Week 9 Assignment 3

Summarize your thoughts about this program in a blog post. What have you learned that was helpful? 

                                                               Done, done--done at last!


God bless the makers of this blog--for their time, their skill, their knowledge, their passion, and their determination! 
So many excellent things to learn and explore! So sorry that for me, blogging is like pulling teeth -- all that English major emphasis on good writing--sigh.


I've learned about blogging!  How to open a blog, find a blog, write a blog entry, edit a blog entry, even how to link to other blogs.
I've learned more about genres and subgenres--most I knew, some I didn't, some I knew that weren't even on the list.
I've learned about genre websites--useful, useful.
I've learned about Early Word--now there's a site I'm glad to have as a permanent weekly email summary.
I've learned more about teen books.  And have been dellighted to find that I'm not the only one who loves narrative nonfiction (that it even has a name :).
I've added to the reader's advisory skills we use here at Pikesville every day. (In fact, an additional option for bloggers who want to hone their skills would be to work at the Pikesville information desk for one or two days.)

The discipline of blogging has helped me to put into words what I knew and what I was learning.  It would be fun now to go back and read other blogs to connect to other librarians.  And even without typing, these assignments have given us opportunities and vocabulary to talk each other here at the branch.


Thank you, committee, for all your work and your encouraging nudging!
Karen

Week 9: Book Trailers--assignment 2

Rate some book trailers


One and Only Ivan -- short, but hits the nail on the head

Sense and Sensibility and the Sea Monsters -- what a hoot! Still won't read the book, but can certainly see what they added to the story.  :)

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children --  the movie trailer is so much better!  Why, oh, why did the book trailer use a young girl's voice?--the story is told by a boy!  And the girl's introduction is so meandering. . .  \
The book trailer was dreadful; the movie trailer inspired me to read the book.

Mr. Wuffles -- an example of the author explaining the origin of his book--David Wiesner pulls it off--the cat Cricket helped.  I want to read this book. :)

True Meaning of Smekday -- funny!  Even if it doesn't say much about the book, it will attract the readers who will love it.

Packing for Mars -- social comment and science.  No desire to read this book!

Devotion -- "gauzy" is the right word for it.  But a pretty lady with serious thoughts.  Might look at it.

Inherent Vice--so that's the iconic voice of Pynchon.:)  Perfect photography to match!  Not my type of book, but I can see it, taste it, hear it from this trailer.

Super Sad True Love Story -- one satiric spoof.  Does it make people want to read his book??  No. Doesn't describe the book at all.

My Life Undecided -- teen trailer--I think it worked perfectly.

The Glass Castle -- fair.  I think it would actually appeal more to those who have already read her book--to see the main characters in person.

Book Launch 2.0 -- clever description of author online obligations!  Could hear the voice at the other end of  line perfectly.  But no interest in reading his book!

Middle Place  --  loved this essay!  I can see why the publisher sold so many pb copies of it.

Chronicles of the Red King --  short but exciting!  Awesome music!  I want to read!
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I will be looking for book trailers in the future. I think successful ones will connect to both the possble readers and the books.
I think the children's book trailers are fun and successful.  The adult ones try too hard to be satirical and clever and don't even usually mention the book involved.
I don't plan to use book trailers at the info desk much.  Children would rather see the books; adults wouldn't learn much about the titles they're interested in (IF we could even find a suitable trailer).

Week 9: Book Trailers--assignment 1

Read two articles

"The Author Takes a Star Turn"--Pamela Paul

Authors have a new role in promoting their book through book trailers.  Once famous for just writing books, not being photogenic actors, authors today have mixed success on screen.  Some do it well, bringing their own personae to their readers; some don't.  But even getting thousands of hits on YouTube won't guarantee huge book sales.
Older readers don't depend much on book trailers, but the younger generation does--up to 46 percent watching online trailers, and 45 percent then actually buying highlighted books!



"Super Sad Book Trailers:  the Conundrum of Online Book Advertisements--and Why They Usually Fail" -- Nina Metz

"Most book trailers are terrible."  True.
"Book trailers are made on the cheap--and they look it."  True.
"And good luck finding them...."  True.

