Assignment 1:
Viewed trailers and read articles.
Assignment 2:
Honestly, I just don't get it. It's just plain silly waste of time to watch a trailer. If I want to read a book, the trailer doesn't make me want to read it more. If I'm not interested, I'm still not interested. It doesn't capture the qualities or characteristics that make me want to read a book. Is it well written? Is it a subject that captures my interest? OK, your trailer is creepy, or mysterious, or cute. So, what's in your book? It doesn't tell me if your book has potentially objectionable language, deals with a controversial subject, is great literature or a light beach read. I don't see this as a reader's advisory tool, and the low number of hits supports my opinion.
UPDATE 6/20/13: OK, so maybe I get it a little. Just finished an ARC after watching the trailer, and must admit the trailer is what was rolling through my mind as I finished the book. I would still rather imagine the scenes in my own mind, not what's been put into a trailer. It might initially interest potential readers, but it doesn't provide enough info for good reader's advisory.
Assignment 3:
I've found some websites that provide deeper information about genre's I don't normally read. I've shared other librarian's views and interests, and broadened my reader's advisory skills. I also value the flexibility to work on it in the branch, when time allows. I also discovered that Goodreads serves my needs better than Library Thing, and have put a couple of hundred books into my account. Only a 1,000,000 more books to go!
It has been a pleasure to explore this topic via blog. I've thoroughly enjoyed looking at other librarians' blogs, exploring Goodreads, and honing my skills. Thank you for the opportunity.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Week 8
Assignment 1:
These articles remind me of everything we learned at Genre Bootcamp. All the great non-fiction books we read, and appeal factors discussed.
Assignment 2:
I viewed the video.
Assignment 3:
Book Talk for To Timbuktu:
Casey and Steven met in college, fell in love in London, and discovered they shared the same post-graduate goals: 1) get out of the country 2) pursue their creative interests, and 3) be together. They travel throughout Asia teaching English, overcoming challenging living arrangements, learning various local cultures, and making friends. They also grow together as a couple as they explore the world. Part travel-log, part romance, part graphic novel, this fast, easy read will appeal readers of romance, travel, and adventure.
Book Talk for Citizens of London, Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
We are all familiar with the American involvement in European theater of World War II, but few are aware of FDR's attempts to forge ties with England prior to our formal commitment. This story centers on three key individuals: Edward R Murrow, head of CBS News in Europe; Averill Harriman, who ran the Lend Lease Program; and John Gilbert Winant, America's ambassador to Britain. This meticulously researched work relates the personal journey of each man, his involvement with Winston and Churchill and his family, and the inexorable march toward war. Any one who enjoys historical fiction, historical mystery, or a story about individuals standing up to unbelievable adversity will appreciate the story of these men and the British people.
These articles remind me of everything we learned at Genre Bootcamp. All the great non-fiction books we read, and appeal factors discussed.
Assignment 2:
I viewed the video.
Assignment 3:
- Travel/Biography/Memoir (Teen 910.4S): To Timbuktu: Nine Countries, Two People, One True Story by Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg
- Art/Art History/True Crime (759.9492L): The Man Who Made Vermeers by Jonathan Lopez
- Politics/Science/Food/Public Health/Corporate Responsibility/Diet and Nutrition (338.47M): Salt, Sugar, Fat, How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss
- History/World War II/Biography/Overcoming Adversity (940.54O): Citizens of London, Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson
Book Talk for To Timbuktu:
Casey and Steven met in college, fell in love in London, and discovered they shared the same post-graduate goals: 1) get out of the country 2) pursue their creative interests, and 3) be together. They travel throughout Asia teaching English, overcoming challenging living arrangements, learning various local cultures, and making friends. They also grow together as a couple as they explore the world. Part travel-log, part romance, part graphic novel, this fast, easy read will appeal readers of romance, travel, and adventure.
