This week's readings were interesting and thought provoking for me. While I read on my Kindle for pleasure, and computer for work or school, I still am slightly annoyed by doing so. To me there is something soothing about holding a printed book. Nostalgia? Possibly. I also think that even with a Kindle, there is always knowing that I can check my email, go shopping, check Twitter, read the newspaper, etc. on it instead of reading the book. Having a printed book doesn't offer those distractions when it is in my hands. And if I do find myself distracted, well, I have forced myself to stop wasting my time and quit reading it.
The best part of working at a library, to me, are the books. Whether I am selfishly grabbing some for myself, or helping someone find a book, it's always been a main source of enjoyment and satisfaction for me. I have always liked to read, although I started reading like a maniac after I had my first kid. I would go to the library or used bookstore, grab a bunch, then after putting her down for the night - read like a fiend. It was a cheap and easy way to be entertained (we were very young and poor, now I am older and still somewhat poor). It became an ingrained habit and now? I don't know what I would do without books. So regardless of the format, even though I will probably always prefer a physical book, I will keep reading.
I do see electronic books to be the main way people will read in the future. I have seen it already with my kid's text books. More than half of their books are on their laptops given out by the school with worksheets and tests done online, while the others are physical books - even though most of those assignments are online, too. We have already been informed that the school is putting in another book on the computers for next year. So out of the 7 classes, only two will be in physical form. I do think it makes sense for academics to do most of their work electronically, they do go through a lot of paper! BUT with at least one printed version. It just seems to me that having everything in an electronic format is folly and a ridiculous form of hubris. I also find it a bit odd that someone would say that printed books are more damaging to the planet. I am not saying that they do not, what I find odd is - what these people think happens to old tablets? Not everyone is so environmentally friendly and having computer components that seep poison into a landfill certainly isn't any better than cutting down trees. (If anyone has any facts regarding this one way or another, I would be curious to know.)
However, I do not think that traditional publishing will stop anytime in the near future. The way the publishing industry is intertwined with (or owned by) corporate powerhouses makes it unlikely that they will let it happen anytime soon. There are too many people that will lose out and have an invested stake in traditional publishing. The other issue that Ursula Le Guin mentioned was that if publishing houses keeps expecting huge profits, midlist authors may get cut out and new authors are unlikely to be picked up. These authors are still going to write - they may just have to self-publish. Hopefully, they will pay to have a professional editor because that is part of the problem of many of the books in the self-publishing industry today, and they are gods awful books because of not doing so. Or they may have to do what Sarah Monette had to do as she explains in the second question to get a contract. http://www.mybookishways.com/2014/04/interview-giveaway-katherine-addison-author-of-the-goblin-emperor.html (It was a great book, btw!)
I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class, have learned a bunch and am now in charge of all the RA work at my branch! Eek! Congratulations and good luck to those of you who are graduating! As this is my first semester I will be seeing some of you in other classes. Have a great summer if you are taking a break!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Week 15 Prompt
Displays - at our branch my coworker is in charge of a display, and we give suggestions if needed, for both fiction and non-fiction. We don't have one display set aside specifically for random fiction that rotates. But no matter the books that are displayed, it generally circulates well and is a good place to showcase different genres.
We also have a half wall with shelves that holds all the new fiction, including Large Print titles, right next to the general fiction section. These titles stay on for a year, and then are added into the general collection afterwards. (We have a new non-fiction shelf, as well, obviously, by the non-fiction section.) Some patrons go straight to the New Fiction shelf and just take titles from there, whether it's because they have read the older titles or it's exciting because the books are dubbed "new".
Another display we have is the most anticipated, or popular books, that are our 7 Day Books. These books have a paper band marking them as such, so it's very visible. Rather than having them checked out for the "normal" two weeks, these are titles from authors like Patterson, Evanovich, and Steel that may have 50+ or more holds on them. These 7 Day Books cannot have requests put on them, and are not renewable. They have higher fines if overdue, so that determines whether some patrons are willing to possibly be late, or can finish the book within a week. As soon as we check these books in, we put them on the shelf immediately, and they fly off the shelves. Many patrons have holds on these books and they act like they are winning something grand when they can get a 7 Day book and don't have to wait. Depending on the circulation of the 7 Day Books, they will be taken off that shelf within 6 months and added in the general collection.
Booklists - many of our booklists are outdated. I am in the process of updating some of the genre lists, and hope that after the print lists are done, then our webpages will be updated, too. Having booklists in bookmark form, or even a printed half-page or page, where patrons can see and pick one up has been helpful in the past. Even having them at the circ desk, even if not on display, is great for library workers who may blank out when trying to think of an author or title to suggest. When we have bookmarks, they are taken quickly, and many times patrons request for titles that are on them immediately after looking the bookmark over.
Book Clubs and Summer Reading - in our staff meetings the issue of how to get people to read more has been discussed thoroughly. While Book Clubs are great, patrons may not know who is hosting one (if it's not library sponsored), nor may they have the time to go to the meeting. Our library has always had a good turnout for the children's, and even teen, summer reading programs, but I think it would be beneficial to target adults. A librarian from another branch in my system sent this link, and I think it may be helpful to remind the people that make financial decisions that programs like these should be allotted funds, and womanpower to make them happen.
http://www.infotoday.com/mls/apr99/story.htm
We also have a half wall with shelves that holds all the new fiction, including Large Print titles, right next to the general fiction section. These titles stay on for a year, and then are added into the general collection afterwards. (We have a new non-fiction shelf, as well, obviously, by the non-fiction section.) Some patrons go straight to the New Fiction shelf and just take titles from there, whether it's because they have read the older titles or it's exciting because the books are dubbed "new".
Another display we have is the most anticipated, or popular books, that are our 7 Day Books. These books have a paper band marking them as such, so it's very visible. Rather than having them checked out for the "normal" two weeks, these are titles from authors like Patterson, Evanovich, and Steel that may have 50+ or more holds on them. These 7 Day Books cannot have requests put on them, and are not renewable. They have higher fines if overdue, so that determines whether some patrons are willing to possibly be late, or can finish the book within a week. As soon as we check these books in, we put them on the shelf immediately, and they fly off the shelves. Many patrons have holds on these books and they act like they are winning something grand when they can get a 7 Day book and don't have to wait. Depending on the circulation of the 7 Day Books, they will be taken off that shelf within 6 months and added in the general collection.
Booklists - many of our booklists are outdated. I am in the process of updating some of the genre lists, and hope that after the print lists are done, then our webpages will be updated, too. Having booklists in bookmark form, or even a printed half-page or page, where patrons can see and pick one up has been helpful in the past. Even having them at the circ desk, even if not on display, is great for library workers who may blank out when trying to think of an author or title to suggest. When we have bookmarks, they are taken quickly, and many times patrons request for titles that are on them immediately after looking the bookmark over.
Book Clubs and Summer Reading - in our staff meetings the issue of how to get people to read more has been discussed thoroughly. While Book Clubs are great, patrons may not know who is hosting one (if it's not library sponsored), nor may they have the time to go to the meeting. Our library has always had a good turnout for the children's, and even teen, summer reading programs, but I think it would be beneficial to target adults. A librarian from another branch in my system sent this link, and I think it may be helpful to remind the people that make financial decisions that programs like these should be allotted funds, and womanpower to make them happen.
http://www.infotoday.com/mls/apr99/story.htm
Monday, April 14, 2014
Week 14 Prompt
Consider yourself part of the collection
management committee of your local library, or a library at which you
would like to work. You must decide whether or not to separate GBLTQ
fiction and African American Fiction from the general collection to its
own special place. Some patrons have requested this, yet many staff are
uncomfortable with the idea - saying it promotes segregation and
disrupts serendipitous discovery of an author who might be different
from the reader. Do you separate them? Do you separate one and not the
other? Why or why not? You must provide at least 3 reasons for or
against your decision. Feel free to use outside sources - this is a
weighty question that is answered differently in a lot of different
libraries.
No. For one, it doesn't make sense. Not every AAF or GLBTQ is in the same genre. It is ridiculous to put them together when one may be an Urban Fiction and another may be a Fantasy. I saw another student use Jesmin's blog post http://nkjemisin.com/2010/05/dont-put-my-book-in-the-african-american-section/ and I agree. I have read her Inheritance Trilogy and frankly, I didn't think about what color her characters were (or even was aware she was African American, who cares?!), it's not an issue for this genre (fantasy), and shouldn't be stuck next to a contemporary African American coming-of-age story. Having a gay detective protagonist in a mystery title should not be shelved next to a lesbian romance. I don't agree with Zane, who wants to be separated in the AAF section, in that I think that she might find more readers of all colors and genders if she were in general fiction. http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2012/02/where-to-shelve-african-american-authors If she's worried about her readers finding her, well, she's shelved in the Z's.
