Week 16 Prompt

How has reading and books changed since you were a child, for you specifically? 

When I was a child we didn't have audio books, eBooks, or Kindles.  Just old-fashioned books.  There was no such thing as PCs or laptops.  The options are so wide open now with the advancement of technology that it is even more important for libraries to have specialists in readers advisory.   Many patrons want someone that works for their library who is savvy in what genres of books are available and in what specific formats.  When I was younger and even in my first years of college, not much emphasis was put on pleasure reading.  You picked up the latest novel that was at your local drug store or book store, and libraries were mostly used to gain access to periodical materials for research projects.  

Talk a little about what you see in the future for reading, books, or publishing - say 20 years from now. 

I don't see publishing to be much different in the future than it is today even with all the different formats for reading.  With all the new formats though, I think there will still be demand for physical books.  There's a population of readers who still want the feel of a book, and I don't see that going away. Publishing will be become more complex in the area of how to handle rights for e-materials that are loaned out by libraries, but I think this will work its way out as licensing for such materials becomes more mature.

Will we read more or less, will our reading become more interactive? 

I don't see reading declining. In fact, I think people read more for pleasure now than they did twenty years ago.  Since reference materials are so easily accessible online, this aspect of the library has decreased.  In it's place, libraries are promoting more leisurely reading.  Therefore, there is an increased market in this area by patrons.  In addition, there is a whole market for books that are more like film.  I believe this will only increase in technology where books will include visual effects as well as audio.


What will happen to traditional publishing? 

I think publishing will become more complicated with the advent of eBooks, audio books, and other evolving technologies.  This will be mostly in how licensing will be handled with libraries and loaning these types of materials.

Week 15 Prompt

I have not worked in a library setting yet, but I have a few ideas to promote fiction within the library. 

1)       Displays can always be created to draw attention to the latest reads.  I would not just do one display, but I think several genres need displays throughout the library.  They need to be catchy with words and pictures/photos as well as color.  Pinterest has great ideas for library display ideas. 

2)      Several book clubs could be held throughout the month based on genre as well.  This would take some resourcing, so possibly one or two a week where each one is a book from a different genre.  If there seems to be ones that are not getting enough attendance, maybe those could be scaled back. 

3)      Thirdly, the library’s website could have a list of tops reads by genre.  This could be based on the Library Journal Reviews or some other reputable book review site.  In addition, it could be displayed on the library’s website home page, so patrons who are pulling up the library’s site to check on available books, library hours, etc.  will see this first.  

Week 14 Prompt

I would not separate either GBLTQ or African-American fiction from other types of fictional reads.  I think they need to be segregated by their particular genre (suspense, historical fiction, etc.), but not separated out because the characters are gay or African-American.  First of all, I feel that this is discriminatory and is setting our culture back decades by doing this.   Yes we still have a mess of race and gay issues of discrimination in this country.  Why?  I don’t know, and I think other countries are wondering why we do as well.   I find it extremely disheartening, but the last place that this needs to occur is in the local library.  The library should be a safe haven for all walks of life.  Secondly, I would feel that gays and African-Americans would also feel discriminated against.  I’m neither African-American nor gay, but if I put myself in their shoes, I wouldn’t want to be in a library that practiced this sort of filing system.  Thirdly, if a library is going to do this for these two classifications of individuals, then it would only be appropriate for them to be doing it for all races, ethnicities, and cultures in order to have some sort of fairness.  Boy wouldn’t that be a cataloging mess?  There could be shelves of African-American fictional literature, but maybe only a small segment of books that featured Muslim characters or Asian characters.  Then should the Asian character based books be segregated even more by Chinese and East Indian or maybe even more segregation than that?   It seems like a nightmare.  Keep the library integrated please.   

Week 13 prompt

I think librarians need to look at YA books and graphic novels from a different perspective in order to put aside any negative connotations concerning these types of reads.  YA novels are many times more creative and dig deeper into the emotions of the characters than adult reads.  Teens need to relate to their protagonists; therefore, the lead characters of these books need to have full character development.  Also the stories need to capture the attention of their readers, so many times the stories are richer and more creative than many adult novels especially in the genre of fantasy.   As far as graphic novels are concerned, many adults appreciate this type of read because they appreciate art or film, and graphic novels read much like film.  In addition many adults may not like to read or they still struggle from a childhood learning disability; therefore graphic novels provide a way for them to read without the frustration of a text book.  More than likely, a library is going to carry a decent collection of YA novels for their young readers, but attention and funds also need to be provided for graphic novels, and libraries should have a fairly substantial collection and promotion for graphic novels.  Library staff cannot turn a blind eye on a segment of their readers; therefore, librarians need to educated on the needs of their adult readers who prefer young adult reads and graphic novels.  

