Week 9 Assignment 3

Summarize your thoughts about this program in a blog post.  What have you learned that was helpful?

Having completed this training I do I feel more competent and knowledgeable!  How so?  I am certainly more familiar with reader’s advisory tools and my reference interview skills are sharper.  What else?  Appeal factor terms - always use them when providing readers advisory!  Apply them to the books I read & listen to in order to better be able to recommend them to others.  Goodreads.com - keep logging books on my goodreads.com account!  Add more book shelves when necessary for efficiency.  Work pockets of time into my schedule to read Earlyword’s newletter & other helpful sites.  Subgenres are evolving, expanding, and crossing over.  Having said that, use genre specific websites more frequently!  Lastly, offer customers nonfiction read alike book options for fiction and fiction read alike book options for nonfiction. 

Week 9 Assignment 2

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?


Interesting link that lists 'great' book trailers!


http://therumpus.net/2013/06/fantastic-book-trailers-and-the-reasons-theyre-so-good/


The purpose of a book trailer is to bring attention to a book and its author.  I've only used book trailers for readers advisory with young adult readers!  To be honest, until this assignment I'd never watch book trailers for any other genre than young adult books.  Why for YA readers' advisory?  Typically to see what direction the "next book in a series" will go or to introduce a reader to an author or series.  For better or for worse, I like the trailers that include some actual voice or video of the book's author.  Even if the author seems a little awkward or 'out there.'  I watched Crown Publishing Group's book trailer for the book Dead Wake - after reading the book.  I don't know if watching it prior to reading the book would have prompted me to do so sooner or not!  (Probably not.)  After watching & listening to book trailers for this assignment, I learned audio book trailers are helpful to me personally!  My enjoyment factor when listening to audio books depends heavily upon my opinion of the reader.  (I love reading but NOT listening to Patrick Taylor's Irish County Doctor series.  The reader is just tooooo ovvvvveerrr the top with the Irish brogue.)  Listening to book trailers helps me decide whether or not to bother checking out an audio book.  I recently listened to Great Kitchens of the Midwest's audio edition trailer and know I'd love listening to the story.  And I do; I'm on cd number 3!     

Week 9 Assignment 1

Read the two articles on book trailers and watch the embedded videos from the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times.  Go to You Tube and find some other book trailers and watch a few of the popular ones.

Week 8: Assignment 4

Using appeal factors, write a book talk for two of the four titles you would recommend, noting who you would recommend them to and why.


Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (Memoir)  Appeal factors: memoir, inspirational, survival, moving, engaging
Unbroken is the incredible story of Louis Zamperini - a juvenile delinquent, Olympic athlete, WWII POW camp survivor, and lastly man who overcomes PTSD to live a life helping and loving others.  Laura Hillenbrand writes this engaging memoir of the personable, likable Louie Zamperini.  It chronicles, in detail, Louie's survival of unimaginable cruelty, starvation, and depravation during WWII.  This book appeals to anyone who enjoys history or a good story! 


Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (940.4514L History)  Appeal factors:  historical, engaging, suspenseful, multiple perspectives, rich in detail
Eric Larson's Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania nonfiction book explains what happened and why the ship was torpedoed off the Irish coastline in May 1915.  Readers are provided multiple perspectives of key people and government official involved in the event.  The rich detail creates a suspenseful and riveting tale of the human experience and the significance of Lusitania's sinking.  This book will appeal not to just those interested in history, but anyone that appreciates a page-turner!  

Week 8: Assignment 3

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.


1.  Memoirs - Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (Memoirs)


2. Contemporary Social Issues - A Call to Action: Woman, Religion, Violence, and Power by Jimmy Carter (305.42C)


3.  Essays - Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (305.42S)


4.  Food - Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good by Kathleen Flynn (641.5977F)


5.  History - Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (940.4514L)


6.  Science - The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story by Lily Koppel (629.45K)

Week 8: Assignments 1 & 2

Read the two articles provided.
Watch the E-Learning video from the Maryland State Resource Library.

Week 7: Assignment 4

Blog trends in current or forthcoming teen fiction on listed websites.


Harlequin - Zombies and paranormal galore!


Harper Collins - Fairy tale stories retold! (i.e. Snow White and Cinderella)


Little, Brown Books - Post apocalyptic and dystopia!