Secondly, when a patron is at my library perusing the fiction shelves, or non-fiction for that matter, no one hovers over her/him to see what they are looking at. I do not judge them when they bring their materials to the circ desk to check out. I feel like this is truly a personal thing. I may not always like what they are getting from a personal view, but I really don't care as I don't have to waste my time reading it! I don't feel that patrons should have to wave a red flag by going to a section separate from the general fiction. At my branch we don't even separate the romance from general fiction, and when I casually inquired to some romance readers about moving the titles they were more than content that it remains the way it is, even though it was sometimes hard to find. If there is reluctance in moving romance to a new section, I highly doubt any GLBTQ section would get a lot of circulation in my branch if readers like the anonymity of finding their vanilla romances.
Lastly, I would not create a separate place as I just believe it continues to perpetuate the "they", "us", "them", "our", and "other" mentality which certainly does not help anyone and not how I want my world to be. If I end up at a different library where there is a large community of GLBTQ's, or African Americans, so what? I'd be happy to create stickers and create lists of authors and titles, or even a romance or urban lit section, but it still should be shelved by genre.
No. For one, it doesn't make sense. Not every AAF or GLBTQ is in the same genre. It is ridiculous to put them together when one may be an Urban Fiction and another may be a Fantasy. I saw another student use Jesmin's blog post http://nkjemisin.com/2010/05/dont-put-my-book-in-the-african-american-section/ and I agree. I have read her Inheritance Trilogy and frankly, I didn't think about what color her characters were (or even was aware she was African American, who cares?!), it's not an issue for this genre (fantasy), and shouldn't be stuck next to a contemporary African American coming-of-age story. Having a gay detective protagonist in a mystery title should not be shelved next to a lesbian romance. I don't agree with Zane, who wants to be separated in the AAF section, in that I think that she might find more readers of all colors and genders if she were in general fiction. http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2012/02/where-to-shelve-african-american-authors If she's worried about her readers finding her, well, she's shelved in the Z's.
Secondly, when a patron is at my library perusing the fiction shelves, or non-fiction for that matter, no one hovers over her/him to see what they are looking at. I do not judge them when they bring their materials to the circ desk to check out. I feel like this is truly a personal thing. I may not always like what they are getting from a personal view, but I really don't care as I don't have to waste my time reading it! I don't feel that patrons should have to wave a red flag by going to a section separate from the general fiction. At my branch we don't even separate the romance from general fiction, and when I casually inquired to some romance readers about moving the titles they were more than content that it remains the way it is, even though it was sometimes hard to find. If there is reluctance in moving romance to a new section, I highly doubt any GLBTQ section would get a lot of circulation in my branch if readers like the anonymity of finding their vanilla romances.
Lastly, I would not create a separate place as I just believe it continues to perpetuate the "they", "us", "them", "our", and "other" mentality which certainly does not help anyone and not how I want my world to be. If I end up at a different library where there is a large community of GLBTQ's, or African Americans, so what? I'd be happy to create stickers and create lists of authors and titles, or even a romance or urban lit section, but it still should be shelved by genre.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Week 13 Prompt
One reason this prompt took so long is that I was having a hard time finding Street Lit at my library. I was vaguely aware of this genre but haven't read any of it. I have two requests for titles put in, if only so I can get a better understanding of the appeals even though I have read the assigned readings.
I have read one NA title and have two DNF (did not finish) NA titles I have checked out from my work. I can somewhat understand it's appeals. However, a plot trope or setting that I find unappealing may be reading crack for someone else, and it's best if I just read them for myself to better understand what's making these books all the rage to better help patrons rather than judging them. My library doesn't have many NA titles that I have seen, yet. I also wonder if the catalogers will end up cataloging them in general fiction, and hope they don't stick them in YA. The one title I DNF'd was all about the character getting sexual experience and whatnot and don't think that would be appropriate for the YA section. Considering I wrote a positive review about book where a human has sex with a lizard, it's not the sex part I have an issue with, I just thought it was written badly. I don't think all of NA may be appropriate for my (or anyone else's) 14 year old to read.
It has only been within the last year or so that I have read any graphic novels. My initial reasoning not to read them was because I like to imagine things in my head - I don't want someone else's version of what I envision a character or setting to look like. Then I read a rave review of the Saga series, bought the first one, and loved it. I also realized that I am a dork, because I DO like some visual versions of things. Maybe not more than the original, but I do like the movie versions of The Hobbit, LOTR, the Marvel movies, Pride and Prejudice, etc...So if a patron can actually read one, or of anything in a genre that they have not read, they may find it enlightening. My system does order quite a bit of GN's, for juvenile, YA and adults.
As far as libraries not spending money on these genres, it doesn't make sense to me. A library shouldn't scoff at purchasing at least a few popular, or award winning, titles in these genres but buy 25 copies of a Patterson title. It is keeping the collection too narrow, and risks turning off some patrons from using the library (I am using my library as an example as to size and what they purchase). One problem that may occur is that if a patron does not ask, or know how to request a title that we may not have for purchase, the library may be unaware of patron interest. Since I do not order books, I have no control over what titles are brought in. I may have some control if I know that some patrons are looking for a particular author/title/genre and can send in requests on their behalf.
I have read one NA title and have two DNF (did not finish) NA titles I have checked out from my work. I can somewhat understand it's appeals. However, a plot trope or setting that I find unappealing may be reading crack for someone else, and it's best if I just read them for myself to better understand what's making these books all the rage to better help patrons rather than judging them. My library doesn't have many NA titles that I have seen, yet. I also wonder if the catalogers will end up cataloging them in general fiction, and hope they don't stick them in YA. The one title I DNF'd was all about the character getting sexual experience and whatnot and don't think that would be appropriate for the YA section. Considering I wrote a positive review about book where a human has sex with a lizard, it's not the sex part I have an issue with, I just thought it was written badly. I don't think all of NA may be appropriate for my (or anyone else's) 14 year old to read.
It has only been within the last year or so that I have read any graphic novels. My initial reasoning not to read them was because I like to imagine things in my head - I don't want someone else's version of what I envision a character or setting to look like. Then I read a rave review of the Saga series, bought the first one, and loved it. I also realized that I am a dork, because I DO like some visual versions of things. Maybe not more than the original, but I do like the movie versions of The Hobbit, LOTR, the Marvel movies, Pride and Prejudice, etc...So if a patron can actually read one, or of anything in a genre that they have not read, they may find it enlightening. My system does order quite a bit of GN's, for juvenile, YA and adults.
As far as libraries not spending money on these genres, it doesn't make sense to me. A library shouldn't scoff at purchasing at least a few popular, or award winning, titles in these genres but buy 25 copies of a Patterson title. It is keeping the collection too narrow, and risks turning off some patrons from using the library (I am using my library as an example as to size and what they purchase). One problem that may occur is that if a patron does not ask, or know how to request a title that we may not have for purchase, the library may be unaware of patron interest. Since I do not order books, I have no control over what titles are brought in. I may have some control if I know that some patrons are looking for a particular author/title/genre and can send in requests on their behalf.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
RA Matrix
Reduced Shakespeare: The Attention-Impaired Reader's Guide to the
World's Best Playwright
by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor
Where is the book on the narrative continuum? Highly fact based.
What is the subject of the book? Shakespeare's plays, the 16th c. in England, and what little factual information there is about him.
What type of book is it? Reference.
Appeal
Pacing: It reads quickly as it presents facts with a lot of humor.
Characters: Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and the characters in his plays.
Feel of the story: Informative.
Intent of the Author: To introduce and educate readers about Shakespeare's plays through humor, without being overbearing or overwhelming.
Focus of the story: Shakespeare and his plays.
Does language matter? No, there are only a few quotes of his plays.
Is the setting important and well described? Yes. The authors refer to where the plays were performed and who performed them, where Shakespeare lived and worked, and what life was like in Elizabethan England.
Are there details and, if so, of what? Yes. There are many details about who may have been Shakespeare, the Elizabethan era and random facts given throughout the book about his plays.
Are there sufficient charts and graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? There are some graphics which are useful and educate.
Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding or experience? Yes. The authors inform the reader about who Shakespeare may have been, what it was like to live in England during his lifetime, the political climate during that period and how those living there would have experienced his plays. The book also discusses what the plays are about, and if they are well-written or not.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Prompt
Ebooks and audiobooks are a part of our landscape. What does the change
in medium mean for appeal factors? If you can't hold a book and feel the
physical weight of it in your hands, how does that affect your
knowledge of the genre? How about readers being able to change the font,
line spacing, and color of text - how does that affect pacing and tone?