Young Adult Annotation

The Lucy Variations

By

Sara Zarr

Synopsis

Not even fourteen years old yet, Lucy is being honed by her family and piano teachers as a promising concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked well in advance, and her future was destined for success.  Now that she’s sixteen, it has all come to an end. A family death and betrayal led her to walk away while on stage. The weight of carrying on the rigid family expectations in the world of concert pianists is now on the shoulders of Lucy’s very talented ten-year-old brother Gus.  Then Gus gets a young new piano teacher, Will, who not only knows how to keep Gus focused on his lessons, but is also interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano on her own terms. When you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, how can a charismatic piano teacher ever coax Lucy to play just for herself?   

Elements of this Young Adult novel

Pacing –This novel is unhurried with moments allowing the reader to get drawn into the characters’ lives.

Characterization – Teens can relate to Lucy who outside of her struggles with her family’s expectations is also struggling with trying to fit into school life with her few close friends. 

Story line –It tells of the everyday actions and thoughts that take place from the viewpoint of the protagonist, Lucy, concerning the interactions with those around her and focused on the tragedy of abandoning her career as a concert pianist. 

Frame/Tone – The frame work for this story is current San Francisco where the protagonist reveals her perspective of her relationships with her family, teachers, and friends in a leisurely unfolding manner. 

Style – this novel’s main focus is on the straightforward feelings and emotions of Lucy and her relationship with those around her. 

Read-A-Likes

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Last Forever by Deb Caletti

County by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Week 12 Prompt

Readers’ Advisory Matrix

The Glass Castle

By

Jeannette Walls

1.     Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

2.    What is the subject of the book?

It’s about a dysfunctional family which remained resilient through the years.  The siblings took care of one another and found it in their hearts to forgive their parents when they were older. 

3.    What type of book is it?

It’s a memoir of the author, Jeannette Wall’s,  childhood.

4.    Articulate appeal

Ø  What is the pacing of the book?

It’s fast paced at points where the father is getting the family in trouble and has to pack up and move quickly, but at other times it has a contemplating air about it.

Ø  Describe the characters of the book.

It’s a narration by the author, Jeannette Walls, about growing up with her alcoholic father, her artistic mother, and her three siblings. 

Ø  How does the story feel?

Poignant, resilient, and eventually triumphant.

Ø  What is the intent of the author?

To share her story of resilience and redemption.

Ø  What is the focus of the story?

Jeannette Wall’s dysfunctional childhood, and how she as well as her siblings broke free from poverty to become successful adults who could forgive their parents. 

Ø  Does the language matter?

Yes.

Ø  Is the setting important and well-described?

Yes.  Each place that the family had to live is well described in order to emphasize the family’s destitution. 

Ø  Are there details and, if so, of what?

Yes.  There are many details of what the family owned or the lack there of.  So detailed information of what the family had available for food and clothing, and how they handled gift giving on holidays such as Christmas.

 

Ø  Are there sufficient charts and oter graphic materials?  Are they useful and clear?

None.

Ø  Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?

Yes.  Jeanette and her siblings understand that the only way they will get out of the impoverished environment they are in with their parents is to work, save money, and one by one pull each other out of the family home to start lives of their own and working their way up the ladder at successful jobs. 

Non-fiction Annotation

Eben Alexander

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife

Publication Date:  October 23, 2012

Number of Pages:  196

Subject Headings:    Inspirational Works

                                   Neurosurgeons – United States –

                                      Biography

                                    Near-death experiences – United

                                       States

Type:  Memoir

Summary

In 2008 fifty-four year old neurosurgeon Eben Alexander contacted bacterial meningitis which put him in a coma induced state for a week.  This self-narrated memoir describes his week-long journey in the afterlife which entailed meeting his guardian angel, receiving instantaneous but intricate details to his questions concerning the human purpose, as well as a feeling of unconditional love and acceptance.  The majority of this story describes the grim prospects of Alexander making any recovery and going into explicit details of his medical condition; however with the support of his family, and their positive attitude and prayer, he miraculously regains his health.  Unlike other NDE books, this one does not consist of meeting deceased loved ones, pets, or in some cases Jesus.  Nonetheless due to the deplorable condition of Alexander’s health, his agnostic past, and the genuineness of the afterlife he experienced, he was convinced of the existence of heaven and a personal God. 

