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.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
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.
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