A thoughtful summary of  book trailer history, and suggestions to make them better.  (A possible new term--"bideo" is a bit much.)
And she notes, with examples, that a great book trailer may or may not actually increase book sales.

She lists conflicting ideas that have worked--
Thomas Pynchon's voice reading passages from his book (perhaps only effective because of his reclusive voice).
Robin Sloan just standing up, recommending books that he's read and found wonderful.  He suggests other celebrities would be successful doing the same thing (but they would have to have honest, charismatic enthusiasm!)
Filmmaker Nick Davis who disagrees, insisting on making "wow" videos that go viral, spending more money to make attractive moving book jackets.






It will be interesting to see how book trailers fare in the future.

Week 8: Nonfiction--assignment 4

Two recommended narrative non-fiction books

 
A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of  the Ocean - Tori McClure

Feisty Tori McClure narrates her memoir in flashbacks as she rows singlehandedly across the ocean.  She has fought her way through life, achieving entrance into distinguished schools, looking out for and battling for her developmentally disabled brother, determing to be the first woman to row solo east across the Atlantic.  Trained, provisioned, and ready, she rows halfway across the ocean only to be stopped in her tracks by a rogue hurricane that pummels her small craft twice, leaving her for dead, battered and bruised under the deck.  After being providentially rescued by a freighter, she determines to try again, only to be lashed by another hurricane.  In the midst of the maelstorm she finally realizes that it's "our brokeness, our helplessness, which makes us human. "


This is a special book for special readers--an exciting adventure of endurance, but also a thoughtful memoir. Readers will be gripped as Hurricane Danielle's waves swamp Tori's boat, but also thoughtful as she reviews her life.








The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating - Elisabeth Bailey

Elisabeth Bailey is struck down by an unusual virus which leaves her barely able to move.  During her months of convalescence a friend brings her a pot of violets with a wild snail. Totally limited physically, Elisabeth is drawn into the details of her small visitor's life--and finds meaning in her own. "Watching another creature go about its life. . .somehow gave me, the watcher, purpose too." 

This quiet book will appeal to readers who appreciate slowing down in life, those who like scientific observation, and those who like to read about overcoming adversity.  The small hand-sized hardback is even perfect for reading lying down. :)

Week 8: Nonfiction--assignment 3

4 nonfiction genres

biographies, memoirs--Biography Section

•  Invisible Wall  - Bernstein - Bio Bernstein (Jewish childhood in England)
•  Man in the White Sharkskin Suit - Lagnado-- Bio Lagnado--Jewish family in Nassar's Egypt

overcoming adversity--Biography, 900's, 500s, 600s. . . .

• Pearl in the Storm - McClure - Bio McClure (woman rowing across the Atlantic)
• Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption - Hillenbrand - Bio Zamperini - surviving shipwreck and Japanese prison-of-war camp
• Sound of a Wild Snail Eating - Bailey - 594.3B - noticing small details while recovering from a serious illness

contemporary social issues--Biography, 300's,  other Dewey sections

• The Other Wes Moore: the Story of One Name and Two Fates - Moore - Bio Moore (two boys with the same name,  two vastly different life stories
• The Pact:  Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream - Davis - 610.92D - three boys from inner city make a pact to survive and become doctors

travel--Biography or 900's

• Incontinent on the Continent:  My Mother, Her Walker and Our Grand Tour of Italy - Christmas - 914.5C - just like it says :)
• Year in Provence--Mayle - 944.9M - buying a house in France?!

