READING PROFILE

I am from a pre-technology generation which had its advantages. Reading was not only a source of knowledge but a great form of entertainment. My parents were great examples. They both read books every night, instead of having the TV on all the time. Of course, there weren’t that many stations to view. My mom belonged to book clubs. They passed this love of books on to me and I have always been an avid reader. Unfortunately, between working and going to school and having to read so many textbooks, journals and whatever else the professors assigned, I found myself exhausted and had no time to read for pleasure. So, I am so happy this class will give me the opportunity to fill my soul.

There are too many books that I love, but some are: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, The J.R..R Tolkien Trilogy, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, The River Sutra by Gita Mehta, The World of Pooh by A.A. Milne and the Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I love science fiction like Dragonriders of Pern series written by Anne McCaffrey and The Golden Compass series by Philip Pullman.

Anne Rice, The Vampire Chronicles and her Mayfair Witches series are really good too. I remember when the first Harry Potter book came out, I couldn’t wait to read it and  I loved the whole series. I also thought it wasn’t for kids. On the lighter side, Yiddish Yoga by Lisa Grunberger is a delightful book. Just for fun books that I enjoy reading are Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. When I couldn’t find the current  Evanovich book at the library, I found Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton to be delightful and humorous. I could go on and on. I prefer reading a book than watching the movie. I like to have my own ideas about what the characters look like and usually, the book provides more details and descriptions than the movie. 

Since I work in circulation at Central Library in Indianapolis, I do not do not have interaction will the patrons concerning the choice of books and suggestions. We are so large and busy, we have to direct the patrons to the librarians for help. So, I am looking forward to getting some insights, suggestions, and views from our interactions in this class.

CHOSEN GENRES

Thriller (week 3) Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Horror (week 6) Blood Communion by Anne RIce

Mystery (week 7) Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich

Fantasy (week 11) La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust Volume One by Philip Pullman

Nonfiction (week 12) Yoga Bitch by Suzanne Morrison

I also wanted to read Bird Box by Josh Malerman, since I saw the movie, but the waitlist at the library was too long.

Thoughts on the article A History and Introduction

It was interesting how much libraries have evolved in their thinking and the role they play in assisting patrons.  The article A History and Introduction showed the process and philosophy of Readers  Advisory past and present especially the Library's attitude towards the reader.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Library staff saw themselves as educators. They assumed this role by knowing what was good for the readers and proceeding to guide them in specific directions. Readers Advisory today sees itself as a link between the reader and books. The library has come a long way in helping patrons, rather than to think people do not know what they like to read or do not have the skills to choose materials, to an attitude of ‘How can I assist you in finding what you enjoy or what interests you?’ The library is there to help not instruct its patrons.