Week 6, Assignment 3
The three subgenres I've chosen "Historical Romance" (Western), "Techno Thriller", and "Disaster Adventure."
A fan website I found for historical romance is Heros and Heartbreakers. Specifically for westerns, I found http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2011/02/the-appeal-of-the-western-romance and http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2012/02/dirty-cowboys-the-allure-of-the-gritty-western-romance This site features a blog by Wendy Crutcher, alias Wendy the Super Librarian.
I found the website by searching with Google. Fans liked new voices like Kaki Warner, as well as well-known authors in this genre, such as Maggie Osborne. An example of a book in this genre is
Wyoming Bride by Joan Johnston.
http://www.thepulp.net/pulpsuperfan/category/techno-thriller/ is a fan website for Techno Thrillers, which I found again with a Google search. These fans were excited about the authors Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, and Clive Cussler, as well as James Rollins, Jack Du Brul, Andy McDermott, David Golemon. An example of a book in this genre is The Relic by Preston and Child.
http://adventure-bookclub.com is a website for adventure book lovers and has a section for disaster adventure books. Another is http://www.flashlightworthybooks.com/Books-for-Those-with-an-Adventurous-Spirit/449
I found both of these with a Google search.
Books that were featured on these sites include: Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon by Thomas M. Myers and Michael P. Ghiglieri and To the Edge: A Man, A Death Valley and the Mystery of Endurance by Kirk Johnson, and Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole by Jerri Nielsen and Maryanne Vollers.
A title not shown on the Prezi Fiction Flowchart that could cross over into two subgenres is The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman. With its magical elements, it could by classified as Magic Realism. The strong female characters and romantic storyline mean that it could be considered as Modern Romance. Another title is A Load of Old Bones by Suzette A. Hill, which could be considered both a Pet Investigators Mystery and Historical Fiction. A dog and cat feature prominently in the story, and it has a historical setting, 1950s England.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Week 6, Assignment 1
I'm following the genre link "Stop You're Killing Me!", which is a mystery site.
One of the interesting pages on this site is the What's New section, which includes new authors and new book characters and series, which are added monthly. One can also look them up alphabetically. So, if a reader remembers a character's name and not the author or not the title, the rest of the information can be located by using this index.
Another page I enjoyed on this website is Historical Period of Series Character, divided into
Ancient Before 476, Post 476-1500 (Medieval) Edward III (1327-1377) Henry VI (1421-1461) Edward IV (1461-1483) Henry III (1216-1272) Edward I (1272-1307), 1500s Henry VIII (1509-1547)Elizabeth I (1558-1603), 1600s & 1700s Colonial Period Baroque Era, 1800s Regency (1811-1820) Victorian (1837-1901), 1900s Edwardian (1901-1910), and the decades of the 1900s through the 1980s. This is very useful for individuals who enjoy reading mysteries from particular historical periods.
The Genre Index page has 17 different categories, including Cozy (Traditional) Mysteries, Gothic Suspense, Holidays, Humorous Mysteries, Paranormal, and Pets, as well as several others. I find this very helpful, as I enjoy cozy mysteries and humorous mysteries and can find new authors and titles with these links.
I'm following the genre link "Stop You're Killing Me!", which is a mystery site.
One of the interesting pages on this site is the What's New section, which includes new authors and new book characters and series, which are added monthly. One can also look them up alphabetically. So, if a reader remembers a character's name and not the author or not the title, the rest of the information can be located by using this index.
Another page I enjoyed on this website is Historical Period of Series Character, divided into
Ancient Before 476, Post 476-1500 (Medieval) Edward III (1327-1377) Henry VI (1421-1461) Edward IV (1461-1483) Henry III (1216-1272) Edward I (1272-1307), 1500s Henry VIII (1509-1547)Elizabeth I (1558-1603), 1600s & 1700s Colonial Period Baroque Era, 1800s Regency (1811-1820) Victorian (1837-1901), 1900s Edwardian (1901-1910), and the decades of the 1900s through the 1980s. This is very useful for individuals who enjoy reading mysteries from particular historical periods.
The Genre Index page has 17 different categories, including Cozy (Traditional) Mysteries, Gothic Suspense, Holidays, Humorous Mysteries, Paranormal, and Pets, as well as several others. I find this very helpful, as I enjoy cozy mysteries and humorous mysteries and can find new authors and titles with these links.
| Genre Index | ||||
| Genre Index | ||||
Week 5, Assignment 3
Under the righthand "Coming Soon - Season Previews," I chose to look at Flavorpills 30 Most Anticipated Books of 2013. From this list, I picked Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, a book I was in fact already reading.
The extremely original plot of Life After Life, in which a woman repeatedly is born and dies, is what originally piqued my interest. In addition, the story is historical fiction, set in the same general period as the very popular Downton Abbey television series and also features the English upper class and their servants. Because I am a fan of that show, I found that aspect of the book appealing. I also loved the dark humor that was a prominent feature of the book.
