Prompt Response Week 16

First, how have reading and books changed since you were a child, for you specifically?

When I was first beginning to read, I did it to impress my mom and brothers that I could read. I was very good at reading before Kindergarten. I couldn’t get enough. But once I began going to school and I was forced to read, it became less fun. I read so much for school I did not want to go home and read. The only books I read for fun were Harry Potter. There were quite a few books I read for school I enjoyed, but I still did not want to go home and read. It was not until I finished college in December 2015 where I wanted to read and was excited to read. And now that I am finishing my MLS, I am even more excited to read.

In my opinion, I think forcing children and teens to read is only going to make them hate it. It happened to me, I saw it all around me, and I see it in my children and teen patrons today. This isn’t happening to all youth, but for it is for many. When reading does not feel like an assignment, it is more pleasing in my opinion. And I can understand why many choose not to read. As Ursala K. Le Guin states in the essay “Staying Awake,” books require more focus and more attention compared to watching TV or other activities, so it is not surprising people have a hard time reading. (Le Guin 37). Reading can be like this for me, especially if I had a long day at work. But I like knowing I can read a book whenever I want, rather then knowing I have to read a specific book by a specific date.

Second, talk a little about what you see in the future for reading, books, or publishing - say 20 years from now. Will we read more or less, will our reading become more interactive? What will happen to traditional publishing? This is a very free-form question, feel free to wildly extrapolate or calmly state facts, as suits your mood!

I don’t see too much change from reading habits now. I think print will still be preferred by most. I think more people compared to now will be reading ebooks as people become more used to technology, especially if ebook devices become more user-friendly. Again, I think print will continue to be more popular.

I found the paragraph about the high point for reading the U.S. very intriguing. It’s not something you think about often, and it makes sense. That is when more and more people began to read, and that is when many public libraries began, including the one I work at which opened in 1896. Reading at this time was also a popular activity (Le Guin 34). Today we have so much more to do in our spare time. So of course people do not read as much as they did or as much as they’d like.

I believe traditional publishing will still be a thing and the route that would be most successful, but I also believe more people will self-publish using the internet. I think people will continue to watch out for the best channels to get their work out there. I see a bright future for independent authors. However, like we discussed in this class, I think self-publishers will have trouble getting their work out there and reviewed compared to traditionally published books.

Work Cited

Le Guin, U. K. (2008). Staying Awake: Notes On The Alleged Decline Of Reading. Harper's Magazine, 316(1893).

Prompt Response Week 15

Marketing The Library's Fiction Collection 


Displays

From experience, displays seem to still be the best way to highlight fiction. A “Bestselling Authors” table, as well as a “Just In” table, are very popular around my library system. Having a fiction display with a theme can help, too. I think the more you can make it stand out the better. At one of the old branches I worked at, we had a horror fiction display with a giant haunted house. It caught the eyes of patrons who entered the building. We added webs and other decorations to the table to make it more cool and eye-catching. I’ve seen lots of awesome displays on Pinterest I would love to try out!

Programs

I am starting a teen book club in August where I plan to display new titles, but also books people mentioned by teens from the previous book club. This would be a combination of fiction and nonfiction, but I have a feeling it will be primarily fiction. If you have a program on a particular subject, it doesn’t hurt to display books near the program that relate to the topic. A book tasting could be a productive program in getting patrons to try out new books. Choose books that just came in recently (preferably put on hold so no one can check them out) for people to sit down and read. If they like the book, they can go find more copies or put one on hold. This allows multiple people a chance to sit down with specific books.

Services

I know I need to do better at talking with patrons as they roam the shelves. At the moment I do not feel confident enough. But that is something I need to get over. You never know who is willing to listen to a few suggestions. Librarians need to be able to approach patrons with confidence and excitement that they can share something interesting about books. We need to be able to describe books in a way that makes the patrons want to go at least pick it up and read the flyleaf for more details, maybe even read the first chapter.

