Week 16

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

Books for me have not changed hugely but still have changed. I believe that the stigma of being a nerd because you read, choosing reading material without shame and more types of writing styles are available.

I remember being young and my peers relating reading to being a nerd. It was not cool or the thing to do. I enjoyed reading and it took me away from the everyday drama. I had a teacher that read “The Boxcar Children”. This story and the way she read hooked me onto reading. I wanted to find more stories that made me want to keep reading to find out the ending. A stigma was also attached to what type of books you read so sometimes I found myself hiding what I read.

Reading books that were scary, paranormal or murder made some people make remarks about me possibly being in a cult or not Christian like. I did not share book recommendations or what I was currently reading with anyone unless they read similar books. I found out that my books taste also rolled over into my movie choices. As the years have passed I have found that more genres have expanded my reading choices.

Paranormal, urban fiction and young adult that reads like adult fiction have expanded my reading choices. I do not remember these being genres available as I was growing up. I enjoy the fact that I can read a young adult book and it not be too simple and directed toward juvenile readers. They also focus on things that I can relate too when I went through my high school years. Several of the young adult books have been rolled over to film. This brings my choices of reading into my movie styles.

 Second, talk a little about what you see in the future for reading, books, or publishing - say 20 years from now. 

Where do I see the future for reading, books or publishing years from now? I see reading being more for pleasure, books still in print but more in eBook format, and publishing fighting with libraries over eBooks.

With the ease of access to books in eBook, online, and downloadable formats, people will be able to read wherever they are. Because of this reading will be more of a pleasure for people. They will not have go into a book store or library to find what they are looking for. It will be immediate satisfaction.

 Books written just in eBook format will grow in the next 20 years. The reason for this is the ability to get published is easier, cost of production is less and the publishers have control of lending facilities such as libraries. As it stands now, some publishers have made it difficult for libraries to lend eBooks with limitations. These limitations include how many times it can be borrowed and the cost is the same as print material.

The battle between publishers and libraries will continue to grow. The dollar is mighty for the profit world and limited in the library world. Libraries have tried to keep up with the needs and wants of patrons while dealing with budget restrictions. These restrictions are also the reason for less materials being purchased. In order to use tax dollars wisely libraries need to purchase wisely. Publishers can make this difficult. 

Week 15

In order to promote a fiction collection I would come up with a plan that would promote the fiction collection in several ways. These would need to be done visually in house and out by using print, social media, and visual displays.

In house marketing would include displays that show the fiction collection in large and standard print, paperback, and audio. It would also include marketing with flyers, tents showing specific authors and bookmarks that include a list of fiction authors.

Example:

                             

Social media such as Facebook and Twitter would be used to post blogs and tweets about authors and the collection. Along with this how to find these materials and how to connect to Hoopla and Overdrive to access additional formats of the materials.

When promoting out of house postcards, flyers and newsletters would be used. For those who choose to sign up to receive a monthly newsletter could read about the collection. Flyers could be posted in laundry mats, community boards and locations where people are waiting and are looking for something to keep busy during that time.

Example:


                             

 Of course the one way to always promote any collection or material is word of mouth. It is free and easy to do. Informed staff can provide the word of mouth promotion to engage patrons and talk about about the collections. With in house and out of house promotion through social media, displays, print material and word of mouth, a collection can be highlighted.

Week 14

I would not put GBLTQ fiction and African American Fiction in separate collections. Three reasons for not separating them are preconceived ideas about the two, patron privacy, and shelf space.

Readers can already have an idea that they do not like these two fictions because of the content they believe they will contain. By not having them separated these patrons may stumble upon a book that they would not read because of what they think the content is. For readers who do not know about these two type of fiction it gives them an opportunity to find new authors and type of books to read.

With the divide on the subject of GBLTQ separating them could bring more resistance from patrons. A patron who is against the subject matter in GBLTQ may demand removal of the books. They may believe that their child could get a hold of the material and they do not want it influencing them. For those patrons that would like to read about this subject, having the opportunity to find them among other fiction gives them privacy. This privacy can prevent others from judging them based on their reading preferences. However, I do not feel the same with African American Fiction. If this fiction is separated I do not believe there would be resistance from patrons. Because of this readers of African American Fiction do not feel ashamed or the need for privacy about their reading preferences. By having it with other fiction gives non readers, of the subject content, an opportunity to find it by accident.

