Week six prompt

Listen, read or watch… Romance is for everyone!!!

For the month of February, I would like to promote the romance collection with an integrated advisory display of romance film adaptations. As the adult collection manager, I will oversee the selection of material and generate lists of materials to be used. The library’s main display unit is a freestanding, four shelved structure. It has a sign on top which will display the name “Listen, read or watch… Romance is for everyone!!!”; there will also be hearts used to decorate the display. The display will be used for all formats of an item; audiobooks, graphic novels, movies, music soundtracks and books will all be utilized to fill the display.  

Bookmarks titled, “Before they were movies” will be designed and available at the circulation desk and on the display with general library film adaptation material listed. It would also be fun for the books clubs to read a book that has had a film adaptation made and possibly watch it together after the discussion. In the event that the display is circulating out of “romance” replacement options, I would like it fill it with film adaptation material from all genres and simply use “Listen, read or watch!!!” I think this will be a popular display and I will monitor it and change the direction of it if necessary. 

Annotated reading two - Romantic suspense

Author: Karen Robards

Title: “Shattered”

Genre: Romantic suspense

Publication Date: 2010

Number of Pages: 388 pages

Geographical Setting: Lexington, KY

Time Period: Present day

This book is not part of a series.

When I read about the romantic suspense book, “Obsession” by Karen Robard that was mentioned in the textbook, I really wanted to read it. That book was not available at my library; so I decided to try a different one and chose “Shattered”. 

Synopsis: Lisa Grant is home in Grayson Springs and staying home to stay by her mother’s ailing side as she is suffering from ALS. As a favor to Lisa and her mother, Scott Buchanan who is the District Attorney, hires Lisa as a research assistant I the office. When Lisa is assigned to the basement she discovers a photo from a cold case of the Garcia family many years ago and the young mother who looks like Lisa’s twin. After the cold case file is taken home, a series of events, including a fire that almost kills Lisa is casting suspicion that maybe there is more to the story than originally thought. Lisa had grown up privileged in the area with her boyfriend Joel and Scott who was a slightly older neighbor boy who was not in the same social circle. As Scott and Lisa's lives become more intertwined, the attraction between them has never been more undeniable.  However, he is afraid he might lose her as it becomes apparent that someone is trying to prevent Lisa from finding out more about the Garcia family's disappearance. The question's looming are who and why?

This romantic suspense novel is characteristic of the genre with an action packed prologue, plot-driven theme, a threatened heroine and a sense of general unease. The romantic relationship was woven throughout and was integral to the plot.  The relationship between Lisa and Scott developed and was passionate, but not explicit. This book was an interesting read and I will try another one from her in the future. The writing was witty and it was fast-paced.

Similar authors include: Sandra Brown, Judith Gould, Beverly Barton and Julie Garwood

Titles that are similar include: “Smoke screen” by Sandra Brown, “A grave mistake” by Stella Cameron, “Fast track” by Julie Garwood and “Chill of fear” by Kay Hooper. 

Week five prompt response

Well-known, established authors always have their works featured in the mainstream review sources and they will always need to be added to the collection. However, a review in Kirkus would be more telling about the actual quality of the work than one in Booklist. I am a huge proponent of patron-driven acquisitions and think that is a great way to guide a collection. If a book warrants a review in a prominent publication, whether it is positive or not, chances are patrons will want to read it. 

There are book review sites to aid in any collection development for any genre or type of book known. These sites are extremely useful in providing information about titles that do not make it mainstream publications or are only available in eBooks.

The Amazon review of “The billionaire’s first Christmas” was authored by someone who enjoyed the book and was sharing their thoughts. They also might have been looking for more information on the sequel. This seems like a reliable review as I could see patron’s writing a similar one. The Blog review confuses me. The description of the book itself is very professional and well-written. However, the review that followed it was very sloppily written and does not provide much merit. The bottom-line is whether this book would be read and enjoyed, and I believe it would; this type of book is popular in my library. This book is not a romantic suspense as there is not a dangerous situation taking place. The description from the blog introduction does give the book a hint of mystery that I do not believe actually would constitute a typing of suspense. This is a free eBook from Amazon, and is not a usual addition to the collection. We do lend Kindles that circulate and we add books to those and if requested, we would add this book so a patron could read it. (If they did not have their own reader)

“Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt should be a staple in the library. With four positive reviews and glowing statements like, “An extraordinary work in every way.” from Kirkus Review and "A wonderful book; strongly recommended for readers of any age." from Library Journal; it makes deciding to add this book to the collection easy. 