How about audiobooks? Track length, narrator choice, is there music?
For this week, I want you to think about how ebooks and audiobooks
affect appeal factors - also think about appeals that are unique to both
mediums. Please feel free to use your own experience and that of your
(anonymous of course) patrons. I look forward to reading these!
I was initially leery of eBooks, but my family bought me a Kindle and am I happy they did! I still prefer physical books, but as I read so much - going on a week long vacation meant 7 or more books and they are heavy! Especially fantasy novels, they can weigh a ton. Now I can toss in 2 books and my Kindle and I am good to go. As I read a lot of romance, and am one of those that is not ashamed, I could care less what people think of my reading choices. So that isn't an issue for me.
I can also get books cheaper, which helps my wallet. The choice to buy a book at 2am is nice, too. I have found many authors in different genre's that I would never have read if not for eBooks, mainly because of the price. I have not downloaded any from the library, and a few patrons told me they get annoyed waiting, not being able to renew, or realizing that a new book that came out is not available on that platform. Since most of the patrons that only want to download items don't come in too often, I don't hear much feedback other than the issues above.
I have only listened to one audiobook so far. I have read the book, but heard the narrator was fabulous so I downloaded it. It was great. I like the option of speeding the narration and tried reading while listening. It was pretty cool. However, I work very close to my home and when I am driving more than an hour I usually have my minions with me and I know they wouldn't want to listen to my books. Plus, with some books I don't want them listening either! I also don't like the idea of wearing headphones or buds, even just one in an ear because I would feel "cut off" from any conversations that may arise.
Audiobooks are a bit hit with our patrons. Many use on their daily drives to work (usually to Chicago which may be an hour each way), these patrons may take out 10-20 at a time. Or when people are going on vacation, then they may take more family oriented books, checking out 3-4 for variety. I have noticed a rise in the use with kids, some that have developmental issues or have a harder time reading. Another thing I have noticed is that for some patrons, audiobooks have the flip-flop affect. Either they have read physical books by an author and want to "hear" in audiobook format, or they may usually only "listen" and if we don't have the next book in a series - they will take out the physical book to keep up. At my branch, many of the audiobook listeners like series, so we have been trying to make sure we have the whole set.
I was initially leery of eBooks, but my family bought me a Kindle and am I happy they did! I still prefer physical books, but as I read so much - going on a week long vacation meant 7 or more books and they are heavy! Especially fantasy novels, they can weigh a ton. Now I can toss in 2 books and my Kindle and I am good to go. As I read a lot of romance, and am one of those that is not ashamed, I could care less what people think of my reading choices. So that isn't an issue for me.
I can also get books cheaper, which helps my wallet. The choice to buy a book at 2am is nice, too. I have found many authors in different genre's that I would never have read if not for eBooks, mainly because of the price. I have not downloaded any from the library, and a few patrons told me they get annoyed waiting, not being able to renew, or realizing that a new book that came out is not available on that platform. Since most of the patrons that only want to download items don't come in too often, I don't hear much feedback other than the issues above.
I have only listened to one audiobook so far. I have read the book, but heard the narrator was fabulous so I downloaded it. It was great. I like the option of speeding the narration and tried reading while listening. It was pretty cool. However, I work very close to my home and when I am driving more than an hour I usually have my minions with me and I know they wouldn't want to listen to my books. Plus, with some books I don't want them listening either! I also don't like the idea of wearing headphones or buds, even just one in an ear because I would feel "cut off" from any conversations that may arise.
Audiobooks are a bit hit with our patrons. Many use on their daily drives to work (usually to Chicago which may be an hour each way), these patrons may take out 10-20 at a time. Or when people are going on vacation, then they may take more family oriented books, checking out 3-4 for variety. I have noticed a rise in the use with kids, some that have developmental issues or have a harder time reading. Another thing I have noticed is that for some patrons, audiobooks have the flip-flop affect. Either they have read physical books by an author and want to "hear" in audiobook format, or they may usually only "listen" and if we don't have the next book in a series - they will take out the physical book to keep up. At my branch, many of the audiobook listeners like series, so we have been trying to make sure we have the whole set.
True Grit
True Grit by Charles Portis
Originally published in 1968, this publication 2010
by The Overlook Press, New York
Genre: Western
Pages: 235
Setting: Arkansas
Time Period: 1870s
I read this book for the first time two weeks ago, and oddly, could not even remember the narrator's name when I sat down to write this. It is especially odd because Mattie, who's tale this is, is one of the strongest woman protagonist I have ever read and she's only 14 when the events occurred.
Mattie's father was murdered by a hired hand while the two were 70 miles away in a town, Fort Smith, to look at some ponies. Mattie leaves her mother and two younger siblings at their farm and travels alone to Fort Smith to have her father's remains shipped back by train. Or so she told her mother and the family's lawyer that was her purpose. What she really wants is justice - the murderer caught. And if not caught? Killed wouldn't be a bad option either. Mattie knows she can't find the murderer herself, so she decides to hire someone to find the murderer. She chooses a middle-aged one-eyed lawman Rooster Cogburn who has a shady past, and reputation, for the job as she feels he has "grit". She also makes it clear that she will be going along on the quest to supervise and assist.
The whole story takes place within a few weeks and Mattie tells it when she is an old woman. However, the crisp descriptions of the landscape, people and events would have the reader wonder if things really happened the way they are depicted if it weren't for the somewhat pious and matter of fact tone the narrator uses. To me, Mattie is the one that embodies the title of having "true grit". It is a interesting and very short book - full of revenge, justice, and adventure.
Read-a-likes (from NoveList):
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent
Butch Cassidy by William W. Johnstone
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Read-a-likes (from NoveList):
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent
Butch Cassidy by William W. Johnstone
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Monday, March 10, 2014
Classic fantasy
The Once and Future King by T. H. White
Genre: fantasy
Publisher: Putnam and Sons edition, NY 1965
Ace edition: June 1987
ISBN: 0-441-62740-4
Pages: 639
Setting: Mythical England
Time Period: Medieval Era
Summary: This is a story of the mythical Arthur and his court, how he grows up, is trained by the magician Merlin, and pulls the sword from the stone to become the greatest King of England. Arthur marries the beautiful Guenever and creates the famous Round Table as he gathers a group of the best and loyal knights in the land - including Lancelot, Gawain, and Galahad - to his side.
Appeals: epic story; great characterizations; wonderful world building
Tone: There are many moments that are very funny and light, but is also serious and weighty.
Pace: slow to build, then steady
Opinion: White does a fantastic job of giving the characters depth, and the reader is given a different perspective, to possibly dislodge set preconceptions, on their actions and behaviors. He uses comparisons between these mythical beings and the real world so the reader can relate and understand. For example, when White writes about Guenever and her lot in life and offers a possible explanation for her continual attraction to Lancelot:
"People are easily dazzled by Round Tables and feats of arms...Yet Guenever could not search for the Grail. She could not vanish into the English forest for a year's adventure with the spear. It was her part to sit at home, though passionate, though real and hungry in her fierce and tender heart. For her there were no recognized diversions expect what is comparable to the ladies' bridge party of today. She could hawk with a merlin, or play blind man's buff, or pince-merille. These were the amusements of grown-up women in her time. But the great hawks, the hounds, heraldry, tournaments - these were for Lancelot. For her, unless she felt like a little spinning or embroidery, there was no occupation - except Lancelot" (473).
White weaves these explanations in gracefully with many of the main characters, and they do not interfere or slow down the movement of the plot - that keeps at a steady pace. The pacing is also moved forward by the huge cast of characters and all of their antics and many adventures. White's full descriptions of the time period and setting immerse the reader in Arthur's world. The Once and Future King is a book full of bravery, action, humor, quests (always the quests in fantasy!), battles, chivalry, love, honor, magic, reflection, loss and hope. Lest I forget - the love triangles, good versus evil, Christianity versus Paganism or Faery, and the mythical Camelot. It is a great work of fantasy and deserving of being called a "classic".