Appeal Elements

Pacing – The author leisurely unfolds this story alternating between his family and educational background to the present time with contracting meningitis, experiencing the afterlife while in his coma, and the support of his family.

Characterization – The author is the character in this book as he goes into detail about his former and latter spiritual beliefs due to his NDE. 

Story line – This is a narrative story where the author describes his upbringing, educational aspirations, and spiritual beliefs alternating back and forth to the present time where he contracts meningitis and describes his life-altering experience while in a coma that ultimately shifts his spiritual beliefs. 

Detail – This book provides an in-depth description of Alexander’s medical condition while in a coma to emphasis the seriousness of his condition and how close to death he was.  Not as much detail about his afterlife experience. 

Learning/Experiencing – The gist of the story is to prove to the reader that Alexander was so close to death, and unlike a dream, his experience was so real, that he had a spiritual alteration. The learning experience that the reader is to gain from this story is proof that an afterlife exists and relay this message of unconditional love that he received to the reader. 

Language – No artistic quality to the writing.  It is straightforward and to the point. 

Setting – Alexander describes vividly his experience meeting his guardian angel and the setting of the afterlife, but is vague on the knowledge he gained to his questions while in his NDE. 

Tone – Comforting and illuminating.

Book List Annotation

This is the story of neurosurgeon Eben Alexander who has a near-death experience while in a week long induced coma due to contracting bacterial meningitis.  He describes his afterlife experience of meeting his guardian angel and learning about unconditional love which sways him to believe in heaven and God. 

 Similar Works

 Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing

   by Anita Moorjani

 Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

   by Todd Burpo

 Embraced by the Light by Betty J. Eadie

 

Week 11 Prompt

I think those who don’t have time to read or have never enjoyed leisure reading can benefit from audio books.  In fact I know a librarian who cannot stand to pick up a book and read it but she thoroughly enjoys audio books.  I’m one of those people that love to hold a book and feel the pages, so I have not been prone to pick up an audio book.  However, I have a huge list of want-to-reads that are not getting accomplished.  Mostly because I don’t have any time to sit down and read for leisure.  So I’m starting to think audio books might come in handy when I’m driving to and from work or the hour I’m on the treadmill at the gym.  Think about how many books I could get done in a year!  It doesn’t beat the tangible book, but it’s a second best.  I think I have only listened to one audio book in my life, and it was on a road trip where my husband was driving.  It was great for passing the time as I cannot read in the car.  It gives me motion sickness.  Hopefully the narrators for my want-to-read list are decent; otherwise, it may be a no go if I get one that has an annoying voice.  As far as ebooks go, I have a Kindle and have read a few books on it.  I find that I do this when I’m on vacation because I don’t want to haul four or five books along with me.  I really do not like reading on a Kindle.  Sometimes I want to go back to a specific area of the book because I may have missed something, and this is cumbersome using a Kindle.  I just have never gotten used to this gadget.  I do think it appeals to electronic junkies who have to have the latest and greatest on the market, and maybe some like it because of its portability.  It could have more appeal if it had a different font and maybe a soft colored background, but it still is a last choice for me, and I’ll stick to just taking it on vacations.  