Libraries also need to implement and promote online RA forms so patrons can get recommendations sent to them. Librarians can take the time to evaluate a reader’s interests and compile a list of recommended reads that they, the librarian, could be proud of recommending. I love doing online RA forms and prefer them way more than doing in-person RA.

Better labeling and sings with directions for different collections could help promote genres better. Fiction genres are separated at my library. We have Fiction, Mystery, Western, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Urban, and Romance. When newer patrons come up to the second floor, they do not know where these genres are specifically other than knowing they are on one specific side of the building. Having arrow signs could help better indicate what genres we have sections for as well as where they are located. A problem with this is that people will only think the books they want is in that location (Saricks 138). This is where going up to patrons and speaking with them, or talking them about an online RA form, would be beneficial. By getting to know a user’s interests, you may be able to help them branch out from a genre and help them find appeal factors they like in other genres.


Works Cited

Saricks, J. (2005) Promoting and marketing readers’ advisory collections and services. In Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library. Chicago: ALA. 136-160.

Prompt Response Week 14

If I was part of Collection Development, I would not make special sections for any part of the collection. Reason one is if you single out one area, then people may wonder why this or that section is not separated as well. The second reason is that having all the books together promotes discovery of titles or topics they may not have ever considered before. The final reason is because as librarians, we should not treat certain topics as lesser to another topic. We promote the community reading whatever they want.

At my library we have online lists of titles that belong to a certain topic or genre, which we will reference to or print out for patrons who want these specific books. The list is more of a place to get started instead of a list that is thorough and has all the books in our collection that relate to that specific topic.

Regarding the two articles, I won’t lie; I was a bit angered reading through them. The people who wrote the petitions are trying to make themselves look like good people who don’t discriminate, but they are trying to literally label and segregate books because they don’t agree with the topic. There were some lines from the articles that really made me cringe: 

“The petition, which received more than 340 signatures, also asked the library to seek public input before acquiring new materials on LGBTQ topics” (Associated Press).

They want to single out this one topic in order to ban future copies. It’s sickening. The public library houses materials that discuss several backgrounds, faiths, ethnicities, etc. We cannot treat one single topic so negatively. 

"I think that's what most of the people of this town who have multiple kids say, we want to be able to take them to the library, and have them go through stuff, and have them know, 'oh hidden in here is an agenda that is popular, but we as conservative Christians say no, we're not going along with that'," adds Korver.” (Lenzini).

Or, we could keep the books by authors and you just tell your child to not read that author. I have had parents tell me a certain book has bad content in it. If they don’t want their children reading stuff, then they should just be more aware of what they (the children) check out. Don’t single out and make people who want to read that feel like outsiders. They are also making actual LGBTQ people look like outsiders. Would they like it if religious materials were segregated and people in the city were made aware before more copies were ordered? I just don't like it when people force their beliefs on others, and to me this is what all these people are trying to do.

As librarians we should not censor books or treat certain topics as outsiders. People should read what they want. If parents want to control what their kids read, then that is their choice. But we cannot and will not do that.

Works Cited

Associated Press. “Orange City Library to Change How Materials Are Grouped after Complaints on LGBTQ Content.” Des Moines Register, The Des Moines Register, 21 Mar. 2018, www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/03/21/library-change-lgbtq-content-grouping-change-orange-city-iowa/445970002/.


Lenzini, Jennifer. “Orange City, IA Public Library to Test Trial-Run of Separately Labeling Books with LGBTQ Themes.” HOME - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports, 20 Mar. 2018, www.ktiv.com/story/37771686/2018/03/Tuesday/orange-city-ia-public-library-to-separately-label-books-with-lgbtq-themes.

Prompt Response Week 13

I want to start by saying that I love YA books. I love reading them for two reasons. One reason is because I am now a Youth Librarian, I want to read as many YA books as possible so I can do better RA for teens. The second reason is because there are many great YA books out there. If you love a particular genre, the main difference between and adult version of that genre and the teen version, in my opinion, is the age of the character, as well as content.