Read-a-likes:
Read-a-likes:
- Lady of Avalon (prequel) and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Arthurian tales told from the women's perspective)
- The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (epic fantasy)
- Knights of the Roundtable: Lancelot by Gwen Rowley (historical fantasy romance)
- Merlin by Steven Lawhead (Arthurian tale)
- The History of the Kings of Britain or Historia Regum Britanniae by Geoffrey of Monmouth translated by Lewis Thorpe (one of the first accounts of Arthur)
- Avalon High by Meg Cabot (the characters are reincarnated and are in a modern high school setting)
- The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay (first in a trilogy about 5 college students, epic Arthurian fantasy)
Note: If you have read any Arthurian stories, you will see references popping up in the most random places: newspaper articles, political blogs (Kennedy/Camelot), crossword puzzles, books that have nothing to do with fantasy, etc. I can only read so much of the Arthurian myths because with the majority of "romantic" or "heroic" literature before the 15th c. - or thereabouts - the story may end on a hopeful note, but not necessarily a "happily ever after" ending. And the latter are my book crack. It says something about White's writing that I fairly breezed through this lengthy book - even though I knew exactly what was coming next.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Booktalk
I used my daughter's laptop, recorded myself, and when I had the final version that I could cope with, I stopped. I am not sure why this made me so nuts, but it took so long that I had to do them in sections. Otherwise, I would've had to kick everyone out of the house for days.
I
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Week 7 Prompt
Thankfully, I wasn't working at a library during the Oprah years, although I was a faithful patron. I didn't watch her show either, but many of my neighbors and friends did and were sucked into the frenzy of the book club books. I have only read a few on her "list" but when my friends would tell me how one made them cry throughout the entire book, all I could think was, Why would I want to be depressed, too? The Frey book fiasco didn't really affect me. I didn't read it so I wasn't emotionally invested (or financially as I didn't buy it), and the only thing I wondered about was if he had plagiarized - which he apparently hadn't. He was just a dishonest jerk in a different way.
In regards to Patterson, it boggles my mind that people still put in requests for his books, then after they return them, tell me the book wasn't good. Especially if it was "written" with another author. This happens constantly, and I'll ask them if they want to find another author, or another series, and they just say no. Then they'll put in another request. Wash, rinse, repeat. Patterson's books and his "empire" reminds me of Tom Clancy's. His Net Force series - which bears his name in huge letters, is written by Steve Perry and the latter's name is in very small print, which isn't lying, just seems sneaky.
There are always going to controversies about books and authors. Here is one that happened a few days ago and is still being talked about.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/lynn-shepherd/jk-rowling-should-stop-writing_b_4829648.html
In regards to Patterson, it boggles my mind that people still put in requests for his books, then after they return them, tell me the book wasn't good. Especially if it was "written" with another author. This happens constantly, and I'll ask them if they want to find another author, or another series, and they just say no. Then they'll put in another request. Wash, rinse, repeat. Patterson's books and his "empire" reminds me of Tom Clancy's. His Net Force series - which bears his name in huge letters, is written by Steve Perry and the latter's name is in very small print, which isn't lying, just seems sneaky.
There are always going to controversies about books and authors. Here is one that happened a few days ago and is still being talked about.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/lynn-shepherd/jk-rowling-should-stop-writing_b_4829648.html
Monday, February 24, 2014
Science Fiction novel
The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith
eBook
Publisher: A Red Hot Romance Erotic Novel (September 12, 2013)
1929 KB (1500+ pages?)
*Edit: I was criticized by a friend (kindly) for the length of this review - scroll to bottom for short version.
This book is like nothing I have ever read. It was so compelling I stayed up until 5am before having to go to work. It took me three days to finish it, and that is unusual. It is a long novel. Epic long. But even now, a few weeks after reading it, I still think about it often. I am not sure why it's published by an erotic publisher because it is not an erotic romance.
The story begins on a futuristic Earth, when resources are scarce and Amber Bierce doesn't have many options to survive. Her life has been pretty awful on Earth. After her drug-addict mother dies, she signs up to travel on a spaceship that is being sent to an earth-like planet for colonization and forces her younger sister along. None of the would-be colonists are prepared when the ship crashes on an unknown planet, the majority of them die, and then try to determine who will be in charge and how to survive.
The first character in the dual storyline is that of the human heroine Amber. She is stubborn, strong, loyal, practical and is quite fierce, and these qualities alienate most of the surviving humans against her, including her useless sister who blames Amber for dragging her to this "awful" planet. The other main character is the hero Uyane Meoraq, who is from a noble house and is an important priest/warrior/judge in his society. He is a zealot, can be a self-righteous jerk but also protective and caring and is thoughtful in his interpretations from his god. He is one of the best heroes I have ever read about. The author introduces these characters to the reader before they meet, so you feel you have a good grasp of their personalities.
Meoraq is on a pilgrimage to a holy shrine, delaying his responsibility to take over as the head of his house and having to get married, when he comes across the humans. He is more than shocked to find these creatures, but believes god has put them in his path for a reason and decides to take them with him on his quest. Meoraq sees the humans as unintelligent, selfish and ugly. The humans view him as a dumb primitive and think he should help them because they are human and he is a lizardman. Yes, a 6 foot tall lizardman. Amber is the only one that realizes he is intelligent and that he refuses to learn their language because of his religion. Plus, it's hard because he has a snout. She alone tries to figure out how to communicate with him and slowly learns his language.
Over time, Meoraq begins to respect Amber and her determination and willingness to adapt, unlike the other humans. She is opinionated and never gives up, and is nothing like the meek, silent women he knows. Amber respects him and his knowledge, and is thankful he is willing to show her how to take care of herself and her sister on this hostile planet. After a lot of prayer and meditating, the arrogant Meoraq comes to believe that god has sent Amber to him to be his wife. Amber isn't so sure, as she is an atheist, and their arguments about faith are amusing. The love story between them unfolds very slowly, as they are initially tentative allies, then friends. The transition is completely believable, humorous and is filled with a lot of reluctance - he still thinks she's ugly and she can hardly forget that he's a lizardman - but they fall for each other anyway. The trials they face on their journey are many and some are brutal - awful things happen, mainly with Amber - but even in the bleakest moments, they still have absolute faith in each other. Many of the secondary characters are annoying, mostly the humans as they are poorly drawn out, or just so whiny or cruel I was irritated that Amber kept caring about them. I found myself hoping a few would be killed off.
The world building is amazing! The author does a great job of showing us the world, as opposed to telling us about it. As the reader sees this world from both Amber and Meoraq's perspectives - Amber thinks it's barbaric and can't shake the feeling there is something "off" about the planet. Meoraq only knows this world, so for him, it's normal. The reader is completely immersed in the alien world. You can easily visualize the animals, plants, landscapes, and colors, what the cities look like, how the alien society functions and it's religion, and even the slightest physical gestures by the lizard people is understood. The reader is reminded they are in fact lizard people, but that becomes unimportant, the alien aspect of their features becomes familiar. Some themes touched on in the book are technological, biological and environmental disasters, faith, love, familial bonds, society, and compassion. The ending of the novel ties the recurring themes together, and leaves the reader full of hope.
This book is hard to categorize. It is very intense and not an easy read. People either love this book, or they hate it. It definitely is not for everyone. It deals with many issues that the squeamish may want to avoid - violence, rape and torture. I do not consider those aspects to be gratuitous or titillating in the least. These actions seem plausible in the context of the book and did, in fact, propel the plot along. Romance readers may shy away from the violence and the scifi elements, and hardcore scifi readers may be put off by the romance aspect, but to me, they are missing out on an amazing book if they let those prejudices get in the way. The author described this novel as a "scifi/horror" story. I would only partially agree. It's much more than that. I would say it is also a book about strength, faith and love. It just happens in a completely different society, 6000 light years away from Earth, on an alien planet, and yes, with lizard people. While it has it's flaws, I loved this book and will be rereading it soon. Rating: It is intended for mature audiences as it contains graphic violence, strong sexual content and explicit language.
* Since said friend told me this review is epic (and she did read book and loved it), here is the short version. Human woman leaves Earth and spaceship crashes. On alien planet she meets a lizardman and he helps her survive. World building is awesome. They go on a quest. They fight, become friends, fall in love, and yes, have sex. And no, it's not gross. Read it to believe it. Good things happen. She gets kidnapped, bad things happen, she saves herself. They save each other, the end is crazy and ties things up. There are other characters in the book. It's intense. Loved the book. I can't come up with any read-a-likes because I don't know of any. Dark scifi/romance perhaps? End of mini-review.
Mystery annotation
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood
Genre: Mystery
Published: First Paperback Edition edition (April 1, 2007)
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Number of pages: 175
Phyrne Fisher is wealthy, fashionable and smart. She is also bored of London society and when an acquaintance asks her to travel to Australia to check on his daughter, Phyrne acquiesces to go back to the place of her birth.
