Friday, September 25, 2015
Week 9 Assignment 3
I have always been a life-long lover of all things literary so I was excited to just on the Be More Bookish wagon. My biggest take-away from this are focusing on appeal factors. My goal is to commit these factors to memory so I can just launch into them when I am working with customers. The most frequent question I ask is "What was the last book you read and what did you like about it?" More often than not, customers will say they liked the fast-pace or historical setting. Another aspect was introducing typical fiction readers to narrative nonfiction. The first guinea pig I am using is me! I always HATED nonfiction, but I have found a love in narrative-nonfiction. I with have to remember narrative nonfiction in the future when I recommend book. I think I will feel more comfortable after I read a few myself. Overall, this program has been exceptionally helpful and I liked putting my thoughts into blog...as long as I can be my friendly, sarcastic self. :-)
Week 9 Assignment 2
When it comes to book trailers, I tend to cringe because, like both authors mentioned in the articles, THEY ARE HORRIBLE! A trailer should be like a book talk, you give the audience just enough to grab their attention to actually read the book. I feel like most trailers scare people away. The only exception I would say is James Patterson. I like his trailers because he does a great job at selling his books and his trailers look like they could be the trailers for actual movies/television shows.
When it comes to marketing, a well-known author like James Patterson doesn't need to do much. He could have a commercial that says, "I'm James Patterson. My new book is __________. It will be released on _____________." And he will be on the NYT Bestseller's List. For authors that are not as well known...I understand that Marketing departments don't want to take a chance at doing a huge trailer for a book that may bomb, but COME ON! I'd rather they put that money towards book tours than cheesy book trailers.
Personally, I have never, and may never use a book trailer for readers' advisory for a couple reasons. One, I don't have the time to go hunting for a book trailer across the Internet. They are so hard to find and the customer would have already walked away by the time I locate it...if one even exists. Two, if the book is something I have already read, and/or I am familiar with the appeal factors of the book, I find it easier just to do an on-the-spot book talk. At the end of the day, I say majority of the book trailers are horrible and are not worth the time to watch and if it is a NYT best-selling author, their name alone is enough to ensure books will be sold. Trailers are not needed.
When it comes to marketing, a well-known author like James Patterson doesn't need to do much. He could have a commercial that says, "I'm James Patterson. My new book is __________. It will be released on _____________." And he will be on the NYT Bestseller's List. For authors that are not as well known...I understand that Marketing departments don't want to take a chance at doing a huge trailer for a book that may bomb, but COME ON! I'd rather they put that money towards book tours than cheesy book trailers.
Personally, I have never, and may never use a book trailer for readers' advisory for a couple reasons. One, I don't have the time to go hunting for a book trailer across the Internet. They are so hard to find and the customer would have already walked away by the time I locate it...if one even exists. Two, if the book is something I have already read, and/or I am familiar with the appeal factors of the book, I find it easier just to do an on-the-spot book talk. At the end of the day, I say majority of the book trailers are horrible and are not worth the time to watch and if it is a NYT best-selling author, their name alone is enough to ensure books will be sold. Trailers are not needed.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Week 8 Assignment 4
Run, Don't Walk by Adele Levine
Run, Don't Walk is a memoir written by Adele Levine that chronicles her six years working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She and her associates worked with amputee soldiers and helped them adjust to their "new lives" missing one or more limbs. The first idea is that this must be very depressing and sad, but against all odds, Levine has turned something so depressing as loss of limbs and mental illness, to something with a sort of dark humor and triumph that people who are into those sort of books might enjoy. She introduces us to many characters, how the staff interacts with them while preparing them for life outside Walter Reed, and the funny quirks and pranks that are done to keep the spirits of the soldiers uplifted. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys reading books about overcoming adversity or even those who are interested in soldiers because they will see a part of the military that is ignored because it is often deemed "depressing". This book might also be a good starting point for those who like to read medical fiction because it gives them a first-hand look at not only the physical work that needs to go into rehabilitating soldiers, but also the mental and emotional work that goes into getting them prepared to return to civilian life.
Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
When people talk about cancer, they tend to think of the person being diagnosed, having to go through treatment, and their cancer either goes into remission or they unfortunately succumbs to the disease. What isn't thought about are the after-effects of cancers. What are the physical, mental, and emotional affects that a person must endure. In the narrative non-fiction book Autobiography of a Face, Lucy Grealy takes us on her journey as a nine-year-old girl being diagnosed with Ewing's Carcoma, a deadly cancer, and having to have a portion of her right jaw removed. Grealy speaks about having to return to school disfigured and dealing with rejection from her peers because she no longer looks like everyone else. The reader sees into the life of Grealy as she attempts to seek perfection even though she looks nothing like anyone else. I would recommend this to those who enjoy books about overcoming adversity because through wit and charm, Grealy is able to find that she has to find happiness in herself.
Run, Don't Walk is a memoir written by Adele Levine that chronicles her six years working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She and her associates worked with amputee soldiers and helped them adjust to their "new lives" missing one or more limbs. The first idea is that this must be very depressing and sad, but against all odds, Levine has turned something so depressing as loss of limbs and mental illness, to something with a sort of dark humor and triumph that people who are into those sort of books might enjoy. She introduces us to many characters, how the staff interacts with them while preparing them for life outside Walter Reed, and the funny quirks and pranks that are done to keep the spirits of the soldiers uplifted. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys reading books about overcoming adversity or even those who are interested in soldiers because they will see a part of the military that is ignored because it is often deemed "depressing". This book might also be a good starting point for those who like to read medical fiction because it gives them a first-hand look at not only the physical work that needs to go into rehabilitating soldiers, but also the mental and emotional work that goes into getting them prepared to return to civilian life.
Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
When people talk about cancer, they tend to think of the person being diagnosed, having to go through treatment, and their cancer either goes into remission or they unfortunately succumbs to the disease. What isn't thought about are the after-effects of cancers. What are the physical, mental, and emotional affects that a person must endure. In the narrative non-fiction book Autobiography of a Face, Lucy Grealy takes us on her journey as a nine-year-old girl being diagnosed with Ewing's Carcoma, a deadly cancer, and having to have a portion of her right jaw removed. Grealy speaks about having to return to school disfigured and dealing with rejection from her peers because she no longer looks like everyone else. The reader sees into the life of Grealy as she attempts to seek perfection even though she looks nothing like anyone else. I would recommend this to those who enjoy books about overcoming adversity because through wit and charm, Grealy is able to find that she has to find happiness in herself.
Week 8 Assignment 3
Memoirs
Mostly found in Biographies, but there were a few in the 300s, 600s, and 700s.
Run, Don't Walk by Adele Levine
Crime
Mostly found in the 300s, but there were a few in the 600s and 900s.
Secrets Can Be Murder by Jane Velez-Mitchell
Overcoming Adversity
Mostly found in Biographies, but there were a few in the 300s.
Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
Sports
Mostly found in the 700s, but there were a few in Biographies.
Afternoons with Mr. Hogan by Jody Vasquez
I find it interesting that there is a lot of crossover between Memoirs, Overcoming Adversity, and Sports. Even though I did not mention the title hear, OJ Brigance's book Strength of a Champion is filed in the 700s because he talks about his sports career, but he also speaks about his life growing up and learning to live with Lou Gehrig's disease. While the books is filed in the 700s, I felt this book could go in Biographies because of how in depth he talks about his life. I would recommend his book to someone who likes to read football fiction, but I would also recommend this book who enjoys uplifting fiction. The possibilities are endless!
Mostly found in Biographies, but there were a few in the 300s, 600s, and 700s.
Run, Don't Walk by Adele Levine
Crime
Mostly found in the 300s, but there were a few in the 600s and 900s.
Secrets Can Be Murder by Jane Velez-Mitchell
Overcoming Adversity
Mostly found in Biographies, but there were a few in the 300s.
Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
Sports
Mostly found in the 700s, but there were a few in Biographies.
Afternoons with Mr. Hogan by Jody Vasquez
I find it interesting that there is a lot of crossover between Memoirs, Overcoming Adversity, and Sports. Even though I did not mention the title hear, OJ Brigance's book Strength of a Champion is filed in the 700s because he talks about his sports career, but he also speaks about his life growing up and learning to live with Lou Gehrig's disease. While the books is filed in the 700s, I felt this book could go in Biographies because of how in depth he talks about his life. I would recommend his book to someone who likes to read football fiction, but I would also recommend this book who enjoys uplifting fiction. The possibilities are endless!
Week 7 Assignment 3
I had ideas of what is trending in teen fiction because I have the inside scoop. A bookworm 15-year-old teenage daughter who tells me what is "cool". So I decided to write down what I thought was popular in the Teen World, talk to her, and then look on the websites provided to see how accurate I was. I believed Series, Social Issues, (Relationships/Friendship, Dating, Sex, etc.), Dystopias, and LGBT. It seems, according to my know-it-all daughter, that seemed like a reasonable deduction. I'll admit, when I looked at HarperTeen and Little Brown Books for Teen, I was close, but there were a few surprises.
HarperTeen introduced me to several books that discussed social issues such as dating, friendship, coping with loss, and other typical teenage anguishes that we have all went through at some point in our teenage journey. Some of the books featured where The Lies about Truth by Courtney Stevens and 17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen. What surprised me where books that were upcoming based on fairy tales. It appears authors are pulling from classics and creating modern twists; such as Mirrored by Alex Flinn which is a modernized version of Snow White and Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas which is portrayed as the "real" story behind Cinderella.
Little Brown Books for Teens was very similar to HarperTeen. Books focuses on high school, dating, and overall relationships seem to be the continuing trend in the world of teen fiction. Books like Kissing Ten Callahan (and Other Guys) by Amy Spalding seem to take a comedic spin on the trials and tribulation of being a teenage, but then you have Those Girls by Lauren Saft would talk about how friends can smile in your face and then stab you in the back. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black continues on with a blend of LGBT and fantasy. Overall, I feel that teen trends remain pretty consistent until there is a sudden peak in something that ventures from the norm.
HarperTeen introduced me to several books that discussed social issues such as dating, friendship, coping with loss, and other typical teenage anguishes that we have all went through at some point in our teenage journey. Some of the books featured where The Lies about Truth by Courtney Stevens and 17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen. What surprised me where books that were upcoming based on fairy tales. It appears authors are pulling from classics and creating modern twists; such as Mirrored by Alex Flinn which is a modernized version of Snow White and Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas which is portrayed as the "real" story behind Cinderella.