Shelf space can be limited in a library. Finding extra space to separate out these two types of fiction could pose a problem. Lyttle and Walsh talk about “combining all fiction books together to save shelf space.” They also suggest if you already have items separated into smaller groupings, letting staff and patrons know about changes if you plan to put them back together to find more shelf space. Even though it would be convenient and a quick way for patrons if they were separated, having shelf space for newer items is important also.  

Patron privacy, shelf space and preconceived ideas are the reasons why I would not separate these two types of fiction. The convince and ease of having them separated do give valid reason to separate the two but they do not out way the others. 

Lyttle, M., & Walsh, S. (2015, May 5). Separate or Keep Together? Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/05/separate-or-keep-together/

Wifey's Next Come Up

Wifey’s Next Come Up

By Kiki Swinson

Genre: Urban Fiction

Publication Date: 2015

Number of Pages: 198

Series: Wifey, 8

Summary

Kira thought all of her problems would be gone with her father. She was wrong. Detective Grimes is out to prove Kira knows more then she is sharing and he won’t stop until he proves it.

Subject Headings:

African American Women--Fiction

Murder--Fiction

Urban Fiction

Three terms that describe this book: 

Steamy

Sex can be detailed or the atmosphere created leaving readers knowing what happens.

Fast-paced

Swinson writes short chapters keeping the story moving.  

Gritty

Death seems to be common in Urban Fiction. It has to do with the lifestyles that the characters are living.

Read-A-likes

Baddest Chick by Nisa Santiago

Midnight by Sista Souljah

Kiss The Ring by Meesha Mink

The farm by Emily McKay

The Farm

By Emily McKay

Genre: Teen Fiction

Publication Date: 2012

Number of Pages: 420

Series: Farm, 1

Summary

Emily and her twin sister, Mel, have been sent to a farm just like the rest of the teenagers and children. The farms allow blood to be collected to keep the vampires and ticks happy. Emily and Mel have planned a way to escape with the help of a high school friend. Will they survive the escape? What is waiting for them if they do?

Subject Headings:

Vampires--Fiction

Twin Sisters--Fiction

Three terms that describe this book: 

First Person Narrative

Mel and Emily might be twins but they see the world differently. Readers are able to see this with chapters that are written from their own thoughts.

Fast-paced

The story is constantly moving as the characters look for ways to leave the farm and what unfolds after their escape. The chapters are short making it a page turner.

Suspenseful

Readers are kept on the edge of their seats as they wait to see if Emily and Mel survive encounters with ticks.

Read-A-likes

The Prey by Tom Isbell

True Born by L.E. Sterling

Erasing Time by C.J. Hill

Week 13

As an adult who reads Young Adult Fiction, I believe that it should be embraced as another resource for adult readers. I do not necessarily want grown up solutions or content to read. Some of the content of Young Adult Fiction is relate able to those things that I dealt with as a teen. I feel that I can relate to the characters in the books and their situations.

As a readers adviser the option to explore Young Adult Books should be suggested to readers. There are many books that can carry over into the adult genre world. An example I would suggest is "The Farm" by Emily McKay. It has vampires and teens dealing with being chosen for their blood. The characters have to deal with adult type of situations but are still dealing with the reality they are only teens and the adults cannot help them. The pace of the book is fast paced and the chapters are not long, keeping you turning the pages. These are some of the same things that adult readers are looking for in a book.

When it comes to graphic novels they may not be a genre but their format gives reluctant readers a place to start.  Even though graphic novels do not have one specific genre they should be treated as another format for readers.Some readers need visual help to fully understand the content. If the reader struggles to read having less reading to do at a time can be a plus.  Just like with audio and ebooks which allow readers to read with quick access or listen to a story due to hearing loss. As a parent I encouraged my children to read what format and genre that interested them and got them reading.

As a readers adviser Young Adult Fiction and graphic novels should be part of the recommendations to those seeking help. Just as we look to find recommendations based on their preferences we should be giving them options that do not fit the mold of what is written for adults. They may be reluctant to say they have trouble reading. By making the recommendations they may find confidence to share this information the next time they seek you for help.

