WEEK SEVEN PROMPT

I read the article on the so-called ‘fake memoirs’ and then I read a synopsis of the five books to get up to speed. I know personally, when I read a book that I know to be real rather than fictitious, the storyline has more meaning for me. Anyone with imagination or the capability of being creative can dream up situations and come up with a story and a solution. All they have to do is research the subject matter. For example, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, Yiddish Yoga by Lisa Grunberger I was really miffed when I found out that it was a work of fiction. It read like a true story and it made me sad that it was not true. There was such a bond between the two characters, grandmother and granddaughter and I kind of felt cheated, but It was a great story and it had a wonderful message.

But, like A Million Little Pieces, even though it is fiction, it does have a powerful message showing the horrors of addiction just like the book Go Ask Alice. These kinds of books even though they are fiction, they do mimic peoples’ lives and I bet some people can relate to their situations. They can be useful as an ‘antidrug’ message.

A book like Papillon even though it is fiction it is a great adventure story and it was made into a very successful movie. People probably found it hard to believe that it was a true story because it was over the top.

 All in all, whether a story is true or not, it is the creativity and telling of the story which makes it a good read or not for the reader. And the take away for each reader is what he or she needs at that point in time.

MYSTERY ANNOTATION

Look Alive Twenty-Five

A Stephanie Plum Novel

By Janet Evanovich

Published 2018 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY    

311 pages

ISBN:13-978-0399179228

Synopsis:

Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter, and her side-kick Lula are on another case solving adventure while trying to catch people that have jumped bail and failed to appear in court. Of course, the people on her list are a bunch of crazy zany characters and hard to apprehend. Vinny, her cousin, and boss (Vincent Plum Bail Bond) has made her manager of a diner, the Trenton’s Red River Deli which has been passed down to Vinny’s father in law, Harry the Hammer. Evidently, the diner is having trouble keeping managers who mysteriously disappear while taking the trash out at night. They are up to number #3. The only clue remaining is a shoe left behind of the missing person. Stephanie and Lula try to solve this mystery before the next manager goes MIA which could be Stephanie. She along with the help from her detective boyfriend Joe Morelli and another love interest, Ranger, (former Special Forces dedicated to keeping Stephanie alive and in sight) hope to solve the mystery before another casualty incurs. 

Genre: Mystery

Rule of Three: Appeal

Protagonist: Likeable character, sassy; Pace: Quick easy read; Tone: Upbeat, humorous: Mood: Zany, crazy, funny, amusing; Plot driven; Writing Style: Conversational, banter-filled.

Read-a-likes

What’s a Ghoul to do? by Victoria Laurie

Similarities: Sassy female character; Fun mystery with quirkiness thrown in.

What Looks like Crazy by Charlotte Hughes

Similarities: Female character that attracts trouble; Crazy family and an eccentric secretary.

Bad Manners by Marne Davis Kellogg

Similarities: the Main character is a female with her own international security consulting business; Fun murder mystery.

The Dangerous Edge of Things by Tina Whittle

Similarities: The book is the beginning of a light-hearted mysteries series: Strong female crime character.

Personal Comment: I have always like this series because the books are a quick read. I finished this one in a day. It is light entertainment and humorous for a quick getaway and recharging. But, like all things, the series has run its course and it should retire. The characters which are true to form are stagnant and there is no growth. 

References

Novelist Plus. Ebscohost.Accessed 16 February 2019 through the Indianapolis Public Library.

Saricks, J. (2009). At Leisure: The Rule of Three. Booklist, 106(3), 25. retrieved from the Academic Search Premier database.

Saricks, J. (2009). The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

WEEK 6 PROMPT

PITCH (HORROR)

Our library system is so large, plus the Central location is really spread out and overwhelming for our patrons. Per the results of a recent survey, the number of books checked out has greatly decreased, while our DVD collection has seen an enormous increase and continues on a steady rise. We need to meet the needs of our patrons in an inventive way.

Since the bookstore method of selling books uses a ‘comfy’ type of atmosphere with sofas and chair and coffee tables with displays of books nearby for the convenience of their customers to browse and read, we can go one step further. We can have this type of setting in some of our high traffic areas, knowing there will be a lot of patrons there. To promote ‘horror’ books, the displays would have a number of current DVDs which have either the movie or TV series along-side the books that were the original stories. For example, the Netflix series ‘The Magicians’ is a book written by Lev Grossman and AMC Premier TV channel has the series ‘The Discovery of Witches’ which also is a book based on the All Souls Trilogy written by Deborah Harkness. I am sure many patrons have no idea these movies were originally books, I know I didn’t. We could also have information on the display giving the library's Facebook page for information.

