive' and 'richly detailed,' which may come close to meets your specification for the descriptions fully immersing you into the story.
4. I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?
You may want to try other books by Elizabeth George since you liked her novel very much, she has published 20 books with another coming out this spring, so those may keep you occupied for a good length of time. Well-Schooled in Murder is actually part of a series focusing on Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley. You may want to try the first book of the series, A Great Deliverance.
5. My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?
If he hasn't seen the movie yet, he could try reading I Am Legend, which is about one man trying to survive in a world overrun by vampires. It is a older novel published in 1954, but it has inspired many of the apocalyptic zombie and vampire works that have come out in the last few decades.
-----
Part II
I find books to read using a variety of channels and ways to feed my addiction. I like to ask friends what they read, or what they would like to read in their spare time, and I enjoy taking their suggestions to broaden my horizons. As an avid Pinterest user, I follow several library and book boards and have found good reads from random pins in those boards. Browsing the shelves in libraries and bookstores is another way to find new releases and bestsellers for consideration. But for the last couple years, the easiest way I've found new books to read is by scoping out the book drop for interesting titles when I'm working circulation - and at the end of the day I usually head home with a pile of books in my hands!
However, these methods would probably not suffice for helping patrons find books interesting to them. I had heard of NoveList before and getting the chance to use it for this exercise was a fun way to practice looking for books I know very little or nothing about. I technically have a Goodreads account, but I don't use it that much because I tend to go through books quickly and always forget to use it. I think the tools Chelton has listed provide librarians and readers with a lot of options for finding books to read, and it would make a great backup go-to list for reader's advisory.
1. I am looking for a book by Laurell K. Hamilton. I just read the third book in the Anita Blake series and I can’t figure out which one comes next!
In the NoveList database I searched 'Anita Blake' using the Series designation. Two series by Laurell K. Hamilton came up in the search, one for a graphic novel series and one for books. Since they didn't have the same titles and graphic novels weren't specified, I looked at the book series and found that the fourth book in the series is The Lunatic Cafe.
2. What have I read recently? Well, I just finished this great book by Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer. I really liked the way it was written, you know, the way she used language. I wouldn't mind something a bit faster paced though.
Since I haven't read any of Barbara Kingslover's books, I brought up the Prodigal Summer listing in NoveList to get a sense of its themes and tone. While NoveList didn't list any appeal words to search for similar titles, I did notice a list of read-alike novels in the right-hand column of the page. The first novel listed was Anthill by Edward O. Wilson, which is listed as an eco-fiction novel with a similar lyrical writing style as Prodigal Summer. Anthill is also marked as suspenseful, and about 100 pages shorter than Prodigal Summer, so it could potentially be faster-paced to suit your preferences.
3. I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!
Searching NoveList for 'Japan historical fiction,' I found a book called The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery, which seems to fit your preferences. It is set in 19th century Japan as the country begins a radical period of modernization and westernization. Its writing style is deemed to be both 'descriptive' and 'richly detailed,' which may come close to meets your specification for the descriptions fully immersing you into the story.
4. I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?
You may want to try other books by Elizabeth George since you liked her novel very much, she has published 20 books with another coming out this spring, so those may keep you occupied for a good length of time. Well-Schooled in Murder is actually part of a series focusing on Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley. You may want to try the first book of the series, A Great Deliverance.
5. My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?
If he hasn't seen the movie yet, he could try reading I Am Legend, which is about one man trying to survive in a world overrun by vampires. It is a older novel published in 1954, but it has inspired many of the apocalyptic zombie and vampire works that have come out in the last few decades.
-----
Part II
I find books to read using a variety of channels and ways to feed my addiction. I like to ask friends what they read, or what they would like to read in their spare time, and I enjoy taking their suggestions to broaden my horizons. As an avid Pinterest user, I follow several library and book boards and have found good reads from random pins in those boards. Browsing the shelves in libraries and bookstores is another way to find new releases and bestsellers for consideration. But for the last couple years, the easiest way I've found new books to read is by scoping out the book drop for interesting titles when I'm working circulation - and at the end of the day I usually head home with a pile of books in my hands!
However, these methods would probably not suffice for helping patrons find books interesting to them. I had heard of NoveList before and getting the chance to use it for this exercise was a fun way to practice looking for books I know very little or nothing about. I technically have a Goodreads account, but I don't use it that much because I tend to go through books quickly and always forget to use it. I think the tools Chelton has listed provide librarians and readers with a lot of options for finding books to read, and it would make a great backup go-to list for reader's advisory.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Practice Annotation
by Charlotte Brontë
Genre: Gothic fiction, bildungsroman
First Published 1847
Bantam Classics Edition 2003
Number of Pages (this edition): 493
Setting: England, early to mid 1800s
Storyline: One of my all-time favorite novels follows its spirited title character throughout different stages of her life. From a cruel, oppressive childhood as an unwelcome resident of her aunt and cousins home, Jane is sent to Lowood School for an education, and experiences privations in the name of charity as well as finding new role models. Later on she takes a post as governess at Thornfield Hall, where she finds a place in the small household and eventually falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. In a dramatic turn of events testing her morals and resilience, Jane flees Thornfield and finds shelter and a second family with St. John Rivers and his two sisters. During her long absence Jane learns of a reversal of her fortunes that prompts her to return to Thornfield and Mr. Rochester.
Themes: Love at odds with autonomy, gender relations, criticism of social hierarchy and the status quo, morality, passion, feminism
Read-a-likes:
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Introductory Remarks
Hello! I'm Mary Alice and this is my blog for the S524 - Readers' Advisory class. My blog title stems from the fact that I am a night owl, and tend to read by nightlight to trick myself into falling asleep, which rarely happens!
I have always intended to start a blog, so I'm hoping with this class I will get into the habit and actually start posting oddball musings and other writings I have been working on the past few years. Allons-y!
I have always intended to start a blog, so I'm hoping with this class I will get into the habit and actually start posting oddball musings and other writings I have been working on the past few years. Allons-y!
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