Week 9 Wrap Up!
Week 9 Assignment 1/2
I read both the Tribune and Times articles about book videos and found them to be quite dated. I logged on to YouTube and typed in Book Videos and the choices that were featured were worth a look. I choose the video for "Wonder" the novel by R.J. Palacio. There was no narration except for background guitar music and simply written paragraphs that hinted at the story. All under 3 minutes. It kept my attention and was interesting enough for me to want to read this book.. There was also a video titled"5 Books That Will Blow Your Mind," and that title was enough for me to take a second look. The narrator was a young teen girl who very enthusiastically recommended her 5 choices. I have young teenage daughters at home who I thought would definitely watch a video like this and read at least one of these five recommends.
Much has changed in producing videos since these articles were published, respectively 2012, 2010.. The possibilities for creating visually interesting, short and powerful videos is much easier and cheaper and the number of young teens using social media to connect to friends and beyond, is changing as we speak!
I think book videos will only expand as more and more of us look to our phones and computers for information.
Week 9 Assignment 3
BeMoreBookish has introduced me to several new areas that will be really helpful as I move forward in my position as a librarian. First, I set up my first blog(!) which is a great way to connect with fellow booklovers. I've enjoyed discovering the EarlyWord, Mystery Readers International and the TeenReads sights and will look at them weekly to stay updated on recent releases. The GoodReads sight will also be a spot that I use for our customers ....and for me! After perusing their sight, I don't think I will ever be without something good to read.
Each week this online course offered something new and interesting. From judging book covers, to how to best assist a patron looking for the next read, exploring teen fiction or transitioning to nonfiction, there was much to learn and use in my daily work. I look forward to the next training.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Week 8 NonFiction
Week 8 Assignment 3/4
My four nonfiction genres are:
Politics
320 Political Science 324 The Political Process
(324.973.H) Clinton, Inc. Daniel Halpern
This recommendation comes as our country gears up for the general election in November. Much has been written, analyzed and questioned about Hillary Clinton and most people have very strong opinions about her and her husband. As the election nears, the political discourse will only intensify and this book may provide some nuggets of information to keep the conversation fiery!
Memoir
790 Sports, Games and Entertainment 796 Athletic & Outdoor Sports and Games
(796.332B)Strength of a Champion: Finding Faith and Fortitude through Adversity by O. J. Brigance
I would recommend this book for several reasons. The author is a former Baltimore Ravens football player who is living with ALS. He has become a local hero to many who have watched him struggle through this debilitating disease. This memoir is a personal story that is both uplifting but also very sad. I had the opportunity to assist him while I was working at Johns Hopkins and he was always smiling and his eyes were full of life although he had lost the ability to speak. He inspired me every single time.
Essays
810 American Literature in English 818 American Miscellaneous Writings in English
(818H) Langston Hughes Reader: Selected Writings of Langston Hughes
I would recommend this book as a wide ranging introduction to Langston Hughes. Most people have heard of this author but may not have read anything by him. This collections draws on his essays, plays, poems, songs and novels. He was a key figure during the Harlem Renaissance and his writings reflect that dynamic time .
Contemporary Social Issues
320 Political Science 325 International Migration and Colonization
(325.73N) BrainGain: Rethinking U.S. Immigration Policy by Darrell West
I choose Contemporary Social Issues as my genre and particularly this book on Immigration because it is a current hot topic. Both candidates for the presidential election have strong views and there are equally strong reactions from the public. I would recommend this book to a customer who is interested in the current political discourse and wants to be informed of the issues. And who doesn't like a heated and lively debate among friends?
Week 8 Assignment 3/4
My four nonfiction genres are:
Politics
320 Political Science 324 The Political Process
(324.973.H) Clinton, Inc. Daniel Halpern
This recommendation comes as our country gears up for the general election in November. Much has been written, analyzed and questioned about Hillary Clinton and most people have very strong opinions about her and her husband. As the election nears, the political discourse will only intensify and this book may provide some nuggets of information to keep the conversation fiery!
Memoir
790 Sports, Games and Entertainment 796 Athletic & Outdoor Sports and Games
(796.332B)Strength of a Champion: Finding Faith and Fortitude through Adversity by O. J. Brigance
I would recommend this book for several reasons. The author is a former Baltimore Ravens football player who is living with ALS. He has become a local hero to many who have watched him struggle through this debilitating disease. This memoir is a personal story that is both uplifting but also very sad. I had the opportunity to assist him while I was working at Johns Hopkins and he was always smiling and his eyes were full of life although he had lost the ability to speak. He inspired me every single time.
