Reading: My Forever Love

WEEK SIXTEEN PROMPT

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

Reading hasn't changed much for me except in content and format. I have loved reading since I was very young. My mom is a prolific reader, and my parents read to me every night as a little kid. With my mom being a librarian, she knew all the good books for us to read, and I always had the inside scoop. I never dropped off as a reader like some teens do. It seems like as people get busier with driving, dating, sports, etc. they stop reading. Not me. I absolutely cannot sleep without reading first. I may only get through one paragraph, but darn it, I'm reading. I used to read more romance novels and horror books (especially as a teen), but I got into fantasy in college. When I would read a scary book, I would hide it in a drawer because I was worried the cover art or words would get inside my dreams. Looking back now, I might have been too young to read those books. I read Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in college and haven't looked back. I still prefer fantasy over most genres. As an adult I've started liking darker books again, but more because of the the survival stories they can be. I like thinking about what it takes to survive in difficult circumstances. The only other real change has been the eBook. I never thought I would read an electronic book, but I now get mad when a book isn't available as an eBook. My Kindle is my constant companion. I still read constantly, just different types and in a different way.

Something I never think about as "reading" is Twitter, but I read so many articles and news stories on there that I wouldn't have before. I think reading has increased more than ever. I'm not sure about fiction reading, but there are different types of reading. Reading is definitely more interactive. I love that I can look up words on my Kindle and even quickly search about a topic I've never heard about. I often find myself looking something up I saw in a story and then end up in a black hole of knowledge. I get sucked in and can't stop reading! I think there is still a need for traditional publishing because, weirdly enough, teens prefer reading print. I've tried to get them moved to eBooks, but they are more hesitant than adults about the switch. One teen told me that she is on her device all the time as it is, so a book feels like an escape. Overall, I think that's the point. As long as people are escaping, whether that's through Twitter articles, print books, or their e-readers, the heart of reading still exists.

Tweet Tweet: Marketing Fiction

WEEK FIFTEEN PROMPT

What do you think are the best ways to market your library's fiction collection? Name and describe three ways you do or would like to market your library or your future library's fiction. These can be tools, programs, services, displays - anything that you see as getting the word out.

1. I think the first way would be with a library twitter account. We could even have a separate one for fiction. I have been working on getting word out for what we are doing in my school library by posting it on Twitter (@gcbookworm). This works for my teen patrons, and with a lot of adults on Twitter now, this tool can really help with promoting new books, programs, and more. I think one of the most important parts of marketing is knowing how to reach your target audience. With so many people on Twitter, it can't hurt to have them follow us to see what they might like to read. It's an easy, passive way to find out about new books. They don't have to go to the website or library; they just look at their phone, and we show up in their timeline. It would be a sneak book rec!
2. Another way would be with a Facebook group/page. I helped some friends find books for the Lab A assignment, and they are loving their books. They actually asked me to create a group/page on Facebook for other recommendations. They want to know what else is out there for them to read. Facebook is nice because, again, it's somewhat passive and very easy to use. The information shows up in their newsfeed without having to do extra searching. Adults are super busy, so the easier I can make finding new books, the better. This would work great for a public library because it's easy to update and patrons can "like" the page or join the group for more information about fiction.
3. The last way to market fiction would be in the library itself. Having displays that appeal to adults and ways for them to find the right book easily would be very helpful. I can't stress enough how busy adults are and how precious their time is to them. Coming into the library is enough of a battle, so if we make it even easier to find the right fiction book, I think they will be grateful.  I would like displays that combine print books on display, QR Codes for book lists, and bookmarks with other suggestions.  My display would need to meet all different types of patrons because adults have a wide range of abilities - some can't work with technology (book display and bookmarks) but some would be great with technology (QR Codes).  This combination is the best for adult fiction.

Tough Decisions: GLBTQ and African American Fiction

WEEK FOURTEEN PROMPT

Consider yourself part of the collection management committee of your local library, or a library at which you would like to work. You must decide whether or not to separate GBLTQ fiction and African American Fiction from the general collection to its own special place. Some patrons have requested this, yet many staff are uncomfortable with the idea - saying it promotes segregation and disrupts serendipitous discovery of an author who might be different from the reader. Do you separate them? Do you separate one and not the other? Why or why not?