Historical Fiction Annotation

The Nightingale

By

Kristin Hannah

Synopsis

   In 1995 an unnamed widow, who is dying from cancer and soon moving to nursing care by request of her surgeon son Julien, narrates a passionate story of survival centered around the lives of two sisters living in France during World War II.  The story begins with the older sister in her twenties and the other in her late teens.   The older sister, Viann, lives in a generational family home near a French village with her husband Antoine and her young daughter Sophie.  The younger sister, Isabelle, is rebellious and continuously runs away from boarding and finishing schools returning to her father who lives in Paris.  Although the personalities of these two sisters are like night and day, they both share the grief of losing their mother at a young age and the rejection of a father who suffers from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder from his service in the Great War.   As World War II breaks out, each of the family members are drawn into the war torn years and are forced to fight for survival.  Antoine is called to duty holding the Maginot line against invading Germans leaving Viann alone with Sophie.  Isabelle is biting at the bit to serve in some way and can’t stand just sitting and doing nothing.  As the Germans take over the small village where Viann lives, she is forced to billet German officers in her home and stand in ration lines each day for the little food that she and her daughter receive.  Isabelle joins the Resistance which is an underground group who is risking its’ neck to smuggle downed Allied pilots to safety.  It is during this time that Isabelle is given the code name ‘The Nightingale’.  As the war trudges on through the years, timid Viann finds herself giving up her dignity at times to save herself and her daughter, but she also finds bravery she never knew she had in order to save others.  On the other hand, Isabelle is going through heroic and sometimes reckless measures to save Allied soldiers.   Through the pain and suffering the family members are drawn back together toward the end of the war to heal from wounds that are not only physical but emotional.  It’s not until 1995, that the massive impact the sisters’ actions had during war are revealed.  It’s also at the end of the story when the mysterious narrator is unveiled to the reader.

Elements of an Historical Fiction

Pacing –This novel is unhurried with moments where the pacing picks up allowing the reader to get drawn into the characters’ lives.

Characterization – Although the characters are not true historical figures, the fashion, language, and mannerisms of these characters molds them into real people that readers feel they get to know on a personal level. 

Story line – The story is not based on famous historical figures, but common people of the World War II era caught up in the event of the war.  It tells of the everyday actions that take place alternating chapters or sequences of the story from one sister to the other. 

  

Frame/Tone – The frame work for this story is steeped in historical accuracy concerning the culture, custom, and beliefs of World War II French citizens as well as their Nazi German counterparts.  The tone is anxious and foreboding with a sense of danger around every corner. 

Style – This book has an anonymous narrator (until the end) that tells the story of the sisters from their eyes and alternating chapters or sequences of the story between the two.  The language is accurate for the 1940s with no unexpected modern day slang or idioms popping up.

Read-A-Likes

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Plum Tree by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Book club discussion

     I went with one of my friends to her book club meeting on February 15^th.  This is a book club that meets on every third Monday of the month where the attendees take turns opening their home up and leading the meeting.  On this particular night, my friend and I went to the designated home for the meeting, and I’ll call her the leader,  greeted us at the door as she lead us back to the kitchen and family room where she had a huge spread of food and wine for the book club members.  It started out with everyone showing up one by one and conversations revolved around what had been going on with them over the past month.  So conversations about husbands, children, and work took place for about fifteen minutes while the members got their food and wine. 

     Eventually we all settled in the family room, where the leader began to speak about the read of the month:  Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf.  The story line of the book is about an elderly widow who lives close to an elderly widower.  They knew of each other in past years but never on a personal level.  The widow is toying with the idea of having the widower stay at her place in the evenings and sleep with her at night.  It’s not a sexual proposal, but one of consoling each other and dealing with the loneliness they have both experienced by losing their spouses.  Of course there are the meddlers and the gossips that are woven into the story, but it is a very bittersweet story of how this relationship between the widow and widower evolves.  

     A few broad open-ended questions were asked such as “What did you think of this book?”, and then the question of “Would you ever consider doing this if you were in the situation of the widow?” popped up.    It’s a Yes/No question, but it opened a whole can of worms that derailed the conversation away from the book.  This was my first book club experience, so I wasn’t sure if this was the norm for an informal book club or not.  The question led to members divulging personal information, and also veered into topics of sex.  I have to mention that this book club consisted of about ten women who were between the ages 40 – 55.  This topic of marriage or committed relationships in the latter years of women’s lives comes up quite often in conversations, and isn’t something new that was the result of reading this book.  Outside of the five minutes that the book was actually being discussed, the women all took turns talking.  There wasn’t just a person or two dominating the conversation, and everyone had a chance to speak.  But the conversation wasn’t around the book.  Instead it was about personal feelings on the topic of what would you do if your spouse passed away?  Would you get involved in another serious relationship or would you prefer a “friends with benefits” type situation?  Since I hadn’t read the book, and all the participants knew I was there to observe, I didn’t share in the conversation.  Thank God because I was a little embarrassed by what some of the member were revealing.