Essays
810 American Literature in English 818 American Miscellaneous Writings in English
(818H) Langston Hughes Reader: Selected Writings of Langston Hughes
I would recommend this book as a wide ranging introduction to Langston Hughes. Most people have heard of this author but may not have read anything by him. This collections draws on his essays, plays, poems, songs and novels. He was a key figure during the Harlem Renaissance and his writings reflect that dynamic time .
320 Political Science 325 International Migration and Colonization
(325.73N) BrainGain: Rethinking U.S. Immigration Policy by Darrell West
I choose Contemporary Social Issues as my genre and particularly this book on Immigration because it is a current hot topic. Both candidates for the presidential election have strong views and there are equally strong reactions from the public. I would recommend this book to a customer who is interested in the current political discourse and wants to be informed of the issues. And who doesn't like a heated and lively debate among friends?
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Week 7 Assignment 4
Looking at Trends at HarperTeen and Little Brown Books for Teens
Both of these sights have similar offerings. HarperTeen leads with Epic Reads and Little Brown for Teens with Featured Books which comprise lists of the most popular and newly released novels.and both present videos of various authors talking about their latest work.
The trend I see in these two sights is the continuation of the "Dystopia" themes-Veronica Roth's "Curve the Mark," "Outliers" by Kimberly McCreighton and a new segment of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard were a few hightlights. There are also new releases that seem to be an extension of the "Game of Thrones" storyline with dark tales of fantasy mixed with historical themes such as "Shadow Queen" by C J Redwine.
The success of the John Green novels like "Fault of Our Stars," which present complex emotional themes for teens will expand and continue. On the HarperTeens sight author Owen Matthers was featured with his new release"The Fixes" about a father's high expectations for his son and the pressures felt to reach them.
The appeal of the dystopia, fantasy and emotional storylines have branched out to adults as well. There is so much to choose from and these three particular themes continually provide compelling reads.
Looking at Trends at HarperTeen and Little Brown Books for Teens
Both of these sights have similar offerings. HarperTeen leads with Epic Reads and Little Brown for Teens with Featured Books which comprise lists of the most popular and newly released novels.and both present videos of various authors talking about their latest work.
The trend I see in these two sights is the continuation of the "Dystopia" themes-Veronica Roth's "Curve the Mark," "Outliers" by Kimberly McCreighton and a new segment of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard were a few hightlights. There are also new releases that seem to be an extension of the "Game of Thrones" storyline with dark tales of fantasy mixed with historical themes such as "Shadow Queen" by C J Redwine.
The success of the John Green novels like "Fault of Our Stars," which present complex emotional themes for teens will expand and continue. On the HarperTeens sight author Owen Matthers was featured with his new release"The Fixes" about a father's high expectations for his son and the pressures felt to reach them.
The appeal of the dystopia, fantasy and emotional storylines have branched out to adults as well. There is so much to choose from and these three particular themes continually provide compelling reads.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Following John Green's Tumblr and TeenReads....
Week 7 Assignment 3
I choose John Green's Tumblr and the TeenReads sight to explore. Both sights had loads of interesting articles, YouTube videos, Reading Lists and Blogs.
John Green's Tumblr is chockful of humor, interesting facts far and wide as well as the books he has written, which are wildly popular with young adults and adults. Earlier in the week he featured his own video about the DFTBA Sock, which stands for Don't Forget to be Awesome. He also dispensed his particular viewpoint on Mars, the AFC Wimbledon and the Indy 500(takes place in his hometown.) There is also a Dear Hank and John section where young teens can submit a question and John/Hank will answer it and dispense abit of advice, too. The Dear Hank and John column offers past videos that can be viewed on SoundCloud, iTunes and Podbay.fm. This column started as a videoblog posted to YouTube and created a community of people called "Nerdfighters" who "fight for intellectualism and to decrease the worldwide level of suck!"
When I checked back later in the week, John's video was hosting "Paper Towns: Get lost and get Found Tour:Vote for you State" competition. The movie trailer for his novel "Paper Towns" was also featured. There was a quirky video called "Let's Go Outside!" as he urged his viewers to go outside and look at nature. He said he loves DaddyLongLeg Spiders, Honeysuckle, bubbles and Indianapolis! There is an area where fans can post their thoughts and this was inspiring to read. Comments like.... "Your books speak to a real teens' soul." is probably one of the reasons why there are 3.8 million who follow them on Twitter.
TeenReads..... always includes a daily quote... "Be nice to people on your way up because you will meet them on your way down." Wilson Mizner
TeenReads hosts several features such as Reviews, Ultimate Reading Lists(YALSA Best Lists), Contests, Teen Board, Newsletter and Blog. You can connect via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, IndieBound, Amazon and subscribe to their various Feeds too. One of the Bloggers wrote about her experiences at "BookCon" in Chicago. There was a short video by the author Rick Lancy and his latest release "DarkStar," Teresa Toten's "Beward that Girl" and a new trilogy by Kimberly McCreight "Outliers."