Little Brown Books for Teens was very similar to HarperTeen. Books focuses on high school, dating, and overall relationships seem to be the continuing trend in the world of teen fiction. Books like Kissing Ten Callahan (and Other Guys) by Amy Spalding seem to take a comedic spin on the trials and tribulation of being a teenage, but then you have Those Girls by Lauren Saft would talk about how friends can smile in your face and then stab you in the back. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black continues on with a blend of LGBT and fantasy. Overall, I feel that teen trends remain pretty consistent until there is a sudden peak in something that ventures from the norm.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Week 7 Assignment 3
John Green Books website was very minimalistic and basic...a little too basic in my opinion for most teens to truly appreciate. The other issue is that the website hadn't been updated since June 8, 2015. While I don't think this website sees much traffic, the YouTube channel named vlogbrothers is very popular. John and his brother Hank do video blogging at least once a week and they have more than 2.6 million subscribers. With millions of subscribers, I consider that EXTREMELY successful. The purpose of their blog is to let everyone know that being a nerd is cool and they promote it to EVERYONE. Who is this blog for? Anyone who can encompass and appreciate nerd-ism. If a customer is looking for a list of books Mr. Green has written, John Green Books is a good place to visit. Outside of the books he has written and a brief bio, there really isn't much to the website.
Teenreads has A LOT going on; however, I appreciate just about any website that gives reading lists...MULTIPLE READING LISTS! Yeah! The page also allows its users to sign up for newsletters. Of course, I had to sign up for the KidsRead, TeensRead, and both Librarian newsletters. What type of bookworm would I be if I didn't?! Visitors will appreciate the author interviews from just about every popular, and not-so-popular teen author out there.
With a name like Teenreads, it is automatically assumed it is intended for the young adult audience; however, I would show this website to anyone who enjoys reading teen novels. Teenreads is a subsidiary of Book Reporter in which they have several websites for various age groups. What I find most appealing is that teens are able to participate by taking polls, giving book recommendations, etc. This is awesome because teens will listen and respect another teen's opinion over that of an adult.
Teenreads has A LOT going on; however, I appreciate just about any website that gives reading lists...MULTIPLE READING LISTS! Yeah! The page also allows its users to sign up for newsletters. Of course, I had to sign up for the KidsRead, TeensRead, and both Librarian newsletters. What type of bookworm would I be if I didn't?! Visitors will appreciate the author interviews from just about every popular, and not-so-popular teen author out there.
With a name like Teenreads, it is automatically assumed it is intended for the young adult audience; however, I would show this website to anyone who enjoys reading teen novels. Teenreads is a subsidiary of Book Reporter in which they have several websites for various age groups. What I find most appealing is that teens are able to participate by taking polls, giving book recommendations, etc. This is awesome because teens will listen and respect another teen's opinion over that of an adult.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Week 7 Assignment 2
A Not-So-Young Audience for Young Adult Books from The New York Times and
Not Just for Teens from Library Journal
After reading both articles, I found myself agreeing with both authors. I have always had an interest in young adult books, but when my oldest daughter started reading them more heavily, I found myself going to HER for recommendations. (She gets a kick out of this.) I wasn't surprised in the peak of YA e-reader materials. Why? I have encountered adults who seem shy or nervous about asking for the YA best seller. I could never understand why, but I think it is the stigma of being caught in public reading a YA book when you are over 19. I disagree with Ms. Graham's comment about people should feel embarrassed if they are reading books written for children. I think it's poppycock! (Granted I will read Pete the Cat in public and not blink an eye, so I might not be the best to look at in this regard.) I, like many librarians, have stacks of books that I "must read" but I don't care if its YA, Children, or Adult. A good book is a good book, regardless of what age group it is classified for. Yes, some would argue that I am a librarian and I am supposed to read books of all genre, age groups, etc. Let me tell you something...there are times I can relate to a YA book much more than an adult book. Plus, this gives me another opportunity to relate to my fifteen year old daughter. (If you can have discussions with a teenager and they LIKE it, that do it!) Overall, neither article really shocked me in the information they provide, just reiterated what I already knew and believed.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Week 6 Assignment 3
Occult Horror
Stephen King
Neil Gaiman
Anne Rice
The setting for Occult Horrors seems to almost always be someplace spooky, haunted, or someone crooked in that location and their spirit has yet to "crossover". I believe this is a genre that is frequently turned into movies (IE The Exocist) and gain cult-like fame. There is usually enough information to give you grisly, vivid details on how the individual died. Overall, these books are not for the faint of heart.
Comic Fantasy
Terry Prachett
Christopher Moore
Douglas Adam
Just like any other Fantasy setting, the reader is transported to a mystical, imaginative land with dragons and unicorns. Needless to say, none of these lands or creatures exist. The difference is that these novels are satires to other more serious Fantasy Book. The best way to describe them? Think of the Scary Movie franchise by the Waynes Brothers. Another example? Shrek. While these are typically found in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy section, they seem to be shorter in length as compared to other Fantasy books. Best recommended to those who don't take Fantasy too seriously.
Religious/Clean Romance
Beverly Lewis
Jenny B. Jones
Cindy Woodsmall
Every librarian has dealt with that one customer (or maybe many) that wants a good, clean romance to read. To be honest, I didn't think they existed. Clean/Religious romances are similar to Christian fiction books...nothing graphic, no cursing, and everyone is fully clothed on the front cover. The overall setup of the plot is no different then any other Romance novel you read...minus the sex and half naked people on the cover...
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Classified as Sci-Fi/Fantasy but can also fall under Horror and Mystery
Let's be real...if multiple people go to visit this beautiful, tranquil area and then you and your entire group either kill each other or die from cancer. Why are all these people dying? What is going on in Area X? No offense, that is some scary stuff right there, along with trying to figure out what secret government staff is taking place. (It HAS to be the government! Isn't it always?!) I haven't read this novel yet, BUT it has been added to my list. It is a part of a trilogy, so I am confident all will be answered by the end.
