Be More Bookish Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed this readers' advisory course. It did give me some insights and new ways to think about how to recommend books (appeal factors, using non-fiction instead of just fiction). But as Kate pointed out, the resources and the course itself were rather dated. I really noticed this with some of the websites we were asked to follow (like ones that weren't updated anymore), and the YA section. Trends in YA are certainly different now than they were when the unit was written. Additionally, there are more than just blogs now to keep up with book recommendations: you can follow sites like BookRiot on social media. In fact, it was through BookRiot's Instagram account that I found a few good, new reads over the past year or so. Despite this, the core of the course was still pretty solid, making this a learning experience.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Week 9:
Post to your blog your opinion about book trailers – do they succeed in marketing the books they are trying to promote? Are they useful for readers’ advisory?
From reading both articles and watching a few book trailers, in addition to having seen some before for some titles I was looking forward to, in general, I don't think book trailers are very successful in marketing their books. If the authors have to do the trailer, then, as the article mentioned, it can be awkward, especially since they are good at writing, not necessarily being on screen. As for the ones that try to look like movie trailers, they just don't have the same excitement to them. Perhaps it's budgetary, or related to not wanting to spoil the book for readers...but they just don't generate much interest for me. On a side note, the first time I saw a book trailer, I was confused. I thought they were going to make a (albeit rather cheesy) screen adaption of the book, despite it being a new title.
I can understand the argument to create book trailers to try and catch the attention of people who watch numerous online videos. If the trailer is interesting and enticing enough, perhaps that audience will be encouraged to pick the book up. Rather than trying to create a mini-movie trailer, I agree with one of the articles that proposed using stars to talk up titles they really enjoyed. The example of Oprah was perfect! Whenever she picked a book on her show, it immediately became a best seller.
The YouTube channel link seemed to have alot of YA book trailers. I can see why book trailers may be more effective for that age group. Especially with today's plugged-in, connected generation, they may be drawn to a book because of a good video. I suppose that the creators of book trailers have yet to figure out how to truly create a viral video that leads to monumental book sales. Adults, on the other hand, are probably pretty set in their ways of whether they want to read or not and how they determine if a book is interesting to them.
As a tool for readers' advisory, I could see it being useful. The more dramatic ones set the mood, try to build suspense/anticipation...so if the patron is on the fence about a recommendation, perhaps seeing a book trailer might be the final nudge to push her into deciding to give it a try. Some book trailers also try and pick out the same appeal factors used in a readers' advisory.
Post to your blog your opinion about book trailers – do they succeed in marketing the books they are trying to promote? Are they useful for readers’ advisory?
From reading both articles and watching a few book trailers, in addition to having seen some before for some titles I was looking forward to, in general, I don't think book trailers are very successful in marketing their books. If the authors have to do the trailer, then, as the article mentioned, it can be awkward, especially since they are good at writing, not necessarily being on screen. As for the ones that try to look like movie trailers, they just don't have the same excitement to them. Perhaps it's budgetary, or related to not wanting to spoil the book for readers...but they just don't generate much interest for me. On a side note, the first time I saw a book trailer, I was confused. I thought they were going to make a (albeit rather cheesy) screen adaption of the book, despite it being a new title.
I can understand the argument to create book trailers to try and catch the attention of people who watch numerous online videos. If the trailer is interesting and enticing enough, perhaps that audience will be encouraged to pick the book up. Rather than trying to create a mini-movie trailer, I agree with one of the articles that proposed using stars to talk up titles they really enjoyed. The example of Oprah was perfect! Whenever she picked a book on her show, it immediately became a best seller.
The YouTube channel link seemed to have alot of YA book trailers. I can see why book trailers may be more effective for that age group. Especially with today's plugged-in, connected generation, they may be drawn to a book because of a good video. I suppose that the creators of book trailers have yet to figure out how to truly create a viral video that leads to monumental book sales. Adults, on the other hand, are probably pretty set in their ways of whether they want to read or not and how they determine if a book is interesting to them.
As a tool for readers' advisory, I could see it being useful. The more dramatic ones set the mood, try to build suspense/anticipation...so if the patron is on the fence about a recommendation, perhaps seeing a book trailer might be the final nudge to push her into deciding to give it a try. Some book trailers also try and pick out the same appeal factors used in a readers' advisory.
Week 8:
Choose any four of the 16 nonfiction genres presented in the video. In what Dewey area(s) did you find narrative nonfiction in these genres? List each of the four genres and their Dewey areas on your blog. Choose one book from each of these four genres that you could recommend to someone who normally reads only fiction. List these titles and their authors.
The first genre I would pick is in the travel category, with Dewey number in the 900's. My favorite is Bill Bryson! I really enjoyed A Walk in the Woods (and it even got made into a movie!), but my favorite is In a Sunburned Country. I really want to go to Australia one day. In his travel books, he doesn't just list facts, places to visit, etc. He tells a story of his travels, and they are often humorous, while at the same time informative.