This was a difficult prompt for me because I wasn't sure what would be best for the patrons.  I'm used to dealing with teen patrons in a school setting, so thinking about adults in a public setting changes things (at least in my mind).  I was glad for this week's readings because it helped to reinforce what I was thinking.  After a lot of debate, I say do not separate the GBLTQ fiction or African American fiction from the general collection.

The first reason I don't think they should be separate is because I think it would make people feel singled out. They would have to go a different section to find books that they can identify with, and if it is labeled loudly, people might be uncomfortable venturing into that section. Many people aren't as open about what they like to read about (I know I'm not), so I can imagine the controversial GBLTQ topic can be intimidating. Walking into the African American section if you aren't African American might also be a little daunting. This would limit who actually reads these books. The library should be a judgement-free zone, but if we separate sections based on ethnicity or sexual preferences, what are we saying? What is the most important part of the book? The story should already fall into a main genre (horror, realistic, comedy, romance, etc.). Why don't we label all books this way?

The second reason not to separate is that I feel people might miss out on other authors or titles if they had to go to a separate section. Browsing the shelves is part of what makes a library great. If we take that opportunity away from patrons, I know they will miss out on non-GLBTQ and African American titles they might love. I'm female, but I don't always want to read books with a female main character. What if the library was split up into genders? I wouldn't like that at all.

The last reason connects to the second but it's for the rest of the patrons. What if someone stumbles across a book that sounds interesting, and it just so happens to be a GLBTQ book? Who are we to stop them from broadening their horizons? They would never walk into a separate section, but they choose books that seem interesting. No one wants a stigma along with their reading choices. I think not separating these sections makes more sense because it will connect to the most readers. To help people find GBLTQ or African American books, we can create lists or guides for when they come in the library or look online. These guides can help them find books but it doesn't limit them.  The goal of a library is to meet the needs of its patrons, and I think this solution works best for everyone.

YA for Adults

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
Katherine Tegen Books; 2013
Young Adult (Adult Crossover)

Ezra Faulkner's middle school best friend Toby catches a decapitated head on a roller coaster during his twelfth birthday celebration at Disneyland. Labeled a misfit because of this tragedy, Toby and Ezra drift apart as the story fast forwards to Ezra's life as a 17-year-old. Ezra realizes Toby's tragedy didn't have to end their friendship, but he didn't do anything to change it. When Ezra has his personal tragedy at the start of his senior year, it comes when he least expects it; he's ridiculously popular, a celebrated athlete, and gets good grades and hot girls. His girlfriend cheats on him, he gets into a bad car accident which ends his tennis career, and loses his place among popular royalty. What do you do when everything has to start again? A mysterious girl named Cassidy comes into the story and makes Ezra wonder if this is the beginning of everything.

The detailed character descriptions and realistic teenage dialogue push the story along at a fast pace. You feel the pain and loss of Ezra's tragedy and the remorse he feels for his failed friendship with Toby. We all make poor decisions, and this story helps us see the repercussions but also the new paths that open up after a tragedy. I cannot tell you enough how much I loved this story. I laughed, I cried, and I saw my own teenage stupidity. Schneider shows us that life goes on, but not in the way we originally thought.

READ-A-LIKES (click the link for Amazon)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

St. Martin's Griffin; 2013

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Speak; 2006

Winger by Andrew Smith

Simon & Schuster; 2013

YA? Y Not?

WEEK THIRTEEN PROMPT

I can't believe adults don't read YA novels or have to be convinced to read them.  YA books are so well-written and engaging.  YA authors know they have to win over the most difficult of readers: teens.  As a result, their books are entertaining, relevant, and believable.  When I was a teen, this genre didn't exist.  We had a few books that were quality literature for our age, but most of the books I read were written for adults.  I actually prefer to read YA books now because I know they will be quick and accessible.  I sometimes feel like books written for adults can be intimidating.  It's almost like they are trying too hard to be smart.  I don't want a book that makes my head hurt; I want to be entertained.  With the quality of YA literature out there, I can't stop reading it.  I admit that I have had to convince some of my friends or teacher colleagues to read some of the books I'm reading, but they are almost always happy.  The biggest YA crossover author (in my mind) is John Green.  His books are pure relatable genius.  I highlight constantly because he has so many meaningful passages.  He understands what it is to be a teen - and, deep down, we still have that teen in us.  I know when I read his books, I remember who I used to be and it all makes more sense now.  I have no problem suggesting YA books to adults and, in fact, would prefer it :)