I also like to glance through Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. I am not responsible for any facet of collection development so I don’t devote much work time to reading reviews. I often look at Amazon to get a quick idea of a book and skim a few reviews.  I generally keep aware of popular new releases (although it’s really hard to keep up on James Patterson!) from patrons requests. As far as utilizing reviews for my own personal reading, I usually don’t. I tend to read books recommended by patrons, co-workers and I also like to look at books based on the cover and generate an interest from there. 

Kirkus review

ME BEFORE YOU


by Jojo Moyes





KIRKUS REVIEW

Will Traynor’s life is shattered after a horrible accident leaves him a quadriplegic and unable to care for himself. Lou Clark is hired as his caretaker and little does she know that her life is going to be changed forever.   

Louisa “Lou” Clark’s life was content living in a small English village. She had a job she enjoyed at the local café, a close-knit family and a long-term relationship with her boyfriend Patrick. Living with her family to help make ends meet; she helped with expenses and the care of her young nephew. When the café was forced to close, Lou was ecstatic to find a new opportunity as a caretaker with a sizable pay increase. However, she was not expecting to meet Will. Once a world-traveler and a very successful businessman, Will is beyond depressed after the accident that leaves him virtually immobile and existing in a life he no longer wants to live in. In a desperate attempt to save him, his very wealthy family hires someone to ensure his safety and short-term well-being. Enter Lou, a breath of reality for Will and a beacon of hope for his family. Lou must persevere through the rough exterior and build some thick skin as Will is vocally resentful of needing Lou’s help. Soon, Lou begins to see Will as the man he was and still is. As she helps Will to regain a desire to live, it is Lou who is begins living for the first time.  

With a cast of characters so rich they won’t be forgotten, this novel serves as a reminder that a single moment can change the course of life forever.

Secret shopper assignment

Can you help me find a good romance novel? Please?

The library had a welcoming environment when walking through the main entrance with a busy circulation desk and a well-used café area where patrons are on laptops, drinking and reading. The circulation desk had two employees staffing it and patrons waiting in line. I decided to bypass that area as it did not appear that would be the place to receive an in-depth readers’ advisory interview. I walked through the security doors that opens into the main area of the library and look around conducting a physical search for the fiction area. I saw the signage for fiction across the way on the bottom level. Walking across the library I noticed that it is magnificent in size and a beautiful building. There were a large number of patrons on the public computers and the amount of people in the library on a Saturday afternoon was impressive. The fiction books were grouped together and separated by hardback and paperback and I later discovered the new books were displayed separately at the front entrance. There were some genre labels placed on the spines of some of the particularly designated titles.

There were many shelves of fiction books but there was not a desk staffed with an employee to assist me. I had passed by the information desk when seeking the fiction section but was unsure at that time whether that was the best place to ask for readers’ advisory or if there would be a staff member in the adult area itself. I didn't see any employees but did ask a page who might be able to help me find a good book to read. He directed me to the information desk.

There were three employees staffed behind the desk in the middle of the busy library and they were all looking at their computers with eyes directed down. I stood in front of the middle of the staff to see who responded to me first. It took a few seconds and the employee to the right asked, “Can I help you?” in a neutral manner. “I am looking for a good romance novel to read”, I replied. The employee smiled and asked his co-worker if she wanted to take this one. I didn't feel that he wasn't interested in helping; but he thought she might be a better fit. At this point she seemed to be half-engaged and probably finishing up the task she was already working on. “Sure” she responded with a smile. “What kind of book are you looking for?” I told her that I was looking for a good romance novel to read. She then focused on me and began with a few questions. She asked me what novels I generally liked to read. I gave her a few titles. She asked me if I had a favorite author and I told her that I really didn't. I felt at this point compelled to give her some more information in hopes of locating a good recommendation. I told her that I like contemporary novels and really want something fast-paced. I’m not even sure if she heard me as there was no response. She asked me if I could use a downloadable book and I said yes. She said that since I was unsure of what I was looking for that it might be easier to browse. She also referred me to the catalog and suggested the search term of “romance novel”, as there were many different types of romance books. She also suggested that I could try a Harlequin romance as they are all shelved together and easy to browse. I did not see any reference from the staff to any readers’ advisory resources (however, I did not see the screen) nor any literature that was available for patron consumption. I also did not see where there was a subscription to NoveList or a different advisory service.