Teens/Penguin Young Readers - Author Marie Lu's newest book in the Young Elites series will released on 10/13/2015.


I recently read a short YA article written by blogger Lisa Parkin.  In the article, Parkin noted four trends emerging in YA books in 2015:
1.  Crimes and Cons - characters on the wrong side of the law.
2.  Retellings - fairy tales and classic literary stories.
3.  Quirky & moving - i.e. Mosquitoland by David Arnold, The Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill.)
4.  Dealing with Loss - next generation of 'sick lit' but with characters left behind & dealing with loss.

Week 7: Assignment 3

Follow any two of the listed blogs/websites for a week and blog about them.

My first selection was author John Green's blog.  Not too exciting.  It is not updated regularly.  There are mostly just podcasts blogs.  In 2007 John and his brother Hank, who monitor and contribute to the website stopped 'writing' blogs and now just videoblog.  They both use other avenues rather than this website to communicate with the public.  This website is a good source of information about John Green's books.  I also selected the blog STACKED and believe it's a successful blog.  Librarians write the reviews and it's intended audience is middle grades through adult readers of young adult literature.  Guest bloggers, other librarians and authors also contribute.  I appreciate that the reviews are not ambiguous!  Bloggers use clear language to communicate what was successful in a novel or disliked about a book.  This blog does not review: paranormal or paranormal romances, morality tales, religious / inspirational fiction, or self published titles unless the writer has a proven track record in traditional publication.  

Week 7: Assignment 2

Read any 2 of the articles provided and blog my thoughts.


I am unsurprised to learn many adults are reading teen books!  I enjoy them myself.  What's the appeal?  As stated in the Christian Science Monitor article, often teen books are shorter, fast-paced, and well written.  The article further mentions writing styles are "less complex" than adult books which allows for less brain taxing / more relaxing reading experiences.  What I appreciate about authors of teen books is how they unflinchingly address life issues in that fast paced fashion, without seeming shallow.  Emotionally I'm punched in the gut, but its with an authentic realism I can relate to.  Not just big life themes, but also human oddities and off-beat 'weirdness' which are actually more commonplace to peoples' everyday life are depicted.  A colleague mentioned during a recent discussion that he feels teen books are more in touch with pop culture.  He reads more teen fiction than I do and I think I believe him!  The Publisher's Weekly article about the subgenre 'New Adult' got me thinking about authors and books I am familiar with who may fit into this category.  Rainbow Rowell and Alice Hoffman are two authors that come to mind.  It is interesting to think, as stated in the PW article, how this subgenre fills a hole in young adult romance.  I feel the question of where in a collection to shelve them is not really a question . . . adult fiction!

Week 7: Assignment 1

Review what to read next flowchart from Lawrence Public Library.

Week 6: Assignment 3

"Pick 3 unfamiliar subgenres.  List three authors or titles that are associated with or typify each of the 3 subgenres.  What are the hallmarks or appeal factors of each of the subgenres?

Urban Fiction Subgenres

Christian Urban Fiction:
hallmarks: conflicted, struggling African American characters / urban setting / mixes with God, church, and faith.
appeal factors:  highly dramatic, compelling, character driven, fast paced
authors:
E.N. Joy, popular series include "Still Divas" & "New Day Diva"
Kimberla Lawson Roby's "Reverend Curtis Black" series
Victoria Christopher Murray's "Jasmine Larson" series
Hip Hop Urban Fiction: 
hallmarks: hip hop music mixes with African American ghetto realism and fashion savvy
appeal factors: character driven, violent, sobering, fast paced, gritty
Authors:
Wahida Clark, popular series "Payback"
Sister Soulijah
Stefanie Newell's "The Buzz"
Erotica Urban Fiction:
hallmarks: explicit tone mixes with African American culture, lifestyle, and history
appeal factors: plot driven, high drama, compelling, erotic fiction, gritty
authors:
Zane
Noire
James Hendricks

Week 6: Assignment 2

Explore Prezi link of Fiction Genres and Subgenres.
See next blog post!  I'll be exploring Urban Fiction.