The next genre would be the science category, in the lower 600's of the Dewey system. The author that comes to mind is Mary Roach, like her book Stiff, or Bonk, or Gulp, to name a few. While they aren't necessarily stories from beginning to end, she has engaging tales of her learning about the topics (like having an orgasm in a PET scan machine, or learning to use the bathroom in space) that are, like Bill Bryson, humorous and informative.
Another category is essays. David Sedaris pops into mind. His books, usually classified in the 800's, usually tell tales about his life growing up and living overseas. He's very quirky and funny. Titles include ones like Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, to name just two of many.
Finally, true crime is always good for narrative fiction. The Dewey number is somewhere in the 360's. Whether reading Fatal Vision by Joe McGuiness or a book about cannibals and serial killers, the stories are always fascinating. I remember reading Fatal Vision when I was fairly young and being enthralled by the map of the crime scene the investigators created based upon blood types, since all the family members had different blood types (my family does too, which made it even more interesting). Of course, this was back before they had RFLP DNA testing, then PCR testing...how far science has come!!
Using appeal factors, write a 1-2 paragraph book talk for two of the four titles you would recommend, noting who you would recommend them to and why. Post these on your blog.
Even though I didn't list this title above, which would fall either in memoirs or essays, I would recommend Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. The book has stories about her unusual upbringing in Texas, with stories about taxidermied animals and other dead creatures, including about how awkward she felt as a child growing up. The book is laugh-out-loud funny, yet highly relatable to anyone who has felt like the oddball growing up. She also delves into her psychological issues, which she explores more in depth in her follow-up book, Furiously Happy, which, from the reviews and reactions I've seen (like at her book signing) really touched alot of people who suffer from depression and other ailments.
Reading any David Sedaris book, including the ones I listed above, is great for something quick and funny. I like how the essays can be read in short bursts, but when you put it all together, you get a fuller picture of his life, whether in Europe, growing up, or being somewhat famous. The pace is fast, the tone is light, and yet there is the dollop of quirkiness that makes his writing stand out.
Choose any four of the 16 nonfiction genres presented in the video. In what Dewey area(s) did you find narrative nonfiction in these genres? List each of the four genres and their Dewey areas on your blog. Choose one book from each of these four genres that you could recommend to someone who normally reads only fiction. List these titles and their authors.
The first genre I would pick is in the travel category, with Dewey number in the 900's. My favorite is Bill Bryson! I really enjoyed A Walk in the Woods (and it even got made into a movie!), but my favorite is In a Sunburned Country. I really want to go to Australia one day. In his travel books, he doesn't just list facts, places to visit, etc. He tells a story of his travels, and they are often humorous, while at the same time informative.
The next genre would be the science category, in the lower 600's of the Dewey system. The author that comes to mind is Mary Roach, like her book Stiff, or Bonk, or Gulp, to name a few. While they aren't necessarily stories from beginning to end, she has engaging tales of her learning about the topics (like having an orgasm in a PET scan machine, or learning to use the bathroom in space) that are, like Bill Bryson, humorous and informative.
Another category is essays. David Sedaris pops into mind. His books, usually classified in the 800's, usually tell tales about his life growing up and living overseas. He's very quirky and funny. Titles include ones like Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, to name just two of many.
Finally, true crime is always good for narrative fiction. The Dewey number is somewhere in the 360's. Whether reading Fatal Vision by Joe McGuiness or a book about cannibals and serial killers, the stories are always fascinating. I remember reading Fatal Vision when I was fairly young and being enthralled by the map of the crime scene the investigators created based upon blood types, since all the family members had different blood types (my family does too, which made it even more interesting). Of course, this was back before they had RFLP DNA testing, then PCR testing...how far science has come!!
Using appeal factors, write a 1-2 paragraph book talk for two of the four titles you would recommend, noting who you would recommend them to and why. Post these on your blog.
Even though I didn't list this title above, which would fall either in memoirs or essays, I would recommend Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. The book has stories about her unusual upbringing in Texas, with stories about taxidermied animals and other dead creatures, including about how awkward she felt as a child growing up. The book is laugh-out-loud funny, yet highly relatable to anyone who has felt like the oddball growing up. She also delves into her psychological issues, which she explores more in depth in her follow-up book, Furiously Happy, which, from the reviews and reactions I've seen (like at her book signing) really touched alot of people who suffer from depression and other ailments.