Graphic novels are great because in addition to reading, you get to look at the art presented in it. The experience of a graphic novel involves both the illustrations and text, which has inspired many teens at my library to want to do art. The same influence can happen on an adult. Graphic novels are generally short and sweet, and many are part of a series. If teens rather read this than traditional literature, then fine. If adults want to read this, I am for that, too. Some classic literature are in graphic novel format, as well as graphic novels on historical people and events, so if teens rather read that then who am I to stop them?

As librarians, we should encourage people to read. We already do not censor people from accessing information, so we should always be open and ready to help adults find whatever they want, even if that includes teen titles. Perhaps adults looking for teen novels are parents who want to see what kind of content is in books to see if their teen is ready to read it. One way I hope to allow adults to not feel weird while browsing teen titles is when my library undergoes renovation in the next few years, I want the teens to have their own enclosed hangout space, but have the teen titles outside of their space. This way, adults do not feel like they are intruding or feel awkward. If adults still feel awkward, I would approach them and help them like normal. I don’t want to give them an impression that I think it’s weird they are looking for teen books.

I personally love reading realistic YA fiction. I want to know what books are certain social issues are out there so that I can recommend them to teens who are in need of it. I also love reading graphic novels. Sometimes you need a quick read.

Prompt Response Week 12

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History

by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

Released: December 25th, 2015

 Readers Advisory Matrix

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

It is a mix of highly fact-based and a narrative. It includes many quotes from letters of the people involved, as well as descriptions of the events based on sources left behind. Overall, the author combines everything to read like a fiction novel.   

2. What is the subject of the book?

The United States involvement in the Tripoli War in the early 1800s. 

3. What type of book is it?

Historical narrative. 

4. Articulate appeal

- What is the pacing of the book?

The pacing is fast due to several events with lots of action. 

- Describe the characters in the book.

The characters are a mix of military and political figures, such as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, as well as rulers from the northern African countries.  

- How does the story feel?

Exciting and gripping. It feels like an adventure, action novel. There are plenty of battles to excite the reader.

- What is the intent of the author?

To educate readers on a forgotten war in American History, especially a war that made more people aware of the power of the United States. 

- What is the focus of the story?

The focus is America’s attempt at freeing captured Americans by Mediterranean pirates, as well as loosening their grip of the Mediterranean sea. 

- Does the language matter? 

Yes. Language in historical nonfiction can make or break a book. This book is easy to read compared to many more academically-written historical books. 

- Is the setting important and well described?

The setting is important because it takes place in the late 18th century, early 19th century. The physical setting is far away from the United States, which is important at that time in United States History.

- Are there details and, if so, of what?

The author is descriptive of society in the northern African countries who are at the center of this book. It is important to understand why the United States had conflict with these countries, and why they had to be cautious of the decisions they made. 

- Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?

There are no charts, but there are images of the characters, places, events, and ships involved in the story.  

- Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?

Yes. Readers will learn about this forgotten war, understand why the U.S. had conflict with these pirates, and experience how early naval battles for the United States occurred. 

5. What would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

- Action

- Great cast of Characters

- Fast-paced

Prompt Response Week 11

When it comes to ebooks and audiobooks, the vibe of Readers Advisory certainly does change.

A job I used to have at my library was a Library Technician, which consisted of me helping patrons with all technological issues and situations. I only worked on Friday and Saturday, and I had appointments with patrons who needed help learning a device or downloading our digital distributors OverDrive and Hoopla. Before this position I did not know how to access ebooks or how the apps worked. I taught myself how to use it so I can teach my patrons. This has helped me understand how ebooks worked and why they appeal to readers. This being said, I have no issue accessing ebooks and understanding how they work. I can find authors for patrons easily.

But the main problem is that many of those patrons I helped were older patrons who had a hard time using technology. It was sad when I found a book someone wanted, or a book I recommended, but all we had was a digital version. Even when people have devices, both the devices and users are of different age and capacity, so even if they wanted ebooks and could access them, the look and feel of the ebook experience may be difficult to grasp.