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
Classified as Paranormal Romance but can also fall under Occult
Charley Davidson is a part-time Private Eye and full time Grim Reaper...that's right, she sees dead people. Particularly dead people who have died under less than ideal circumstances, IE murder. On top of her having random dead people pop up all over the place, including her apartment, she has had an entity following her around since she was born. She assumed it was a ghost, but is now realizing it is something much darker and more dangerous. Needless to say, more information cannot be given because it gives the story away, but this comedic paranormal romance take a much darker turn, still with bits of humor, the more you read into the series.
Stephen King
Neil Gaiman
Anne Rice
The setting for Occult Horrors seems to almost always be someplace spooky, haunted, or someone crooked in that location and their spirit has yet to "crossover". I believe this is a genre that is frequently turned into movies (IE The Exocist) and gain cult-like fame. There is usually enough information to give you grisly, vivid details on how the individual died. Overall, these books are not for the faint of heart.
Comic Fantasy
Terry Prachett
Christopher Moore
Douglas Adam
Just like any other Fantasy setting, the reader is transported to a mystical, imaginative land with dragons and unicorns. Needless to say, none of these lands or creatures exist. The difference is that these novels are satires to other more serious Fantasy Book. The best way to describe them? Think of the Scary Movie franchise by the Waynes Brothers. Another example? Shrek. While these are typically found in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy section, they seem to be shorter in length as compared to other Fantasy books. Best recommended to those who don't take Fantasy too seriously.
Religious/Clean Romance
Beverly Lewis
Jenny B. Jones
Cindy Woodsmall
Every librarian has dealt with that one customer (or maybe many) that wants a good, clean romance to read. To be honest, I didn't think they existed. Clean/Religious romances are similar to Christian fiction books...nothing graphic, no cursing, and everyone is fully clothed on the front cover. The overall setup of the plot is no different then any other Romance novel you read...minus the sex and half naked people on the cover...
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Classified as Sci-Fi/Fantasy but can also fall under Horror and Mystery
Let's be real...if multiple people go to visit this beautiful, tranquil area and then you and your entire group either kill each other or die from cancer. Why are all these people dying? What is going on in Area X? No offense, that is some scary stuff right there, along with trying to figure out what secret government staff is taking place. (It HAS to be the government! Isn't it always?!) I haven't read this novel yet, BUT it has been added to my list. It is a part of a trilogy, so I am confident all will be answered by the end.
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
Classified as Paranormal Romance but can also fall under Occult
Charley Davidson is a part-time Private Eye and full time Grim Reaper...that's right, she sees dead people. Particularly dead people who have died under less than ideal circumstances, IE murder. On top of her having random dead people pop up all over the place, including her apartment, she has had an entity following her around since she was born. She assumed it was a ghost, but is now realizing it is something much darker and more dangerous. Needless to say, more information cannot be given because it gives the story away, but this comedic paranormal romance take a much darker turn, still with bits of humor, the more you read into the series.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Week 6 Assignment 2
Yes, this will be a repeat of what people have already posted. I thought it was thorough and well put together; however, I hated having to constantly scroll in and out of the page to be able to read everything. I also would have preferred to have a physical paper version for easier reference.
If there was one portion I did not like, it was the Christian Urban Fiction. Urban Fiction has received a bad rap because of horrible grammar, everyone from the four year old to the great, great grandmother dropping the F bomb, lack of punctuation, and repeated story lines. Yes, I will admit that some of this is true. (I have read A LOT of Urban Fiction. So much in fact, some of the stories start to fuse together because they are so similar.) But I have never heard of Christian Urban Fiction. I have never combined those two genres into one. I guess it isn't necessarily a BAD thing, but I have had customers complain when Christian Book by African American authors were put on Urban Fiction displays. It is the misconception that Black/African American author equals Urban Book. Give me strength and allow me to teach the people!!!
If there was one portion I did not like, it was the Christian Urban Fiction. Urban Fiction has received a bad rap because of horrible grammar, everyone from the four year old to the great, great grandmother dropping the F bomb, lack of punctuation, and repeated story lines. Yes, I will admit that some of this is true. (I have read A LOT of Urban Fiction. So much in fact, some of the stories start to fuse together because they are so similar.) But I have never heard of Christian Urban Fiction. I have never combined those two genres into one. I guess it isn't necessarily a BAD thing, but I have had customers complain when Christian Book by African American authors were put on Urban Fiction displays. It is the misconception that Black/African American author equals Urban Book. Give me strength and allow me to teach the people!!!
Week 6 Assignment 1
So I have been following Locus, which focuses on Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Science Fiction/Fantasy has never been a genre I could get into. I prefer realism...no aliens, no unicorns, and books much, much less than a 1000 pages. Despite my negative attitude towards Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and largely due to my requirements of this assignment, I trudged along to the website to see what I could see. (Isn't that part of a song?)
What I saw was cluttered pages, authors I have never heard of, and awards I never knew existed. Wait Danielle...stop being negative and find the positive! I learned that Sci-Fi fantasy books tend to be series...very, very long series. Not all the time, I did find several trilogies. I also learned that Locus has a nice Obituary section for anyone, it seems, who passed who did anything Sci-Fi/Fantasy related in films and/or books. (RIP Spock AKA Leonard Nimoy) I was aware of the hundreds if not thousands of conventions that take place throughout the United States, but it was interesting to see a section dedicated to conventions taking place worldwide. Side Note: For those interested, Sasquan, the 73rd World Science Fiction Convention is taking place in Spokane, Washington from August 19-23.