Reading any David Sedaris book, including the ones I listed above, is great for something quick and funny. I like how the essays can be read in short bursts, but when you put it all together, you get a fuller picture of his life, whether in Europe, growing up, or being somewhat famous. The pace is fast, the tone is light, and yet there is the dollop of quirkiness that makes his writing stand out.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Week 7
The first article I read this week was New Adult: Needless Marketing-Speak Or Valued Subgenre? from Publisher's Weekly. I understood the publishers' desire to have a new category that straddled the adult world and the teen/YA world, but to me, a whole new genre seems unnecessary. Most books that would fall in that New Adult category can probably be safely shelved in the YA section. I don't think that adults who read YA will stop reading YA books because it seems that adults are drawn to YA not just for the content of the stories, but also for a certain style of writing and storytelling that is less dense than typical adult novels. If there are New Adult books with explicit sexual content, then they should just be shelved with the adult books. I think readers, booksellers, and librarians are more than able to find titles or series that would fall in the New Adult category without actually having to establish a formal genre. Seeing how this article was written nearly four years ago, and I haven't noticed any NA (New Adult) sections, I'm guessing the label never really caught on.
The second article I read was Who is Buying Teen Books? in the Christian Science Monitor. I agreed heartily with the statement about the appeal of YA books for adults from the early part of the article. It said:
One part of the appeal may be that young adult books are sometimes written in a less complicated fashion than adult books and may offer more of a literary escape than an adult contemporary novel, providing a relaxing experience for an adult reader tired from commuting, working all day, and taking care of kids.
After a long day or week, or just being tired, I sometimes just want a book that moves along quickly and sucks you in for a joyride. YA books often do that. I also have friends and family who enjoy YA for precisely the reason of enjoyment without the denseness of adult novels. Additionally, they enjoy reading about teenaged angst and other issues without actually having to deal with it themselves!
I also think that just because a book was written with younger audiences in mind doesn't automatically mean that it is of low quality.
I looked at John Green's site and Teenreads. I liked John Green's site, which I picked because I have read him before. I liked how it's updated fairly frequently and has funny videos, book trailers, etc. I think that helps his readers feel more connected to him. I also looked at the Teenreads site. I also liked how that one was updated, and how it has lots of sections to explore, like Reviews, Coming Soon, Authors, a Blog, and even a contest page!! Both sites are aimed at a younger audience, but can also appeal to older people.
Finally, the two teen imprint websites I went through were Penguin Teen and Random House. I really liked the Penguin site with the big book covers/icons, which were eye-catching. I also liked their Buzzfeed-like lists you could click on (like 14 characters to get you in trouble this summer). Those lists had nice covers (which can make me want to read a book!) as well as short but enticing summaries. There was also a YouTube channel with booktrailers for teen books.
I wasn't as fond of the Random House page. Is a membership needed? I didn't feel like pressing on the "sign up" button for some of the more interesting-sounding groups. Also, several links didn't seem to work. They also had a YouTube channel, but it wasn't specific for YA books, unlike Penguin.
I did notice that both sites featured new releases, which is a good way of trying to keep up with the numerous titles being released. I noticed that series still seem to be big (many titles I clicked on were part of series), and tried-and-true series authors like James Dashner and Marie Lu had another series out/coming out. YA books, while numerous, seem to still deal with issues revolving growing up today (including dealing with LGBTQ issues, identity issues), or dystopian realities, murders/mysteries, and fantasy.
The first article I read this week was New Adult: Needless Marketing-Speak Or Valued Subgenre? from Publisher's Weekly. I understood the publishers' desire to have a new category that straddled the adult world and the teen/YA world, but to me, a whole new genre seems unnecessary. Most books that would fall in that New Adult category can probably be safely shelved in the YA section. I don't think that adults who read YA will stop reading YA books because it seems that adults are drawn to YA not just for the content of the stories, but also for a certain style of writing and storytelling that is less dense than typical adult novels. If there are New Adult books with explicit sexual content, then they should just be shelved with the adult books. I think readers, booksellers, and librarians are more than able to find titles or series that would fall in the New Adult category without actually having to establish a formal genre. Seeing how this article was written nearly four years ago, and I haven't noticed any NA (New Adult) sections, I'm guessing the label never really caught on.
The second article I read was Who is Buying Teen Books? in the Christian Science Monitor. I agreed heartily with the statement about the appeal of YA books for adults from the early part of the article. It said:
One part of the appeal may be that young adult books are sometimes written in a less complicated fashion than adult books and may offer more of a literary escape than an adult contemporary novel, providing a relaxing experience for an adult reader tired from commuting, working all day, and taking care of kids.
After a long day or week, or just being tired, I sometimes just want a book that moves along quickly and sucks you in for a joyride. YA books often do that. I also have friends and family who enjoy YA for precisely the reason of enjoyment without the denseness of adult novels. Additionally, they enjoy reading about teenaged angst and other issues without actually having to deal with it themselves!
I also think that just because a book was written with younger audiences in mind doesn't automatically mean that it is of low quality.
I looked at John Green's site and Teenreads. I liked John Green's site, which I picked because I have read him before. I liked how it's updated fairly frequently and has funny videos, book trailers, etc. I think that helps his readers feel more connected to him. I also looked at the Teenreads site. I also liked how that one was updated, and how it has lots of sections to explore, like Reviews, Coming Soon, Authors, a Blog, and even a contest page!! Both sites are aimed at a younger audience, but can also appeal to older people.