A few days later, I checked back and the featured article was "Vote in Our Poll," "Summer is finally here and we're ready for some great summer reading. How do you decide what you will read over the summer? Take our poll! Another part of the sight encouraged teens to join Tumblr and "stay connected."
Included in the Features and Contests area were several good, quick tidbits such as ALA Best Lists, Teen Board Q/A, Cool and New and New in Paperback. There were several reviews of the latest books.
Another quote of the day "Blushing is the Color of Virtue" Diogenes
There is something for everyone on either of these sights. If either teens or adults want ideas on what to read or what young teens are interested in or asking questions about, you can find it here.
Week 7 Assignment 3
I choose John Green's Tumblr and the TeenReads sight to explore. Both sights had loads of interesting articles, YouTube videos, Reading Lists and Blogs.
John Green's Tumblr is chockful of humor, interesting facts far and wide as well as the books he has written, which are wildly popular with young adults and adults. Earlier in the week he featured his own video about the DFTBA Sock, which stands for Don't Forget to be Awesome. He also dispensed his particular viewpoint on Mars, the AFC Wimbledon and the Indy 500(takes place in his hometown.) There is also a Dear Hank and John section where young teens can submit a question and John/Hank will answer it and dispense abit of advice, too. The Dear Hank and John column offers past videos that can be viewed on SoundCloud, iTunes and Podbay.fm. This column started as a videoblog posted to YouTube and created a community of people called "Nerdfighters" who "fight for intellectualism and to decrease the worldwide level of suck!"
When I checked back later in the week, John's video was hosting "Paper Towns: Get lost and get Found Tour:Vote for you State" competition. The movie trailer for his novel "Paper Towns" was also featured. There was a quirky video called "Let's Go Outside!" as he urged his viewers to go outside and look at nature. He said he loves DaddyLongLeg Spiders, Honeysuckle, bubbles and Indianapolis! There is an area where fans can post their thoughts and this was inspiring to read. Comments like.... "Your books speak to a real teens' soul." is probably one of the reasons why there are 3.8 million who follow them on Twitter.
TeenReads..... always includes a daily quote... "Be nice to people on your way up because you will meet them on your way down." Wilson Mizner
TeenReads hosts several features such as Reviews, Ultimate Reading Lists(YALSA Best Lists), Contests, Teen Board, Newsletter and Blog. You can connect via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, IndieBound, Amazon and subscribe to their various Feeds too. One of the Bloggers wrote about her experiences at "BookCon" in Chicago. There was a short video by the author Rick Lancy and his latest release "DarkStar," Teresa Toten's "Beward that Girl" and a new trilogy by Kimberly McCreight "Outliers."
A few days later, I checked back and the featured article was "Vote in Our Poll," "Summer is finally here and we're ready for some great summer reading. How do you decide what you will read over the summer? Take our poll! Another part of the sight encouraged teens to join Tumblr and "stay connected."
Included in the Features and Contests area were several good, quick tidbits such as ALA Best Lists, Teen Board Q/A, Cool and New and New in Paperback. There were several reviews of the latest books.
Another quote of the day "Blushing is the Color of Virtue" Diogenes
There is something for everyone on either of these sights. If either teens or adults want ideas on what to read or what young teens are interested in or asking questions about, you can find it here.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Week 7 Assignment 2
"Who's buying teen books? Lots and lots of adults."
by Molly Driscoll
This article dates back to September 2012 so some of the information may already be outdated.
There were some good points in the article that I found interesting:
1. Many of the books aimed at the teen market and also being read by adults as well.( "55% of customers who buy young adult books are 18 or older.")
2. The teen readers market generally directed to readers age 12-17, has widened it's appeal due to the popularity of books like "The Hunger Games", "Harry Potter and the "Twilight" series.
3. What is the appeal of these books to adults? This article states "sometimes written in a less complicated fashion than adult books and may offer more of a literary escape than an adult contemporary novel, providing a relaxing experience for an adult reader tired from commuting, working all day and taking care of kids."
4. Angelina Benedetti, Washington state librarian, wrote in a 2008 column for the Library Journal that "it took her awhile to catch on to the quality titles being released in the teen market but that now, when her friends come to her for reading suggestions, she points them to young adult titles."
5. Amazon started to include "Best of the Month" picks which included young adult titles in its "Top 10 List" -not as a separate "young readers" list but as part of its overall survey of best titles available.