     I’m always up for a girl’s night of intimate conversation, and these women all seemed to know each other very well.  Apparently this club reads books from a variety of genres, and March’s read is The Martian, but I was a little disappointed that the February read, Our Souls at Night, didn’t get much discussion.  I would have liked to have known more about the book’s appeal and the different characters that were involved with the story.  This book club seemed more like an excuse to get out of the house to eat, drink, and visit with friends.  I may go back just for the fellowship, but I definitely wouldn’t call this a book club. 

The Attraction and Promotion of Graphic Novels

For young readers, I think the draw to graphic novels stems from their struggles to stay focused on topics as well as their struggles to read text-based books.  To elaborate further, young readers who have learning disabilities and attention-deficit disorders would more than likely be drawn to this type of book.  Some children are very visual and tactile, and benefit with a picture that is tied to minimal text.  Additionally, this format is a quick read, and reluctant young readers achieve a sense of accomplishment when they finish a graphic novel.  As more graphic novels are read, this could possibly launch the young reader into text-based novels.  On another note, many teens these days require instant gratification.  This is recognized with the popularity of video games and obtaining information within seconds on their laptops.  It seems logical that a teen would want a read that is more visual in nature and one that they could finish quickly.  In addition, many graphic novels correlate directly to video games making this book format even more popular among teens.  So what about the appeal of this format for adults?  As mentioned previously, the graphic novel is just a format and not a genre.  Therefore, the same genres exist as there are for text-based books.  I could say that this format might be preferred by adults who have carried learning disabilities into adulthood or the graphic novel format could be used for adults with literacy problems.  However, I think this is selling the format short.  It may be used for these purposes, but many adults appreciate this format for its art work, while others may like the art work but also the fact that it is laid out much like a film.  Many adults do not like to read in their leisure time, but they are movie buffs.  They love cinematography.  Therefore, graphic novels would fit into the scope of this preference.  Personally I would like to know more about history or government, but I detest reading non-fiction text-based books about these topics.  I would prefer to be able to pick up a graphic novel that I could get this information quickly in a fun manner with an artistic layout. 

     During an RA interview, I don’t think the graphic novel should be segregated out from the genre in which it belongs.  This format can be promoted along with other text-based novels that are geared towards the reader’s book appeal preferences.  If the reader is an avid graphic novel reader, then the RA can steer the interviewee toward this format along with the reader’s other appeal preferences for a good read (e.g. fast-paced, deep character development).  If an interviewee is required to read about a certain topic of which that reader does not care for the topic, the RA could recommend a graphic novel on the topic.  This way the reader can gain the needed knowledge in an expedited and possibly enjoyable manner.  Whatever the reader’s advisory interview entails, graphic novels should be incorporated with their appropriate genres. 

     By integrating graphic novels into an RA interview, this is an inconspicuous way of promoting graphic novels to readers.  This is especially important with adult readers since many times the stigma attached to graphic novels makes them hesitant to what to ask about this format.  Additionally for adult readers it would be beneficial to have some of the latest graphic novels on display in the library, so the fans of graphic novels will not feel intimidated to ask about them.  In the past several years, it seems that this format has been more accepted in school libraries; however, the format could always use a boost by having a colorful and inviting display to promote graphic novels in the library.  Whatever promotional method used, the main purpose is to encourage reluctant readers or graphic novel fans to feel comfortable about continuing to read books in this format.  

Week 7 Prompt

Although I have read several novels by James Patterson, I wouldn’t say I’m a die-hard fan.  Since he was cranking out so many novels in a short period of time, I began to wonder how good they could actually be.  So I stopped reading his works.  After reading the article by Zaleski about Patterson, it seems his top priority is to be a business man and secondly an author.  It looks like he has been sucked into the vortex of an author mill where he is the cash cow.  As I read further into the article, I found out how it was possible for him to churn out so many novels in a short span of time.  He uses co-authors and has the assistance of other writers.  When his co-writers are asked how much is Patterson’s work and how much is the co-writer’s work, these authors are reluctant to answer.  It makes me wonder if Patterson is contributing just enough to these novels to have his name on it, but his main focus it promoting the books and ensuring that they are entertaining.   Who knows maybe he is using ghost writers and taking credit for the work.  It’s just my opinion, but I find this type of behavior to be shady.  How is this any better than producing fake memoirs?   