Finally, the two teen imprint websites I went through were Penguin Teen and Random House. I really liked the Penguin site with the big book covers/icons, which were eye-catching. I also liked their Buzzfeed-like lists you could click on (like 14 characters to get you in trouble this summer). Those lists had nice covers (which can make me want to read a book!) as well as short but enticing summaries. There was also a YouTube channel with booktrailers for teen books.
I wasn't as fond of the Random House page. Is a membership needed? I didn't feel like pressing on the "sign up" button for some of the more interesting-sounding groups. Also, several links didn't seem to work. They also had a YouTube channel, but it wasn't specific for YA books, unlike Penguin.
I did notice that both sites featured new releases, which is a good way of trying to keep up with the numerous titles being released. I noticed that series still seem to be big (many titles I clicked on were part of series), and tried-and-true series authors like James Dashner and Marie Lu had another series out/coming out. YA books, while numerous, seem to still deal with issues revolving growing up today (including dealing with LGBTQ issues, identity issues), or dystopian realities, murders/mysteries, and fantasy.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Week 6
Assignment 1:
Early on, I decided to follow the StreetFiction.org site to keep up with Urban fiction, which is a genre I am not familiar with at all. The Prezi flowchart was very helpful because I didn't realize there were so many types of urban fiction (hip hop, Christian, literary, etc). I have to admit, though, that I haven't been following StreetFiction as closely as I should. Part of it is because it doesn't seem to change very much. I see many of the same titles from 5 weeks ago, and aside from a summarizing blurb about the book, I don't see additional comments for most of the books. The one part of the site that changes a bit is the top banner, but even then, it is just a couple books. I'm a little disappointed with the lack of depth for that site.
Assignment 2:
As mentioned above, I found the Prezi link to be very interesting and informative. I knew about genres and subgenres, but not the depth to which they are divided.
Assignment 3:
Chick Lit (Realistic Fiction): appeal factors include having a female lead, can be lighthearted and a quick read, usually with a happy ending. Authors/titles include: Jennifer Weiner, Emily Giffin, and Sophie Kinsella.
Foreign Intrigue (Mystery): appeal factors include an exotic location and culture, yet they still retain the suspense and action of mysteries. Authors/titles include: Stieg Larsson, James Church, and Jussi Adler-Olsen.
Historical Fiction (Realistic Fiction): appeal factors include the (possibly) exotic settings, historical details and characters, possibly romance or intrigue (political, mystery). Authors/titles include: Philippa Gregory, Allison Pataki, Alison Weir.
Mashup:
One mashup I can think of off the top of my head, perhaps because I have his latest sitting on my desk waiting to be read, is Justin Cronin's Passage Trilogy. It definitely falls under Horror/monster, with the vampire-like creatures. However, the series is also post-apocalyptic, yet exciting enough to be thriller...
Another mashup could be Sarah Addison Allen's Lost Lake. The book can fit into several categories: chick lit, romance, and realistic fiction with a twist of magic, but not hard-core fantasy magic...just a bit of magical realism.
Assignment 1:
Early on, I decided to follow the StreetFiction.org site to keep up with Urban fiction, which is a genre I am not familiar with at all. The Prezi flowchart was very helpful because I didn't realize there were so many types of urban fiction (hip hop, Christian, literary, etc). I have to admit, though, that I haven't been following StreetFiction as closely as I should. Part of it is because it doesn't seem to change very much. I see many of the same titles from 5 weeks ago, and aside from a summarizing blurb about the book, I don't see additional comments for most of the books. The one part of the site that changes a bit is the top banner, but even then, it is just a couple books. I'm a little disappointed with the lack of depth for that site.
Assignment 2:
As mentioned above, I found the Prezi link to be very interesting and informative. I knew about genres and subgenres, but not the depth to which they are divided.
Assignment 3:
Chick Lit (Realistic Fiction): appeal factors include having a female lead, can be lighthearted and a quick read, usually with a happy ending. Authors/titles include: Jennifer Weiner, Emily Giffin, and Sophie Kinsella.
Foreign Intrigue (Mystery): appeal factors include an exotic location and culture, yet they still retain the suspense and action of mysteries. Authors/titles include: Stieg Larsson, James Church, and Jussi Adler-Olsen.
Historical Fiction (Realistic Fiction): appeal factors include the (possibly) exotic settings, historical details and characters, possibly romance or intrigue (political, mystery). Authors/titles include: Philippa Gregory, Allison Pataki, Alison Weir.
Mashup:
One mashup I can think of off the top of my head, perhaps because I have his latest sitting on my desk waiting to be read, is Justin Cronin's Passage Trilogy. It definitely falls under Horror/monster, with the vampire-like creatures. However, the series is also post-apocalyptic, yet exciting enough to be thriller...