"YA Comes of Age" by Sue Corbett
This article is dated September 2011 and the following are important points;
1. " YA continues to shine in an industry clouded by uncertainty. A decade and a half after Harry Potter kick-started a fantasy boom, hardcover fiction remains the star category."
2. YA adult subject matter features "menacing creatures, forbidden romances and apocalyptic versions of this and future Earth." Rosemary Stimola, a agent for Suzanne Collins, states "this is a population of young people who don't remember a time when the country was not at war. It makes perfect sense that their literature would allow them a way to exercise their thoughts about the nature of good and evil......"
3. "Since bookstores moved the teen section away from the kids' departments, YA books lost the stigma what they were somehow inferior because they were written for teens..."
4. YA books also changed their book covers to more "elegant packaging." Bookseller Barry Goldblatt " cites the cover for The Hunger Games as....gender neutral, age neutral and sharp."
5. There is a certain amount of "Paranormal Fatigue," according to Jennifer Laughran, an agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, " "It can't be just about two shiny guys and a girl anymore.....doo something different with the paranormal elements.....super funny on one page and super scary on the next."
6. This article ends by the "next big thing,"-dystopias-and in 2016, we see many titles such as the Divergent series growing in popularity.
"Who's buying teen books? Lots and lots of adults."
by Molly Driscoll
This article dates back to September 2012 so some of the information may already be outdated.
There were some good points in the article that I found interesting:
1. Many of the books aimed at the teen market and also being read by adults as well.( "55% of customers who buy young adult books are 18 or older.")
2. The teen readers market generally directed to readers age 12-17, has widened it's appeal due to the popularity of books like "The Hunger Games", "Harry Potter and the "Twilight" series.
3. What is the appeal of these books to adults? This article states "sometimes written in a less complicated fashion than adult books and may offer more of a literary escape than an adult contemporary novel, providing a relaxing experience for an adult reader tired from commuting, working all day and taking care of kids."
4. Angelina Benedetti, Washington state librarian, wrote in a 2008 column for the Library Journal that "it took her awhile to catch on to the quality titles being released in the teen market but that now, when her friends come to her for reading suggestions, she points them to young adult titles."
5. Amazon started to include "Best of the Month" picks which included young adult titles in its "Top 10 List" -not as a separate "young readers" list but as part of its overall survey of best titles available.
"YA Comes of Age" by Sue Corbett
This article is dated September 2011 and the following are important points;
1. " YA continues to shine in an industry clouded by uncertainty. A decade and a half after Harry Potter kick-started a fantasy boom, hardcover fiction remains the star category."
2. YA adult subject matter features "menacing creatures, forbidden romances and apocalyptic versions of this and future Earth." Rosemary Stimola, a agent for Suzanne Collins, states "this is a population of young people who don't remember a time when the country was not at war. It makes perfect sense that their literature would allow them a way to exercise their thoughts about the nature of good and evil......"
3. "Since bookstores moved the teen section away from the kids' departments, YA books lost the stigma what they were somehow inferior because they were written for teens..."
4. YA books also changed their book covers to more "elegant packaging." Bookseller Barry Goldblatt " cites the cover for The Hunger Games as....gender neutral, age neutral and sharp."
5. There is a certain amount of "Paranormal Fatigue," according to Jennifer Laughran, an agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, " "It can't be just about two shiny guys and a girl anymore.....doo something different with the paranormal elements.....super funny on one page and super scary on the next."
6. This article ends by the "next big thing,"-dystopias-and in 2016, we see many titles such as the Divergent series growing in popularity.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Week 6 Assignment 3 Building a Base Knowledge - Subgenres
This Me More Bookish training has introduced me to so many great sights, books and ideas and the Prezi chart was so interesting. Who knew there were so many Genre/Subgenre categories!
I decided to choose three different genre's I don't usually read, so here goes:
Urban Fiction/Literary
My first pick was Urban Fiction with Literary as the subgenre. I profess to knowing absolutely nothing about the books in this category, however I was pleasantly surprised when I went to EarlyWord and found their "Listopia" list called "This Is the Definition of Urban Fiction." I actually had heard of the first 4 that were there. The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah seems to be one of the standard bearers and I would like to read it to get a better sense of this genre. Others on the list were Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree, True to the Game by Teri Woods and The Cartel by Ashley Antoinette. The appeal factors seem to be storylines within an urban setting that are edgy and confrontational.