Gentle Read Annotation: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

The Time Keeper

By

Mitch Albom

Synopsis

In this fable-like story Dor is exiled from the earth because of his obsession with time which inadvertently causes him to invent the first clock.  Dor is deemed to be Father Time and is banished to a cave to live in solitude until “Heaven meets Earth” which ends up dragging on for six thousand years.  Readers can’t help but feel the loneliness and the interminable grief that envelopes Dor with losing his wife during his last day on Earth to the centuries of solitude that loom ahead of him.  Through the years, Dor has to hear the cries of all those on Earth who are pleading for more or less time.  All the while he draws pictures on the cave walls to remember his life on Earth and keep his sanity.  When “Heaven finally meets Earth”, Dor is granted a span of time on Earth to accomplish a mission to help two people.  The first is a teenager named Sarah Lemon, who falls in love and wants time to pass quickly until the next time she can be with her boyfriend.  When she finds out that the boy has no interest in her, and she is the focal point of humiliation in her class, she becomes depressed and suicidal.  The second person is the eighty-something year old billionaire, Victor Delamonte, who is dying from cancer and seeking immortality by cryogenically freezing his body.  As the three lives intertwine, Dor as well as the other two learn about the importance of time which leaves readers with a lot to think about. 

Elements of a Gentle Read

Pacing –This is a gentle meandering story that lulls the reader into the characters’ lives with empathetic feelings.

Characterization – The characters in this novel are leading tragic existences which do not upset the plot; however, cause the reader to sympathize and relate with the characters.  These individual tragedies, which propel the characters into relationships with one another, are used to pull the story along for the greater good at the end. 

Story line – Unlike many gentle reads, each of the characters is going through a tragic situation; however, it is used to develop a moral to the story and conclude with a resolved ending. 

Frame/Tone – This story has a timeless quality in that it begins in a historical setting and gently crosses over into the present with a glance into the future.  All these time frames are used to tie the characters together and reach the moral of the story. 

Style – Although this book touches on a sexual relationship and goes to the edge of a violent occurrence, this novel’s main focus is on the straightforward feelings and emotions of the characters and their relationships with each other.      

Read-A-Likes

An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski

When I found you by Catherine Ryan Hyde

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Week 6 Prompt

Greetings! 

So many readers are inclined to seek out the latest romance or horror novel that gentle reads are overlooked.   A great number of these gentle read novels focus on relationships, and these days instead of reading about healthy and healing relationships, many turn on a popular reality television program to see how people interact. 

I would like to propose a new display in the library to promote gentle read novels.   How about an old school television with a wide frame?  The phrase “Read instead of reality T.V.” could be adhered on the front of the television screen.  

At first I thought it would be a good idea to have a television that wasn’t too old that a DVD player couldn’t be hooked up to it, and possibly show clips of a gentle read that had been made into a movie like “The Five People You Meet in Heaven”, but the idea is to get readers to turn off the T.V.  On top of this television, which would need to be fairly large, I would like to have a display much like the one shown below.  However, instead of the figures shown in the picture such as the apple and the Earth, I would like to replace all these with silhouettes of people interacting with others.  For example, a young couple who are standing close to one another, a mother with her baby, a father playing with his children, and an older couple sitting on a park bench.  In addition, I think segments of  gentle read audiobooks could also be incorporated as part of this display.  Lastly, I could surround the display with some of the most popular gentle read books.  

Kirkus Review

Vivaldi's Virgins by Barbara Quick

Eighteenth-century Venice is brought to life as orphaned, fourteen year old Anna Marie develops into a talented violinist living in the foundling home where Antonio Vivaldi is her maestro. 

In this historical fiction Anna Maria has been abandoned as an infant and is taken to Pieta where she grows up in the foundling home.  During her childhood she is recognized for her musical talent on the violin and soon comes under the wing of Antonio Vivaldi who becomes her maestro.  Many other orphaned girls live in the founding house as well; however, some of the girls have knowledge of their biological parents and are aware they were given up for a variety of reasons including destitute mothers or being the product of birth out of wedlock among nobility This surprisingly fast paced story follows the precocious Anna Maria as she consistently gets into trouble with her friends at the foundling house which causes her setbacks on her promotions in the choir.  All the while, Anna Marie is trying to find the identity of her mother which is instigated from a locket that has come into her possession.  Although the identity of Anna Maria’s mother is predictable before it is revealed, the story made for a very entertaining read. 

Although the identity of Anna Maria’s mother was predictable as the search was winding down, it was still an enjoyable read trailing Anna Maria and her friend’s escapades throughout the story.  For a historical fiction this read clipped along at a decent pace.

