Week 9 Assignment 3

Hmmm....well the Be More Bookish training took a bit more time than I expected.  However, since the completion date was extended, I really can't complain.

I have definitely learned some things.  New resources, ideas for customers, and Book Trailers!  Who knew?  I've used some of what I've learned already, in fact I find myself directing Adult Fiction Readers into YA fiction on a regular basis now.  Lots of crossover appeal.  And as a result of the training, I'm making much better use of my Goodreads account.  I've also been checking out Book Trailers on YouTube even though I thought I wouldn't!

Thanks for the training!!

Week 9

Having read both articles, I find the idea of book trailers intriguing, but it just seems weird!  Movie type trailers for the written word?  I don't know....

But then I looked at some of the Book Trailers from the BMB link and they are interesting, and I could begin to see their appeal especially in this Internet driven era.  Then I looked at book trailers for my very favorite author, Susanna Kearsley.  She had a link from her website, and those book trailers were stunning!   http://www.youtube.com/user/SusannaKearsley?feature=watch
Of course being a huge fan, and having read the books, helped alot, but the book trailers were so good that I wanted to read the books again!

So, in conclusion...book trailerss, when done well are great, but I myself, wouldn't necessarily go on Youtube to find them.  I still like to read book reviews; however, I would have no qualms directing a customer to a book trailer.  I think they're great advertising, and a wonderful way to draw readers, especially reluctant readers, into a good book!

Week 8 Assignment 3

I selected the following 4 Genres:
Memoirs  Dewey - Biography
Food  Dewey- 641
Travel  Dewey - 910
American History -973

 Memoirs 
"Marbles : mania, depression, Michelangelo, & me : a graphic memoir"
by Ellen Forney
Dewey:  Graphic Novel Bio FORNEY

Food
"Animal, Vegetable, Miracle : A Year of Food Life"
By Barbara Kingsolver
Dewey  : 641.0973 K

Travel
"To Timbuktu"
By Casey Scieszka
Dewey : Teen 910.4 S

History (American)
"Founding mothers : the women who raised our nation"
By Cokie Roberts
Dewey 973.3 R

Week 8 Assignment 4

The first book I selected is  "  Marbles : Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & me : a graphic memoir" by Ellen Forney.  I loved this book!  The characterization is very powerful, you are drawn into the author's struggle to gain control over her Mania and Depression.  The pacing is not slow, but not fast either....moderate but just the right speed to keep the reader wanting to find out what happens.  The language is sparse but quite effective.  Given that it is a Graphic Novel, the drawings add another dimension to the appeal factors.  Forney is a Cartoonist, so her drawings are evocative, some even more powerful than written language.

I would recommend this book to a customer who enjoys fiction with strong character appeal, someone who enjoys reading about personal struggles, as well as someone interested in women's fiction.  The only challenge for this book would be the Graphic Novel aspect...some readers will need persuasion!

My second selection would be "Founding Mothers" by Cokie Roberts.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historic fiction.  This reads like a novel, narrating the lives of the women who shaped America.  Not just Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, but the inside gossip on all of the early "Blue Bloods" who married within their "set", socialized with each other, and influenced the men in leadership positions.  Notice that I didn't say men in charge,  because reading this book will reflect just how much influence the women actually had!  The pacing is steady and the characterization is moderate, language reflects the vernacular of the time using letters and other writings, making the book seem more like fiction than non-fiction.

Week 7 Assignment 3 & 4

I've been following "John Green Books"  and "Forever Young Adults".  I think I like them because they appeal to the adult in me!  They don't pretend to be for teens only and I appreciate that.  When I read YA fiction, I'm reading it with an adult perspective, because alledgedly, I am an adult!

I want to read reviews written by adults about YA fiction.  Their perspective is more likely to be closer to mine than you average 15 year old.

And John Green?  So quirky in his podcasts, yet his books are so good....so introspective...so moody!
Who knew this could be the same person!

As far as trends, I looked at Harlequin Teen and Teens at Random.  Both sites reflect that Paranormal is still popular.  Romance is still a major player, as are Dystopian novels and Coming of Age.  Sometimes the Coming of Age includes Romance, sometimes it includes paranormal, sometimes dystopia, history and sometimes none of the above.  YA still seem to me to be quite reflective and introspective whatever the setting.

I posted on Nancy C.'s blog and April F.'s Blog.