The librarian who assisted me made a few errors according to the article, “Readers’ Advisory 101” by Mary Chelton. The staff appeared to be OPAC dependent and according to Chelton, “The librarian uses the OPAC as a crutch to keep the hands busy and the eyes away from the user when the brain stops. This is just plain bad service.” I felt like the employee had searched the catalog or maybe an online site and there were so many different options that she didn't know where to begin or what questions to ask. Also, no follow though was offered, “Often, however, librarians act as if their job is not to provide information but to reduce the queue by sending patrons off to help themselves. At minimum, the librarian should tell the user to come back if he or she does not find anything, but this is almost never done.” (Chelton, 2003) My transaction ended with the staff being friendly telling me to have a great day and pointed to the fiction section and the catalog. I was not invited to follow up with her for help nor escorted to the stacks or the computer for assistance.

The librarian did not offer one solid suggestion of a title or author. She was nice enough and I didn't feel judged but did feel like I was bothering her. I felt that she was busy with a task or something else that she would rather be dealing with. I wonder why the first guy didn't try to help in finding something to read as his co-worker was certainly no expert. I am glad that I will be able to locate my own book to read, but another patron might have become frustrated and left without finding anything.

References

Chelton, M. K. (2003). Readers' Advisory 101. Library Journal, 128(18), 38-39.

Annotated reading one... Suspense

What book to choose? That was a very difficult decision for me. I like suspense and wanted to try a book from an author I had not read. I already like James Patterson and Harlan Coben is one of my favorites; I did not want to read a book that was in a series and it had to sound interesting. So, I decided on a book from Mary Higgins Clark who is touted as "The Queen of Suspense". After reading through the backs of several, I decided on a book that our book club had read a few years back that was a popular selection, "Two Little Girls in Blue".

Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Title: “Two little girls in blue”

Genre: Gentle suspense

Publication Date: 2006

Number of Pages: 416 pages

Geographical Setting: New York City and suburb city of Ridgefield

Time Period: Present day

This book is not part of a series.

Synopsis: The twin daughters of Margaret and Steve Frawley are abducted on the evening of their third birthday. The family had just moved into the area for a corporate position that Steve had been hired for. A ransom is being demanded in the amount of eight million dollars for the girls’ safe return. With the Frawley's family not having access to the ransom funds, his company's board votes not unanimously to fund the demand. Things go awry when only one twin, Kelly is returned and Kathy is presumed dead. The question lies when Kelly insists that Kathy is talking to her and Margaret knows that as crazy as it seems it's true. She enlists a team to find out all they can about the kidnappers after a suicide note is found from one of the involved parties. The mastermind “Pied Piper” must be found in order to locate Kathy, who is becoming deathly ill, with her sister’s telepathic help. Will they find Kathy before it's too late?

This book is a classic example of suspense. There is tension building from wrongdoings of the human element. The kidnapping takes place within the first two pages of the book and and concludes in a narrow time frame of less than two weeks in a contemporary setting. The chapters are short, fast-paced and keep the reader wondering what the next twist and turn might be. Both the protagonist and antagonist are women. There were several suspects as to who the "Pied-Piper" actually was that left the reader guessing up until the end. 

There is definitely cross-over appeal to thrillers and suspense as well as mystery in general. My library has many of these authors designated simply as mystery. Examples of the read-alikes are from NoveList. They include suspenseful and creepy tones and plot-driven titles.   

Titles that are similar include: “Deadline” by Sandra Brown, “The husband” by Dean R. Koontz and "Chasing the night" by Iris Johansen. 
Similar authors include: Mary Jane Clark, Lisa Gardner and J.A. Jance.