Week 6: Assignment 1

Discoveries and Musings:
* It is possible to pack plenty of appeal factors into the first two sentences of a review
* Book giveaways are guaranteed to excite readers
* Many of the titles reviewed on RT Book Review's website list oh-so-helpful readalike links to "Related Books"
* In my humble opinion, a little romance is good for a reader's soul
* RT's Awards - Reviewers' Choice Best Book, Career Achievement Best Author, and Seal of Excellence each provide lengthy lists of subgenre picks
* Book covers attempt 'say' a lot - including the blurbs and print style of font used . . and there must be some demand from readers for information about the models used for cover pictures as frequently they are highlighted in blog postings
* Keeping up with favorite a author's series is made easy with "Series Spotlights"
* Author interviews can greatly influence my opinion of a book or series

  

Week 5: Assignment 3



Getting favorable reviews is Kitchens of the Great Midwest: A Novel by J. Ryan Stradal.  This novel is for readers who appreciate emotionally moving stories of flawed characters living in contemporary settings.  The story of a top chef unfolds through multiple perspectives in a style similar to Elizabeth Strout’s book Olive Kitteridge.  Foodies will enjoy the gourmet cooking aspect.  A title read-a-like is School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister. 

Week 5: Assignment 2

What resources are new for me?


Goal setting is important.  One of my new ambitions is to "regularly" monitor Early Word's website.  That being said, my back up plan is already in place: subscribing to Early Word's email newsletter! 


Nonfiction 900's circulate well at my current branch library.  NPR book's 'history and society' or broader section of 'nonfiction' is a good source for reader's advisory.  NPR's author interviews are good and the website does a nice job of taking the highlights from individual interviews.  (The Diane Rehm radio show often spurs a holds list if her author's newest book is found appealing by the public.) 


I cannot imagine remembering to use PW's On Sale Calendar.






 

Week 5: Assignment 1

What information have I learned from the resources monitoring since week one?

RT Book Reviews

RT Books Reviews is a fun website to explore.  During my high school years I was a committed, diligent Harlequin romance reader.  Back then my little public library in South Dakota kept all the paperback romance novels on the bottom shelf, in back of a main stack of regular fiction.  There were two choices, Barbara Cartland or the Harlequins.  Times have changed!  There are many more subgenres within Romance than expected.  I recognize several titles reviewed in the "mainstream" section of RT Book Reviews from our library's new fiction shelves.  One new & interesting subgenre to me is paranormal world building.  Also of note, I see ‘military’ theme romances pop up here and there.  The site is searchable.  I searched for “Janzen, Tara” who authored the one and only series I’ve recently read.  Sadly, no new books in the series.  What I don’t like is the publication date of some novels is not always listed or the date book reviews are not posted or are not quickly / easily located by this user.  The “cover break down” and discussions about interesting covers are a delight!  I especially appreciate that the monthly RT Seal of Excellence award book winners' reviews list appeal factors.  Erotica genre is growing with readers and RT’s section provides steamy excerpts of new print and digital published novels.  Lastly, RT provides a nice monthly, downloadable “Top Picks” list of novels reviewed. 

Early Word

Early Word is the website that definitely has it all!  So much so that I’ve signed up for the digital email newsletter.  Less overwhelming.  This is THE go-to site for librarians.  Since I've been regularly monitoring the website I truly feel like I've been in the 'know.'  Every piece of news in useful . . . 'titles to know and recommend'. . .'in the media'. . . 'being released in theatres or on TV or opera or on stage' . . .'celebrity picks' . . . and on and on.  It is loaded with relevant, heads-up information!  As mentioned above, I signed up for the newsletter.    

Week Four

Assignment 1:


Building Base Knowledge (Goodreads)



My bookshelves on goodreads.com contain 400+ books! This site is my primary method of keeping track of what I have read, want to read, and to see what other “friends” are reading. For this assignment I created several new books shelves to better organize my books. This week I “made friends” with two additional Librarians from BCPL’s Cockeysville Branch Library bringing my total friends to eighteen! I miss the days when goodreads users had the option of not listing book reviews to the public. The “Listopia” feature is marvelous!     