Horror/Gothic
I have never read much Horror(my imagination is vivid enough!) but I choose this area to get a better idea of what is offered. Again I went to EarlyWord to see what they had on their lists and choose new and classic offerings. First off, Shirley Jackson"s We Have Always Lived in the Castle"-the book cover drew me in and the title as well. Miss Peregrine"s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs had several appeal factors. The book cover alone-a black/white picture, looks to be back in the early part of the century of a young girl in a dress, levitating and staring right at you-is a curious sight, but also, throughout the book are other B/W photos of unusual children. I think using not just word but pictures is very effective. If you really love horror in it's finest where it goes to work in your imagination, a must read is Edgar Allan Poe(Also if you are from Baltimore, well....I don't need to say more!) and The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales should be on everyone's list. I also choose another older book, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind. This book came out in the late 80's when I was working at an independent bookstore and it was very popular so I want to revisit and put it on my reading list.
Western/Urban
This combination of Western and Urban seems so unlikely, that I picked this for my third choice of subgenres. I went, once again, to EarlyWord for guidance and this is what I found. A classic read by Zane Grey, Riders of the Purple Sage, though probably very dated, should be read just to see how far the western novel has come. Somehow, on this sight, the two genre's meshed together and The Chance She Took by Kole Black made the list so one sees a pretty big departure from a Zane Grey novel. My last title is a Comac McCarthy novel, All The Pretty Horses. Written in a sparse, tight style that reads like a contemporary novel, with a storyline placed in the 1950/1960/s. I realize my three choices really run the gamut here, but I think this subgenre is evolving... which lead me to create my own. Take the movie "Jango Unchained" and apply it to a new subgenre I will call "Urban/Southern Gothic"...Imagine Gone with the Wind, but with a contemporary dialogue and the history of that time intertwined with our current perspective.
Please excuse the last,(very small)! paragraph.....I had some trouble getting the font to change.
Please excuse the last,(very small)! paragraph.....I had some trouble getting the font to change.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Week 6 Building Base Knowledge (Genres)
Week 6 Assignment 1 I choose Mystery Readers International to explore and learn about. I love mysteries, but don't often choose them when I think of what to read next, and I thought this sight might give me some good ideas.
Mystery Readers International is an organization with a worldwide fan base. It's web page features the Mystery Readers Journal, which is a quarterly newsletter with articles, reviews and author interviews. The current journal featured mystery stories about New York City.
It also has a Mystery Fanfare Blog where contributers write about book related ideas and stories. I found an article there about "Book Smelling" and why people smell books. It caught my eye, because I have been a book sniffer ever since I can remember! The smell reminds me of my hometown library and the many hours I spent there in pure happiness! The article traces the smell in the following paragraph.
Mystery Readers International is an organization with a worldwide fan base. It's web page features the Mystery Readers Journal, which is a quarterly newsletter with articles, reviews and author interviews. The current journal featured mystery stories about New York City.
It also has a Mystery Fanfare Blog where contributers write about book related ideas and stories. I found an article there about "Book Smelling" and why people smell books. It caught my eye, because I have been a book sniffer ever since I can remember! The smell reminds me of my hometown library and the many hours I spent there in pure happiness! The article traces the smell in the following paragraph.
"The appeal of old books’ smell has been studied in depth. Wood-based paper contains lignin, a chemical closely related to vanillin, the compound that gives vanilla its fragrance. As the pages age and the compounds break down, they release that signature scent. An experienced rare book handler can date a volume by scent alone, according to the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers.
It is always best to include something to make us laugh!
Furthermore, scent is strongly tied to memory. Just as the scent of sunscreen or fresh-cut grass can suddenly evoke memories of childhood summers, for the bookish among us the scent of old manuscripts recalls pleasures like reading an old classic, or scouring a library or used bookstore."
Also, part of the Mystery Fanfare Blog had some other interesting tidbits:
Cartoon of the Day(see below), CrimeFest Award Winners 2016, CWA Dagger Award Longlists, Noir City-Austin.
I also enjoyed reading their Twitter feed and a feature "Dying for Chocolate." that included some tasty recipes.
There is something for everyone on this sight.
It is always best to include something to make us laugh!
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Week 5 Assignment 2
Combing through all those great new and recommended lists!
At a glance, The New York Times Bestseller list is a cornucopia of wonderful ideas and choices.
At Woodlawn, many of our patrons enjoy new releases by James Patterson, David Baldacci and Danielle Steel and these are presented with a brief summary of the storyline. There is an Overview on the left side that lists choices in Print/Ebook, HC, Paperback, E Books and Children. This is a good quick reference.
Also, several of our patrons will mention the Oprah Magazine edition that has recommended "Beach Reads,' and I personally as well as professionally check this every year. There are always new authors to explore.
I also explored the People Magazine Book page and found it to be a good resource too. They list their choices for summer like this:
"10 New Books Everyone Should Read This Summer"
"15 Beach Reads to Bask in This Summer."