I love having a narrative nonfiction display table at the front of the library!  These are some of my favorite books; it's easy to fill the display cart. :)

Week 8: Nonfiction-- assignment 2

E-learning video from the Maryland State Library Resource Center


Good narrative non-fiction has many characteristics of fiction--
tells a good story
develops characters
sets a scene
creates suspense
is written in an engaging style


I liked the included list of topics of narrative nonfiction:
biographies
memoirs
history
contemporary social/issues
science
essays
sports
travel
food
crime
faith
overcoming adversity
medical
political  (really had trouble thinking of an example of this one till Melissa suggested Game Change)

Week 8--Nonfiction--assignment 1

Read two articles


Borderlands: Crossing betwen Fiction and Nonfiction in Reader's Advisory--Jennifer Brannen

A well-thought out discussion of the similarities between fiction and narrative nonfiction with many examples in many genres.  But I was bemused that the main thrust of her RA suggestions listed fiction titles.  Most librarians get the idea of great fiction recommendatons.  I could have used more examples of nonfiction.



Reading Nonfiction for Pleasure:  What Motivates Readers?--Catherine Sheldrick Ross

Many customers enjoy reading fiction and nonfiction. The author lists basic suggestions for reader's advisory.
I enjoyed the reminder to include both fiction and nonfiction books in topical displays--e.g. combining true crime books with mysteries; books by an author with book about an author.
The reader's advisory interview is key--in fiction or nonfiction.

Week 7: Not Just for Teens -- assignment 3

Choose two teen book blogs

Stacked

Their premise--"As librarians, we are aware that literacy comes in many formats, so we strive to include not just physical book reviews, but also reviews of audio books, digital books, videos, music, zines, graphic novels, and other materials easily found in the stacks."

I love this site!  Written by real people. (One even angrily defending her thoughts against a biased attacking blogger. I so agreed with her!)  I loved seeing what teens are actually reading (as opposed to publishers' hype)!
I've put this blog on my iPhone so I can follow it even after BMB.





Someday my Prinz will come

Website/blog sponsored by School Library Journal (which I usually gloss over as just a rubber stamp for publishers), but this blog looks like fun.  I love seeing books that get buzz for possible awards. 
Their blog about their reactions to the actual awards ceremony were a treat.
Reminds me of being part of Maryland's Mock Newbery.  Fun to read recommended titles all year, , interesting to discuss and vote on them , and then the wait for the ALA awards.
I'll be looking forward to this blog's recommendations all year, especially as the awards get closer.

Week 7: Not Just for Teens -assignment 4

Choose two teen imprints



Teens/Penguin Young Readers

High praise for their webpage. And not all their books feature vampires!
A great mix of new titles with intriguing subjects--a normal teen facing change one summer (Moon and More--Dessen), futuristic adventure (Proxy--London) that combines elements of Whipping Boy and Hunger Games, a shy historical Anne Boleyn? (Tarnish--Longshore), matching teen relationship stories (If I Stay and Where She Went).  There's hope for teen publishing!




Harper Teen

Fantastical books still dominate this publishers' top 25 new releases -- dark/paranormal/sci-fi is still in.  Last Apprentice #12 will be out soon; its movie, Seventh Son may actually be coming. Gagnon is beginning a series about an orphaned computer hacker with special gifts (Don't Turn Around). Book covers abound with lovely girls with special powers.  Vortex, Winterveil, In the After. . . .
Actual teens seem to be only represented in Pretty Little Liars sequels and The Carrie Diaries, a prequel to Sex and the City.  Only one story about a boy's eating disorder--  A Trick of the Light--actually stands out as different.



Little Brown Books for Teens

Thought I'd try one more publishing site--very unimpressed .

Week 7: Not Just for Teens - assignment 2

"Who's buying teen books?  Lots and lots of adults" Christian Science Monitor, September 14, 2012

Not surprising to read that adults are buying teen books.  They're certainly reading them here in Pikesville!  Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Boyne) and Book Thief  (Zusak)were just the start; customers were willing to overlook the YA spine label to read a new different holocaust novel.  But then came Twilight (Meyer) and  Hunger Games (Collins)--moms and then dads reading the books their teens had begun. Copies of Hush (Chayil) disappeared from our displays as soon as we placed them there.  More and more adults are finding superior reading in the teen section, e.g. The Fault in Our Stars (Green).