Author:

Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett

Title:

Trim Healthy Mama

Publication Date:

August 2012

Number of pages:

619

Subject Headings:

Reducing diets—Recipes

Weight loss

Nutrition

Christian life

Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

A Mix of fact and narrative

What is the subject of the book?

How to lose weight, become healthy and do it all while being a mom.

Reducing diets—Recipes

Weight loss

Nutrition

Christian life

What type of book is it?

Food and nutrition

Articulate Appeal

What is the pacing of the book? 

Steady

Describe the characters of the book. 

Mothers, sisters and friends are what the authors are. They use humor and experience to teach what they believe.

How does the story feel? 

There is a lot of information but the sisters make it fun.

What is the intent of the author?

 To help people learn a new way to become healthy through change that is a lifestyle not diet.

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? N/A

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding and experience? Yes but it can be a little overwhelming.

Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

1. Learning

2. Humor

3. Health

Audiobooks and Ebooks

Week 11 Prompt 

Ebooks and audiobooks are changing how readers are experiencing books. Instant access and easiness are a couple of the reasons why people switch to these formats. But does this access and easiness replace the feel and look of actual printed books? For me they do not.

I personally enjoy the feel, smell and emotions of holding a book. When I hold a book and turn the pages it helps my mind focus and switch on my imagination. Of course I don’t enjoy a book as much if it smells like cigarettes, new is the best. Being able to borrow from the library save me from having to find space to keep all of the books I have read or want to read. Have I tried an audiobook or Ebook, yes?

Audiobooks have allowed me enjoy a story while I am driving and at times acted as a supplement to help understand a story or learn a language. I have found that the narration and unabridged format are important to listening. If the voice of the narrator is unpleasant I cannot enjoy the story. When the story is abridged I feel like I am missing pieces of a puzzle. Ebooks have other benefits that audiobooks do not.

Ebooks allow instant access to books and books that are not in print. They also offer the ability to have several books at a time without worrying about space or ways to carry them. I have enjoyed an Ebook while fling on a plan because it did allow me to have several choices without taking up space needed in my carry on. However, sitting near the pool while trying to read an Ebook is tough when the sun is too bright. Another reason I choose to read books in print is the ability to share a good book with a friend or taking it to a used book store for someone else to enjoy.

Besides the ease and instant access, there are other features of audiobooks or Ebooks that draws readers to them. For those who have vision problems an audiobooks enables them to still enjoy a book without the stress of trying to read the print. Ebooks allow these same people the ability to increase the size of print or use text- to- speech. Having these features between these formats opens doors for those who may be limited on what they can read due to vision loss.

With all of the benefits of Ebooks and audiobooks I still prefer an actual printed book. The one memory that reinforces this is from elementary school. My teacher would read to us each day from “The Boxcar Children”. I remember the sound of the pages as she turned them, her reading the part of the cold water in the creek, the cover of the book and the excitement I felt when I found out what happened next. Do I think I could have experienced this in another format? An audiobook would allow me to enjoy the spoken words but it would leave me without the sound of turning pages and feel and texture of the book. Will I continue to use these formats, yes? Why? Because there will be times where holding a book will not be possible or I am unable to find the book in regular print.

Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker

Appaloosa
By Robert B. Parker
Genre: Western
Publication Date: 2005
Number of Pages: 276
Series: Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, 1

Summary
Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch travel from town to towns that are in need of help. Appaloosa is one of those towns. A man named Bragg and his men have taken over the town. When the marshal goes to arrested some of Bragg’s men he and a deputy are killed. Cole and Hitch have now been hired to save the town from Bragg. With new laws in town can Cole and Hitch bring Bragg and his men down?

Subject Headings:
Frontier and pioneer life -- Fiction.
Ranchers -- Fiction.
Peace officers -- Fiction.
Outlaws -- Fiction.

Three terms that describe this book:

Gritty
Death is certain in this western. It is during a time when trials were simple and people delivered justice on their own.

Fast-paced
Robert B. Parker writes in short chapters. Events and characters keep moving so that readers want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens.

Atmospheric
Details are simple and matter of fact.