The story begins in 1910 when Ursula Todd is born in a small English village. But the umbilical cord is wrapped around her neck and immediately, she dies, only to be reborn again and again. She dies repeatedly in different ways, correcting her "mistakes" along the way as she gradually becomes aware of her situation. The picture of English life in the first half of the 19th century was beautifully rendered; the war scenes of London during the second World War were poignant and illuminating. I highly recommend this book.
Under the righthand "Coming Soon - Season Previews," I chose to look at Flavorpills 30 Most Anticipated Books of 2013. From this list, I picked Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, a book I was in fact already reading.
The extremely original plot of Life After Life, in which a woman repeatedly is born and dies, is what originally piqued my interest. In addition, the story is historical fiction, set in the same general period as the very popular Downton Abbey television series and also features the English upper class and their servants. Because I am a fan of that show, I found that aspect of the book appealing. I also loved the dark humor that was a prominent feature of the book.
The story begins in 1910 when Ursula Todd is born in a small English village. But the umbilical cord is wrapped around her neck and immediately, she dies, only to be reborn again and again. She dies repeatedly in different ways, correcting her "mistakes" along the way as she gradually becomes aware of her situation. The picture of English life in the first half of the 19th century was beautifully rendered; the war scenes of London during the second World War were poignant and illuminating. I highly recommend this book.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Week 5, Assignment 2
I am new to the website Early Word - The "Books and TV" category was very interesting. The connections between TV shows and books were fascinating. I can see that it would be useful for customers who want to delve deeper into the background behind a certain topic or individual featured on a radio program or tv show. An example is the HBO film Behind the Candelabra, the story of entertainer Liberace and the 1988 book Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace. Terry Gross interviewed the director Steven Soderbergh on NPR’s Fresh Air, and he explained that he'd been inspired by the book. I especially liked the "New Title Radar" section and the "Nancy Pearl Book Lust" resource, also. I will probably use all three of these in the future.
I am new to the website Early Word - The "Books and TV" category was very interesting. The connections between TV shows and books were fascinating. I can see that it would be useful for customers who want to delve deeper into the background behind a certain topic or individual featured on a radio program or tv show. An example is the HBO film Behind the Candelabra, the story of entertainer Liberace and the 1988 book Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace. Terry Gross interviewed the director Steven Soderbergh on NPR’s Fresh Air, and he explained that he'd been inspired by the book. I especially liked the "New Title Radar" section and the "Nancy Pearl Book Lust" resource, also. I will probably use all three of these in the future.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Week 5, Assignment 1:
Readers at my branch enjoy Urban Fiction, as well Romance, Thrillers and Adventure stories. I believe they're more likely to watch a movie first, then read the book.
I've been following NPR Books. Because I'm not a big fan of non-fiction, this source is helpful because it prominently features books that are connected with news events and therefore forces me to become aware of new non-fiction which is likely to be popular. Also, upcoming fiction that has some connection to recent news is included.
An example is Waiting to be Heard by Amanda Knox, a memoir of Knox's trial in Italy for the murder of her roommate. A nice feature is the link that allows one to hear the author being interviewed on NPR. Another example is an article about a newly-found Pearl Buck which is to be published this fall.
Readers at my branch enjoy Urban Fiction, as well Romance, Thrillers and Adventure stories. I believe they're more likely to watch a movie first, then read the book.
I've been following NPR Books. Because I'm not a big fan of non-fiction, this source is helpful because it prominently features books that are connected with news events and therefore forces me to become aware of new non-fiction which is likely to be popular. Also, upcoming fiction that has some connection to recent news is included.
An example is Waiting to be Heard by Amanda Knox, a memoir of Knox's trial in Italy for the murder of her roommate. A nice feature is the link that allows one to hear the author being interviewed on NPR. Another example is an article about a newly-found Pearl Buck which is to be published this fall.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Week 4: Assignment 1:
I joined Goodreads and had fun rating books in the areas of: Art; Contemporary; Fantasy; Fiction; Historical Fiction; Humor; Mystery; and Suspense. I looked at the Recommendations that were generating from these ratings and discovered quite a few additional books I want to read. I also started a "To-Read" shelf. In addition, I added several "Friends," and browsed through their ratings, recommendations, etc. I made book recommendations to "Friends" based on their ratings and favorites.
I explored Listopia and Explore in Goodreads. I found the Recommendations based on my ratings the most helpful tool in selecting possible books to read. Also helpful are the Recommendations which were generated from my "To Read" shelf.
I recommended a title to Lori Hench. (See below)
I joined Goodreads and had fun rating books in the areas of: Art; Contemporary; Fantasy; Fiction; Historical Fiction; Humor; Mystery; and Suspense. I looked at the Recommendations that were generating from these ratings and discovered quite a few additional books I want to read. I also started a "To-Read" shelf. In addition, I added several "Friends," and browsed through their ratings, recommendations, etc. I made book recommendations to "Friends" based on their ratings and favorites.