Another mashup could be Sarah Addison Allen's Lost Lake. The book can fit into several categories: chick lit, romance, and realistic fiction with a twist of magic, but not hard-core fantasy magic...just a bit of magical realism.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Week 5: Assignment 1
What useful information have you learned from the resource that you have been monitoring since week one? Blog about it.
What useful information have you learned from the resource that you have been monitoring since week one? Blog about it.
I have been sporadically following both Early Word and StreetFiction sites. The StreetFiction site doesn't get updated much, and when I do see a new title, it's more like an advertisement than a review. As a result, I haven't been following that site much. I also have been looking at Early Word. I like the interviews, the trailers for movies from books, etc. I also like the lists they have, like the Amazon Best of the Month, Indie Next Lists, and other book lists. The new books are often overlapped in other resources I look at; however, the movie trailers based on books are the most useful new information I get on Early Word.
Week 5: Assignment 2What’s popular in your branch? If it’s “popular” or “commercial” fiction then you want be sure to look at The New York Times Best Seller List or People Magazine. For forthcoming titles check the Publisher’s Weekly On Sale calendar. If literary fiction and narrative nonfiction is popular, you can monitor the Indie Next Best Seller List (formerly BookSense) and NPR. Do your customers want to read the book before themovie comes out? More than likely, you have a diverse mix of customers who have equally diverse reading preferences, but all of these resources are available via Early Word. Take a look at the site and click around; there are lots of links in both sidebars. Post to your blog: What resources are new discoveries for you? What do you think that you will continue to use?
Unfortunately, our branch community is not a community of readers. They love to consume DVDs! Movies, TV series, documentaries...you name it! [They are] NON-STOP! However, we do have a few stalwart and faithful readers, and most commonly, they like (of course) James Patterson! I even have one lady who knows what is coming out when and puts them on hold as soon as they show up on order in the catalog so she can be at the top of the wait list. Other popular books include series/books by authors like Michael Connelly, CJ Box, John Sandford, and Clive Cussler. We also have a handful who enjoy the erotica, like Sylvia Day, as well as a small group that likes the Urban fiction. The kids that do read tend to pick up the usual popular things, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, etc. They also enjoy graphic novels.
I think the most useful sidebar section of Early Word, due to our DVD-loving constituency, is: Moves & TV Based on Books -- Trailers, Offical Web Sites.
I think the most useful sidebar section of Early Word, due to our DVD-loving constituency, is: Moves & TV Based on Books -- Trailers, Offical Web Sites.
Week 5: Assignment 3 Pick a title from Amazon’s Best of the Month, found under the righthand “Coming Soon” sidebar on Early Word. Write a blog post using appeal factors or read alikes to describe the title. Why is this title expected to be popular and to whom would it appeal?
The title I picked from Amazon's Best of the Month is from the children's category (middle grade): The Trials of Apollo, Book 1: The Hidden Oracle.
The appeal factors of this title include an action-packed, fast-paced story which mixes Greek and Roman mythology in modern times. Since the main characters are teenagers, middle school kids and older would enjoy reading novels with heroes they can identify with. If they have read the two other series by Rick Riordan that are about Greek and Roman mythology, the kids will enjoy the continuation of those series.
Read alikes include:any of the books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and any book in the Heroes of Olympus series.
This title will be popular because Rick Riordan has written multiple mythology-related series that are popular with kids. The primary audience will be upper elementary, middle school, and even adults and young adults.
The title I picked from Amazon's Best of the Month is from the children's category (middle grade): The Trials of Apollo, Book 1: The Hidden Oracle.
The appeal factors of this title include an action-packed, fast-paced story which mixes Greek and Roman mythology in modern times. Since the main characters are teenagers, middle school kids and older would enjoy reading novels with heroes they can identify with. If they have read the two other series by Rick Riordan that are about Greek and Roman mythology, the kids will enjoy the continuation of those series.
Read alikes include:any of the books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and any book in the Heroes of Olympus series.
This title will be popular because Rick Riordan has written multiple mythology-related series that are popular with kids. The primary audience will be upper elementary, middle school, and even adults and young adults.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Week 4-Goodreads
I originally joined Goodreads more than five years ago and had been a faithful, avid user. I logged all my books, rated the ones I finished, created shelves and to-read lists, shared book recommendations, entered giveaways, and challenged myself to the yearly reading challenge. However, after GR was bought by Amazon, among other factors, I closed my account and transferred my entire log to another site (thankfully there was a time-consuming but easy method to import the lists). While GR is superior in its ease of use, app functionality, depth and breadth of books and users, I was reluctant to come back a few years ago. I set up the account mostly to share books with my sister, and until this week, my account has never seen much action. I do read reader reviews, but I hardly contribute anything, until now.