Ok, so I wasn't happy-go-lucky in this posting, but I tried! I told myself as a librarian, it was important to read something from every genre...even if I don't like it. I am proud to say two of my co-workers convinced me to read Game of Thrones. I started at the beginning of July and I am proud to say I am 22% through an 803 page novel as of the date of this post. And you want to know what else? I LIKE IT! Kudos for me! Anyone have any other recommendation to offer? Granted it might be a while before I get to it, but my goal is to finish GOT by December 31 of this year.
What I saw was cluttered pages, authors I have never heard of, and awards I never knew existed. Wait Danielle...stop being negative and find the positive! I learned that Sci-Fi fantasy books tend to be series...very, very long series. Not all the time, I did find several trilogies. I also learned that Locus has a nice Obituary section for anyone, it seems, who passed who did anything Sci-Fi/Fantasy related in films and/or books. (RIP Spock AKA Leonard Nimoy) I was aware of the hundreds if not thousands of conventions that take place throughout the United States, but it was interesting to see a section dedicated to conventions taking place worldwide. Side Note: For those interested, Sasquan, the 73rd World Science Fiction Convention is taking place in Spokane, Washington from August 19-23.
Ok, so I wasn't happy-go-lucky in this posting, but I tried! I told myself as a librarian, it was important to read something from every genre...even if I don't like it. I am proud to say two of my co-workers convinced me to read Game of Thrones. I started at the beginning of July and I am proud to say I am 22% through an 803 page novel as of the date of this post. And you want to know what else? I LIKE IT! Kudos for me! Anyone have any other recommendation to offer? Granted it might be a while before I get to it, but my goal is to finish GOT by December 31 of this year.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Week 5 Assignment 3
Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter
Twenty-fifteen is the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and there is a new generation of children who are not familiar with what African-Americans had to endure many, many years ago. This book is told through the eyes of 100-year old Lillian and what generations of her family had to endure over their lifetime in regards to voting and civil rights. According Booklist, this book is told on a level that is simple enough for young children to grasps, and a great starting book for introducing civil rights and the voting process for African-Americans for many years. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was initially signed on August 6, 1965, the release of these books are perfect timing to gently push a little history on younger children.
Since many young children know nothing about segregation during the early days, I would also recommend the following two children's books: White Water by Michael S. Bandy and Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass. White Water tells a child's perspective of dealing with segregation in the deep south when he encounters a water fountain that is labeled "White Only". The author tells what he endured as a child growing up in the deep south during the 1950s. Through vivid pictures and written through the eyes of a young child, today's children can get an idea on what Michael feels and how he deals with knowing he is unable to drink from the fountain because the color of his skin. Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Intergration of Huntsville, Alabama speaks on a small town working as one to integrate schools without all the violence and hate they we are accustomed to hearing about. This book concentrated on how children deal with racial discrimination, bullying, but also peace and love. All books are recommended for children from kindergarten through fourth or fifth grade; however, I believe these titles are best suited for first through third graders.
Twenty-fifteen is the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and there is a new generation of children who are not familiar with what African-Americans had to endure many, many years ago. This book is told through the eyes of 100-year old Lillian and what generations of her family had to endure over their lifetime in regards to voting and civil rights. According Booklist, this book is told on a level that is simple enough for young children to grasps, and a great starting book for introducing civil rights and the voting process for African-Americans for many years. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was initially signed on August 6, 1965, the release of these books are perfect timing to gently push a little history on younger children.
Since many young children know nothing about segregation during the early days, I would also recommend the following two children's books: White Water by Michael S. Bandy and Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass. White Water tells a child's perspective of dealing with segregation in the deep south when he encounters a water fountain that is labeled "White Only". The author tells what he endured as a child growing up in the deep south during the 1950s. Through vivid pictures and written through the eyes of a young child, today's children can get an idea on what Michael feels and how he deals with knowing he is unable to drink from the fountain because the color of his skin. Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Intergration of Huntsville, Alabama speaks on a small town working as one to integrate schools without all the violence and hate they we are accustomed to hearing about. This book concentrated on how children deal with racial discrimination, bullying, but also peace and love. All books are recommended for children from kindergarten through fourth or fifth grade; however, I believe these titles are best suited for first through third graders.
Week 5 Assignment 2
Essex is all over the place in regards to what our customers like. Hence why I love my branch so, so much. One day, I can get a senior citizen looking for the newest James Patterson book, the next day I assist a child who needs a "good book", but doesn't like to read, and/or I could have a young family looking for "awesome movies" the whole family can enjoy. I like the diversity of the customers and it keeps me on my toes. I am still adjusting to EarlyWord, but I intend to use it more because it is a grand asset to know and use. As mentioned in my previous post, I like the EarlyWord for kids page. Even though my children are 7 and 15, I don't read as many children's books as I would like. (Well, OF COURSE I have to read any Diary of a Wimpy Kid that comes out. I mean, how could I not? That series is THE BEST!) The biggest challenge I have had as a librarian is recommendations for boy readers. Since I have two girls, I don't have a lot to go on, so I normally looked to NoveList or asking the kids what they like to watch on TV and find a book that fits that taste. I am hoping that, through more exploration, I can expand on my "What Boys Would Like" category.
In regards to continuing to use EarlyWord, HECK TO THE YEAH! Personally, I think ALL librarians need to familiarize themselves with EarlyWord and use it as an additional resource to what we already use in regards to Reader's Advisory. You can never have too many places to look to assist you with becoming a better librarian. Right?