I remember one time I had a patron ask for books by an author we do not have because they are ebook-only. However, the patron did not know what that meant. I had to explain that we had no way of accessing their work. I was reminded of this moment reading the article “E-books and Readers’ Advisory” by Katie Dunneback. It discussed how some publishing companies won’t sell to libraries, whereas some are. One of those companies that is doing this is “Carina Press [which] has made a splash in the romance genre with authors already popular in the e-book market as well as authors with print publishing histories” (Dunneback 327).

I have yet to have someone ask me for ebook-specific recommendations (on purpose) because I have not read an ebook (although on March 22nd I began reading my first one. I am rereading The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom), and I am completely unaware of ebook-only authors. At one library branch I worked at I had a couple regular patrons who discussed ebook authors often. They commented that they love how there are so many books they can read for free or cheap because these authors release their work independently and are unknown. It would be extremely hard to know much about ebook authors since I am not exposed to them regularly. Even though I have not read many physical books by popular authors, I at least know books by them and what genre they usually write.

I also do not listen to audiobooks. I do not know if there are people who narrate several books, or how long a typical CD lasts, etc. I also do not know how to tell if a narrator does voices for each character or not. This is apparently a major appeal according to the article “Reading with Your Ears: Readers' Advisory and Audio Books” by Katie Mediatore. (Mediatore 319). I know how to look up most of this information for patrons, but I cannot offer personal recommendations or input on the format. Currently I suggest audiobooks to parents with children who do not like to read. If we have both the book and audiobook available, I recommended both to use at the same time.

I feel like someone reading me a book would take away from the experience. I would like to read it in my own voice, imagining all the character’s voices how I interpret them. Personally I wouldn’t mind listening to an audiobook for a book I’ve already read.

Work Cited:

Dunneback, Katie and Barry Trott. "E-Books and Readers' Advisory." Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 50, no. 4, Summer2011, pp. 325-329. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lls&AN=503017488&site=ehost-live.

Mediatore, Kaite. "Reading with Your Ears: Readers' Advisory and Audio Books." Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 42, no. 4, Summer2003, pp. 318-323. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lls&AN=502907815&site=ehost-live.

Prompt Response Week 7

In my experience I have found it hardest to talk about memoirs, biographies, and other “true stories,” especially books that talk about the lives of political figures. I have had many experiences where patrons chat about a recent political biography they’ve read, and they ask me things like “Can you believe what this person has done?!” It is awkward when these conversations begin because I must suppress all my biases and beliefs and remain professional. It isn’t hard for me to do so, but patrons give me a look that appears to say “Don’t you have an opinion?”

I also have patrons who get angered by memoirs, biographies, political biographies, asking us “Why do you have a book about this garbage man,” or “Why do you have this book? It is obvious what political beliefs you have!” Being a history major who has read quite a few political biographies, I understand that no one book is 100% true, but that can probably be said about many nonfiction titles.

The most recent example of these kinds of interactions came when “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff was released. The book is about the first year of President Trump’s time in office. When we announced on Facebook that we would be ordering extra copies due to extremely high demand, some people criticized us both online and in person, commenting that we are biased and they no longer have respect for us. The library contains and continues to order items that are controversial or biased, but that is because we allow books of all kinds and information. We promote the freedom to information and the freedom to read. It is unfortunate people are angry with us, but we are only doing our job. You cannot please everyone!

Prompt Response Week 6

How To Promote Horror Reads at My Library

All Year Strategy

A simple strategy to promote horror novels at any time of the year is to have a display that has a sign that reads something to the degree of "Looking for a Fright?" with an eye-grabbing image. Several titles in different formats can be placed on the display with additional copies stored nearby to refill as needed. Both the book and audiobook of a novel present, graphic novels, even a list of ebooks available, will help bring awareness to our vast collection. 

The display sign could be:

This strategy gives readers a chance to see what horror-related titles are out there. The sign reminds them  if they do not like any of the physical copies available, but would like to pursue more options, they know to come talk to any available librarian. 