GR is a great site for bibliophiles. Not only does it help keep track of all the books read, but also helps by keeping a to-be-read list. I used to open up the to-read shelf every time I was in a bookstore or library to remind me what I was looking for, and inevitably, I would add more as I perused shelves. I also enjoy reading the reviews people write. I don't usually decide to not read a book based on a bad review (or several); I use GR in conjunction with reviews I read elsewhere, like Book Page, Shelf Awareness, NYT Book Review, etc.
GR is also fun for the reading challenge, has the fun giveaways that I never win, and is an easy way to keep track of what others (your friends) are reading. As I mentioned, my sister likes to send me updates and recommendations through GR rather than standard boring email or text.
I have over 600 books on my shelves at my usual book-tracking site, so I took about 60 random titles and rated them in GR for this assignment. Interestingly, the recommendations received were heavily based on just a few books I have read (or marked as to-read, for the to-read recommendations). What I like better are the lists in Listopia. I have used those lists to try and find new books to read that are similar to something I read, and it's fun to see how different books get lumped together by odd common threads.
GR is a great site for bibliophiles. Not only does it help keep track of all the books read, but also helps by keeping a to-be-read list. I used to open up the to-read shelf every time I was in a bookstore or library to remind me what I was looking for, and inevitably, I would add more as I perused shelves. I also enjoy reading the reviews people write. I don't usually decide to not read a book based on a bad review (or several); I use GR in conjunction with reviews I read elsewhere, like Book Page, Shelf Awareness, NYT Book Review, etc.
GR is also fun for the reading challenge, has the fun giveaways that I never win, and is an easy way to keep track of what others (your friends) are reading. As I mentioned, my sister likes to send me updates and recommendations through GR rather than standard boring email or text.
I have over 600 books on my shelves at my usual book-tracking site, so I took about 60 random titles and rated them in GR for this assignment. Interestingly, the recommendations received were heavily based on just a few books I have read (or marked as to-read, for the to-read recommendations). What I like better are the lists in Listopia. I have used those lists to try and find new books to read that are similar to something I read, and it's fun to see how different books get lumped together by odd common threads.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Conversation 1:
Conversation 2:
For true and compelling stories, I would recommend a Lauren Hillenbrand book, like Seabiscuit or Unbroken. I enjoyed both books and thought that the narrative flowed smoothly without being weighed down too much by laborious details. There's definitely tension...whether in reference to horse racing or World War II/POW.
Although I didn't read this particular book, I've heard good things about Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. A narrative non-fiction tale, it tells the story of a tragedy in 1996 to a Mt. Everest climbing party, which Mr. Krakauer was a member. The topic is compelling, and from the summary and reviews of the book, there is much drama to be found. I've read another book by Mr. Krakauer, that while an interesting read on a compelling topic, would not fit this customer's desire for a fast-paced non-fiction book.
Librarian: Hi, is there
anything I can suggest?
Customer: I’m looking for a
good story, you know, something that draws me in. But I don’t know where to start
looking.
Librarian: What was the last
book you read? Could you share something you liked about it?
Customer: The last book I read was Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Everyone is
reading it so I had to pick it up. It was lovely. She is such an interesting
woman and so brave. I enjoyed the descriptions of the countries she went to and
what she did while she was there, of course, but I think what I liked most was
how she shared her inner thoughts — so reflective but funny too. I thought it
might be just light fluff or all me, me, me, me, but it was so much more than
that. I read all the Oprah books and just love them. Anyway I wanted to ask you
for a few suggestions for my book group. It’s my turn to pick the title.
It seems that this customer picked up on the appeal factors of characterization/voice of the author, the exotic settings, and the humor. In this case, I would recommend she try a Bill Bryson book. I find his travel books to be humorous with his inner thoughts and observations. For an exotic setting, In a Sunburned Country fits the bill, since it is all about Australia and his adventures there, including venturing into bush country. A Walk in the Woods, which is a domestic setting, is still exotic in the sense that he is exploring the Appalachian Trail. I really enjoyed his detailed descriptions, as well as the funny scenes (such as when he and his friend realized they overpacked for their hike...)
Another pair of authors I enjoy, if the customer really likes humor, is the mother-daughter pair of Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella. They write humorous, personal essays individually, yet publish them together in books. Their insights, thoughts, and interactions are entertaining, as well as the stories about their family, especially the late Mother Mary. While the locations are not exotic (primarily located in Pennsylvania and NYC), the energy and warmth of their relationship is clearly exhibited in their essays.
Another pair of authors I enjoy, if the customer really likes humor, is the mother-daughter pair of Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella. They write humorous, personal essays individually, yet publish them together in books. Their insights, thoughts, and interactions are entertaining, as well as the stories about their family, especially the late Mother Mary. While the locations are not exotic (primarily located in Pennsylvania and NYC), the energy and warmth of their relationship is clearly exhibited in their essays.
Conversation 2:
Customer: Can you recommend any vampire books that are
nothing like the Twilight series?
Librarian: Let me see how I can help you. What don’t you
like about Twilight?
Customer: Everything, but
especially that teen love story – way too much angst! And way too slow.