"YA Comes of Age"  Publishers Weekly, September 30, 2011

An older article, with a partially dated observation, "The young adult market these days is a bit like a nephew you haven’t seen in years: transformed from a little darling into a hulking almost-grownup who is maybe even a little scary."
 I think since 2011 teen fiction has continued to morph, now not all about paranormal vampires. "There was some agreement that readers might not yet have paranormal fatigue, but a lot of editors do.”
Their next best thing --dystopia arrived in force last year. 
This summer there doesn't seem to have a single "big thing" or "big title."


I commented on two blogs --  Paula S. and Barb S-M.

Week 7: Not Just for Teens--assignment 1

"What to Read Next" flowchart from Lawrence Public Library

Excellent fun chart.  Oh, I wish there was a current edition, not October, 2012.
Found book titles I'd read, even more that I hadn't.  Looked them up on Amazon to be more prepared for teen RA.

Week 6: Subgenres -- pick 3

Fan websites for subgenres

Paranormal Romance Guild
 "Where the pursuit of extraordinary love, romance and passion is first and foremost."
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/

Found by luck, while google searching "paranormal"
Buzz on this site seems to be authors publishing their books, or readers discovering new books
Hallmarks--
   love and romance with a fantastical twist
   humans with vampires, ghosts, werewolves. . .
Authors--Linell Jepson, Jordon Hawk, Scott Harper

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Fanfic Subgenres: Real Person Fics

Posted by Chris Lang on April 14, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Hello and welcome to Fanfic Subgenres, where I take a look at subgenres of fan fiction, and then find examples of those same subgenres in professionally-produced works.

One of the most despised genres of fan fiction is the Real Person Fic. It's pretty much Exactly What It Says On The Tin. It's a fictional work involving a real person.


Hallmarks of real person fic --
   main character is usually some sort of celebrity (people are so gaga about celebrities)
   based on a true person, but details embellished as author sees fit
   historical or contemporary subjects
   attractive to even nonfiction readers, who feel like they are learning more

Loving Frank -- Frank Lloyd Wright
Aviator's Wife-- Charles and Anne Lindbergh
Clara and Mr. Tiffany -- Clara Driscoll and Louis Tiffany

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SF subgenres: urban fantasy
Found googling "urban fiction"

http://www.examiner.com/article/sf-subgenres-what-is-urban-fantasy
"As speculative fiction has grown and evolved, the original sub-genres of science fiction, fantasy and horror have fractured into even more sub-genres. In this series of "SF subgenres," I'll not only identify and define these sub-genres, I'll help you find resources for engaging with these sub-genres right here in Long Beach.

Urban fantasy defined

Urban fantasy is just what it sounds like ... fantasy that takes place in an urban setting. The city can be contemporary, modern, futuristic or even historic. Urban fantasies usually deal with the interaction of supernatura. paranormal or mythological beings and humans, but sometimes aliens are involved.

Often, urban fantasy stories have strong female protagonists, and many of the authors in the subgenre are women. This is in contrast to high fantasy, which, more often than not, has male protagonists, damsels in distress and male authors.
Examples of urban fantasy

• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
• American Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman
• Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
• Procession of the Dead by Darren Shan (Read my review here.)
• The Midnight Mayor by Kate Griffin (Read my review here.)
• Greywalker by Kat Richardson (Read my review here.)
• Eternal Vigilance by Gabrielle Faust (Listen to my interview with the author here.)

Long Beach urban fantasy

The popular series of Sookie Stackhouse novels inspired the HBO TV series True Blood. Because much of the plots take place in a the supernatural underbelly of the city, True Blood can be classified as urban fantasy. Case in point, the vampire bar Fangtasia is shot here in Long Beach at Alex's Bar, a punk rock bar at 2913 E. Anaheim St.

Kat Richardson's Greywalker series of novels are contemporary urban fantasy. Richardson is originally from California and earned her degree in Magazine Editing from California State University Long Beach, but currently resides in Seattle Washington. I interviewed her for my podcast, which you can find here.

Do you see the world through genre-coloured glasses? For more science fiction, fantasy and horror news and information -- with a travel twist, check out The Genre Traveler, the travel resource for science fiction, fantasy and horror fans, at www.thegenretraveler.com."