In regards to continuing to use EarlyWord, HECK TO THE YEAH! Personally, I think ALL librarians need to familiarize themselves with EarlyWord and use it as an additional resource to what we already use in regards to Reader's Advisory. You can never have too many places to look to assist you with becoming a better librarian. Right?
Week 5 Assignment 1
locusmags.com
What I have I learned from viewing this website? I have to be honest; this website did not personally grasp my attention because, albeit I am attempting to delve into the world of Sci-Fi, (I am reading Game of Thrones), this genre does not grab me. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the section of new releases and new to paperback. I don't know why, but when I assist customer with Sci-Fi books, there are many requests for paperback instead of hardback. My hypothesis is paperbacks are preferred because this genre of book seems to be extremely detailed-oriented and thick, so I assume paperback is preferred because they aren't as heavy to lug around.
earlyword.com
I LOVE EarlyWord.com. Plain and simple. I wasn't always able to hop on the website when I wanted, but the newsletters are fantastic and they give me brief, concise information of the hot titles for that given week. When I was able to sit down and peruse the website, I found a section that was EarlyWord for kids. Talk about keeping you covered on all bases! This websites is the book version of ComingSoon.net (Tells you when movies are released in theaters). A necessary resource for librarians and book-enthusiasts alike.
What I have I learned from viewing this website? I have to be honest; this website did not personally grasp my attention because, albeit I am attempting to delve into the world of Sci-Fi, (I am reading Game of Thrones), this genre does not grab me. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the section of new releases and new to paperback. I don't know why, but when I assist customer with Sci-Fi books, there are many requests for paperback instead of hardback. My hypothesis is paperbacks are preferred because this genre of book seems to be extremely detailed-oriented and thick, so I assume paperback is preferred because they aren't as heavy to lug around.
earlyword.com
I LOVE EarlyWord.com. Plain and simple. I wasn't always able to hop on the website when I wanted, but the newsletters are fantastic and they give me brief, concise information of the hot titles for that given week. When I was able to sit down and peruse the website, I found a section that was EarlyWord for kids. Talk about keeping you covered on all bases! This websites is the book version of ComingSoon.net (Tells you when movies are released in theaters). A necessary resource for librarians and book-enthusiasts alike.
Week 4 Assignment 1
I was a fan of Shelfari for years before I was introduced to Goodreads. Finding out Goodreads had an app and I was able to scan the barcodes of items instead of typing them individually. (Lazy, yes!) But I find this quite helpful when I am in a book store and want to save titles to place on hold. (Buying books?! Absolutely not!) I also love being able to input the page number I am on and see the percentage I am through the book. It is fantastic! In regards to recommendations, they differ between the phone app and the website. I was able to receive better recommendations from the computer than the actual app. Being able to create shelves come in handy when I find books that I can see myself recommending to customers or for story times as needed.
Recommendation #1:
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of Lusitania by Eric Larson
It appears you like books that are nonfictional in nature, but give concise information. I would recommend reading The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. While many of us have heard of the Wright Brothers, not much is told about their past and how they got to the point of flying. Pulling from diaries, scrapbooks, and notes, Mr. McCullough weaves the back story to these two well-known brothers.
Recommendation #2:
Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins
You like books that have twist and turns and leave you with suspense and not really knowing where the story might go. I would recommend Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Like Girl on a Train, this book is written from multiple viewpoints and you never truly know what's going on. A great mixture of suspense and mystery.
Recommendation #1:
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of Lusitania by Eric Larson
It appears you like books that are nonfictional in nature, but give concise information. I would recommend reading The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. While many of us have heard of the Wright Brothers, not much is told about their past and how they got to the point of flying. Pulling from diaries, scrapbooks, and notes, Mr. McCullough weaves the back story to these two well-known brothers.
Recommendation #2:
Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins
You like books that have twist and turns and leave you with suspense and not really knowing where the story might go. I would recommend Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Like Girl on a Train, this book is written from multiple viewpoints and you never truly know what's going on. A great mixture of suspense and mystery.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Week 3 Assignment 3
Conversation 1:
From reading the conversation, it seems to me the customer enjoys a nonfiction book written from a strong woman's viewpoint. She likes books where people are in-touch with their most inner self or "finding themselves". With this information, I would recommend the book Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed because the author lost her way when her mother died and she decided she would hike thousands of miles through various trails and deserts on her own to find herself and live her life without her mother. This book was also a part of Oprah's 2.0 Book Club which the customer also enjoyed.
Conversation 2:
I gather the customer wants a book that involves vampires without the extended dialogue and sappy teen love story. I would start with a classic in this case with Dracula by Bram Stoker since it is the father of all vampire books by introducing the world to Count Dracula and his attempt to move from Transylvania to England to find new blood. (Pun intended) I would also recommend Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice...wait, maybe ANY vampire book by Anne Rice since that was her go-to storyline for several years. In regards to Interview with a Vampire, there is a love story involved, but I have heard it isn't anywhere near as sappy as Twilight.
Conversation 3:
I gather this customer is looking for a fast-paced nonfiction book with a touch of murder and mystery. I would recommend a book I remember being very popular several years ago entitled The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Eric Lawson. While I have never read it, I have been told it is narrative nonfiction book that has several twists and turns surrounding a serial killer who used the World's Fair to lure victims to their untimely death.
From reading the conversation, it seems to me the customer enjoys a nonfiction book written from a strong woman's viewpoint. She likes books where people are in-touch with their most inner self or "finding themselves". With this information, I would recommend the book Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed because the author lost her way when her mother died and she decided she would hike thousands of miles through various trails and deserts on her own to find herself and live her life without her mother. This book was also a part of Oprah's 2.0 Book Club which the customer also enjoyed.
