Week 4

I have post a recommendation to M'Lissa's Goodread page. I hope she will be able to read the titles, if she hasn't already.

"Hey M'Lissa! If you like the Hunger Games you will like Lauren Oliver’s Delirium and Veronica Roth’s Divergent. These titles are both dystopian like the Hunger Games. But more than this, I think these titles are a great representation of teenage rebellion against conformity. The heroes have to overcome their personal insecurities and uncertainties in order to break away from society’s “norms.”   You may also like Cory Doctorow's Little Brother. Set in modern day San Francisco, the main character ignites a cyber-war to combat the oppressive regime of the United States government.

Goodreads recommends books according to the titles that I have read in particular genres. For example, some recommendations according to the classics that I have read are The Real Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe, Stone Soup, and Borderlands by Gloria E. Anzaldua. These titles are a great representation of the multicultural (children and adult) literature that interest me. 

Week 3

 I have read the RA Conversation article and listened to Nancy Pearl's discussion.   

Conversation 1


The customer is looking for an
insightful story about taking personal risk to overcome difficult times. Though setting is appealing to her it seems that she is particularly interested in the author's transparency and honesty with sharing her feelings. Her interest in Oprah's books indicates to me that she is looking for something inspirational, but with a substantial literary element. I would suggests other titles in the travel writing genre; Wanderlust by Elisbeth Eaves, All Over the Map by Laura Fraser, and The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Friedman. These selections are about women who are at a crossroads in their life and are enlightened through their explorations. I would also include Maya Angelou's Mom and Me and Mom. I believe the customer will appreciate and be inspired by Angelou's honesty and growth into womanhood.


Conversation 2


First thought for this customer's query was, "I don't think such a book exists." But there is always "a book for that."  The customer wants the fantasy and other-worldly adventure of a vampire novel without the teenage love angles. Initially I thought of the Casandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. This is an action packed series that dilutes the teenage angst with multiple storylines and the inclusion of other-worldly characters beyond the vampire. I would suggest this to the customer just to give them options. However, my main choices would include adult fiction titles. Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles and Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series come to mind.


Conversation 3

 

A fast paced nonfiction mystery is the customer's interest. I would also include titles with a historical element. I would recommend another title by the author; Destiny of the Republic. The customer may also be interested in Robert Caro's series The Years of Lyndon Johnson. This four part series chronicles Lyndon Johnson's progression to power from young adulthood to his political career. Titles within the series include: The Path to Power, The Means of Ascent, Master of the Senate, and The Passage of Power.

Week 2 Suggestions

I've suggested titles to Laura and Kim B.

Week 2

Maya Angelou’s Mom and Me and Mom is a poetic memoir of a daughter learning to love her mother. Angelou recounts her relationship with her mother in a fast paced, but thoughtful story. Readers will be completely absorbed in the story of love, betrayal, and redemption. The colorful characters; mainly Mrs. Baxter, the mom of all moms, are both endearing and frustrating. In Angelou’s storytelling, readers will find a lesson to be learned on love and forgiveness.

Set in urban northwest London, Zadie Smith’s NW presents ordinary life in such a way to make it seem extraordinary. The urban setting in northwest London is presented in vivid details through the character’s daily journeys on their bus rides, or a simple walk through the community. Characters, with their personal dramas, add life to the complex and slow paced storyline.