Halloween Strategy

Halloween would be the best time to highlight horror reads. A good display could be one or multiple display tables set up with a haunted doll house, monsters statues, and fake plastic gory body parts, all with relatable books, audiobooks, movies, etc. All tables can have an acrylic sign or pile of bookmarks with recommended titles, as well as physical copies of some of the titles. An example bookmark could be:

At one of my former branches we had a haunted doll house display with horror novels and it was a HIT! It drew people's attention right away. Like the all year strategy, the sign or bookmark reminds them a librarian is present to offer more suggestions if they do not like any of the physical copies available.

That same branch I worked at also utilized bookmarks with similar titles and authors to whichever author or book we were highlighting at the time. We placed these bookmarks inside the books, as well as had them out for patrons to pick up. For this genre and situation, ideally the list would contain both classic and more recent horror novels and movies.

To boost patron experience, a voting jar can be present. Near the front entrance of my library branch we occasionally have a voting jar to grab people's attention and to stop at the table. The most popular one so far has been Cats vs. Dogs. A similar experience can happen at this table that allows people to vote on their favorite kind of horror novel (Paranormal, Monster, Gory). (If I were to pitch this to the library administration, I would remind them of the previous times we have done voting jars as well as the statistics.)

Note: Sorry these images are not better quality! 

Sources Used to Identify Different Horror Novels:

Cutter, Nick. "11 Books that Will Definitely Scare You." Huffington Post. Web 06 December 2017. Accessed 17 February 2018. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-cutter/11-books-that-will-defini_b_4854984.html

Reader, Sam. "The Best Horror Books of 2016." Barnes and Noble. Web 14 December 2016. Accessed 17 February 2018. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/the-best-horror-books-of-2016/

Prompt Response Week 5

Ebook only books, which are increasingly popular (especially in the romance genre) see little to no reviews in professional publications unless they have a big name author, and then still it's usually only RT Reviews (formally Romantic Times) or other genre heavy publications. How does this affect collection development?

This affects collection development because these books will not be seen or heard about as well. Also, libraries are more print-friendly than digital-friendly despite an increase in digital items added to library collections.

[ebook] Look over the reviews - do you feel they are both reliable? How likely would you be to buy this book for your library?

The benefit of an Amazon customer review is that the review can come from a customer who actually read the book, much like Goodreads (which I love to read customer reviews on there). Or, on Amazon, it’s someone who is purposefully trying to make the item (a book in this case) look good. This one looks like it is a legit customer who has read the book, and it’s a decent review. However, I am hesitant to look at and trust Amazon reviews. Amazon is about selling things, so it’s hard for me to take the reviews seriously. The second review was also a decent review. It is definitely some person who reads and then blogs their honest reviews. 

Based off the two reviews, I do not think I would pick it up for my library. Unless someone requested we have this book, I would not even think about it. It has nothing to do with the content of the book. I know there are people who would enjoy this book. If there are tons of independent reviews on this title, especially popular review sites, I would be aware of it and would consider it.

Because I work in a popular holdings library, I prefer to have books and authors that are more popular. People want what is hot right now. However, I would like it if libraries could help independent or less known authors more by purchasing digital versions of their books at a lower cost in order to give them more awarenss.

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. How do these reviews make you feel about the possibility of adding Angela's Ashes to your collection?

These reviews hit on many content aspects of the book such as setting, characters, pace, tone, plot, etc., which is great to see in a review. However, I am not seeing any negative content. I have not read it, so I do not know if it’s as perfect as these reviews make it seem. Sometimes I feel reviewers feel compelled to write a positive review of well-known works. Because of these various positive reviews, as well as its popularity, I would feel like I am forced to add a handful of copies to our collection.

Do you think it's fair that one type of book is reviewed to death and other types of books get little to no coverage? How does this affect a library's collection? 

I do think it’s unfair that certain books are reviewed more than others, especially books that are reviewed at all. There are books out there that could be really good but never looked at in a serious manner. This is how I feel with music, and most art in general. However, with technology these days, people have a better chance than ever getting their book, art, music, etc. on the internet, but it’s still hard to get it heard by those who can review/critic it.