Book Talk for Citizens of London, Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
We are all familiar with the American involvement in European theater of World War II, but few are aware of FDR's attempts to forge ties with England prior to our formal commitment. This story centers on three key individuals: Edward R Murrow, head of CBS News in Europe; Averill Harriman, who ran the Lend Lease Program; and John Gilbert Winant, America's ambassador to Britain. This meticulously researched work relates the personal journey of each man, his involvement with Winston and Churchill and his family, and the inexorable march toward war. Any one who enjoys historical fiction, historical mystery, or a story about individuals standing up to unbelievable adversity will appreciate the story of these men and the British people.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Week 7
Assignment 1:
Awesome flow chart. Cool way to present readalikes
Assignment 2:
Read "New Adult: Needless Marketing-Speak Or Valued Subgrenre?" Publisher’s Weekly, Dec 14, 2012 and "Who is Buying Teen Books?" Christian Science Monitor Sep 14, 2012
Many teen books contain content that appeal to "new adults" because teens are dealing with very adult issues. Teen books discuss various issues of morality, including war, family violence, rape, drugs, divorce, bullying, and taking a stand in the face of peer pressure. Romantic relationships are just as real to teens as they are to adults.
Posted comments on Sue Fridrich and Miky Segal blogs.
Assignment 3:
I followed "Stacked". The reviews I read were beautifully written and the content and goal very worthwhile. When I decided to add it to my favorites as a resource, it struck me that this source is appealing to professionals rather than teens. The whole feel of the website says "librarian". It practically has half-glasses, sensible shoes, and a bun. If your audience is teen, your website should look modern, full of activity, and fun. This feels too much like going to school and getting an assignment. They've been featured in AARP for heaven's sake!
Contrast this with John Green books. Eye-catching graphics, imbedded videos, casual, fun conversation. It makes you want to read all of the John Green's books - and then find out who writes like him, and read and read and read.
Assignment 4:
Teens/Penguin Young Readers
Teens at Random
Dystopia and fantasy in general continue to be highly popular. There is the occasional realistic fiction, but it looks like fantasy will prevail. Movies will also drive popularily, with Hunger Games, the Hobbit, Percy Jackson, etc. Vampires may live forever, but apparently not their popularity. They will continue to fade into obscurity.
Awesome flow chart. Cool way to present readalikes
Assignment 2:
Read "New Adult: Needless Marketing-Speak Or Valued Subgrenre?" Publisher’s Weekly, Dec 14, 2012 and "Who is Buying Teen Books?" Christian Science Monitor Sep 14, 2012
Many teen books contain content that appeal to "new adults" because teens are dealing with very adult issues. Teen books discuss various issues of morality, including war, family violence, rape, drugs, divorce, bullying, and taking a stand in the face of peer pressure. Romantic relationships are just as real to teens as they are to adults.
Posted comments on Sue Fridrich and Miky Segal blogs.
Assignment 3:
I followed "Stacked". The reviews I read were beautifully written and the content and goal very worthwhile. When I decided to add it to my favorites as a resource, it struck me that this source is appealing to professionals rather than teens. The whole feel of the website says "librarian". It practically has half-glasses, sensible shoes, and a bun. If your audience is teen, your website should look modern, full of activity, and fun. This feels too much like going to school and getting an assignment. They've been featured in AARP for heaven's sake!
Contrast this with John Green books. Eye-catching graphics, imbedded videos, casual, fun conversation. It makes you want to read all of the John Green's books - and then find out who writes like him, and read and read and read.
Assignment 4:
Teens/Penguin Young Readers
Teens at Random
Dystopia and fantasy in general continue to be highly popular. There is the occasional realistic fiction, but it looks like fantasy will prevail. Movies will also drive popularily, with Hunger Games, the Hobbit, Percy Jackson, etc. Vampires may live forever, but apparently not their popularity. They will continue to fade into obscurity.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Week 6
Assignment 1:
I've been reviewing Locus, discovering new authors and the latest works of old favorites. Jay Lake and Austin Sirkin discuss the evolution of steampunk as a genre. There's a list of new articles for science fiction periodicals, and monthly list of new books with descriptions. It's a great way to keep current and develop a critical eye for the genre.
Assignment 2:
It's nice to see someone has made the inside of my head so accessible.
Assignment 3:
It's difficult to pick a genre that I'm unfamiliar with, so I picked what I was least familiar with: Steampunk, Borough Warfare, and Superhuman.
Steampunk:
Steampunk readers enjoy cool contraptions with elements of the supernatural set during Victorian times, with Victorian values and attitudes. Steampunk There are steampunk games, movies, music, and fashion. Steampunk has created an entire world in which our readers can immerse themselves.
http://www.abebooks.com/books/victorian-fiction-jeter-robots/steampunk-literature.shtml
http://www.steampunk.com/what-is-steampunk/
Authors: K.W. Jeter, Scott Westerfeld, and Gail Carriger
Borough Warfare:
Reader's enjoy tough stories with romance and real life on the streets. I used Goodreads reviews to find appeal factors. This was a tough topic find.