Conversation 2:
I gather the customer wants a book that involves vampires without the extended dialogue and sappy teen love story. I would start with a classic in this case with Dracula by Bram Stoker since it is the father of all vampire books by introducing the world to Count Dracula and his attempt to move from Transylvania to England to find new blood. (Pun intended) I would also recommend Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice...wait, maybe ANY vampire book by Anne Rice since that was her go-to storyline for several years. In regards to Interview with a Vampire, there is a love story involved, but I have heard it isn't anywhere near as sappy as Twilight.
Conversation 3:
I gather this customer is looking for a fast-paced nonfiction book with a touch of murder and mystery. I would recommend a book I remember being very popular several years ago entitled The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Eric Lawson. While I have never read it, I have been told it is narrative nonfiction book that has several twists and turns surrounding a serial killer who used the World's Fair to lure victims to their untimely death.
Week 3 Assignment 2
Listening to Nancy Pearl describe books is like listening to an infomercial (in a good way!). She is concise, uses trigger words to immediately grab your attention if those are the type of books you are interested in, and she is energetic about the books she is recommending. Details about the plot as a whole is minimal which was a shocker for me because I always assumed reader's advisory focused on the actual storyline and not appeal factors. Her book talks are approximately one minute in length which to me is incredible. I am still trying to MEMORIZE the appeal factors so I can give better book talks to not only customers but friends and family.
Week 3 Assignment 1
At Essex, we do not get too many reader's advisory questions, but when we do, I jump at the opportunity. I never thought about appeals when it came to book recommendations so it was interesting to use these factors when assisting customers. I enjoy and have used the option of offering customer audio books for a break in "reading" a book. Most times, people are not interested; however, every now and again, I get a bite and they come back wanting more. The best feeling is having a customer come back to you and let you know how they feel about something I suggested to them. Be it positive or negative, I love hearing feedback and it helps me grow as a librarian. Now if I could just get customers to give me more than "I just want a good book. Don't you know any?"
Monday, June 22, 2015
Week 2 Assignment 2
Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland by Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, Mary Jordan, and Kevin Sullivan
Written from the prospective of two of the three young women held captive in Cleveland, readers grasps a first-hand account of the horrors these women had to endure while being held captive by Ariel Castro for ten years. Majority of the story takes place in the backdrop of the house where the girls are held, but reporters Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan provide the reader with information the girls are not privy to until after their escape. Written similar to diary entries, information about child rape and physical, mental, and emotional abuse is raw, and in-your-face honest. While I enjoyed the book overall, I must admit there where times when I had to walk away because the information told we heart-wrenching and hard to digest. The language is that of the young teenagers they were when first kidnapped, and found myself having to go back to my teenage mind frame. The tone is mostly dark and grim, with a comforting ending. We hear the stories on huge news, but it was interesting to have first-person information on the angst these young women dealt with for more than ten years.
Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon
As parents we want to think that we know what our children will or will not do, but this novel begs to acknowledge if we know our children as well as we think we do. The story jumps from past to present to give us the background of Jake, a high school student who is accused of the unthinkable, and his family. The book is told through his father, Simon Connolly, and his trials and tribulations of being a stay-at-home Dad while raising Jake and his younger sister Laney. The author did an excellent job of letting the reader know when the scene was jumping from one time frame to the next, and the characters were flushed out well. There were twists and turns throughout the novel to keep your head spinning and on an adrenaline rush until the very last page.
Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline
How do you win a game that you do not know that you are playing? Dr. Eric Parrish is a character anyone can love. He is the Chief of a Psychiatric Unit that is number two in the country, dealing with a fresh divorce from his wife, and trying to be the best dad he can be to his seven year old daughter. His world is turned upside down when he meets Max, a seventeen year old with self-diagnosed OCD who is head-over-heels in love with a girl. The problem? The girl turns up murdered and all fingers point to Max, but he is nowhere to be found. This fast-paced novel with relatable characters keep you guessing. The novel's tone varies from end-of-your-seat suspense, to mild light-heartedness, to extremely dark. Just enough detail is provided to paint a vivid picture of the life of Dr. Parrish, but there is enough missing information to keep you guessing.
Week 2 Assignment 1
In my past life, before I became a Librarian, I will admit that I stuck to specific books...typically Urban Fiction, African-American authors, and almost anything by James Patterson. My taste was very narrow and limited. No matter how many other books people recommended to me, I would normally turn up my nose if it didn't fall into one of those categories.
Then, it happened...I became bored with my limited selection of reading and decided it was time to grow up. That and the job of librarian kind of pushes you to become more open-minded. So I decided to take recommendations that people were giving me and read them. I was surprised to find how many I actually enjoyed but I could never put my finger on what I liked about those books outside of my comfort zone.
After reading "Appeal Factor", I can now put my likes and dislikes into actual categories! Yes, so totally sounding like an infomercial. I love books that are fast-paced (James Patterson...WINNER!), with interesting, likable characters (Wait, I DISLIKED everyone in Girl on a Train, but loved the book...Hmmm), and just enough detail to give me a feel of the scenery, but not so much that it is over-bearing. (::Coughing:: TWILIGHT...nice story, too much detail)
When it comes to tone, it depends on my at the given moment. If I am in the mood for something funny, my love for Mr. Patterson ain't gonna cut it. No matter how much I LOVE his books. Between this article and what I learned in LATI, I have found myself better able to assist customers during reader's advisor questions. Shoot, I'm helping myself!