"The Best June Books for Kids of All Ages."
"10 Books to Read Lying on the Beach...Or If You Wish You Were."
When I see headings like that.....I immediately look over the lists for that perfect beach or porch sitting summer read!
Combing through all those great new and recommended lists!
At a glance, The New York Times Bestseller list is a cornucopia of wonderful ideas and choices.
At Woodlawn, many of our patrons enjoy new releases by James Patterson, David Baldacci and Danielle Steel and these are presented with a brief summary of the storyline. There is an Overview on the left side that lists choices in Print/Ebook, HC, Paperback, E Books and Children. This is a good quick reference.
Also, several of our patrons will mention the Oprah Magazine edition that has recommended "Beach Reads,' and I personally as well as professionally check this every year. There are always new authors to explore.
I also explored the People Magazine Book page and found it to be a good resource too. They list their choices for summer like this:
"10 New Books Everyone Should Read This Summer"
"15 Beach Reads to Bask in This Summer."
"The Best June Books for Kids of All Ages."
"10 Books to Read Lying on the Beach...Or If You Wish You Were."
When I see headings like that.....I immediately look over the lists for that perfect beach or porch sitting summer read!
Monday, May 16, 2016
Week 5 Assignment 1
Checking in with EarlyWord!
One of the many pleasures of looking forward to the coming warm days are the lists of books to read in the summer and I found several interesting ones on EarlyWord.
Welcome to Our Senses by Odie Lindsay
I am always on the lookout for short story collections by authors I am not familiar with and this book by Odie Lindsay caught my eye. One of the quotes said it is "compulsively readable," so my attention was held.
It appears some of the collected stories "explore the lives of veterans returning to their home in the South." I seem drawn to stories of the south-must be a Midwestern thing! Does anybody out there in blogland know of this author?
Miss Jane by Brad Watson
The brief description reveals a "moving and contemplative novel about a woman with a birth defect finding her own way in the rural south before and after the Great Depression. "Calmly, quietly, with deceptive simplicity...." The notion of calm that is evoked in the description sounds perfect on those hot afternoons.!
Checking in with EarlyWord!
One of the many pleasures of looking forward to the coming warm days are the lists of books to read in the summer and I found several interesting ones on EarlyWord.
Welcome to Our Senses by Odie Lindsay
I am always on the lookout for short story collections by authors I am not familiar with and this book by Odie Lindsay caught my eye. One of the quotes said it is "compulsively readable," so my attention was held.
It appears some of the collected stories "explore the lives of veterans returning to their home in the South." I seem drawn to stories of the south-must be a Midwestern thing! Does anybody out there in blogland know of this author?
Miss Jane by Brad Watson
The brief description reveals a "moving and contemplative novel about a woman with a birth defect finding her own way in the rural south before and after the Great Depression. "Calmly, quietly, with deceptive simplicity...." The notion of calm that is evoked in the description sounds perfect on those hot afternoons.!
Friday, May 13, 2016
Good Reads and Recommends.
Week 4 GoodReads and Recommendations
I enjoyed the GoodReads sight very much. I saw books that I have been wanting to read for awhile, discovered books that sound really interesting and loved the selections that some of my colleagues choose to read.
For my friend Kelsey, who's shelf of books to read include several about different historical times, I recommended "Unbroken"by Laura Hillenbrand. It is based on the life of Louis Zamperini whose plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean during WWII and survived several weeks on a rubber raft, was captured and sent to a Japanese POW camp. An amazing and inspiring story!
For my friend Andrea, I noticed a book on her list "Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society" by A Barrows and thought she might like to read "The Book of Ebenzer LePage by G B Edwards. The story also takes place on the Guernsey Islands and chronicles the life of Mr. LePage as he recalls the characters, island life and the changes that the war brought to this small island. Wonderful and quirky story!
I enjoyed the GoodReads sight very much. I saw books that I have been wanting to read for awhile, discovered books that sound really interesting and loved the selections that some of my colleagues choose to read.
For my friend Kelsey, who's shelf of books to read include several about different historical times, I recommended "Unbroken"by Laura Hillenbrand. It is based on the life of Louis Zamperini whose plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean during WWII and survived several weeks on a rubber raft, was captured and sent to a Japanese POW camp. An amazing and inspiring story!
For my friend Andrea, I noticed a book on her list "Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society" by A Barrows and thought she might like to read "The Book of Ebenzer LePage by G B Edwards. The story also takes place on the Guernsey Islands and chronicles the life of Mr. LePage as he recalls the characters, island life and the changes that the war brought to this small island. Wonderful and quirky story!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Week 3 Readers' Services Conversation
Conversation 1
For the customer who really enjoyed the travel and personal story in the novel "Eat, Pray, Love," I would suggest "Under the Tuscan Sky" by Francis Mayes. It is a perfect blend of travel adventure and personal reflections in a beautiful setting. The author moves to Tuscany, buys an abandoned villa and while renovating it, delves into the history and cuisine of this area.