Authors: Danielle Santiago, Keisha Ervin, and Quentin Carter
Superhuman:
The more real the world gets, the more reader's seek relief. Readers can enter world's where the good guys win, and possess the power to bring justice to the oppressed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3672513/The-fantastic-appeal-of-fantasy.html
Neil Gaimon, Michael Chabon, Kevin Smith
Mashups:
Medical Science and Mystery: A Perilous Conception by Larry Karp
Police Procedural and fantasy creatures: London Falling by Paul Cornell
I've been reviewing Locus, discovering new authors and the latest works of old favorites. Jay Lake and Austin Sirkin discuss the evolution of steampunk as a genre. There's a list of new articles for science fiction periodicals, and monthly list of new books with descriptions. It's a great way to keep current and develop a critical eye for the genre.
Assignment 2:
It's nice to see someone has made the inside of my head so accessible.
Assignment 3:
It's difficult to pick a genre that I'm unfamiliar with, so I picked what I was least familiar with: Steampunk, Borough Warfare, and Superhuman.
Steampunk:
Steampunk readers enjoy cool contraptions with elements of the supernatural set during Victorian times, with Victorian values and attitudes. Steampunk There are steampunk games, movies, music, and fashion. Steampunk has created an entire world in which our readers can immerse themselves.
http://www.abebooks.com/books/victorian-fiction-jeter-robots/steampunk-literature.shtml
http://www.steampunk.com/what-is-steampunk/
Authors: K.W. Jeter, Scott Westerfeld, and Gail Carriger
Borough Warfare:
Reader's enjoy tough stories with romance and real life on the streets. I used Goodreads reviews to find appeal factors. This was a tough topic find.
Authors: Danielle Santiago, Keisha Ervin, and Quentin Carter
Superhuman:
The more real the world gets, the more reader's seek relief. Readers can enter world's where the good guys win, and possess the power to bring justice to the oppressed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3672513/The-fantastic-appeal-of-fantasy.html
Neil Gaimon, Michael Chabon, Kevin Smith
Mashups:
Medical Science and Mystery: A Perilous Conception by Larry Karp
Police Procedural and fantasy creatures: London Falling by Paul Cornell
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Week 5
Assignment 1:
Locus Sci Fi website is full of the latest news in sci fi fiction, book reviews, and awards. Locus also interviews authors and provides a body of work. There are real insights into the author's motivation, for instance, Tim Powers is not interested in making a political statement. He feels the point of his writing is to provide vertigo, disorientation, and thus create a completely different world. This provides insight into his works; I won't be looking for commentary on world events, just enjoying the writing.
Assignment 2:
I have signed up for the Early Word Newsletter.
Our branch is very new, so we're still in the process of getting to know our customers. I've assisted with mystery, historical, and literary fiction.
While I look at library publications and the N. Y. Times Bestseller list, I'm a big fan of BCPL's Hot Titles List. This is the best way to find out what we are ordering and what's hot with our customers. It's where our customers are fishing for information, and I like to be close to what they experience.
I like the quick links to "best books" and latest info on authors and their new works all in one convenient locaiton. These links are valuable for creating useful displays. It's always fun to see author interviews.
Assignment 3:
If Dave Barry's Insane City is anything like Lunatics, it's sure to be wildly popular. Barry is known for offbeat humor and outrageous situations. Take an average guy in an ordinary situation, throw in some quirky characters, unresolved relationships, and highly improbable scenarios, and out of character activity, and you have some of the best humorous fiction out there. If you like to laugh out loud - and who doesn't - Insane City looks like a winner for you. Fans of David Sedaris, Carl Hiaasen, and Janet Evanovich will appreciate Barry's work.
Locus Sci Fi website is full of the latest news in sci fi fiction, book reviews, and awards. Locus also interviews authors and provides a body of work. There are real insights into the author's motivation, for instance, Tim Powers is not interested in making a political statement. He feels the point of his writing is to provide vertigo, disorientation, and thus create a completely different world. This provides insight into his works; I won't be looking for commentary on world events, just enjoying the writing.
Assignment 2:
I have signed up for the Early Word Newsletter.
Our branch is very new, so we're still in the process of getting to know our customers. I've assisted with mystery, historical, and literary fiction.
