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.