Readers Advisory Sp23

  When it comes to promoting the fiction books, first and foremost, it depends on the library. For the library I work at, we always try to do a monthly display for certain types of fiction, or something related in the literary world for that month. As an example, this month we have fiction books on display for "Spring". Anything that takes place in spring or a renewal of something in the book. For one thing, doing fun displays like this are really interesting, and we also did a NoveList display. This shows what our resources we use for making decisions with RA. We used popular authors and displayed books we had to represent as "If You Liked" by each author.  Another example I would use and that I have helped with, is our new shelf books we always try to shuffle around the newer titles. If someone working has seen the same titles for over a week or so, switch them out. This is something I usually do, and usually after that a patron will see something that was already...

  As a member of my own library's collection development committee, this is something I dread facing. With censorship threats from local and state representatives, it's become more aware of how some people would want to separate LBGTQ+ Fiction from the general collection. However, my library and I are not ones to do this. Our mission is to provide for "all" our patrons regardless of their background or identities.  So, when it comes to having a separate section for LBGTQ+ fiction, I would say as one member: no. My first reason is, we do not want to segregate and indirectly discriminate those who read this type of fiction or relate to these books. If separate anything its only because we separate books from movies and such.  If patrons want to be able to distinguish certain types of books, I would look at making special stickers that are rainbow in color if the budget is feasible. Its not an ideal situation, but with the label's others will know what they are picki...

  I had to really contemplate on this posting, because it hurts me to think that some people out there are saying adults should not be reading YA or graphic novels. For whatever reason, it just makes me think about how those words are hurtful and almost have a controlling sense to them, much like all these legislation bills we see to have books removed for certain age groups. In my experience as well as two of my good friends I work with in the public library, I have found that showing the community that we support their needs. It's not about what others think only the patron's we deal with on a daily basis interaction. I spoke to my co-workers/friends, and they gave me some insight that really helped me tame down my personal anger towards the nay sayers out there.  At our library here at Eckhart, we actually have a section of graphic novels and manga. This shows we want to encourage adults to reach for these materials, if there is a strong interest in them. I have always been...

Author: Rebecca Carvalho  Title: Salt and Sugar  Genre: Young Adult  Publication Date : November 1st, 2022 Number of Pages: 368 pages  Geographical Setting: Olinda, Brazil  Time Period: present time, not given in the book.  Series (If applicable): N/A  Plot Summary: Grandchildren Pedro and Lari are rivals within their family bakeries: Salt and Sugar. This feud has been going since each of their great grandparents opened the businesses. However, when Lari's beloved grandmother dies, she and her mother are left to try and keep the bakery going. However, with a big market cooperation coming into town to threaten the livelihood of their small community, Lari must team up with Pedro. A thing her grandma would consider a betrayal. However, Pedro and Lari will soon realize that there is more to life than just family feuds and rivalry. They will find out that love is both sweet and salty when it comes to making your own choices in life.  Subject Hea...

Author: Harper Lee  Title: Go Set a Watchman  Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical  Publication Date: July 14th. 2015 Number of Pages: 278 Geographical Setting: Maycomb, Alabama  Time Period: mid 1950's Series (If applicable) : Sequel to "To Kill a Mockingbird"  Plot Summary:  Twenty years later since the events of "To Kill a Mockingbir" Jean Louise "Scout" Finch is visiting her ailing father and family, from her new home in New York. Set in the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, Jean Louise starts to see how her family and her community she grew up in has changed against her own views. Jean Louise starts to see people she's cared about change in ways that are controversial to what she's known and begins to see things she never thought she would. Memories of her childhood resurface, and values are thrown into the turmoil of doubt. Go Set a Watchman captures a young woman in a world in a painful, but necessary transition out of childho...

1. Where is the book on narrative continuum?     Highly narrative (reads fiction) 2. What is the subject of the book?     Enchantment : awakening wonder in an anxious age: This book tells of rediscovering our sense of wonder and awe in a world where a global pandemic, social media and outside forces that have hindered that sense.  3. What type of book is this?     Nonfiction, Self-Help and Awareness  4. Articulate Appeal What is the pacing? The book reads like a fiction chapter book with and its very quick to relate to and gives a sense of discovery about yourself.  Describe the characters The author is the main character, the sense of awe and wonder are new characters to be discovered. While outside forces such a social media, the aftermath of the pandemic and other things take on their own life as a character.  How does the story feel? Eye-opening, relatable to those who have suffered from anxiety during the pandemic, thought...

       As one who listens frequently to audiobooks, I happen to like the connivence of it when tracking the chapters and time. However, as Erin said in the blog the narrator can make or break it. If you do not have someone who can help keep the story flowing, and if you are able to listen to the samples that really helps whether the book will be a good listen. I know for me I don't always listen to them but look more at the popularity sometimes. Not always a good thing, but that is something people do look at. I actually was recommended to listen to "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee and it was narrated by Resse Witherspoon. I listened to the sample, and I was drawn in right away. With eBooks, if I was able to get them for free (before discovering Libby and Hoopla), I only was able to get free ones. Otherwise, I would have to pay a subscription to Audible. When Libby and Hoopla came on the market for libraries, I was hooked for audiobooks. However, with the eBooks, I ...