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Possible genre mash-ups

Paranormal classic novel--Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters --Jane Austen
(seriously, it's ctalogued under Austen?)
18th century novel of manners with fantastical sea creatures

Cozy mystery romance --Darling Dahlias and the Confederate Rose--Susan Albert
Could combine the mystery with a romance























 

Week 6: Prezi

Prezi--wow!  A lot of work describing a lot of subgenres!  Very useful!    (Awkward to zoom in and out, but very clever.)

Finally I think I have a much better understanding of thriller categories--complete with author names.
Techno--Clancy
Legal--Grisham or Defending Jacob
Espionage--classic--LeCarre, Furst
                 --modern political terrorism--Flynn
Medical--Palmer, Crichton
Cipher--D'Amato
Exotic- Cussler

I learned a lot about the divisions of urban fiction and romance.  And even science fiction.

Lots of mystery subgenres, but they left out my favorite--the classic old fashioned mysteries--Allingham, Tey, and Sayers!  And where would they put Maisie Dobbs and Laurie King and No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency?!

What about LGBT subgenres--romance, fantasy, teen, etc.?

Week 6: Building Base Knowledge -- Assignment 1

I have been looking at the Stop You're Killing Me genre link.

• I enjoy old-fashioned mysteries (and even found quite a few authors to explore under the Agatha Christie read-alike section).  
• I really like the link's historical index that helps me field customer requests for specific time periods. 
• I enjoy the awards section and the best new mystery selections (even in children's books!) complete with plot summaries.
• I was hoping the site would help me learn more about thrillers, but I haven't been real successful. 
• So far my colleague Barb Annen is still my best resource for what's new in good mysteries.

Week 5: Assignment 3 Coming Soon and Why

I chose USA Today--hot picks for summer. 

I think Pikesville customers might enjoy Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld, and Revolutionary Summer by Joseph Ellis. They're already reserving them. 
Sisterland is a family saga involving twins--our customers love generational stories.  The paranormal aspect of the twins communication may discourage some, but I understand that it's downplayed.  They'll enjoy the character descriptions and relationships

Nonfiction is very popular with readers here, including our real history buffs. Destiny of the Republic (Millard), Team of Rivals (Goodwin), Killing Lincoln (O'Reilly), John Adams (McCullough)--still being reserved and enjoyed.  Revolutionary Summer seems to be a readable account of 1776; July 4 was just a few weeks ago.

Week 5 Assignment 2 --What's Popular

Pikesville is "popular" fiction to the max!  We post The New York Times Best Seller List on the information desk.  Customers come to us with new book requests from every possible list or recommended by friends. It's wonderful to have a heads-up with Early Word.

Early Word is a hoot!  I enjoy Nancy Pearl's column. I love the news about authors, and especially the upcoming movie tie-ins.  It was a treat to catch up on BEA hot titles without having to leave Baltimore. :)

Week 5: Assignment 1 What I've learned from Early Word

Early Word is a neat resource--what new books are coming and what book-based movies are coming out  (e.g. One Crazy Summer has a new sequel--P.S. Be Eleven, and the second Percy Jackson movie, Sea of Monsters will be in theaters on August 7.  It's even more fun to use this site with Polaris open--you can reserve all the books that look wonderful.
It's a bit much to go to this resource every day; I appreciated the tip to sign up for their Friday catch-up newletter.  I think it will make the information more manageable.

Week 4: Goodreads

I've been a member of Goodreads for years and have found it limitedly useful.
It's fun to add books I've read. But I have never had time to add even a quarter of them!
I have lots of friends in Goodreads, but again, there is no time to even note all the books they're reading.

I enjoyed playing with the extra pieces of Goodreads for this assignment, but I found it stiff and awkward.  For example, when looking through my list of 370 books to put them on "shelves," as I worked my way down the list, the computer just kept jerking the list back to the beginning.

Listopia seemed too arbitrary to be of actual use for reader's advisory.  I hesitate to recommend a book I don't know (or don't know who listed it.)