This affects a library’s collection because they only receive what is popular instead of what may be “good.”

And how do you feel about review sources that won't print negative content? Do you think that's appropriate? If you buy for your library, how often do you use reviews to make your decisions? If not, how do you feel about reviews for personal reading, and what are some of your favorite review sources?

People who review books and do not print negative content are doing a disservice because they should review a book for what it is. If you only print positive content, it is like you are trying to sell the book yourself. The best reviews, to me, are ones that talk about basic plot points (with no spoilers obviously), and give an honest review taking various aspects of content into account (characters, plot, pace, setting, etc.).

At the same time, I think people pay too much attention to negative reviews (and reviews overall). Reviews are simply just a person's opinion. Kirkus Review gave Ready Player One by Ernest Cline a pretty unfavorable review. However, the book is a big hit with gamers and those who grew up in the 1980s. I am not saying the negativity in reviews are not true, or that people's opinions can't hold truth, but everyone has different tastes and some people see content in books differently.

Because I do not work in a Collection Development Department, I do not know how they exactly acquire books.  I would hope reviews are not a significant factor in acquiring books. 

I read reviews, but they have little to no effect on my opinions of a book. Long reviews I do not bother to look at. I just want something quick to spark my interest. At my library we have magazines we can have routed to us if we want to put our name on the list for that specific magazine. Currently I have Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, and School Library Journal sent to me. I skim through them usually. I also like to read Goodreads reviews more because it is from a multitude of people. I mainly like to see how people summarize the plot and characters rather than their opinion of the novel, but it is interesting to see the differing opinions of a book after I have read the same book.

In conclusion:

- Honest reviews are better than strictly positive reviews.
- Reviews should not be a main factor in collection development or one's perception of a book.
- Libraries should bring more awareness to unknown and independent authors who do not have the ability to be reviewed.
- Amazon and Goodreads are great places to find regular, honest customer/reader reviews.

Week Three Prompt Response

Part 1: Book Recommendation Situations

1. 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!

According to the website Fantastic Fiction, which I highly recommend for anyone starting a series, the next book in the Anita Blake series is The Lunatic Café.


2. 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.

Using NoveList’s appeal mixer, I searched for books that had both lush and lyrical writing, as well as fast-paced. Here are a few titles I found:

Frog Music by Emma Donoghue. It is fast-paced, lush, and lyrical.

Yellow Emperor’s Cure by Kunal Basu. Like Prodigal Summer, the writing is descriptive, lyrical, and lush, but this book is fast-paced.

The Gentleman Poet by Kathryn Johnson. This book is romantic, just like Prodigal Summer, and it has all the same writing appeals as well. This book is also fast-paced.

3. I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!

I would recommend a few titles, depending on how far back you want to go.

The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery. According to NoveList:

“The fates of two women--one American, one Japanese--become entwined in this sweeping novel of 19th century Japan on the cusp of radical change and westernization. The Japanese tea ceremony, steeped in ritual, is at the heart of this story of an American girl, adopted by Kyoto's most important tea master and raised as attendant and surrogate younger sister to his privileged daughter Yukako. Pasts shrouded in secrets and mysterious traditions rocked by modernization make The teahouse fire a compelling and provocative story, lush in details and epic in scope.”

I chose this book because it is set during the 19th century when traditional Japan was changing, and because the book is descriptive and richly detailed, the reader will be able to get a sense of that time period.

Another option is The Thousand Autumns Of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell. According to NoveList:

“Dispatched to the influential Japanese port of Dejima in 1799, ambitious clerk Jacob de Zoet resolves to earn enough money to deserve his wealthy fiancee, an effort that is challenged by his relationship with the midwife daughter of a Samurai.”

Again, this book is richly detailed, and it highlights a famous port, which can help one learn more about the country. The suspense and intricately plotted story should move the book right along.


4. I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?

John Sadford may not have been a great similar author, but similar authors to Elizabeth George according to NoveList are:

Louise Penny because she also writes stories with main characters as police investigators, and the main characters are just as complex as those who they are investigating.

