Week 6- Genre site update

I've been following a science fiction site.  It is impressive to see so many books and so much excitement generated by them.  There were, of course, many lists as one would find on other book lovers websites.  One list I consulted was the "Best books of 2012."  There were two lists, one submitted by the editors of the SF Site, and one based on readers' votes.  There was only one book on both lists.  This makes me want to get to know 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson.  It is a tale of the world in, you guessed it, 2312.  There are civilizations on multiple planets including Mercury.  It wrestles with many of the common themes of science fiction.  It is highly recommended and I would like  to learn more and then perhaps, find some read alikes.

Week 5- Post 3

Tracy Chevalier is coming out with a new book in January.  This is the first of her historical fiction books to take place in America.  It would appeal to fans of historical fiction, in particular, those who enjoy reading about the antebellum time period.  It addresses the topics of slavery and the Underground Railroad.  These are popular topics with many readers.  Based on reading her previous books, we can expect a strong female lead character, with the development of some other main characters.  The usually plot moves along at a moderate pace with an engaging storyline.   Sometimes there is usually some element of romance.  Interested readers should enjoy  The Last Runaway.

Week 5 Post 2

Wow!  EarlyWord is a fantastic resource.  I just learned about some new books.  I loved the succint, yet engaging descriptions.  I was so excited after reading them.  I can't wait for the new Mo Willems book, the new Rita Williams-Garcia, and the Liberace film.  Plus, I got some scoop on the The Fault in Our Stars casting to share with the many teens who are checking it out.  Obviously, I didn't follow all of the links, but I will definitely visit again.   Thanks for teaching me about it.

Week 5 Post 1

I have been following NPR's book page.  It gives me insight into new books just coming out, and popular books coming out in paperback.  It is useful to me, when customers are looking for a new book and they can't recall the title.  Sometimes I recognize the description from seeing it on this site.  Also, when I browse the new books, I have that aha moment.  I see a book on the shelf and say, "I know about that book from NPR."  I usually flip through and then display it, in hopes that a customer heard or read about it too.

Week 4 Goodreads reflection

I like Goodreads.  I have liked it since I was introduced to it a few years ago here at the library.  I think it makes great recommendations.  I like to look at the lists.  And, it has helped me make suggestions to customers, especially ones who read a lot (I think because it is so extensive.)

In the past, I have found the site slow to load on the library computers.  I'm not sure why this is, but it is the reason I don't use it regularly when working with customers.  This week, I have not had trouble, so perhaps there have been improvements somewhere. 

I have enjoyed having time set aside this week to explore and to build my shelves.  Perhaps, I will become a more frequent user now that I have a new foot-in-the-door.

Week 4: Goodreads recommendation

Hi Courtney!
I see that you are reading A Time to Kill.  Next time you are looking for a mystery/crime novel that has been turned into a popular film, try Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris or The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum.  Goodreads shows them as suggested read alikes.

Week 3

Conversation 1-  I think she is looking for a good story with depth and reflection.  A female character and various cultures are added bonuses.  I used NoveList Plus to recommend Tales of a Female Nomad because it meets this description.

Conversation 2- Looking for a fast-paced vampire book without the romance.  I would recommend Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter because it meets this description.  It is popular, and there is movie appeal.

Conversation 3- This customer is looking for a non-fiction book with an exciting, fast-paced story.  I would recommend Devil in the White City by Erik Larson because it meets this description, as well as having a murderer.  It also is rich in detail like River of Doubt.  I would further advise the customer that Candice Millard wrote a new book in 2011 about James Garfield, whose life ended by assassination.  This book is called Destiny of the Republic and it may interest the customer.