Week 5 Prompt Response

Ebook only books, which are increasingly popular (especially in the romance genre) see little to no reviews in professional publications unless they have a big name author, and then still it's usually only RT Reviews (formally Romantic Times) or other genre heavy publications. How does this affect collection development?

If Ebooks do not get reviews from the professional sector, I would think they would only have partial success in getting selected for personal or public collections.  I believe it would have a slim chance with public library collections because it would seem library personnel would resort to using professional reviews rather than Amazon or blog reviews.  For those using it for personal collections, I think it would not reach far beyond those who are already (in this example) romance readers.  Those who prefer a certain genre will go to the RT Reviews, Amazon, Goodreads, and blog reviews.

Ebook only romantic suspense novel, one from a blog and one from amazon:   Look over the reviews - do you feel they are both reliable? How likely would you be to buy this book for your library? Is this ebook even romantic suspense?

Well I’m seeing two blog reviews after the Amazon review.  All the reviews are not remotely professional since there isn’t any appeal factors mentioned about the book.  It’s mostly small summaries and opinions on the story line.  Reading them sequentially, the Amazon review provides a spark of interest.  The first blog almost has me sold in wanting to purchase this book for my library; however, the last and mostly negative review snuffs out any interest I may have had previously.  I do not see any suspense involved with this Ebook.  The protagonist in the story doesn’t seem to be a heroine in danger, and I didn’t gather from the reviews that there are plot twists or strong language and violence.  In addition, the mention of the love interest being a billionaire insinuates that the protagonist is going to fall into some easy money at the conclusion of the story, and they will “live happily ever after”.

How do these reviews make you feel about the possibility of adding Angela's Ashes to your collection?

The reviews have a common thread that would compel me to want to add this read to my collection.  Initially the reviews all have descriptors of destitute such as “filth”, “deprivation”, “extreme poverty”, “starvation” throughout the synopsis of the story which would deter anyone from wanting to read such a depressing book.  However, it’s the “love conquers all” ending of these summaries that is the hook to get someone to read this story.  At the conclusion of each of the reviews not only is the power of love mentioned, but also the humor and Irish colloquialisms that provide balance to the story.    

Do you think it's fair that one type of book is reviewed to death and other types of books get little to no coverage?   How does this affect a library's collection?

It’s not fair because there are many hidden jewels that don’t get the publicity.  I have picked up books no one I know has read.  They are not on the popular fiction shelves at the library or book stores, but they are some of the best reads I have ever found.  It seems once an author starts cranking out novel after novel, their books are placed on the “popular reads” lists whether the story is decent or not.  This is not only true with books, but other sources of entertainment as well including music and television.  I’ve started dubbing these actions as McReads, McMusic, or McTV.  I think as readers become more finicky in their preferences for reading, libraries are going to have to dig deeper to find those less known books that are just as good if not better than popular fiction.  This includes having a librarian or staff members that are RA savvy as well.

How do you feel about review sources that won't print negative content? Do you think that's appropriate?

It shouldn’t be all sunshine and bunnies.  I would like to have some constructive criticism about a book.  I think most readers want honesty about a read, and some of the negative points, for example strong language or graphic sex, should be mentioned.  Yes initially it may lose some readers that may have picked up that book to read, but in the long run, the reviewer will gather more of a following due to this honestly.  So for example, if I’m the type of person that doesn’t like descriptive sex in a novel, I go to what I consider a trustworthy review source, find a book that only mentions the positives, start reading the book, become ticked because it had so much graphic sex, and I just wasted my time reading part of this book, I may not return to that “trustworthy” reviewer for future reads. 

If you buy for your library, how often do you use reviews to make your decisions? If not, how do you feel about reviews for personal reading, and what are some of your favorite review sources?

I don’t work in a library, and before this class, I mostly relied on Amazon reviews, Goodreads, or family and friends to find new reads for personal reading.  This course is extremely insightful for me to become more knowledgeable on how to maneuver a gold mine of review resources to find new reads for my personal library.