Have you read any good vampire stories lately?
If you're looking for a different kind of vampire story, I would highly recommend Justin Cronin's Passage trilogy (of which two are available), The Passage and The Twelve. [The third one is FINALLY coming out this May!!] The vampires that inhabit Cronin's post-apocalyptic world are not the typical elegant, sexy vampires, but rather, scary creatures with amazing abilities. The books are epic in scope and detail. And unlike the Twilight books, The Passage trilogy is more like a suspense-filled horror novel rather than a teenaged angst-ridden love story about glittery vampires. The pace is quick, with detailed characterizations and settings of the U.S. filled with more vampires than people.
Other vampire books I can recommend include The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, which is also another epic historical fiction novel, rich with detail and that takes the reader around the world, and Salem's Lot, which is an old Stephen King novel, written when he was still "just" a horror writer. Salem's Lot is definitely creepy and fast-paced; I still remember a creepy scene with Danny Glick and a window.
Librarian: Hi, are you looking for anything in
particular?
Customer: I just read this great book The
River of Doubt. It was about Teddy Roosevelt and this ill
fated expedition to chart an uncharted river in the Amazon. They
lost almost all their provisions, the president was injured, and it turns out
one of their crew was a murderer since there was a murder. And the most
amazing thing was that it true. It was fascinating and really fast
paced. Do you have anything to recommend that is like that?
For true and compelling stories, I would recommend a Lauren Hillenbrand book, like Seabiscuit or Unbroken. I enjoyed both books and thought that the narrative flowed smoothly without being weighed down too much by laborious details. There's definitely tension...whether in reference to horse racing or World War II/POW.
Although I didn't read this particular book, I've heard good things about Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. A narrative non-fiction tale, it tells the story of a tragedy in 1996 to a Mt. Everest climbing party, which Mr. Krakauer was a member. The topic is compelling, and from the summary and reviews of the book, there is much drama to be found. I've read another book by Mr. Krakauer, that while an interesting read on a compelling topic, would not fit this customer's desire for a fast-paced non-fiction book.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Week 2: Appeal Factors
Are you looking for an engrossing read with quick pacing, lots of action, and best of all, unexpected plot twists? Well, look no further! Best-selling author Harlan Coben has written an action-packed suspense novel full of surprising developments, a strong female lead character, and an ending you won't expect.
This novel would appeal to a reader who enjoys a quick story with action and adventure and a whodunit nature. Saricks would put this book in the "adrenaline" group, and Nancy Pearl would characterize this novel as one that lets the reader in through the Story doorway. In terms of characterization, as mentioned, the main protagonist is a female pilot who had been in the military and seen active combat; hence, she takes decisive actions and is not a helpless damsel in distress. This fact might appeal to readers who are tired of the usual suspense-novel characters of the strong male lead with his female (sometimes romantic) sidekick and are looking for a suspense novel that is a little bit different.
Do you like mysteries? How about comedy? If you want a mix of both, Spencer Quinn's To Fetch a Thief will fit the bill. Told from the point of view of Private Investigator Bernie Little's canine partner Chet (Chet the Jet), this novel has an unusual mystery at its core (disappearance of a circus elephant); yet it has the expected murders and bad guys, along with plot twists and action/adventure. However, being narrated from Chet's point of view makes this novel unique and fun, especially as the reader really only knows slightly more than Chet does (and there's alot of dog-related distractions for Chet to contend with, like dropped food bits and intriguing smells to investigate).
Another appeal factor is related to the setting. It takes place in the desert US southwest, and this location is important to the story as well as to character motivations.
On a much more serious note, Matthew Desmond's Evicted is a non-fiction book that explains the details related to the housing crisis in a typical, mid-sized city. He used Milwaukee for this book, but as he explains, these stories could happen in any similar city, including Baltimore. While the pacing is slow, due to the amount of details conveyed, there are intricate characterizations of the people who are profiled in this book. Desmond profiles both tenants and landlords, giving the reader a view of the housing dilemma from both sides of the coin. The tenants range from families, single mothers, and individual adults, black and white alike, all with their own deep-rooted problems, that lead to the unending cycle of deep poverty, eviction, homelessness (or near homelessness), and the arduous task of finding yet another sub-standard dwelling that they can afford for a short while. The rich details Desmond infuses in this book conveys the dark drudgery, frustration, and exhaustion the housing crisis inflicts on everyone involved, tenants and landlords alike.
This novel would appeal to a reader who enjoys a quick story with action and adventure and a whodunit nature. Saricks would put this book in the "adrenaline" group, and Nancy Pearl would characterize this novel as one that lets the reader in through the Story doorway. In terms of characterization, as mentioned, the main protagonist is a female pilot who had been in the military and seen active combat; hence, she takes decisive actions and is not a helpless damsel in distress. This fact might appeal to readers who are tired of the usual suspense-novel characters of the strong male lead with his female (sometimes romantic) sidekick and are looking for a suspense novel that is a little bit different.