When a customer comes in and tells me about a book they have enjoyed, I sometimes go to the Amazon paget and look up that title and other recommended books similar in theme. I find it helpful to read the customer reviews and will frequently show that page to the patron. Often, it is a good starting point for recommending other authors and books.
Conversation 2
This customer is looking for a book with the "Twilight" intrique without the personal angst and I would recommend "Wilder" part of the Guardian Series by G.K. DeRosa. I have not read the Twilight Series so I asked my daughter what she would recommend and she suggested this series. Reviews of this book on the Amazon sight say it is"a new twist on the Vampire/Supernatural genre.series, so that description would seem to align with the customer's interests.
Conversation 3
I went to the Early Word page to find something new to recommend in this situation. From the conversation, it appears the patron likes a true story with a historical and dramatic context.
I would recommend the newly released book"Five Presidents," by Clint Hill. Mr Hill was a former secret service agent and served Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. His memoir offers "anecdotes and reflections on his time working with five Presidents and the history and personal moments he witnessed." He was assigned to Mrs. Kennedy and "threw his body across the President's on the day of the assassination." He also offers glimpses into Nixon's meeting with Elvis and his friendship with the Kennedy's children.
Once I recommend it to our customer, I may have to pick it up and read it too!
Conversation 2
This customer is looking for a book with the "Twilight" intrique without the personal angst and I would recommend "Wilder" part of the Guardian Series by G.K. DeRosa. I have not read the Twilight Series so I asked my daughter what she would recommend and she suggested this series. Reviews of this book on the Amazon sight say it is"a new twist on the Vampire/Supernatural genre.series, so that description would seem to align with the customer's interests.
Conversation 3
I went to the Early Word page to find something new to recommend in this situation. From the conversation, it appears the patron likes a true story with a historical and dramatic context.
I would recommend the newly released book"Five Presidents," by Clint Hill. Mr Hill was a former secret service agent and served Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. His memoir offers "anecdotes and reflections on his time working with five Presidents and the history and personal moments he witnessed." He was assigned to Mrs. Kennedy and "threw his body across the President's on the day of the assassination." He also offers glimpses into Nixon's meeting with Elvis and his friendship with the Kennedy's children.
Once I recommend it to our customer, I may have to pick it up and read it too!
Monday, May 2, 2016
Week 2 Assignment 2 Appeal Factors
Three of my favorite novels.
Unvanquished William Faulkner
At some point, I think everyone must read a Faulkner novel. It will plant you firmly in the South where the Civil War is always present and past.
"Unvanquished" takes place in Mississippi, near Jackson in the years 1867-1873. Vicksburg has just fallen, the Civil War is coming to an end. In its' wake, Yankee soldiers are heading north and Confederate soldiers are returning to their towns, their burned and empty plantation homes and a way of life almost unrecognizable. Four main characters dominant this story: Colonel John Sartoris, decorated Confederate soldier, his son Bayard, Ringo, Bayard's childhood friend and slave, and Granny, John's mother.
This story has all the elements of a Faulkner novel-a southern family dynasty holding on to whatever is left(in this case, the family honor and silver and a few horses). Add in a confrontation with a Yankee over horse thieving (but in a southern mannerly way) and a duel at the end involving the Colonel's son and a "carpetbagger", to restore honor to the family name( while wearing a sprig of Verbena tucked into his suit coat pocket) !
I loved the language, the description of place and people, the ways and customs of this time. While reading the way Faulkner writes, describes and narrates, I felt in the company of a grand storyteller.
100 Years of the Best American Short Stories Edited by Lorrie Moore
This collection is so full of such great writers! It is organized by decade so you also get a sense of the cultural and historical themes of the time as well. The short story is also a really good way to discover writers that you may have heard of but haven't read.
The collection begins with the first published story by Ernest Hemingway. I love his minimalist, descriptive style. Flannery O'Connor's contribution is "Everything that Rises Must Converge," In her style, you get completely involved with the characters and their prejudices and then she ends it with a real jaw dropper. So Satisfying! I had never heard of Nancy Hale and her story centers on the reverberations of the Holocaust and of the scars that still linger within the tranquil country of upstate New York. James Baldwin's "Sonnys Blues" is here too. I have never read(but wanted to) anything by him and this story about the emotional bonds of brothers and the redemption that can come through in music, stayed with me long after reading.
This is just a small description of a really marvelous collection!
