Week Three

I've always thought that appeal elements are one of the most important aspects to good readers' advisory.  I tend to completely gloss over on most "plot summaries" since they really don't tell very much about a book.  Think about a plot review for a book like "Animal Farm" ("A bunch of farm animals take over a farm" makes it sounds like a kids book.) or "Lord of the Flies" (" A bunch of kids crash on a desserted island and have to learn how to fend for themselves" makes it sounds like an adventure story.)  My reading preferences are more about the style and intelligences of the writing more than the story.

This week on "Early Word":  learned about Kate DiCamillo's new book Flora and Ulysses.  Also Gabaldon who wrote the Outlander series doesn't do a good job promoting her own books.Seems sort of arrogant.

This week on "Stop You're Killing Me" website.  The layout of this site does nothing to draw me in.  Not good descriptions or cover art.  Tried brief to see if I could find QLGBT mysteries.  No can do.

Assignment One: 
I obviously like the article but thought that the emphasis on fear in the floating librarian model was overplayed.  The exercises in the articles were great but it was unclear if R.A. training participants were expected to do (and post) on this assignments as well.

Assignment Two:

The Nancy Pearl podcast was great but I'm not sure if it adhered to the 15 second rule all of the time.  But to be fair:  she was being prodded so expounding would be OK.  I've gotta say that her "aw shucks!" downhome tone of voice makes her very endearing.

Assignment Three:

• First Conversation:  Funny, reflective, and a bit of depth.  I'd recommend "Julie & Julia."
• Second Conversation: Not too angsty and with a good pace.  Duh:  Anne Rice (it they were a bit older that the classic Twilight fans. Or, come to think of it:  Snookie Stackhouse. Much less angsty.
• Third Conversation:  True and fast paced.  Off the top of my head:  Devil in the White City.