I did have fun recommending some books to friends.  I recommended a papercrafting book, Stash & Smash by Cindy Shepard, in reply to Miriam's recommendation to me of The Paper Book. 
I  found my best friend from middle school on Goodreads last night. :)  I told her to run, not walk, to find Book of Suns by Nancy Springer (possibly the most perfect fantasy book I've ever read)--Patty and I have been fellow mytheopaths since sixth grade.

I'm glad this assignment reminded me of what Goodreads is and does, but I don't think I will be using it on a regular basis.  It's too time consuming for my personal use, and too arbitrary to use at the library.

Week 3: Assignment 3 -- Hearing RA Clues

Customer #1: The last book I read was Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Everyone is reading it so I had to pick it up. It was lovely. She is such an interesting woman and so brave. I enjoyed the descriptions of the countries she went to and what she did while she was there, of course, but I think what I liked most was how she shared her inner thoughts — so reflective but funny too. I thought it might be just light fluff or all me, me, me, me, but it was so much more than that. I read all the Oprah books and just love them. Anyway I wanted to ask you for a few suggestions for my book group. It’s my turn to pick the title.
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This customer likes learning and hearing an author's thoughts. She liked the exotic setting, the author's comfortable tone, and the chance to learn from Gilbert's experiences. (I love that kind of book too.)  And I think she'd like a book her group could discuss.
I think she might like Peter Mayle's humorous books about setting up home in Provence, and Pearl in the Storm by Tori McClure (a bit more exciting--rowing singlehandedly across the Atlantic-- but a wonderful memoir of the author's inner thoughts).

__________________________
Librarian: Let me see how I can help you. What don’t you like about Twilight?
Customer #2: Everything, but especially that teen love story – way too much angst! And way too slow.  Have you read any good vampire stories lately? 

___________________________

This customer loves paranormal and a fast pace, maybe romance with a little less angst.

Me: "No I haven't, but I can share some titles other readers have enjoyed.  One of our staff members who loves vampires really recommends Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris.  And try the books by Tanya Huff--action vampire mysteries with only a little romance."
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Customer #3: I just read this great book The River of Doubt.  It was about Teddy Roosevelt and this ill fated expedition to chart an uncharted river in the Amazon.  They lost almost all their provisions, the president was injured, and it turns out one of their crew was a murderer since there was a murder.  And the most amazing thing was that it was true.  It was fascinating and really fast paced.  Do you have anything to recommend that is like that?

Me: "Have you read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand?!  This amazing true story follows a young man through shipwreck at sea during World War II, drifting in a lifeboat for weeks, and surviving a Japanese prisoner of war camp----amazing!"

Week 2: Assignment 3 -- Recommendations :)

I recommended Philip Pullman's Ruby in the Smoke, Shadow in the North, and Tiger in the Well series  and Laurie King's Beekeeper's Apprentice series to Rachel Kinsler.
I recommended Simple Abundance by Sarah Breathnach and The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Bailey to Roxane Gnau.

Week 2: Assignment 2 -- So Appealing

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency -- Alexander McCall Smith (first in series)
Wise, comfortable and "traditionally built" Mma. Ramotswe, the first lady detective in Botswana, solves mysteries mundane and serious, with solid sleuthing and country wisdom.  The characters, her traditional values, and her country are presented lovingly and realistically. 



Beekeeper's Apprentice --Laurie King
When orphaned teenage Mary Russell roams the English countryside to escape her loathed guardian aunt, she meets and outwits a beekeeper sitting in the heather.  Retired Sherlock Holmes has met his match--in more ways than one.  A fast paced, but thoughtful mystery series that continues characters you already love--imagine Mary and Holmes searching for long-lost Kim (Kipling's Kim!).

Week 1

Did pretty well on those neat quizes--17 and 18 right respectively. :)
Choosing book link--Early Word
               genre link-- Stop You're Killing Me

Getting into this blog is a nightmare--hope it gets easier.

The trouble trying to open a Bookish blog after having a 23 Things blog is a little like getting shingles because you had  chicken pox.

I'm in!

So far so good. :)