Taking place during the late 1920s, Phyrne (pronounced Fry-knee) settles in at Melbourne's posh Windsor Hotel, meets her colorful and recurring band of cohorts, Mac, Dot, Bert, Cec, and Inspector Robinson and quickly is immersed in dealing with a poisoning, a cocaine ring, a back-alley abortion racket, corrupt cops and communist cabbie sympathizers. She solves her mysteries with aplomb, all while dressing fabulous, finding an exotic lover, and having a true empathy for the working class, as she was once one of their members. Phyrne is sometimes called a "female James Bond" and that comparison is apt as she can do most anything, and look good while doing it. Cocaine Blues is the first of twenty mysteries featuring Phyrne. These books have been turned into a TV series. Rating: PG13.
Appeals:
- fast-paced
- unique setting
- satisfying cozy mystery
- Lord Peter Wimsey mystery series by Dorothy L. Sayers - set during the 1930s, initially focuses only on Lord Peter but later the series incorporates his love interest, Harriet Vane. The first in the series is Whose Body? Several of these novels have been adapted into radio and a TV series.
- Lady Georgiana Rannoch in the Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen, set in the 1930s amongst England's aristocrats, the first is Her Royal Spyness.
- Other classic cozies are those written by Dame Agatha Christie. One series stars the English amateur sleuth Miss Marple and another with the Belgian private detective Hercule Poirot. Most of the novels take place between the two world wars. These books have adapted into radio programs, TV series, movies, comic books and video games.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Baker Response
It would be great if a speaker had read the books he/she is going to talk about, however, it's impractical. While I have read the medieval mysteries I discussed and would be very enthusiastic, it's not a genre everyone likes. If I felt a group would prefer something like The Kite Runner I don't think I should have to read it. I would do some research and read some reviews to be able to tell a group about it, and stir up some enthusiasm. I don't even have time to read the books on my to-read list, much less one for a random group. I would only feel it necessary to read one if it were for an actual book club discussion.
Booktalk
If I were to do a Booktalk, I would make sure to have a copy of any book (and any extra copies my library had) I discussed with me, and if I were to link a book to a TV series, I would make sure to bring those as well. I would make one book the focus of my talk, but bring others that are of the same genre for variety. For this talk, I would probably wear my "Bring out yer dead" Monty Python t-shirt, but that would depend on the particular group.
Hi. I would like to tell you about some fabulous books that create a great combination of medieval history and mysteries! If you aren't a history fan, these books are a good way to find out interesting facts without feeling as though you are in a high school history class. If you are a fan, then you will appreciate the author's attention to those details. The first historical mystery I brought today is by an author who writes in several different genres, including romance and fantasy, and who lives in LaFayette, Indiana! Her name is Roberta Gellis and the book is called A Mortal Bane.
<hold up book>
This book is about a woman who works in the oldest profession. Yep, she's a prostitute. It's also based in twelfth century London and Magdalene la Bâtarde chose this path because it was the only one available to her to survive. Unwed women did not have many choices available to them at that time. So when a client is found dead, she and her women are blamed and Magdalene must find out who murdered the dead man or she may hang. Sir Bellamy is the investigator sent to determine "whodunit" and finds himself respecting Magdalene - perhaps he even feels a bit more?
Magdalene is an engaging character, she is practical and also kind. Her profession does not deter the reader from liking her and wanting to know more, especially from the hints about her secretive past. Bellamy is the love interest, but that is secondary to the mystery and is not fully developed until later. The details of London and how society works is very interesting, but those details are integrated into the story so well, the reader doesn't even realize how much information they are getting as they are just absorbed in the story. There are three other titles in this series and through each book the characters grow and change.
<pass book around and hold up next book>
Another title in the medieval era is Candace M. Robb's The Apothecary's Rose. This is the first in a series of ten books about a retired Welsh archer, aptly named Owen Archer. The time is 1363 and the setting is York, England. Owen is sent to investigate the murder of a highborn noble. Once he solves this mystery, he is begun to be seen as an "investigator" and is called upon to solve more. Robb gives Owen an interesting and recurring secondary cast of characters that are important to him and his work. She also describes the time period well, and the places Owen must venture to in the course of his investigations.
<pass book around and hold up next book and DVD series>
Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter) is probably the most famous of these medieval authors, as she wrote the Brother Cadfael series set during the 1100s. You may have seen the TV series starring Derek Jacobi. The Welsh born Cadfael turned to the cloister when he was in his forties, and had previously been a soldier and sailor. His worldly experience helps him solve mysteries, although it also gets him in to a bit of trouble as he has a sense of justice that others may not appreciate. One recurring theme in the books is that of star-crossed lovers. Brother Cadfael always solves the mystery and helps the lovers unite. The first in this series is A Morbid Taste for Bones.
<pass book and first (or more) season of the DVD series around, hold up final book>
The last book I am suggesting for Medieval Mystery Madness? Last but definitely not least, The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman. She won an Edgar award for this mystery, is a fantastic author, and this book is the first of four. They are about Justin de Quincy who is Queen Elinor of Aquitaine's "man" and she sends him to solve serious issues that affect the crown. The time period is the late 1100s and takes place in different areas of England. Penman also has other fabulous historical titles if all these books have whet your interest.
<pass book around>
I love all of these books, and have read all of Gellis', Robb's and Penman's books, their mysteries as well as their other titles. I am a slacker and have only read 4 of Ellis', but they are great reads. These books are definitely a great way to delve into the past but with the conveniences of modern plumbing. Happy reading!
I'd give them a list of the books I have talked about plus other medieval mystery authors with the first title in their series (if there is one):
Margaret Frazer
P.C. Doherty
Michael Jecks
Umberto Eco
Hi. I would like to tell you about some fabulous books that create a great combination of medieval history and mysteries! If you aren't a history fan, these books are a good way to find out interesting facts without feeling as though you are in a high school history class. If you are a fan, then you will appreciate the author's attention to those details. The first historical mystery I brought today is by an author who writes in several different genres, including romance and fantasy, and who lives in LaFayette, Indiana! Her name is Roberta Gellis and the book is called A Mortal Bane.
<hold up book>
This book is about a woman who works in the oldest profession. Yep, she's a prostitute. It's also based in twelfth century London and Magdalene la Bâtarde chose this path because it was the only one available to her to survive. Unwed women did not have many choices available to them at that time. So when a client is found dead, she and her women are blamed and Magdalene must find out who murdered the dead man or she may hang. Sir Bellamy is the investigator sent to determine "whodunit" and finds himself respecting Magdalene - perhaps he even feels a bit more?
Magdalene is an engaging character, she is practical and also kind. Her profession does not deter the reader from liking her and wanting to know more, especially from the hints about her secretive past. Bellamy is the love interest, but that is secondary to the mystery and is not fully developed until later. The details of London and how society works is very interesting, but those details are integrated into the story so well, the reader doesn't even realize how much information they are getting as they are just absorbed in the story. There are three other titles in this series and through each book the characters grow and change.
<pass book around and hold up next book>
Another title in the medieval era is Candace M. Robb's The Apothecary's Rose. This is the first in a series of ten books about a retired Welsh archer, aptly named Owen Archer. The time is 1363 and the setting is York, England. Owen is sent to investigate the murder of a highborn noble. Once he solves this mystery, he is begun to be seen as an "investigator" and is called upon to solve more. Robb gives Owen an interesting and recurring secondary cast of characters that are important to him and his work. She also describes the time period well, and the places Owen must venture to in the course of his investigations.
<pass book around and hold up next book and DVD series>
Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter) is probably the most famous of these medieval authors, as she wrote the Brother Cadfael series set during the 1100s. You may have seen the TV series starring Derek Jacobi. The Welsh born Cadfael turned to the cloister when he was in his forties, and had previously been a soldier and sailor. His worldly experience helps him solve mysteries, although it also gets him in to a bit of trouble as he has a sense of justice that others may not appreciate. One recurring theme in the books is that of star-crossed lovers. Brother Cadfael always solves the mystery and helps the lovers unite. The first in this series is A Morbid Taste for Bones.
<pass book and first (or more) season of the DVD series around, hold up final book>
The last book I am suggesting for Medieval Mystery Madness? Last but definitely not least, The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman. She won an Edgar award for this mystery, is a fantastic author, and this book is the first of four. They are about Justin de Quincy who is Queen Elinor of Aquitaine's "man" and she sends him to solve serious issues that affect the crown. The time period is the late 1100s and takes place in different areas of England. Penman also has other fabulous historical titles if all these books have whet your interest.