Do you like mysteries? How about comedy? If you want a mix of both, Spencer Quinn's To Fetch a Thief will fit the bill. Told from the point of view of Private Investigator Bernie Little's canine partner Chet (Chet the Jet), this novel has an unusual mystery at its core (disappearance of a circus elephant); yet it has the expected murders and bad guys, along with plot twists and action/adventure. However, being narrated from Chet's point of view makes this novel unique and fun, especially as the reader really only knows slightly more than Chet does (and there's alot of dog-related distractions for Chet to contend with, like dropped food bits and intriguing smells to investigate).
Another appeal factor is related to the setting. It takes place in the desert US southwest, and this location is important to the story as well as to character motivations.
On a much more serious note, Matthew Desmond's Evicted is a non-fiction book that explains the details related to the housing crisis in a typical, mid-sized city. He used Milwaukee for this book, but as he explains, these stories could happen in any similar city, including Baltimore. While the pacing is slow, due to the amount of details conveyed, there are intricate characterizations of the people who are profiled in this book. Desmond profiles both tenants and landlords, giving the reader a view of the housing dilemma from both sides of the coin. The tenants range from families, single mothers, and individual adults, black and white alike, all with their own deep-rooted problems, that lead to the unending cycle of deep poverty, eviction, homelessness (or near homelessness), and the arduous task of finding yet another sub-standard dwelling that they can afford for a short while. The rich details Desmond infuses in this book conveys the dark drudgery, frustration, and exhaustion the housing crisis inflicts on everyone involved, tenants and landlords alike.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Week 1
As I expected, I did much better on the adult book covers than the children's book covers. I recognized about half of the kids' books, but I recognized all but 2 of the adult books. I am an avid reader, but stick mostly to adult titles. I throw in the occasional YA/teen and juvenile fiction, but until I started working at the library, I never really looked or read picture books. Slowly, I'm reading more of them and getting familiar with authors.
For the "blank" book covers, they were fairly good, in the sense that the genre type was easy to guess. I didn't have any trouble picking what genre the blank book cover belonged to.
I found the Golden Rules to be helpful. I think one of the hardest things will be to keep up with EVERYTHING that is published. No matter how many book reviews I read, publications I peruse, etc, there are always new authors and titles that surprise me. This abundance is complicated with self-published books. The advice to "read read read" is more an ideal that doesn't always materialize. I can't speak for others, but life is busy enough that finding enough time to read what I want, in addition to stuff that I *should* read is tough. With limited time, the "write write write" aspect is difficult as well, but I find using an online site (Booklikes, Goodreads, etc) is really great for keeping track of what I have read, what I plan to read, and how much I liked the books. Even if I don't have time to write a full review, just giving a star rating serves as a great reminder.
I am going to follow Street Fiction in the Urban genre. I don't read urban fiction, but it is certainly popular, so I think getting familiar with those novels would be a great help with readers' advisories. As for the other source (Recommended Links-Books) it is a toss up between NPR and Early Word. I am drawn to NPR since I listen to it while commuting and often hear parts of author interviews and discussions about their newest books, so following the site would round out that experience. However, Early Word looks to be a great resource as well. I'll probably look at both and decide soon which one I like better.
Lastly, the "Just for Fun" assignment was fun to read. I had a few chuckles about what the author's daughter thought those classic novels were about. It really does just go to show you that you can't judge a book by its cover!!
For the "blank" book covers, they were fairly good, in the sense that the genre type was easy to guess. I didn't have any trouble picking what genre the blank book cover belonged to.
I found the Golden Rules to be helpful. I think one of the hardest things will be to keep up with EVERYTHING that is published. No matter how many book reviews I read, publications I peruse, etc, there are always new authors and titles that surprise me. This abundance is complicated with self-published books. The advice to "read read read" is more an ideal that doesn't always materialize. I can't speak for others, but life is busy enough that finding enough time to read what I want, in addition to stuff that I *should* read is tough. With limited time, the "write write write" aspect is difficult as well, but I find using an online site (Booklikes, Goodreads, etc) is really great for keeping track of what I have read, what I plan to read, and how much I liked the books. Even if I don't have time to write a full review, just giving a star rating serves as a great reminder.
I am going to follow Street Fiction in the Urban genre. I don't read urban fiction, but it is certainly popular, so I think getting familiar with those novels would be a great help with readers' advisories. As for the other source (Recommended Links-Books) it is a toss up between NPR and Early Word. I am drawn to NPR since I listen to it while commuting and often hear parts of author interviews and discussions about their newest books, so following the site would round out that experience. However, Early Word looks to be a great resource as well. I'll probably look at both and decide soon which one I like better.
Lastly, the "Just for Fun" assignment was fun to read. I had a few chuckles about what the author's daughter thought those classic novels were about. It really does just go to show you that you can't judge a book by its cover!!
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