Read-A-likes
The Last Kind Words Saloon by Larry McMurtry
The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale
Go and Bury Your Dead by Bill Brooks

Book club experience

The Elkhart Public Library holds a book club meeting at the Main Library once a month. The book for the month of February was “The Life of Galileo” by Bertolt Brecht. I listened to the book in audiobook format so that when I attended the book club meeting I knew what they were discussing. It appeared that the members that attended the meeting had been regular members. I got this impression from the conversations before the meeting started. They discussed previous books and experiences.

Previous books were chosen from a list that was provided through Indiana’s Humanities. The group had changed to choosing their own books based on recommendations by members. By choosing this route it has led to a shortage of available books in one location. Fortunately, the library is able to borrow books through Interlibrary Loan. Members were asked to start thinking about titles for the end of the year. They would discuss them at the next meeting and vote on which ones to read. From the conversation about previous books it appeared that not all of the books were fiction. The book about Galileo was actually a play.  

There is a leader of the group (former employee) Maryann. Maryann started the book club meetings as an employee but continued to run the group when she retired. The group did not start with a list of questions they started talking about what they thought of the book. Maryann did ask questions ask questions when the conversation began to sway away from the book. The questions were open ended so that a discussion could take place. Maryann took an active part in the conversation sharing her thoughts about the book also.

Not all of the participants spoke during the conversations. There were 3 members who took most of the spotlight talking about what they thought. One participant took the lead the most. She at times cut off others as they were talking. Maryann would try to bring the conversation back to where others could speak but it appeared to be an ongoing process that would happen at each meeting. I did enjoy another member’s initiative to bring other books that had further information on Galileo. She brought a juvenile book that had photos and simple text plus another adult book that had information and a timeline of events. This information provided a better understanding of Galileo.

A current staff member brought cake and coffee about a half hour into the meeting. I do not know if the library provides these items or just gathers them. It did not look like food was the main reason why members were there. Only 2 people opted to eat the cake. Depending on the library’s budget, providing drinks and a snack should be served at the meetings. From experience people enjoy talking over food.

According to the recommendations from ALA “sending out monthly reminders” will help keep members in touch. The members at this meeting were updating the list of emails so that reminders could go continue to go out. The ALA page also discussed what amount of members to have at the book club meetings. This group has about 9 members which is between the recommended numbers of 8-16.

After attending this book group, which was my first one, I decided that I would like to attend ones in the future. However, I am unable to do find the time to do so now. For those who have a love of reading and would like to share what their thoughts are or just the emotions they get from books, a book club is one way for them to do this.

American Library Association. (n.d.). Starting a Book Club. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.ilovelibraries.org/booklovers/bookclub

Marketing Readers' Advisory

Readers' Advisory is a service that some current users and nonusers of the library do not know about. If your library wanted to get the word out about the service it would need to create a marketing plan to promote the service.

The marketing plan includes implementation, a timeline, and a goal. Word of Mouth Marketing is one the the cheapest forms of marketing. Staff in the front-lines (circulation) can be the best promoters of the service. They can share information with users while they are interacting with the staff. A timeline for the marketing plan is necessary for the plan to keep on track. It will be important to find a way to see if your goal was accomplished. This can be done with results of surveys and increase in use of the service.

After the promotion of the readers’ advisory service it could become a situation where you may want to be careful what you wish for. With this promotion the usage of this service could increase. The promotion may be short term but the service is long term. The commitment from the library staff and administration must be long term. 

Postmortem
By Patricia Cornwell
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: 1990
Series: Kay Scarpetta

Summary:
Debuting as the first novel in the Kay Scarpetta series Patricia Cornwell introduces us the world of a medical examiner. Someone in Richmond, VA is strangling women and it is Medical Examiner Kay Scapettas job to figure out the clues. Kay and Detective Marino struggle with the idea that her boyfriend may be the killer. Kay uses forensic science to help flush out the killer.

Subject Headings:
Medical Examiners
Medical novels
Women Detectives
Virginia
Scarpetta, Kay

Three terms that describe this book:

Suspenseful
This book keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Intricately Plotted
A leak inside the medical office, searching for a killer and the relationship with Lucy leave this book with several storylines.

