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.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
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.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Week 2
"Breaking Point" by C. J. Box (2013): Butch Roberson is an upstanding member of the community who loves his wife and daughter. He just wants to retire quietly in the dream home they've planned for years. The EPA has other ideas, and declares his homesite a wetlands. Two EPA agents are killed delivering the news, and Butch becomes a hunted man. The idyllic beauty of the Wyoming mountains is the backdrop for a confrontation between one ordinary citizen and a heartless government - or so it seems. Game Warden Joe Pickett suspects theres more to the motivation than just some grassland, and joins the hunt for a desperate man determined to protect his family and his dream.
"Don't Go" by Lisa Scottoline (2013): This is a gripping, emotionally powerful story about a physician who volunteers to serve in Afganistan. While he is saving the life a soldier, his wife lies bleeding to death on the kitchen floor, the victim of a household accident. Mike Scanlan returns home to find his practice in jeopardy, his baby girl doesn't know him, and his wife was hiding a deadly secret. Deeply drawn characters, complex family relationships, and torn loyalties abound, all created in Scottoline's signature style and insight into human nature.
"Don't Go" by Lisa Scottoline (2013): This is a gripping, emotionally powerful story about a physician who volunteers to serve in Afganistan. While he is saving the life a soldier, his wife lies bleeding to death on the kitchen floor, the victim of a household accident. Mike Scanlan returns home to find his practice in jeopardy, his baby girl doesn't know him, and his wife was hiding a deadly secret. Deeply drawn characters, complex family relationships, and torn loyalties abound, all created in Scottoline's signature style and insight into human nature.
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