I explored Listopia and Explore in Goodreads. I found the Recommendations based on my ratings the most helpful tool in selecting possible books to read. Also helpful are the Recommendations which were generated from my "To Read" shelf.
I recommended a title to Lori Hench. (See below)
The Matchmaker of Périgord
by Julia Stuart
by Julia Stuart
you said: "This is another good book by Julia Stuart you might like, because you liked Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. It features quirky characters and a charming French village. The local barber is losing business because his clients are becoming older and balder, so he decides to become the town matchmaker. Much hilarity results. "
Friday, May 10, 2013
Week 3, Assignment 3, Conversation 3
This reader likes non-fiction, especially stories about nature, travel, adventure and history. I am recommending two books. The first is The Worst Journey in the World: Antarctic, 1910-1913 by Apsley Cherry-Garrard. The author was the only survivor of Scott's Antarctic expedition and a member of the rescue party who later found the remains of the ill-fated adventurers. The book is rich with details of scientific discovery and incidents of courage in the face of a harsh and unrelenting climate.
The second book is another arctic story: Fatal North: Murder and survival on the First North Pole Expedition by Bruce Henderson. The story begins as the Civil War ends, and America begins its first attempt to reach the North Pole. The expedition ends with the suspicious death of Captain Charles Hall and the abandonment of the ship by the quarreling scientists and crew. After the ship eventually sinks, the 33 survivors must struggle to survive on the polar ice until they are dramatically rescued by whaling ships. The mystery of the captain's death is not solved for another one hundred years, when forensic scientists reached a surprising conclusion.
This reader likes non-fiction, especially stories about nature, travel, adventure and history. I am recommending two books. The first is The Worst Journey in the World: Antarctic, 1910-1913 by Apsley Cherry-Garrard. The author was the only survivor of Scott's Antarctic expedition and a member of the rescue party who later found the remains of the ill-fated adventurers. The book is rich with details of scientific discovery and incidents of courage in the face of a harsh and unrelenting climate.
The second book is another arctic story: Fatal North: Murder and survival on the First North Pole Expedition by Bruce Henderson. The story begins as the Civil War ends, and America begins its first attempt to reach the North Pole. The expedition ends with the suspicious death of Captain Charles Hall and the abandonment of the ship by the quarreling scientists and crew. After the ship eventually sinks, the 33 survivors must struggle to survive on the polar ice until they are dramatically rescued by whaling ships. The mystery of the captain's death is not solved for another one hundred years, when forensic scientists reached a surprising conclusion.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Week 3, Assignment 3, Conversation 2
For this customer, who wants a vampire book that is not similar to the Twilight series, I am recommending Death Warmed Over: Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. by Kevin J. Anderson. This customer does not want romance. He wants a fast-paced story without a lot of emotion. The Death Warmed Over book is a guy-friendly (although the customer may be male or female) story about a zombie who works with a human lawyer as his partner in his detective agency. Although the main character is not a vampire, many vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts are involved in the plot. Moreover, in this story the author is able to create a rare blend of action and urban fantasy/horror and comedy.
For this customer, who wants a vampire book that is not similar to the Twilight series, I am recommending Death Warmed Over: Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. by Kevin J. Anderson. This customer does not want romance. He wants a fast-paced story without a lot of emotion. The Death Warmed Over book is a guy-friendly (although the customer may be male or female) story about a zombie who works with a human lawyer as his partner in his detective agency. Although the main character is not a vampire, many vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts are involved in the plot. Moreover, in this story the author is able to create a rare blend of action and urban fantasy/horror and comedy.
Week 3, Assignment 3
Conversation 1
For this customer, who liked the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I am recommending the book And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane For My Own Dirt Road by Margaret Roach. The customer liked the self-discovery aspect of Eat, Pray, Love, which is also a factor found in many of the "Oprah picks." She also liked learning about a woman who was "interesting" and 'brave."
The author Margaret Roach is a former Martha Stewart Living staff member who gives up her hectic life and moves to her vacation home in upstate New York with the hope of living a "more authentic life" by connecting with her garden and nature. Her book is a self-discovery journey without the travel.
Conversation 1
For this customer, who liked the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I am recommending the book And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane For My Own Dirt Road by Margaret Roach. The customer liked the self-discovery aspect of Eat, Pray, Love, which is also a factor found in many of the "Oprah picks." She also liked learning about a woman who was "interesting" and 'brave."
The author Margaret Roach is a former Martha Stewart Living staff member who gives up her hectic life and moves to her vacation home in upstate New York with the hope of living a "more authentic life" by connecting with her garden and nature. Her book is a self-discovery journey without the travel.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)