Book Recommendations

Recommendation One is for “J”:
 “J” loved Fredrik Backman’s first novel “Man Called Ove.” I noticed she did not have his new novel, “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” on her to-read list. Why this particular book? She enjoys:
a.) translations
b.) contemporary fiction
c.) an engaging style of writing
d.) quirky characters
e.) balance between funny and serious

Recommendation Two is for “C”:
I recommended Anne River Siddons’ novel “The Girls of August.”  Why this particular book? “C” enjoys:
a.) moving, character driven novels
b.) themes of women returning home, relationships, and friendships
c.) contemporary fiction – settings that are at the beach & southern US                                               d.) Siddons is a read alike author to Dorthea Benton Frank, an author "C" enjoys

 

 

Week Three

Assignment 1:  “The RA Conversation” by Neal Wyatt.

Interesting article.  I am not at all hesitant to approach library customers to offer assistance! 

Assignment 2:  Nancy Pearl Podcast.

I love the way Nancy Pearl uses appeal terms to highlight books.

Assignment 3:  Patron’s descriptions:

Conversation 1:

What I ‘hear’ in appeal terms:

“draws me in”=engaging

“interesting woman and so brave”=likable characters

“descriptions of the countries she went to and what she did while there”=place is important

“shared her inner thoughts”=personal narrative

“funny”=humorous

Book Recommendation: Cheryl Strayed’s Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Conversation 2:

What I deduced:

“way too slow”=wants more fast paced

“teen love story – way too much angst!”= wants adult characters & less youthful dithering

Book Recommendation: If the customer is okay with romance – the Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands.  The first book in the series is Quick Bites.  If less romance is desired, I would suggest the author Anne Rice.

Conversation 3:

“ill fated expedition”=adventure tale

Fast paced

Nonfiction history

“one of their crew was a murderer”-suspenseful

“fascinating”=compelling

Book Recommendation: Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II by Vicki Croke.  Or if the customer wanted another expedition-adventure tale, The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann.

Week Two

Annotations of three books utilizing “Appeal Factors”

    At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

Sara Gruen’s newest historical fiction novel, At the Water’s Edge, finds three wealthy Americans searching for proof that a Loch Ness Monster exists to restore their sullied ‘honor.'  As the horrors of World War II rages on the three Americans, spoiled, unlikable and flawed, are oblivious to the hardships endured by the small Scottish village they move to or those of the world at large.  The young American woman must break out of her life’s constraints to remove herself from a love triangle and become her true self.  This engaging novel starts off slow, but builds to a climatic ending.  Readers who enjoyed Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole or The Postmistress by Sara Blake will also like this novel.

     The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History by Boris Johnson

Accessible and witty, Boris Johnson’s biography The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History, grabs readers’ attention and makes them want to know the details of Winston Churchill’s life!  The setting is 1874-1965 Great Britain, spanning the lifetime of the iconic Winston Churchill and his influence of world affairs.  The author clearly intends to inform readers of the immense breadth and scope of Churchill’s personality and politics to include his staunch conviction to defeat the Nazis through coining the phrase “Iron Curtain.”  Book Readalikes include The Mantle of Command by Nigel Hamilton and Lincoln Unbound: How an Ambitious Young Rail Splitter Saved the American Dream by Richard Lowry.

      The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale is a moving WWII historical fiction novel set in France and told through the perspectives of two courageous sisters.  Their compelling stories are revealed through character narratives as each woman capitalizes on personality strengths to endure the horrific events of war.  Although love stories weave throughout the tale, the action is produced by a society at war and the resistance of the French people to Nazi control.  Dramatic ethical and moral dilemmas, as well as reconciliation within dysfunctional families are also themes.  A title readalike would be All the Light We Cannot See by Anothy Doerr.

Week One

Assignment 1:  I do judge books by their covers!  I knew many more children’s books by just their covers than adult books.


Assignment 2:  Nice covers!  The subgenres of fantasy & science fiction were more difficult for me to figure out.

Assignment 3:  These “Golden Rules of Readers Advisory Services” resonate with me.  The one that stands out to me today is “don’t pigeonhole readers.”  Making quick assumptions about reading preferences can be a detriment.  I use Goodreads.com to keep track of books I’ve read and find it a very handy tool.

Assignment 4:  From the Recommended Links I selected EarlyWord as I am unfamiliar with this resource and I find the the layout of the website attractive.  I’ve selected RT Book Reviews as the genre link I’ll monitor.  Romance is a genre I don’t read, but think it will be fun to explore!

Assignment 5:  Reading "Just for fun," was fun!