*Here is a link to a podcast my friend and from work and I did on the Romanov Family and the musical Anastasia if you're interested*  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXqm6xZahxs  Author:  Ariel Lawhorn  Title:  I Was Anastasia  Genre:  Historical Fiction Publication Date:  March 27, 2018 Number of Pages:  352 Geographical Setting:  Majority of Russia (St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg), Romania, Germany, and Virgina   Time Period:  1917-1970s Series (If applicable) : N/A  Plot Summary : The oldest mystery in the world comes to life but we here from both sides, Anastasia Romanov and Anna Anderson. Anastasia was to be executed on July 17, 1918, by Bolshevik firing squad along with the rest of her family or so history says. July 17, 1920, a young woman is rescued by German police after a failed suicide attempt, she has a striking resemblance to that of the royal princess. The question of what really happen to Anastasia and wh...

     I never really was a fan of book clubs, the reasons being some of them have one view only mindset. They also really never liked hearing opinions of others, unless they had the same ideals of the story or characteristics. So, when I was asked to be a member of a Book Club, I initially turned my nose up at the thought. However, this book club was not a regular book club. I was asked to partake in Dekalb Mock Newberry book club.  This is a book club based on the Newberry Award for young adult/juvenile fiction award. Now I know you are probably thinking, this is not a real book club, well it is a real book club. We do offer this to our patrons, but typically its staff amongst our neighboring libraries. I am now being trained to work each meeting, which will begin sometime this summer. All our libraries in our county select books that were newly published back in 2022. We then read the books and hold a discussion as to why or why not this would be a Newberry contende...

  My topic I chose was the growing popularity of a subgenre story type of enemies to lovers. I chose this because these books drew me in as a reader. I have always loved reading how the behavior and connections of the characters drive the plot and the choices made throughout the book. Now in my paper I covered mostly fantasy titles/series, but there are growing titles in the contemporary field of books as well. I will go through briefly of each one I mentioned in my paper. I use Pride and Prejudice as a starting point here, and that's because this in my opinion was one of the best representations of enemies to lovers. Darcy and Elizabeth have notions about each other, only to see how wrong they were. The first author is Sarah J Maas, author of Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass series. Both series have female characters caught with men who do unspeakable things to hinder their trust, but as they get to know each other that develops something more. However, these are ...

  *Disclaimer, this post may get very passionate at various times. A soap box might be required. When it comes to books in general, as a librarian I take appreciation for all books. Now that is appreciation which is defined as "recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something" (Webster Dictionary, 2023). With that being said, does this mean I think every book in my library is something enjoyable? For me as an individual that is an obvious no, but for someone else there is a different stance on some books. As an example, I cannot stand  Fifty Shades of Grey due to the fact that when it comes to relationships and romance books, this did not appeal to me in the least. Plus, the writing style is not what I would consider to be of merit (as a writer, but that's just me). However, there are many in my work and personal circle who love this book. My point is this, we all have different views of book titles and authors and guess what. . . .THAT IS OKAY! No...

  Author: Amanda Flower Title: Crime and Poetry Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gentle Reads Publication Date: April 5, 2016 Number of Pages: 345 Geographical Setting: Cascade Springs, New York Time Period: 2010'ish Series (If applicable) : Magical Bookshop Mysteries Plot Summary : Violet Waverly finds herself back at her hometown in Cascade Springs, when her grandmother Daisy calls and says she's "dying". Violet finds that Grandma Daisy is in perfect health, and Daisy then asks Violet to help her work in her magic bookstore "Charming Books" whereas its stated "Books tend to fly off the shelf and pick you." (Flower, 2016). Violet trying to finish her Doctorate back Chicago is then forced to stay and help her Grandma Daisy when a well-known carriage driver is found dead with a book from Charming Books. The victim is Benedict Raisin who upon discovering put Daisy in his will and now Daisy is the prime suspect. Now it's up to...

    I think one thing to do to promote Romance, is something like "Love at First Line" this is also maybe called "Blind Date with a Book". At my library we have done the Blind Date Books, which not everyone was in to, but those who were had a great time with the activity. However, this would only promote romance books. Having likes and dislikes in Romance would be on a card and filled out and then once the book is picked it is wrapped up in solid colored paper with the first line of the book or summary on it. Then the patron enjoys their "Date"/"Love".  The descriptors would be leveled as mild, medium, spicy or el diablo hot, and then go into subgenres section like historical, science fiction, and other areas. This would also give opportunity for audiobooks, ebooks and other forms to be utilized as well. 