Then, it happened...I became bored with my limited selection of reading and decided it was time to grow up. That and the job of librarian kind of pushes you to become more open-minded. So I decided to take recommendations that people were giving me and read them. I was surprised to find how many I actually enjoyed but I could never put my finger on what I liked about those books outside of my comfort zone.
After reading "Appeal Factor", I can now put my likes and dislikes into actual categories! Yes, so totally sounding like an infomercial. I love books that are fast-paced (James Patterson...WINNER!), with interesting, likable characters (Wait, I DISLIKED everyone in Girl on a Train, but loved the book...Hmmm), and just enough detail to give me a feel of the scenery, but not so much that it is over-bearing. (::Coughing:: TWILIGHT...nice story, too much detail)
When it comes to tone, it depends on my at the given moment. If I am in the mood for something funny, my love for Mr. Patterson ain't gonna cut it. No matter how much I LOVE his books. Between this article and what I learned in LATI, I have found myself better able to assist customers during reader's advisor questions. Shoot, I'm helping myself!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Week 1 Assignment 5
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/babblecom/judging-a-book-by-its-cover_b_1672106.html
So, other than To Kill a Mockingbird, I have read NONE of the classics this lovely six year old described, but it was entertaining to see what she thought they were about. Children are so innocent and don't know any better of the world. I will admit, I remember fellow classmates having to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury in high school, but I didn't notice the man burning on the front cover until I read her description. Maybe I need to pay more attention to the cover and not automatically turn my back on it because it was a "required read" for many high school students.
Week 1 Assignment 4
www.locusmag.com
Let me start off by saying I have a strong DISLIKE of Science Fiction/Fantasy books. Granted I was able to get through and some what enjoy Kindred by Octavia Butler to later be told I didn't read a "real" Science Fiction/Fantasy book. Next I was told to read Ender's Game by Oscar Scott Card. That's a lie. I was told I should try the audio book and it was decent. I think my biggest fear comes from being forced to read books with people riding on fire breathing unicorns or anything that is Star Wars or Star Trek. In my eyes...pure punishment. Nonetheless, I am facing my fears and will follow this website. Even going as far as saving it onto my favorite on my iPad.
www.earlyword.com
In my fifteen years with the library, I have heard of this website often, but I have honestly never looked at it nor knew its overall purpose and worth. Needless to say, I opened the page and I felt like I took a step into Reader's Advisory Heaven...maybe Hell because there are currently 12 books waiting on the hold shelf for me and I currently have 100+ on hold. Do I really need any added recommendations? The poor, poor, Circulation staff. I apologize in advance. Did I mention I also signed up for the Newsletter? Yup. They should be very, very fearful.
Let me start off by saying I have a strong DISLIKE of Science Fiction/Fantasy books. Granted I was able to get through and some what enjoy Kindred by Octavia Butler to later be told I didn't read a "real" Science Fiction/Fantasy book. Next I was told to read Ender's Game by Oscar Scott Card. That's a lie. I was told I should try the audio book and it was decent. I think my biggest fear comes from being forced to read books with people riding on fire breathing unicorns or anything that is Star Wars or Star Trek. In my eyes...pure punishment. Nonetheless, I am facing my fears and will follow this website. Even going as far as saving it onto my favorite on my iPad.
www.earlyword.com
In my fifteen years with the library, I have heard of this website often, but I have honestly never looked at it nor knew its overall purpose and worth. Needless to say, I opened the page and I felt like I took a step into Reader's Advisory Heaven...maybe Hell because there are currently 12 books waiting on the hold shelf for me and I currently have 100+ on hold. Do I really need any added recommendations? The poor, poor, Circulation staff. I apologize in advance. Did I mention I also signed up for the Newsletter? Yup. They should be very, very fearful.
Week 1 Assignment 3
Rule #10 - Keep Current With new books being published every day, it's vital to keep current. Read widely, attend conferences, watch for articles on reading and publishing trends. Be aware of local book and author events, read daily newspapers, and subscribe to electronic newsletters, blogs and discussion groups so you can stay ahead of your readers.
This is the HARDEST task at hand for me. Why? Too many books and not enough time to read them. Did I forget to mention that the most CURRENT books have hundreds of holds on them? Granted I am a fast reader, but I'm not THAT fast! I have something called a JOB, TWO KIDS (Three if you include my husband), and a HOUSEHOLD to keep orderly. How do you keep current? Amazon. I read the brief description, add it too my list of things I will read before I die, and hope I get to them.
This is the HARDEST task at hand for me. Why? Too many books and not enough time to read them. Did I forget to mention that the most CURRENT books have hundreds of holds on them? Granted I am a fast reader, but I'm not THAT fast! I have something called a JOB, TWO KIDS (Three if you include my husband), and a HOUSEHOLD to keep orderly. How do you keep current? Amazon. I read the brief description, add it too my list of things I will read before I die, and hope I get to them.
Week 1 Assignment 2
I will admit, this was difficult for me because I do
not read many of the genres that were included so it threw me off balance. Of
the 12 covers shown, I got 5 correct. Needless to say, I need to read in those
genres that I normally do not. Would love to see this done again with a wider range
of genres. But at the end of the day, isn't that the entire purpose of this course? For us to learn about genres we normally do not read. This is going to be a fun ride...
Week 1 Assignment 1
Overall, I thought the quiz was interesting and fun. I got a 66% on the adult covers and 65% on the children's. What destroyed me? My crappy spelling abilities and long titles that I have difficulties remembering let along a customer. Darn you Midnight Garden Evil and Good...yup...screwed it up again. Grrr!
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