<pass book around>
I love all of these books, and have read all of Gellis', Robb's and Penman's books, their mysteries as well as their other titles. I am a slacker and have only read 4 of Ellis', but they are great reads. These books are definitely a great way to delve into the past but with the conveniences of modern plumbing. Happy reading!
I'd give them a list of the books I have talked about plus other medieval mystery authors with the first title in their series (if there is one):
Margaret Frazer
P.C. Doherty
Michael Jecks
Umberto Eco
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Inspirational Romance annotation
A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell
Three young Italian immigrant women in America are trying to determine how they fit in with their new country in this historical romance set during 1918 with WWI and the Spanish influenza epidemic raging in the background, while they also try to balance the obligations of family and faith with their own desires.
Julietta comes from a loving family, yet longs for excitement, but will her choices lead her into trouble? Annamaria is the eldest girl in her family and is beginning to chafe at the expectations of giving up her dreams of marriage and children to take care of her parents - will this quiet good girl get what she longs for? Luciana has a secret, one that has followed her from Italy and keeps her in constant fear, will she be able to put the past to behind her and find happiness in her new country? These girls meet while finding employment in a dress shop, and as they become friends and their lives intersect, they make mistakes but learn from them to create hopeful futures for themselves. Rating: G
- strong community/family ties
- religion/beliefs
- sweet story
- Misunderstandings between the couples
- Secondary characters mainly hinder progression of romance, or may help
- Historical setting determines the gender roles
- HEA, happily ever after
Author Read-a-likes from NoveList using keywords Christian historical fiction:
- Siri Mitchell - She Walks in Beauty
- Judith Pella - Written on the Wind
- Maureen Lang - The Oak Leaves
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
eBooks info
I had emailed someone at work to find out the cost of eBooks for our library system. I told her that a student in this class had mentioned the cost being around $85 per 24 check outs for one title. I received an answer from the woman - she was nice enough to get back to me quickly - who deals with and orders titles from our eBook vendor, Overdrive.
So many publishers, so many lending models is all I can say here. A few year back, HarperCollins took a ton of flack for saying that you were only buying their e-books for 26 circs and then you would have to buy them again. Libraries protested and refused to buy them. Sadly, Harper's model seems pretty good now. Their prices are cheap (about $10 for many titles) and if a book is circing well, I wouldn't mind the nominal fee to keep it. (But that's just me!) Then, Random House announced they would be increasing their prices. A Bestseller like "Takedown Twenty" by Evanovich costs $84. JK Rowling entered the game and announced her Harry Potter e-books would be good for 5 years. It's a brave new world and everyone is still trying to figure out the mechanics of it all.
I asked if an author wasn't with a publishing house, could they work out a deal with Overdrive?
OverDrive will work with self-published authors. They use aggregators like Smashwords and CreateSpace. It looks like they typically won't carry an author unless the author has written at least 5 books. You can email pubinfo@overdrive.com for the specifics.
Lastly, I asked - Is it possible to actually get eBooks through a library that isn't connected to Overdrive? Or will purchasing or finding freebies be their (our) only option?
Jamie LaRue of Douglas County is the one to Google here. He was the "big player" when it came to trying to do his own thing with e-books. He set up servers, etc. and wanted to carry local and indie authors without going through OverDrive. http://douglascountylibraries.org/content/ebooks-and-DCL There are others. Some library systems in California have followed his lead. Our own Director was interested in the feasibility of this. After looking into it, what you would save by avoiding price gouging, etc. you would be spending on tech skills and support. Also, the content would not be what many patrons would be looking for. The patrons want the things they have heard about--Bestseller list books.
Just thought it was good to know. Thanks again Anna for the heads up on the cost.
So many publishers, so many lending models is all I can say here. A few year back, HarperCollins took a ton of flack for saying that you were only buying their e-books for 26 circs and then you would have to buy them again. Libraries protested and refused to buy them. Sadly, Harper's model seems pretty good now. Their prices are cheap (about $10 for many titles) and if a book is circing well, I wouldn't mind the nominal fee to keep it. (But that's just me!) Then, Random House announced they would be increasing their prices. A Bestseller like "Takedown Twenty" by Evanovich costs $84. JK Rowling entered the game and announced her Harry Potter e-books would be good for 5 years. It's a brave new world and everyone is still trying to figure out the mechanics of it all.
I asked if an author wasn't with a publishing house, could they work out a deal with Overdrive?
OverDrive will work with self-published authors. They use aggregators like Smashwords and CreateSpace. It looks like they typically won't carry an author unless the author has written at least 5 books. You can email pubinfo@overdrive.com for the specifics.
Lastly, I asked - Is it possible to actually get eBooks through a library that isn't connected to Overdrive? Or will purchasing or finding freebies be their (our) only option?
Jamie LaRue of Douglas County is the one to Google here. He was the "big player" when it came to trying to do his own thing with e-books. He set up servers, etc. and wanted to carry local and indie authors without going through OverDrive. http://douglascountylibraries.org/content/ebooks-and-DCL There are others. Some library systems in California have followed his lead. Our own Director was interested in the feasibility of this. After looking into it, what you would save by avoiding price gouging, etc. you would be spending on tech skills and support. Also, the content would not be what many patrons would be looking for. The patrons want the things they have heard about--Bestseller list books.
Just thought it was good to know. Thanks again Anna for the heads up on the cost.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Week 5 Prompt
Since many eBooks are self-published, that can make it challenging for authors and a library's collection. Unless a book has gotten a lot of buzz, most of these books are overlooked, even by many bloggers. The authors just don't have the marketing skills, or money, to get their book or name known. However, the publishing industry as a whole would not want reviews done of indie eBook authors. It cuts them out of their money. However, for us in our industry, a reason why eBooks should be reviewed is because they are cheaper and easy to deal with. Reviews should be done by authors publishing by a house or not. If libraries are worried about lowering costs, this should be something seriously considered. So many people now read on devices, and while I don't think books will go out of print any time soon, reading eBooks will become more prevalent in the near future.
The first review of the romantic suspense wasn't a review, it was a summary. The second gave the potential reader a glimpse into the book - the personal conflicts the characters are dealing with, what type of paranormal issue, the speed of the book, the style and whether the reviewer liked it. If I were to use either review, it definitely would be based on the second. Depending on what library I was working in, I might buy it.
After reading the review of Angela's Ashes, I would buy it for my library. This reviewer gave comparisons to show the differences, and of why and what makes memoirs compelling. To me, this was that the "happy" ending needs to balance out or surpass the misery that the person endured (at least in these). Since this type of memoir can be very heavy, or depressing, the fact that McCourt uses humor in his work is a positive factor. So is the fact that he won a Pulitzer. However, I would have given up on reading this review if it weren't for class.
No, I do not think that it's fair at all that one book or specific authors get a ton of reviews and others don't. Whenever I see a book reviewed by several professional publications, and it's turned into a bestseller with neon lights, it makes me not want to read it. Usually I won't (I still haven't seen The Titanic because I was so sick of hearing about it that I was completely turned off). The whole process reminds me of herding cattle.
I have daily, weekly and monthly scoop emailed to me, mostly blogs but some newsletters - Tor, Orbit, Angry Robot (all three scifi and/or fantasy), Early Word, Goodreads, and Topping and Company (a bookstore in Bath, England I visited, mostly literary) for upcoming books, and Smart Bitches Trashy Books (my favorite, and mainly romance with random stuff thrown in), Dear Author (all types of romance, from inspirational to paranormal, but I've seen scifi, too), cuddlebuggery (YA and thanks for that one!), and occasionally I will check out Locus (scifi) for reviews. I have recently signed up for an ALA membership, and transferred my books from Goodreads to Library Thing. I don't read many amazon reviews, there are too many, "OMG, I love this book!" crazy fan reviews to filter through. Goodreads is a bit better, and now that I have been using Library Thing I will consult that more often. I also read whatever magazine that has reviews that may float by me at work. It's hard to keep up.
The first review of the romantic suspense wasn't a review, it was a summary. The second gave the potential reader a glimpse into the book - the personal conflicts the characters are dealing with, what type of paranormal issue, the speed of the book, the style and whether the reviewer liked it. If I were to use either review, it definitely would be based on the second. Depending on what library I was working in, I might buy it.
After reading the review of Angela's Ashes, I would buy it for my library. This reviewer gave comparisons to show the differences, and of why and what makes memoirs compelling. To me, this was that the "happy" ending needs to balance out or surpass the misery that the person endured (at least in these). Since this type of memoir can be very heavy, or depressing, the fact that McCourt uses humor in his work is a positive factor. So is the fact that he won a Pulitzer. However, I would have given up on reading this review if it weren't for class.