 Also, this would be a great way to strike up a conversation with our patrons. We would be in a position to suggest books, DVDs, e-book, streaming... We can let them know, they do not have to wait on the series to end to find out the outcome of the store. All they have to do is check out the book and read it! Also, at that point we can tell them, the books are usually more descriptive and informative than the movies or shows and the books are free. 

I could use my own personal experience. I started watching ‘the Discovery of Witches’ on AMC (for FREE) and I really liked the storyline. When I tried to get the next installment in the series, there was a requirement for a monthly $4.99 fee to see the rest. So, the next day, I requested the book at the library. This is a great selling point to promote books and patrons like to hear what we have to say because they think we are the experts when it comes to books and materials. They trust us.

HORROR ANNOTATION

BLOOD COMMUNION

By Anne Rice; illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer

Published Oct 4^th, 2018 by Knopf

288 pages

ISBN: 978-1-5247-3264-6

Synopsis:

Lestat, ‘Prince of the Vampires’ narrates the book which he wrote for ‘his fellow blood-drinkers’ so they would know their history. He realizes mortals would read it and think it a work of fiction, but the story tells of how ‘‘we vampires came together to form the blood communion.’’ Lestat realizes that trying to survive in a human world and going undetected is almost impossible. He has the vision to create a ‘safe haven’ for all young and old vampires where all are welcomed. Unfortunately, not all agree with this vision. Rhoshamandes, an older vampire, is against this idea of ‘community’. He believes in living in an atmosphere in secret and detachment with his lover Benedict. Lestat must face this adversary who opposes him at every turn threatening the success of this dream……What is the outcome? Who will pay the price?

Genre: Horror

Rule of Three: Appeal

Protagonist: Flawed, complex, likable, sympathetic character; Pace: Easy quick read; Tone: Dismal, bleak; Mood: Reflective, disturbing, dark, violent; Plot driven; 

Read-a-likes

American Gothic by Michael Romkey

Similarities: Character-driven vampire tales which are creepy and melancholic display the painful and distasteful price of immortality.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Similarities: Stories contain troubling, atmospheric tales of narratives showing the continuous hardships of the vampire royalty within the contrived saga.

Saint-Germain Series by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Similarities: Vampires portrayed as antiheroes and heroes in tales with a strong sense of romance and historical details.

Diaries of the Family Dracul Trilogy by Jeanne Kalogridis

Similarities: Stories portray vampires with human characteristics such as longings and the ability to feel both good and evil. Readers are drawn into the painful world of immortality.

Personal Comment: 

Reviews that I read portray this book as ‘horror’, because of subject matter (the world of vampires). But the main character, Lestat, is such a likable being who really cares about his fellow vampires. He is on a mission and he is surrounded by close loving protective companions. The definition of ‘horror’ includes fear and revulsion which is not the case for this character (a hero), but only the others he encounters.

References

Novelist Plus. Ebscohost. Accessed 13 February 2019 through the Indianapolis Public Library.

Saricks, J. (2009). At Leisure: The Rule of Three. Booklist, 106(3), 25. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Saricks, J. (2009). The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

WEEK FIVE PROMPT

For example, Booklist will not publish negative reviews, while Kirkus has no problem with it. eBook only books, which are increasingly popular (especially in the romance genre) see little or no reviews in professional publications unless they have a big-name author, and then still it’s usually on RT Reviews or other genre heavy publications. How does this affect collection development?

I work only in circulation, so this is all new to me. But, personally, I think for those who are in charge of purchasing materials it makes it more difficult for them to select the best of the best for their patrons. Libraries have a limited budget when it comes to buying books for their collections. It is crazy to think the staff has read everything out there let along the influx of new books being churned out from authors. So, it becomes necessary for them to rely on honest reviews whether favorable or negative. It helps them sort out the necessary and up-to-date materials for their patrons. It is a shame that eBook gets little or no review from professionals since quite a few authors and publishers are using that platform and many patrons enjoy this method.

eBook romantic suspense novel, blog, and Amazon.

Do you feel they are both reliable? How likely would you be to buy this book for your library?

Amazon is a household word. It was founded in 1995 by Jeff Bezos and it began with books. Amazon’s goal has been to connect their customers (readers) with their next favorite read and help authors find their next audience. So, given the company’s reputation, I trust the review.

As far as the blog, it presents both good and bad things about the book. This reminds me of Hallmark movies which are clean and make you feel good, but the plot is the same every time. I might research the person writing the blog to see reviews of other books that I may know personally before I trust it.

I would not buy this book, because it is always the same story and as I said above, watch Hallmark channel or Netflix for a good fix. It would be a waste of money and lose its appeal. It’s not a classic and it will not command a continuous audience.