Week 7 Assignment 1 &2

I read "The Next Big Thing" and "YA Comes Of Age".   Both articles are timely, because it is true that there are many adults reading YA novels.  However, I also think that may be that YA novels have changed.  As a teen, I remember reading "Forever" by Judy Blume and "Go Ask Alice" by Anonymous.  Both were considered a bit racy at the time (1970's), but quite tame in many respects to YA novels of today.  I find the most popular YA novels nowadays to be far more intense, more violent and a lot more frightening.   Dystopia-the end of the world, Zombies, vampires...wow!  The Hunger Games gave me nightmares....but then I'm kind of a wimp in that respect. 

I enjoy the same genre of YA novels that I enjoy in Adult fiction.  Relationships, historical, mystery, etc.  I loved "The Future of US", and "Iboy" and "Airborn", "Timekeeper", "Etiquette and Espionage", "The Explosionist" and both of the "Viola" books by Adriana Trigiani.  And so many more.

I have many adult customers who enjoy YA fiction, but I think, like me, they enjoy the YA fiction because of the book, because its well written, because it a genre they enjoy...I don't think the fact that its YA fiction matters to them.  All they want is a GOOD BOOK!

Week 6 Assignment 2 and 3

The Prezi was Wonderful!  Thanks Alex for that well crafted presentation.  Very easy to follow!

The first subgenre I selected was Western-Native American. I have read westerns in the distant past, but nothing within this area. All 3 titles I selected are by Louise Erdich: "The Round House" , "Love Medicine" and "Tracks". Reading reviews of her works on Goodreads suggest that the appeal factors are setting, pacing and character. The setting is usually a Reservation, characters are generally Native American and the language lyrical. Reviewers used the terms "simple prose" to describe the language and "meandering" to describe the pacing. I would say that her works would be best for someone who liked Westerns with a Literary edge.... As far as a website, I think goodreads.com reads was the best I could find! Reviewers LOVE her works for the setting and the cultural development. The big buzz is, of course, her latest novel "The Round House", nominated for an award, and simultaneously described as a legal thriller...

The second subgenre I selected was Comic Sci Fi. Being a fan of classic Sci Fi, I wasn't certain how I would feel about this subsection. However it turns out I have read (and loved) some books in this genre. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series as well as "To Say Nothing of the Dog" by Connie Willis are favorites. I also remember my husband reading Harry Harrison's "A Stainless Steel Rat".    I didn't think of them as comic at the time I read them, but reading the description from bestsciencefictionbooks.com I see the appeal. Characterization is important as is setting. The Hitchhikers series is quite descriptive, and the Willis book includes Time Travel, so of course setting is quite important. I would not describe this subgenre as fast paced, but language is indeed important. Sly humor, sarcasm, satire are all important to this subgenre. Comic Sci Fi receives much of its accolades for its ability to make the transfer to the big screen.

The third subgenre I selected was quirky offbeat fiction. I have read virtually nothing in this subgenre, and once again goodreads.com is the best website/fansite. I think the appeal factors would most definitely be language, setting and pacing. Christopher Moore has been in my house (my son loves him) as has Michael Chabon, (a husband choice). Jasper Fforde makes this list as well, an author I always meant to read, but haven't.

As far as a Mashup, I found Western/Time Travel Romance! I found this genre listed on www.westernauthors.com . A popular author in this genre is Madeline Baker. A couple of her books include the Native American theme as well: "A Whisper In the Wind" and "Under a Prairie Moon". Based on the reviews, the appeal factors of this genre are similar to Historic Fiction and Historic Romance. Each include a well described setting, strong characterization, moderate pacing and language geared to the setting.

Week 6 Assignment 1

I've been using the Romantic Times website regularly since beginning the Be More Bookish training.  Rather than being about Romances only, the website looks at all kinds of Genres and subgenres.  It also has a FAQ section that does a worth job of explaining the difference between certain genres, ie. Romantic Suspense vs Suspense.   It was interesting to note, particularly with the popularity of the Fifty Shades Trilogy, the difference between Erotic Romance and Erotica.  Erotic Romance most often comes with a happy ending, while Erotica does not.  Also interesting to note that I had to change my computer settings in order to search Erotica!!

Week 5

I've been checking out Goodreads a bit more often now that we are blogging.  I've noticed that Goodreads offers pretty good recommendations based on my book reviews, but I think Amazon does an even better job!!!  Go figure.....but I guess with profit as the motivator, Amazon's recommendation algorithm might be somewhat stronger.

At OW we get a mix of customers looking for Bestsellers and more specific genres.  African American Christian fiction is popular, as is Urban fiction and Jewish fiction. I'm pretty familiar with Jewish Fiction, Christian Fiction and Urban fiction.  African American Christian fiction is a new one.  I've found the best recommendations for this genre via Amazon, Goodreads and of course, Google!