While I look at library publications and the N. Y. Times Bestseller list, I'm a big fan of BCPL's Hot Titles List. This is the best way to find out what we are ordering and what's hot with our customers. It's where our customers are fishing for information, and I like to be close to what they experience.
I like the quick links to "best books" and latest info on authors and their new works all in one convenient locaiton. These links are valuable for creating useful displays. It's always fun to see author interviews.
Assignment 3:
If Dave Barry's Insane City is anything like Lunatics, it's sure to be wildly popular. Barry is known for offbeat humor and outrageous situations. Take an average guy in an ordinary situation, throw in some quirky characters, unresolved relationships, and highly improbable scenarios, and out of character activity, and you have some of the best humorous fiction out there. If you like to laugh out loud - and who doesn't - Insane City looks like a winner for you. Fans of David Sedaris, Carl Hiaasen, and Janet Evanovich will appreciate Barry's work.
Week 4
Assignment 1:
Help! I'm on Goodreads, and I can't stop clicking! I thought Amazon was helpful, but the recommendations from Goodreads are right on. Many of the books I have already read, which proves the accuracy of the recommendations. I've been a long-time user of Library Thing, but will probably download all my books to Goodreads. It seems to be site most used by librarians, and it's easy to add friends. Now, if I could just let go of the mouse and do something else ...
Update 6/17/2013: All the books that were on Librarything are now in Goodreads.
I've recommended the Cherry Cola Book Club to several friends, because they like chick lit, and it's about a small-town library under threat of closure by the town council. A subject dear to us all.
Help! I'm on Goodreads, and I can't stop clicking! I thought Amazon was helpful, but the recommendations from Goodreads are right on. Many of the books I have already read, which proves the accuracy of the recommendations. I've been a long-time user of Library Thing, but will probably download all my books to Goodreads. It seems to be site most used by librarians, and it's easy to add friends. Now, if I could just let go of the mouse and do something else ...
Update 6/17/2013: All the books that were on Librarything are now in Goodreads.
I've recommended the Cherry Cola Book Club to several friends, because they like chick lit, and it's about a small-town library under threat of closure by the town council. A subject dear to us all.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Week 3
Conversation 1:
I would recommend Keeping the Feast: One Couples Story of Love, Food, and Healing in Italy by Paula Butterini. Butterini's foreign correspondent husband is shot during the Romanian revolution. While convalescing in Italy, food and friends help heal her depressed husband. There is introspection, bravery, and great hope in this inspirational story.
Conversation 2:
Long before Twilight, there was Sooky Stackhouse. The Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris has the suspense of a mystery, the elements of the supernatural, bloody adventure and a dash of romance. Sooky has the power to read minds, and she uses it to help her vampire boyfriend solve crimes. There are 13 books in the series. Start with Dead Before Dark.
Conversation 3:
I would recommend South: The Story of Shackleton's Expedition by Steven Crossly. Sir Ernest Shackleton is determined to cross the Antarctica via the poles, but ice flows encase the ship, stranding 28 men in the most unforgiving environment on Earth. This story is about uncharted territory, survival, and heroism against unbelievable odds.
For part 3 of assignment 2, I chose Zeke White's blog. I drew on two recently read books that had at least 3 of the appeal factors favored by Zeke.
I would recommend Keeping the Feast: One Couples Story of Love, Food, and Healing in Italy by Paula Butterini. Butterini's foreign correspondent husband is shot during the Romanian revolution. While convalescing in Italy, food and friends help heal her depressed husband. There is introspection, bravery, and great hope in this inspirational story.
Conversation 2:
Long before Twilight, there was Sooky Stackhouse. The Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris has the suspense of a mystery, the elements of the supernatural, bloody adventure and a dash of romance. Sooky has the power to read minds, and she uses it to help her vampire boyfriend solve crimes. There are 13 books in the series. Start with Dead Before Dark.
Conversation 3:
I would recommend South: The Story of Shackleton's Expedition by Steven Crossly. Sir Ernest Shackleton is determined to cross the Antarctica via the poles, but ice flows encase the ship, stranding 28 men in the most unforgiving environment on Earth. This story is about uncharted territory, survival, and heroism against unbelievable odds.
For part 3 of assignment 2, I chose Zeke White's blog. I drew on two recently read books that had at least 3 of the appeal factors favored by Zeke.
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