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith
Betty Smith wrote this beautiful and harsh coming of age novel in 1943. The story centers on a young girl, Francie Nolan, growing up in Brooklyn, New York at the beginning of the 19th century. She lives with her father, mother and brother and her family is first generation Irish American. She remembers a home full of warmth and love but frequently in need. Her father, while loving and affectionate, drinks too much and can't hold a job. Her mother works several jobs but there always seems to be a struggle to make ends meet.. Francie cherishes her trips to the library every Saturday. She understands that reading books and going to school will be her way out of this desperate life.
The descriptions of her neighborhood are rich in personal characters and day to day activity. This novel places you in a part of the city, at a time when many immigrants were settling into America for the first time.
Three of my favorite novels.
Unvanquished William Faulkner
At some point, I think everyone must read a Faulkner novel. It will plant you firmly in the South where the Civil War is always present and past.
"Unvanquished" takes place in Mississippi, near Jackson in the years 1867-1873. Vicksburg has just fallen, the Civil War is coming to an end. In its' wake, Yankee soldiers are heading north and Confederate soldiers are returning to their towns, their burned and empty plantation homes and a way of life almost unrecognizable. Four main characters dominant this story: Colonel John Sartoris, decorated Confederate soldier, his son Bayard, Ringo, Bayard's childhood friend and slave, and Granny, John's mother.
This story has all the elements of a Faulkner novel-a southern family dynasty holding on to whatever is left(in this case, the family honor and silver and a few horses). Add in a confrontation with a Yankee over horse thieving (but in a southern mannerly way) and a duel at the end involving the Colonel's son and a "carpetbagger", to restore honor to the family name( while wearing a sprig of Verbena tucked into his suit coat pocket) !
I loved the language, the description of place and people, the ways and customs of this time. While reading the way Faulkner writes, describes and narrates, I felt in the company of a grand storyteller.
100 Years of the Best American Short Stories Edited by Lorrie Moore
This collection is so full of such great writers! It is organized by decade so you also get a sense of the cultural and historical themes of the time as well. The short story is also a really good way to discover writers that you may have heard of but haven't read.
The collection begins with the first published story by Ernest Hemingway. I love his minimalist, descriptive style. Flannery O'Connor's contribution is "Everything that Rises Must Converge," In her style, you get completely involved with the characters and their prejudices and then she ends it with a real jaw dropper. So Satisfying! I had never heard of Nancy Hale and her story centers on the reverberations of the Holocaust and of the scars that still linger within the tranquil country of upstate New York. James Baldwin's "Sonnys Blues" is here too. I have never read(but wanted to) anything by him and this story about the emotional bonds of brothers and the redemption that can come through in music, stayed with me long after reading.
This is just a small description of a really marvelous collection!
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith
Betty Smith wrote this beautiful and harsh coming of age novel in 1943. The story centers on a young girl, Francie Nolan, growing up in Brooklyn, New York at the beginning of the 19th century. She lives with her father, mother and brother and her family is first generation Irish American. She remembers a home full of warmth and love but frequently in need. Her father, while loving and affectionate, drinks too much and can't hold a job. Her mother works several jobs but there always seems to be a struggle to make ends meet.. Francie cherishes her trips to the library every Saturday. She understands that reading books and going to school will be her way out of this desperate life.
The descriptions of her neighborhood are rich in personal characters and day to day activity. This novel places you in a part of the city, at a time when many immigrants were settling into America for the first time.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Week 1 Assignment 4
I am picking the EarlyWord sight for recommended reading. I like the way it is set up with the most recent releases easily seen and I also love the list of prize winners as well. I often look for National Book Award and Booker Prize winners when I am in search of a good read.
I am also going to follow the Mystery Readers International sight. I enjoy mysteries but am not always sure what to read and I think this will provide me with some good reads.
I am picking the EarlyWord sight for recommended reading. I like the way it is set up with the most recent releases easily seen and I also love the list of prize winners as well. I often look for National Book Award and Booker Prize winners when I am in search of a good read.
I am also going to follow the Mystery Readers International sight. I enjoy mysteries but am not always sure what to read and I think this will provide me with some good reads.
Week 1 Assignment 3
Read, Read, Read! Immerse Yourself in the Moment! These are good words to remember. Books are personal, create ideas and conversations between strangers and can lead one down a path to a new book, author and way to look at the world! This RA list is a great reminder of why I love books and working at a Public Library.
Read, Read, Read! Immerse Yourself in the Moment! These are good words to remember. Books are personal, create ideas and conversations between strangers and can lead one down a path to a new book, author and way to look at the world! This RA list is a great reminder of why I love books and working at a Public Library.
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