I looked at the best of 2013 on Early Word.  Life After Life by Kate Atkinson seems worthy of recommendation...it does have a number of Holds on it in the system!   I would suggest this book for fans of Magic Realism.  From reviews it seems to be a book for readers who prefer a slower pace, attention to setting and detail.  Since the Character is "reborn" several times, it would seem that characterization is a strong part of the appeal factor as well.

  I think I'm going to read this book because it appeals to ME!

Week 4

I've had my Goodreads Account since the era of "23 Things".  It gathered dust until I started LATI in the fall of 2011.  I've continued to use it occasionally since then, which is a good thing or I would have forgotten my password!   I like Goodreads for book recommendations and following some of my favorite authors.  I like to see what they're reading....usually nothing similar to what they write!

This week I've been "friended" on Goodreads and I've "friended" someone else.  I haven't done that before....   I also  made a book recommendation to Cassie Domek based on her reading choices and ratings.  Hope she likes it!    

my recommendation.....

Week Three-  "What They are Looking for"

Conversation 1:
 This customer seems to prefer stories about women in transition, or women facing and overcoming obstacles in their lives.  Recommendations for her would include:

                      

"We Are All Welcome Here" by Elizabeth Berg.  Tells the story of a single mother confined to an Iron Lung, her bravery and her strong will, particularly with regard to her daughter.

"Flight Behavior"  by Barbara Kingsolver  The environment, motherhood, marriage, friendship and family all examined in beautiful Kingsolver style.

Conversation 2:

For this reader I would recommend the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.  Vampires, other creatures, and a whole lot more!   No teen angst!

I would also suggest  some of the grittier series by Kim Harrison and Laurell K. Hamilton.  If the reader wants something a bit lighter, then the books of MaryJanice Davidson might work as well.

Conversation 3:
This is a reader who clearly likes historical non-fiction that reads like fiction.  For this customer I would recommend "Destiny of the Republic" by Candice Millard, any of the Erik Larson books, as well as the works of David McCullough.  I would also suggust the HBO series on John Adams...again history well researched and presented in a very entertaining manner.   No dry histories for this customer!

                       

 

 

        

Week 2 complete!  I commented on Kathleen M.'s blog.  I recommended authors rather than specific books since those authors each had a unique style.

             



Looking at my selections written by two of my favorite authors, I would say that my appeal factors weigh heavily toward characterization.  I need to like the characters in the books I read, and I need to care about what happens to them.   

The story line for me needs to include relationships, often some paranormal, and definitely a happy or at least uplifting ending.  

Thrillers are not my style since I clearly prefer leisurely pacing with time is spent on description, setting, and character development

Conversation, full descriptions and flowing language are important.  The main characters are always intelligent and conversations well written.  Dialect is given emphasis as is historical vernacular.

The setting is usually somewhere "safe".  Seacoast, rural, small town, or even comfortable city life.

 Attention to Detail is essential.  I like a setting so well described, that I can visualize where the story takes place.  The language is lyrical...

The Tone of my favorites is usually tending towards a happy or uplifting ending.  Terror, danger, violence are not my choice readings.  But the tone is anticipatory rather than tense.   My preference is atmospheric, somewhat Gothic, but not too scary.  I always want to keep reading to see what happens because I care about the characters.

Learning/Experiencing:  I want to visit the setting.  Its described so beautifully...I also want to live in the character's house!   I don't want the story to end.  I want to meet and know the characters.The historical aspect is so fully researched that I want to want to learn more.

For my Recommended Links for Books I follow Goodreads....always great for new ideas.

For Recommended Links for Genre I prefer RT Book reviews.  I like romances, just not the usual paperback romances.  RT carries reviews of different subsets of the Genre.  In fact, they carried a review of the brand new book by my favorite author, Susanna Kearsley, to be released in June



I love her books....not your usual romance!

Week One Assignments

  Hmmm...Well I did pretty well on the adult book covers, but just okay on the children's books.  Part of my problem is not being able to spell caterpillar!

Posting a lovely photo just because...

I couldn't decide what to read this morning....so I asked for help.

Day 1

Day 1 of Be More bookish:  Currently reading "The House at the End of Hope Street" and loving it!  Also reading "Chasing Vermeer" because I have to, and not loving it.  I also have Book 2 of "Call the Midwife" at my desk....it will be difficult to finish "Chasing Vermeer" with so many reading temptations available!  Oh to be under a tree in a comfy chair with one of my books!  Husband and dog at my side....it would be lovely!