Author: Abbi Glines Title: Glitter Genre: Romance, Regency Publication Date: June 10, 2021 Number of Pages: 325 Geographical Setting: Great Britian Time Period: possibly during the 18-19th century Series (If applicable): N/A Plot Summary: Miriam Bathurst stands out from other ladies, she is outspoken, independent, and is willing to do what must be done to secure financial security for her family. While Hugh Compton, Earl of Ashington is not fond of his new title when his father died unexpectedly. Hugh also deals with a brother, Nicholas who bent to make his life miserable, but Hugh has more important things to worry about: getting married was number one. However, when Hugh sets his eyes on Miriam, he sees that marriage may not be so bad, but Nicholas sees and opportunity to destroy his brother. All three are about to get more than they bargained for when affections heart and vengeance come into play. Subject Headings: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romanc...

  Whisked away from a life of secluded secrets and lies, Poppy must now make a choice. . .continue to be the submissive symbol or become something she never thought to be? All while trying to understand her complicated feelings for the man who betrayed her.       Poppy has now been taken to Atlantia, home to the Prince of Atlantia. However, she knows him by a different name, a name she knew and trusted, and one to not trust . . or so she tries. Casteel Da'Neer has brought Poppy to his kingdom to help in his mission and Poppy must work with Casteel in order to find the answers to questions that have long been hidden from her. Casteel knows that Poppy has something to gain, but when they both are forced to work with one another, they will start to see how far someone is willing to go for revenge. Poppy and Casteel will also need to come to terms with each other in order to save not only themselves but the lives at steak. With a growing unrest in Atlantia and attra...

      When it comes to reviews, I have found that wide ranges are going to happen. However, I have noticed that I have learned from both good and not so great reviews. Sometimes you can learn about reading styles and appeals to books from negative reviews. When it comes to reviews as a selector, I tend to have an objective view because at the end of the day we cannot be responsible for how a patron reacts to a book. I know I have praised a book that others do not enjoy and vice versa.   For the books that are only published as eBooks and not printed, are more than likely self-published. I the lack of professional reviews on eBooks can be a boost in digital sales, but that will not make a person happy if the book is not something that appeals to them. Free books are hit and miss with people and if there are lack of reviews then a person will not know if they should continue reading the book or not. Big authors on digital books to me feels as i...

                                                                               For the Secret Shopper, I will say overall it was a positive experience. I went in thinking I would try a mystery series since that is a genre I want to try and get into more, especially cozy mysteries (anyone in my circle knows I don't do scary at all/ Love my Hallmark).  Joanne Fluke and  Anne George’s “Southern Sisters” were the ones that the staff really hit hard on me. However, when I asked if they had spins close to "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" I got some really interesting  series. Some I didn't mention in the paper, but I felt should list: "Miss Fortune"  by Jana Deleon, "Grimm Cove" by Mandy Roth and Esme Anderson's "Enchanted Bay series".    However, I felt that I was left ...

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! 1) I would first ask if the series they finished was a graphic novel series, since that was one of the first things that came up in NoveList. From there I would recommend the next graphic novel series or go to the next book in the series which was The Lunatic Cafe. I would then inquire if they would like to have the next couple books in the series on hold for them, in case they want them. 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.  2) I would ask the patron if they were interested in another genre she's written for or would do a read-a like of the same title but with a faster reading pace. If they wanted to go a different author, what I do with No...

When it comes to my reading preferences, I have always been one to lean towards the typical happy ending. Growing up I was always reading about anything magical, fairy tale, talking animals, anything that brought me out of reality basically. I guess that's what books do right?! So, let me start off with some of my favorite genres I typically reach for: romance, fantasy, historical fiction, biographies (depending on the person is only way I'll pick it up). I also love mythology especially Greek and Celtic, and I'm rediscovering my love of manga. Although some people would argue this is not book, but I disagree. However, one of my all-time favorite reads is fairy tale adaptations especially of Beauty and the Beast.  Authors can be a hit and miss for me, as an example Stephanie Meyer's books are well written and can keep a reader interested. However, I am not a fan of her work in general and that could be because I have grown out of teen vampire romance phase (well maybe n...

  Hello everyone, my name is Bre. I'm in my final semester of the Library Science Program here at IUPUI, and I'm so excited about finishing. I'm new to this experience of blogging, but I'm hoping that this will be something new to explore.  I earned a B.S. in Human Social Services with a minor in Psychology, at IPFW. I worked in the mental health field for over five years working with children and teenagers. Let me tell you, that is hard work, and I am ready to experience my dream of being a public service librarian. I currently work at the Eckhart Public Library in Auburn, IN as a Technical Service Specialist and also work as a Genealogy Specialist part time as well.  I am hoping by taking this class, I can help patrons find their next new read. What I find challenging is that I can only help with certain areas of genres, and that is my wheelhouse of knowledge. Some genres do not appeal to me as others do, but I want to be able to assist patrons more effectively by exp...