As for graphic novels, these have been a newer addition to my high school's library, so I know adults might not realize the value in them.  Our students have grabbed onto them quickly, and I would definitely suggest graphic novels to adults who asked for new books to read.  With so many TV show and movie inspired graphic novels, they can be easy to recommend.  "Game of Thrones," "The Walking Dead," Watchmen, and V for Vendetta to name a few.  In some cases the graphic novel/comic came first, but some of the others it was the reverse.  This article about "Game of Thrones" explains why some may read the graphic novel but not the actual novel. ("A Game of Thrones" by Mark Flowers)

The last genre, street lit, would not be something many people would ask for in my school or public libraries because of our demographic, but I can see the appeal.  Like I mentioned on the YA paragraph, people want relatable reading material.  If someone asked for the topics you mentioned, I would be sure to find street lit to fit their needs.

Ultimately the goal is to get people reading books they like.  The relatable topics of the street lit and YA genres will attract adults, and the sophistication of the artwork and storyline in graphic novels will have them coming back for more.

The Birds! The Birds!

The Bird Eater by Ania Ahlborn
47North; 01 April 2014
Horror

I don't typically read horror books because they sit in my brain too long, but my sister shared this book with me, and I couldn't put it down.

The story of the Holbrook House starts with the mysterious death of young Aaron's aunt. She is waiting for him to return home from school and hears a noise in the hall and then upstairs.  When she goes to investigate, she finds a young boy with a bloody smile.  This boy plays a major role in her death and, in turn, the rest of the story. We find out that Aaron's mother and uncle died in the house  too. Aaron returns 20 years after his aunt's death to clean up the house in order to sell it.  Aaron's life has been one nightmarish event after another and even though he reunites with his childhood friends, the feeling of dread never leaves him or the reader.  His addiction to pills and alcohol make him wonder if the young boy following him around town and watching him through the windows of Holbrook House is real.  Aaron's depression spirals out of control, and he becomes affected by the strangely multiplying birds and the prankster little boy.  Sucked into the story because of Aaron's weight loss and lack of sleep, his friends try to help him deal with his internal and external problems, but it might just be too late.

The imagery and details of this story linger for hours after closing the book.  Ahlborn describes a twisted young boy whose actions show no remorse and his treatment of birds is even scarier.  The most terrifying part of the story is Aaron's struggle to stay sane.  You are rooting so much for his success that his nightmares become yours.  Aaron has redeeming qualities but his life's events have shattered him so deeply that he is easily persuaded by the demonic little boy.  Learning about his past allows us to realize the repercussions of the reunion between Aaron and his first love.  The end of the story is not the end, but rather the beginning of maybe another story.

READ-A-LIKES (click the link for Amazon)

The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn

47North; 2013

The Waiting by Joe Hart

Black Spine Books; 2013

The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh

Spiegel & Grau; 2014

The Matrix: Readers' Advisory

WEEK TWELVE PROMPT

Readers' Advisory Matrix for She Got Up Off the Couch and Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana by Haven Kimmel.

• Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
• Highly narrative (reads like fiction)
• What is the subject of the book?
• This book is about Haven Kimmel's mother and her life in rural Indiana.  We first met Delonda in Kimmel's first book A Girl Named Zippy, and in this book, we see her mom get off the couch and change her life.
• What type of book is it?
• A memoir written in chapter vignettes
• Articulate Appeal
• What is the pacing of the book?
• The story is a narrative so it unfolds very quickly.  Each chapter reads separately but all together creates the picture of the family.
• Describe the characters of the book.
• Haven uses the family member descriptions to drive the story.  The main characters are Zippy (Haven), Delonda Jarvis (her mom), Bob Jarvis (her dad), Melinda (her sister), and Dan (her brother).  There are other characters that flavor the story, but the main part is about her family...especially her mom in this story.
• How does the story feel?
• Funny, touching, and reflective
• What is the intent of the story?
• Sharing her family's experience and telling her mother's story
• Does the language matter?
• Yes.  The language is unique to Haven's writing style.
• Is the setting important and well described?
• Very.  Her descriptions of growing up in small-town Indiana make her story different than others.
• Are there details and, if so, of what?
• The details are about the characters and setting.
• Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?
• Doesn't apply, but there are great pictures for each chapter that showcase the subject of that particular chapter.
• Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?
• We learn about what her mother goes through and her difficulties changing her life.
• Why would a reader enjoy this book?
• Humor
• Family Stories
• Tone