How do these reviews make you feel about the possibility of adding Angela’s Ashes to your collection?

The reviews tell ‘it like it is’, but they also add a ray of hope to the tragic story. Even though the author has experienced an awful childhood, per the School Library Journal Review, “he manages to make the book funny and uplifting… Young people will recognize the truth in these compelling tales.” Kirkus Review adds a positive statement with “McCourt magically retrieves love, dignity, and humor from a childhood of hunger, loss, and pain.” The reviews show this type of book could help and inspire readers who could identify with the author and adversity, giving them encouragement to keep on.

Do you think it’s fair that one type of book is reviewed to death and other types of books get little or no reviews?

It’s not fair, but it is all money and popularity driven. Famous authors sell books and reviews know that is what readers want to see reviews about.

How does this affect a library’s collection?

 I know for example at our main library, the ‘popular’ fiction authors have way too many copies of the same book, e-book, and audiobook for every new book they write. And there is a long waiting list to read them! So, of course, the library purchases many copies. But, what happens when everyone has read the new release? The books just take too much space and where do they put the next new release? Then it is time to ‘weed’ the collection.

How do you feel about review sources that won’t print negative content?

 I understand why they don’t. Really no one wants to hear why one shouldn’t buy a book. These negative comments don’t help pay the bills. The reviewers want to get paid for their critiques and make readers like them. 

Do you think that’s appropriate? 

 I think there could be a happy medium where the reviews would give the good and bad points but do it in a diplomatic way to leave it up to the reader to make the final decision.

I do not buy for my library, but I like the idea of consulting reviews before I decide to read a book. I am new to review sources. I do like to have both sides and I like that Kirkus will not shy away from telling the truth and I also like the reviews from Goodreads. I looked up some of their reviews about books I have already read, and they were spot on from my point of view. I will say I would rather have just a very very brief synopsis of the book because I do not want to know any details ahead of time. I like to be surprised on my own.

 

Kirkus Review: BLOOD COMMUNION

By Anne Rice; illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer

Pub Date: Oct 4^th, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5247-3264-6

Publisher: Knopf

Lestat, fondly known as ‘ Prince of the Vampires ‘ creates a “safe haven” for all vampires, young and old to live in a community for all eternity. It is a story of a plan for survival.

Lestat narrates the book which he wrote for ‘his fellow blood-drinkers’ so they would know their history, but he realizes mortals would read it and think it a work of fiction. Any reader that is not familiar with the previous books and history will not appreciate the lineage of the vampires comprising their community. He states the story is how ‘‘we vampires came together to form the blood communion.’’ He is not only the prince but the true ruler of the tribe. They have been a ‘parentless tribe’ trying to survive in a human world. Marius, the Ancient Roman Child of the Millennia was against this plan saying, “we are by nature killers and different than humans.” Lestat has a vision for their survival which he puts into play after some ‘Rebel Maverick’ vampires descend upon New Orleans and bully and kill resident vampires. Lestat eliminates them, while evermore convinced of forming this safe haven where all are welcomed.

Unfortunately, the villain, Rhoshamandes, an older vampire, is also against this idea of ‘community’. He believes in living in an atmosphere in secret and detachment with his lover Benedict. When his lover realizes the error of Rosh thinking, he leaves him and willingly ends his life by being drained of his blood and consumed by fire. Rosh blames Lestat and captures Gabrielle, Lestat’s mother, Louis, his lover, and Marius. Lestat thinking them dead combats Rosh and destroys him. Lestat cannot accept the thought of their death, so he with his friends go to Rosh dwelling. They finally discover the three captives, encased each in a coffin, in iron/lead face down with their necks broken and spinal cords detached. All three are restored to their former selves. This spurs Lestat to make his dream a reality. The end of the story finds Lestat and his companions at a grand ball at his dwelling. All vampires, young and old from all over the world have come to join this community. They recognize Lestat, the powerful slayer of Rosh and hail him as ‘Prince of all the vampires’. 

Anne Rice fans who have followed her through the years will be sadly disappointed. This is a ‘horror’ story only in the sense they are vampires, but in truth, it is just a group of loving and faithful followers surrounding and supporting their key figure, Lestat deemed ‘Prince of the Vampires’. This reeks of ‘soap opera’ material. And, they live….happily ever after….fairytale…..