P.D. James because both James and George write contemporary, dark mysteries.

Peter Robinson because he writes stories with a strong sense off place with contemporary issues, which are characteristics of Elizabeth George’s work.

On the right-hand side under read-alikes for Well-Schooled in Murder, the title A Possibility of Violence by Dror Mishani is a great choice because according to the review by Derek Keyser on NoveList, “Parents and administrators with complex motives are the prime suspects in these intricately plotted, atmospheric, and slow-building police procedurals, both featuring psychologically tense investigations into violent crimes occurring in school settings.”


5. My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?

Looking at NoveList, series read-a-likes that include zombies include Rage by Pierre Boisserie and Night of the Living Dead by Jean-Luc Istin.  I chose these series because they center around a zombie apocalypse.

Similar titles to World War Z are The Zombie Autopsies by Steven C. Schlozman and I am Legend by Richard Matheson. Both titles deal with zombies, although The Zombie Autopsies is more about finding the cure and not survivors trying to evade the dead, whereas I am Legend is a bit of both.

And as a personal recommendation, I recommend the series I Am a Hero by Kengo Hanazawa. It is about a manga artist in Japan, who suffers from hallucinations, who must suddenly survive as his fellow citizens suddenly become sick and tries to eat anybody! The outbreak is not very sudden, so most people do not even know anything is happening, which is a great contrast to zombie series that get into the thick of things at the very start.


6. I love books that get turned into movies, especially literary ones. Can you recommend some? Nothing too old, maybe just those from the last 5 years or so.

I chose the following titles using the search terms “literary fiction” and “books to movies” on NoveList.

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman (2017 film)
In Secret by Emile Zola (2013 film)
Room by Emma Donoghue (2015 film)
The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers (2017 film)
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (2017 film)

Movies to look forward to:
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (2018 film)
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn (TBD)
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King (TBD)

7. I love thrillers but I hate foul language and sex scenes. I want something clean and fast paced.

Using the website Rated Reads (http://ratedreads.com), which has a rating system of None, Mild, Moderate, and High to determine the amount of sex, foul language, and other undesirable content, a thriller that is clean and fast-paced I recommend is The Chase by Clive Cussler. It was rated Mild for a couple murders, but it does not have foul language. According to NoveList, it is fast-paced.


Part 2: How I Find Book to Read

I know we are to talk about websites that help us find new books, but I'd like to share all the ways I find new titles to read. I find books to read five different ways. One way I look for books to read is accidental, which is when I am at work and I stumble upon a book that looks interesting. First, either the book cover or the title catches my eye. I usually then read the inside cover to see what it is about. If I like what I see then I will check it out. Rarely I will follow up with reading a few reviews, but I usually trust my gut and check it out after reading the inside cover.

The second way I find new books is by staff or patron recommendations, but primarily through my fellow staff. The benefit of working at a library, especially a large library system like I work for, is that just about everyone is a reader. We regularly ask one another what we are reading or for some more suggestions. Occasionally a patron and I will chat about books we mutually enjoyed, and that sometimes leads to book recommendations from them.

The third way I find new titles is through websites like Goodreads, Kirkus Reviews, and New York Times Bestsellers. So far the only people I follow on Goodreads are coworkers, but I see what Goodreads recommends and I sometimes save them for later. I recently began using Goodreads religiously, meaning I scan all the books I want to read or have read, and I rate everything I read. I also plan to start reviewing everything I read.

The fourth way I find new titles is through reviews on School Library Journal, Library Journal, and Publisher's Weekly. We have routed magazines at work staff members can sign up and receive regularly for two days at a time. I usually skim these magazines and read whatever catches my eyes.

The fifth and final way I hear about new books is through the Next Great Reads service at my library, which involves patrons filling out a form asking for recommendations based off what they like and do not like to read. I am one of the staff who answers these forms, and occasionally I will hear about a book that sounds interesting. Also, because I use NoveList while answering these forms, I see books that look appealing.