No, I do not think that it's fair at all that one book or specific authors get a ton of reviews and others don't. Whenever I see a book reviewed by several professional publications, and it's turned into a bestseller with neon lights, it makes me not want to read it. Usually I won't (I still haven't seen The Titanic because I was so sick of hearing about it that I was completely turned off). The whole process reminds me of herding cattle.
I have daily, weekly and monthly scoop emailed to me, mostly blogs but some newsletters - Tor, Orbit, Angry Robot (all three scifi and/or fantasy), Early Word, Goodreads, and Topping and Company (a bookstore in Bath, England I visited, mostly literary) for upcoming books, and Smart Bitches Trashy Books (my favorite, and mainly romance with random stuff thrown in), Dear Author (all types of romance, from inspirational to paranormal, but I've seen scifi, too), cuddlebuggery (YA and thanks for that one!), and occasionally I will check out Locus (scifi) for reviews. I have recently signed up for an ALA membership, and transferred my books from Goodreads to Library Thing. I don't read many amazon reviews, there are too many, "OMG, I love this book!" crazy fan reviews to filter through. Goodreads is a bit better, and now that I have been using Library Thing I will consult that more often. I also read whatever magazine that has reviews that may float by me at work. It's hard to keep up.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Kirkus Style Review
Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia
Waking up in a hospital after tossing his boss out of a window and finding out monsters are in fact real, scarred and battered Owen Z. Pitt gets a job offer to kill more of them with Monster Hunter International.Surviving the attack by his werewolf boss is the catalyst of Owen's entry into this secret society. He accepts the job to become a monster hunter in a private company that trains and works with others who survived their own attacks. Of course, immediately after he is employed, there is a horrible enemy that appears and Owen and his fellow hunters need to save the world. Unfortunately, readers are continually reminded that the main protagonist is large, ugly, and bald, and although he is not perfect at everything, he's oh-so-close. The fellow hunters are all uninspiring, especially the two female characters who are nothing more than bland clichés; one is a stripper that only wanted to put herself through medical school and the other is the main character's love interest, with whom he fell for at first sight after watching her shoot a gun better than he can. However, the real love story, waxed poetically upon pages and pages, are all things regarding guns and bullets. The premise of this book sounds intriguing: a secret group that may have to save the world as they fight against these real-life monsters. Alas, the result gives readers nothing new, using all the common tropes of the genre, without any satisfying reward at the end of this very lengthy novel.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Secret Shopper
I went to a local library, and had never been there before. I entered the building, which is fairly old and is a bi-level. I thought I saw people moving around upstairs so I went up the steps.
Some libraries have so much information when you walk in the door, signs all over the place, book stands, etc. that is can be overwhelming. This one was a bit more "calm." The way to the desk was clear and no other patrons were there, just three library workers. On the counter there was a flyer for some upcoming events, and some bookmarks but I didn't see anything regarding books themselves. I was met with a pleasant greeting by, let's call her Pleasant Librarian.
Me: Hi. I am looking for a book, please.
Pleasant: Oh. (At this point, the second, or Crabby Librarian, gave a weary sigh and left. I didn't see her again. The third, Neutral Librarian stayed, but hardly looked up.) Ok, um, what type of book are you looking for?
Me: Well, I like fantasy. And I sort of -
Pleasant: Have you read The Narnia Chronicles?
Me: Yes. A long time ago. I also read a book by Joe Abercrombie around Christmas, something with "Cold" in the title? Maybe like that?
Pleasant: Ok. Let me see.
(I had no idea what she's typing in her computer, nor what database or site she's looking at.)
Pleasant: Hmm. We have a couple of his titles here, do you want those? (Obviously, she was looking on their catalog, but didn't check to see if they were part of a series, which a few are and would make me nuts if I got them out of order.)
Me: He's kind of bloody, is there anything less descriptive with the battles and whatnot?
Pleasant: Let me look again. (I was almost lying over the counter to see, she was now looking up amazon.com. Neutral was furiously typing something and then she got involved.)
Neutral to Pleasant: Here, try these (pointing to her computer).
Pleasant: Here's a couple (and proceeded to write them down), The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and The Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan.
Me: Oh, ok, um, looks good, I guess. Thanks. How'd you find those books? (to Neutral, who didn't answer me)
Pleasant: She found them on Goodreads. Fiction is over there (pointing to her left and smiling), if you need help let me know! And we have lots of helpful information on our website, too!
After she pointed in the direction of fiction, she went to work on something and I was dismissed. No one walked me over there to check if the two titles were even in, or the catalog to see if they were in the collection. At least I didn't think they did, I couldn't see their screens without laying on top of the counter. The two titles I had read, so they are less descriptive - a bit - but it was annoying how the one left with a sigh (uh, hello? maybe your job?), then the other, Neutral, didn't even make eye contact with me or deign to speak to me. I would consider it a success in that those were both decent suggestions, but I couldn't tell if it was just picking two off of a list by luck, or Neutral may have been familiar with the genre, or anything. I was hyper aware I was in Secret Shopper Mode, so I am not sure if I was being normal, or stiff, and the whole experience was "off" because I was looking for specific things. I did go in with a positive attitude because a relative of mine is a patron and always tells me how fabulous they all are with her. However, if I were a patron at that library, and it was my first venture there, I would be irked (I am now) because Crabby left and Neutral didn't look up once. Pleasant was nice enough, so the whole visit wasn't awful, but she didn't give me any library literature that had, for example, the library's website address to find "helpful information." Nor did anyone ask if I was a new patron, did I need a card? Anything of that nature. I am hoping for the other patron's sake, and prospective patrons, Crabby and Neutral were having a bad day.
Some libraries have so much information when you walk in the door, signs all over the place, book stands, etc. that is can be overwhelming. This one was a bit more "calm." The way to the desk was clear and no other patrons were there, just three library workers. On the counter there was a flyer for some upcoming events, and some bookmarks but I didn't see anything regarding books themselves. I was met with a pleasant greeting by, let's call her Pleasant Librarian.
Me: Hi. I am looking for a book, please.
Pleasant: Oh. (At this point, the second, or Crabby Librarian, gave a weary sigh and left. I didn't see her again. The third, Neutral Librarian stayed, but hardly looked up.) Ok, um, what type of book are you looking for?
Me: Well, I like fantasy. And I sort of -
Pleasant: Have you read The Narnia Chronicles?
Me: Yes. A long time ago. I also read a book by Joe Abercrombie around Christmas, something with "Cold" in the title? Maybe like that?
Pleasant: Ok. Let me see.
(I had no idea what she's typing in her computer, nor what database or site she's looking at.)
Pleasant: Hmm. We have a couple of his titles here, do you want those? (Obviously, she was looking on their catalog, but didn't check to see if they were part of a series, which a few are and would make me nuts if I got them out of order.)
Me: He's kind of bloody, is there anything less descriptive with the battles and whatnot?
Pleasant: Let me look again. (I was almost lying over the counter to see, she was now looking up amazon.com. Neutral was furiously typing something and then she got involved.)
Neutral to Pleasant: Here, try these (pointing to her computer).
Pleasant: Here's a couple (and proceeded to write them down), The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and The Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan.
Me: Oh, ok, um, looks good, I guess. Thanks. How'd you find those books? (to Neutral, who didn't answer me)
Pleasant: She found them on Goodreads. Fiction is over there (pointing to her left and smiling), if you need help let me know! And we have lots of helpful information on our website, too!
After she pointed in the direction of fiction, she went to work on something and I was dismissed. No one walked me over there to check if the two titles were even in, or the catalog to see if they were in the collection. At least I didn't think they did, I couldn't see their screens without laying on top of the counter. The two titles I had read, so they are less descriptive - a bit - but it was annoying how the one left with a sigh (uh, hello? maybe your job?), then the other, Neutral, didn't even make eye contact with me or deign to speak to me. I would consider it a success in that those were both decent suggestions, but I couldn't tell if it was just picking two off of a list by luck, or Neutral may have been familiar with the genre, or anything. I was hyper aware I was in Secret Shopper Mode, so I am not sure if I was being normal, or stiff, and the whole experience was "off" because I was looking for specific things. I did go in with a positive attitude because a relative of mine is a patron and always tells me how fabulous they all are with her. However, if I were a patron at that library, and it was my first venture there, I would be irked (I am now) because Crabby left and Neutral didn't look up once. Pleasant was nice enough, so the whole visit wasn't awful, but she didn't give me any library literature that had, for example, the library's website address to find "helpful information." Nor did anyone ask if I was a new patron, did I need a card? Anything of that nature. I am hoping for the other patron's sake, and prospective patrons, Crabby and Neutral were having a bad day.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Week 3 Prompt
1) I am looking for a book by Laurell K. Hamilton. I just read the third
book in the Anita Blake series and I can’t figure out which one comes
next!