Pub Date: Oct. 4^th, 2018--Page Count: 288pp—Review Posted Online: Feb. 8^th, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-5247-3264-6—Publisher: Knopf—Kirkus Reviews Issue: n/a

SECRET SHOPPER

            I work at a very large library in circulation. Since it is such a big institution, I do not know many of the librarians, so I had no trouble doing my ‘Secret Shopper’ assignment there. This turned out to really be a two-part meeting So, my first encounter took only about ten minutes. I  approached one of the librarians and she immediately asked, “How can I help you?” I proceeded to tell her I needed to find a good book to read and I was interested in either reading Bird Box or Sharp Objects, since I had seen both the movie and the mini-series, and I wanted more information, than what I had seen on TV. She hadn’t read Bird Box, but she had read, Gone Girl and Sharp Objects and told me how great Sharp Objects was, even better than Gone Girl and I wouldn’t be disappointed. She was so friendly and enthusiastic that I took her advice and checked out the book, which I used as my ‘Thriller Annotation’ assignment. 

            For the second encounter, I was so impressed with her friendliness and her previous suggestions, I wanted her to be the one for my actual ‘Secret Shopper’ assignment since I had more time to talk to her. I approached her and thanked her for her first suggestion which was right on about Sharp Objects.  She smiled and remembered our conversation. I told her my life was so busy with school and working part-time, that I did not have the time to read a good book for pleasure for ages. She asked me, “What types of books do you like to read or have read?”  I decided to change it up a bit and I told her I had heard about the ‘Anita Blake’series and I wondered about it because I liked Ann Rice’s vampire series and her Mayfair Witches series. 

            She was really up on her knowledge about Laurell Hamilton’s series. She told me the first 6 or 7 books in the series were a ‘better formula’, but then the next books were centered more around the character’s ‘love and sex’ interest. I told her that I didn’t mind sex in novels and I wasn’t a prude, but I didn’t really care for it, because I felt it did not enhance the storyline. I used Fifty Shades of Grey for an example of ‘overkill’. She proceeded to recommend Chase Novak’s book, Breed. She gave me a brief synopsis of the book and it seemed to be a book I might read. I did tell her I loved watching Grimm series and Once Upon a Time and I loved fantasy and fairytales. She said that would be considered ‘urban fantasy’ and she proceeded to tell me the story would be set in a present-day city and there would be an element of magic running through it. She suggested The Hazelwood by Melissa Albert and that it was a ‘dark twisted fairytale’. 

             I also told her I loved Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Janet Evanovich and she said, “yes, the Stephanie Plum series. She said, “You like ‘cozy mysteries.” She suggested The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. She told me it was about a precocious 11-year-old who tried to solve mysteries. Next, she asked how I usually looked for a book. I told her when I went to the library I usually looked at the new book section and then the mystery and fantasy sections. That’s how I found Aunt dimity when I couldn’t get the next book in Janet Evanovich series.

I was curious about her background as a librarian. So, I asked her how she knew so much and what was her approach in helping patrons. She said she has been a librarian since 2006. She said,  “Browsing for books on the shelves is one way to find a good read since many libraries have a specific section for new books and different genres.” She mentioned where she had worked before they were required to read so many books per year so they would be better equipped to help their patrons. Her regular patrons would come and ask her what she recommended since they always liked what books she suggested they read. 

            I had mentioned I loved The Dragonriders of Pern by  Anne McCaffrey and she said it was a whole series of 20-30 some books which were really good. Of course, I added Harry Potter and the Tolkien Trilogy to the list of my favorite reads. We just seemed to connect. The more we talked the more books she suggested. I didn’t get to see the exact screens and websites she was using, because while she was talking and listening to me she would use the computer to look up books and keep up with our conversation. I am sure she used NoveList Plus since the library subscribes to it and other websites. While we were talking, another librarian sat down, which she introduced to me. Since she personally wasn’t up on fantasy, but her co-worker liked fantasy, so she asked her to join our conversation.

            I don’t know what I was expecting. I know that the librarians are there to help, but it is hard sometimes to be able to suggest just what the patron needs, especially if the librarian either hasn’t read the type of genre or she is not really interested in that type of books. I would definitely go back. It was like having a conversation with a friend and exchanging ideas. The more we talked and the more I told her what I had read or liked she was able to suggest other books to read. 

            She mentioned audiobooks and I told her I thought they would be too slow for me since I like to skim when I read. I told her I like the fast-paced books and I don’t like a lot of description. She told me she too doesn’t like a slow read and that she just can speed up the narration on the audiobooks to make it go faster. We got to talking about e-books and I told her I am from the old school and only like hardcopy books to read. I proceeded to tell her I did get an e-book copy of Sharp Objects because at that time the hardcopy was not available. I told her I could not open it at all on my computer and it was so frustrating. She said when I had the time she would walk me through a tutorial on how to use Overdrive. That is how we left our conversation. I had a slew of new books to read and an invitation to another encounter to learn Overdrive!