Secret Shopper

The library staff for my secret shopper assignment was eager to help and friendly, but not knowledgeable on readers advisory skills.  In addition, there wasn’t an interview by the librarian asking what books or authors I preferred or what types of books I liked.  I had to resort by accidently seeing the latest novel of Kristen Hannah in the new fiction releases and stating that this book looked like something I would like to read.  The librarian attempted to find similar books by going to Google and finding Readers’ Advisor Online and Readers’ Advisory 101, but she didn’t know where to begin once she got into those websites.  She seemed lost as to how to help me and wasn’t even familiar with the authors’ genres.   However, she did go the extra mile by asking another librarian and contacting another staff member who was familiar with different fiction works.  The staff was friendly and really wanted to help, but it seemed like I could get more information myself by going online.  Even if I looked up a book I had read in the past on Amazon like Tuesdays with Morrie, viewed similar reads on the section of “Customers who bought this item also bought” , and dug down a couple of levels in that area, I could have found more than what was provided by the staff at my chosen library.   All in all, this library was in need of someone who was knowledgeable in readers advisory skills.  

How do I find a book to read?

Mostly it has been by word-of-mouth from friends and family.  I also use Goodreads to find reviews (some of which my friends have provided on there).  I also look for reviews on Amazon and read-a-likes on that site.  I have not had a chance to use many of the tools that have been recommended in my MLS courses because I have not had much time for leisurely reading since I started the program.  However, it will be a great toolbox that will come in handy was I complete the program.

Prompt Response 1

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!

The next book in the series is The Lunatic Café by Hamilton, Laurell K.
#4 of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series 

Publisher: 2002 Berkley Pub Group
Format: 384 pages.
ISBN: 9780515134520

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.

Searching for Caleb by Anne Tyler

Publisher: Ballantine Books; Reprint edition (August 27, 1996)

Format: 336 pages

ISBN: 9780449911747

Author Anne Tyler focus in on her characters and language.  Although this book is character based, with the search for the missing brother who disappeared sixty years ago, this read looks to be at a faster pace than Kingsolver due to the added mystery of looking for a missing person.

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!

Shogun

by Clavell, James #2 of the Asian Saga 

Publisher: 1993 Random House
Format: 1152 pages
ISBN: 9780440178002

This is an historical adventure set in 17^th century Japan.  Clavell is known for his detailed stories and thorough setting descriptions. 

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?

A Share in Death

by Crombie, Deborah #1 of the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series 

Publisher: 1993 Scribner

Format: 276 pages

ISBN: 9780060534387

Crombie is similar to George in that she is also an American writer whose stories take place in Scotland Yard.  Crombie’s series of murder mysteries center around Scotland Yard’s Superintendent Kincaid and his assistant Sergeant James.  Unlike Sandford this series sticks to a mystery story line and excludes much of thriller aspects which may be more appealing.

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?

Dawn of the Dead

By George  A. Romero

Publisher

Simon and Schuster, 2015

Format 320 pages

ISBN: 9781476791838

Dawn of the Dead is very similar to The Walking Dead and World War Z defined as a horror novel.

Thriller Annotation: Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Honeymoon

By

James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Synopsis

Nora Sinclair is a successful interior designer with the beauty of a goddess.  Although she is highly desired by men and envied by women, she leaves an ominous trail of wealthy husbands and lovers who one by one mysteriously end up dead.   Large sums of money are disappearing from her deceased husbands’ accounts, and FBI agent John O’Hara is assigned to follow her every move.  John takes on various aliases as he pursues Nora in this cat and mouse chase.  With many unexpected twists and turns, James Patterson and Howard Roughan have created this fast-paced, page-turning thriller of the ultimate black widow who entangles her victims with her charm leading down a road of demise.

Elements of a Thriller

Pacing –This novel is fast-paced with very short chapters consisting of mostly dialogue among the characters.

Characterization – The characters’ physical appearance is described, and there are moments when a character’s thoughts are revealed; however, these thoughts are only used to boost the plot.  Therefore, the book is not character based where the reader develops an attachment to the protagonist.

Story line – Multiple plot lines are going on during this action packed story that twist and turn but all come together for a resolved ending. 

Frame/Tone – The back and forth chase between John O’Hara and Nora Sinclair provides a menacing and suspenseful tone to the story line.   Conversations are gritty with language that is straight-forward without any elegance and peppered with swearing.

Style – This book is complex with many plots occurring at the same time along with characters taking on aliases.  Some of the relationships among the characters are not understood until the end of the story.  

Read-A-Likes

Bad Games by Jeff Menapace

IMMORTAL FEAR: A Medical Thriller (A Dr. Powers Mystery) by H.S. Clark

Second Honeymoon by James Patterson