I went to Laurell Hamilton's web page, clicked on Works, then All the Books in Anita Blake series and the page showed all the books in order. The fourth book is The Lunatic Cafe. Her page does not have a printable list. It would take too much ink to print. Goodreads doesn't either, and NoveList has one but I couldn't figure out how to cut out the graphic novels. I've printed lists from there before, and while it's less ink, it is very lengthy. I'd write the rest of the book series down.
2) What have I read recently? Well, I just finished this great book by Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer. I really liked the way it was written, you know, the way she used language. I wouldn't mind something a bit faster paced though.
I went to NoveList, typed in Prodigal Summer, clicked on title and searched. I then clicked on Read-a-likes and the first on the list is Ant Hill by Edward O. Wilson. Going back, I then added in Fast Pace and that brought up two mysteries. I went back and clicked on the title and on the right side of the screen was a listing of 9 Read-a-likes, beginning with Ant Hill again which is described as lyrical. I'd also show the patron A Rhinestone Button by Gail Anderson-Dargatz as the writing is described as lyrical and lush.
3) I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!
First I would try to determine what "modern" and "historical" means to the patron. Does the patron like WWII? Is that "modern"? If that's not what he/she is interested in, then that would quickly rule out many books. Does the patron like books about Royalty, romance or adventure? Through NoveList, I initially searched for "Japanese historical" and that brought up The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery. Then I put "Japan" in the search and clicked on "strong sense of place", "historical fiction", "richly detailed" and for location, "Japan" again. This again brought up The Teahouse Fire, but also The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell. I clicked on Read-a-likes for The Teahouse Fire, and that brought up Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I would show the patron each description to see if any of these appeal.
4) I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?
I went to Goodreads and typed in the title. Then I would let the patron know that the book is the third novel in a series and see if he/she would like to read the others. There is a link of Readers Also Enjoyed on the top right, and Martha Grime's The Old Fox Deceiv'd was listed. If not, after to going to NoveList, I typed in the title and a Read-a-like was Still Life by Penny Louise.
5) My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?
I typed in World War Z and clicked on Read-a-likes on NoveList and out of the 10 books listed, only four of them have zombies in the books. If he wants zombies, I would suggest the four listed, starting with Blackout by Mira Grant.
I generally find books I read from blogs and websites. I signed up for several of them to get daily emails. Unfortunately, my library doesn't get Locus or a number of good magazines. I keep track of my books on Goodreads, this was before I had even heard of LibraryThing (or others like it), and I haven't even tried to figure out how to get all 1800 of my reads over there. I have found some good books from it. The other cool part about Goodreads is that many authors are on it, so you can become "friends" and/or check out their blogs or pages to see what's new. It's also nice to find a reviewer that has the same taste in books that you do, and then you can follow them. To help others I usually go to Goodreads and put in a title or an author they like and see what is similar. If a patron likes a book I have read, then I try to find a similar title or author from memory, Goodreads or NoveList. Usually in that order. Depending on how much time a patron has, or if we get crazy busy, I have been know to write down the patron's information and look it up if they need to leave. Then after I find something I think may be of interest to them, I'll either call or write a note in their record. They seem to appreciate the effort. This approach may not be the best way, but that's why I am taking this class!
How do I access the RA Online from IUPUI?
I went to Laurell Hamilton's web page, clicked on Works, then All the Books in Anita Blake series and the page showed all the books in order. The fourth book is The Lunatic Cafe. Her page does not have a printable list. It would take too much ink to print. Goodreads doesn't either, and NoveList has one but I couldn't figure out how to cut out the graphic novels. I've printed lists from there before, and while it's less ink, it is very lengthy. I'd write the rest of the book series down.
2) What have I read recently? Well, I just finished this great book by Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer. I really liked the way it was written, you know, the way she used language. I wouldn't mind something a bit faster paced though.
I went to NoveList, typed in Prodigal Summer, clicked on title and searched. I then clicked on Read-a-likes and the first on the list is Ant Hill by Edward O. Wilson. Going back, I then added in Fast Pace and that brought up two mysteries. I went back and clicked on the title and on the right side of the screen was a listing of 9 Read-a-likes, beginning with Ant Hill again which is described as lyrical. I'd also show the patron A Rhinestone Button by Gail Anderson-Dargatz as the writing is described as lyrical and lush.
3) I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!
First I would try to determine what "modern" and "historical" means to the patron. Does the patron like WWII? Is that "modern"? If that's not what he/she is interested in, then that would quickly rule out many books. Does the patron like books about Royalty, romance or adventure? Through NoveList, I initially searched for "Japanese historical" and that brought up The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery. Then I put "Japan" in the search and clicked on "strong sense of place", "historical fiction", "richly detailed" and for location, "Japan" again. This again brought up The Teahouse Fire, but also The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell. I clicked on Read-a-likes for The Teahouse Fire, and that brought up Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I would show the patron each description to see if any of these appeal.
4) I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?
I went to Goodreads and typed in the title. Then I would let the patron know that the book is the third novel in a series and see if he/she would like to read the others. There is a link of Readers Also Enjoyed on the top right, and Martha Grime's The Old Fox Deceiv'd was listed. If not, after to going to NoveList, I typed in the title and a Read-a-like was Still Life by Penny Louise.
5) My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?
I typed in World War Z and clicked on Read-a-likes on NoveList and out of the 10 books listed, only four of them have zombies in the books. If he wants zombies, I would suggest the four listed, starting with Blackout by Mira Grant.
I generally find books I read from blogs and websites. I signed up for several of them to get daily emails. Unfortunately, my library doesn't get Locus or a number of good magazines. I keep track of my books on Goodreads, this was before I had even heard of LibraryThing (or others like it), and I haven't even tried to figure out how to get all 1800 of my reads over there. I have found some good books from it. The other cool part about Goodreads is that many authors are on it, so you can become "friends" and/or check out their blogs or pages to see what's new. It's also nice to find a reviewer that has the same taste in books that you do, and then you can follow them. To help others I usually go to Goodreads and put in a title or an author they like and see what is similar. If a patron likes a book I have read, then I try to find a similar title or author from memory, Goodreads or NoveList. Usually in that order. Depending on how much time a patron has, or if we get crazy busy, I have been know to write down the patron's information and look it up if they need to leave. Then after I find something I think may be of interest to them, I'll either call or write a note in their record. They seem to appreciate the effort. This approach may not be the best way, but that's why I am taking this class!
How do I access the RA Online from IUPUI?
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Genre Picks
For my picks, I chose three genres I generally read. And two I like the least (the bottom two). Just to see...
Scifi
Fantasy
Mystery
Inspirational Romance
Western
Not sure what Fantasy would be considered a classic that I haven't already read! Eek! Suggestions?
Scifi
Fantasy
Mystery
Inspirational Romance
Western
Not sure what Fantasy would be considered a classic that I haven't already read! Eek! Suggestions?
Practice Annotation
The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale
Genre: Historical Romance
Summary: The hero, Samuel Gerard, was rescued from child prostitution by the wealthy and aristocratic Ashland family who live in Hawaii. The family is unaware that he has a mentor in their Japanese butler, who teaches him martial arts and self-discipline. He grows up into a handsome skilled warrior, believing passion is dangerous and a weakness, and decides to live chastely. In 1887 London he meets Leda Etoile, the heroine, at a chance meeting. A respectable but impoverished Leda is unfairly dismissed and Samuel offers her employment as a secretary after she keeps a secret for him. Succumbing to their attraction to one another, they must determine if it is only desire, or the beginning of so much more.
Sex rating: R
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Appeals:
- beautifully written
- sexual and/or emotional tension
- historically detailed
Characteristics of Historical Romance:
- tension: sexual and/or emotional, the main protagonists have to work through internal and/or external conflicts to be together
- secondary characters either help or hinder the main characters in their struggles or may provide comic relief
- codes of social conduct pertaining to the era
- social issues - roles of men and women, poverty, prostitution, class structure
- descriptions/details: large - country, land, houses; small - clothing, carriages, or specific rooms of a house
- usually with witty dialogue, moving the plot along
- HEA, or Happily Ever After
- the details of intimacy depend on the author, it varies from none at all, to explicit sex
Read-a-likes:
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
All Through the Night by Connie Brockway
My Dark Prince by Julia Ross
The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Princess by Gaelen Foley
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