Jargon-filled
Cornwell uses medical terminology to give the readers information that leads them to understand what a medical examiner would deal with.

Read-A-likes
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
One Grave Too Many by Beverly Connor
Carved In Bone by Jefferson Bass
The Fourth Angel by Suzanne Chazin

Week 7
Article
“Why the Banning of ‘A Birthday Cake for George Washington’ Really Matters
By Ramin Ganeshram”

After reading the article I felt angry that the publishing world allowed people to censor their publications. Not everyone agrees on what they read. The publisher should have worked with the author to write the ending that reflected the truth and approve the illustrations so they were true to the story. They gave into the pressures of society. By pulling the book from selling they just made the book something that people want to read because it was banned not because of the importance of the content.

Campaign:

The goal of the campaign is to get people to try reading author Jayne Ann Krentz. By using the phrase” 3 For 1” I hope to get them thinking about what the other two are. By adding AKA I hope to  peak their curiosity enough they may come in or check out the webpage. I chose to use a business card, table tents, and postcards. The business card will contain the the AKA names,library website, phone number and address. These could be handed out after an elevator speech or when someone doesn’t have the means to carry extra papers. Postcards will also contain the catch phrase and a photo of one of her books. The postcards would be sent to those who have signed up to receive notifications about new romance releases.The table tents will display another one of her pen names along with a photo of a book cover. These could be displayed on table throughout the library and in the stacks. 

                                                                   Table Tent

                                                            Business Cards

Postcards 

Review

Pines by Blake Crouch

A fast paced suspense novel that makes the reader wonder what will happen next in Wayward Pines.

Secret Services Agent Ethan Burke is sent to Wayward Pines to investigate the disappearance of two agents. Ethan wakes up next to the river with no memory of how he got there and where he was. As he staggers into town things see off. He realizes he has no phone, wallet or ID. Slowing the pounding in his head becomes so severe that he loses conciseness. The hospital appears to be empty and Nurse Pam too nice. The children and other residents of the town seem like a scene out of Mayberry. Ethan knows he needs to leave. Why can’t he get a call out? Why won’t his boss call him? Why is everyone acting so strange? And why is there an electric fence surrounding the town?

Crouch writes a page turner with suspense around each corner. Get swept away into a world that leaves you wondering if Ethan is imagining things or if there is something more sinister going on?

Week 5 discussion

With little or no professional reviews for Ebook romances it takes a little bit of faith for the selector to purchase for their collection. As a selector it would be necessary to look for the author, if not popular, in print format and reviews of those books. Having these review might lead the selector to an informed decision on the author and the book. If this author does not have any other books in print, look at the content. Is the story similar to other popular authors, subjects, location, etc.? If so, this book could be popular with patrons. With little or no reviews, a selector needs to take extra time to investigate and make an informed decision.

From these reviews I am not getting that it is a romantic suspense. The book appears to be another love story. What would attract patrons who like to read romance is that it happens during the magical time of Christmas. Romance and Christmas time fit well together allowing the reader to think that something magical will happen. The reviews did not provide enough information about the pace, setting or style of writing. I would have to look elsewhere for information to see if the author wrote any other books or if there are any more reviews located on a different resource. I would not order this book based on these reviews alone.

The reviews for Angela’s Ashes brought me into the story. Would I add this to my collection, yes I would. The review brought parts of the book that tugged at the reader to the surface. The details of the children that died and the tearing wood from the walls pulls the reader into the struggle they are experiencing. Just enough to make the reader to want to know more.

Do I think it is fair that one type of book is reviewed to death? No, I do not think it is fair. Popular authors have a better chance of being reviewed then those who are just starting out. Why do I believe this? An example is the lack of reviews for Ebooks. Some of these authors may be first time authors but yet there is a lack of review because of the format. Have I seen some badly written books in electronic format? Yes I have. I believe this is because it is easier to publish and get a book out into the reader’s hands. The process is different from print.

Review resources who do not print negative content are not thinking of their readers. There are siding with the authors and publishers. It is giving them a way to sell a book without the bump of negative reviews. All sides should be allowed so the purchaser has been given enough information to make an educated decision.

I currently purchase 800s for my library. It appears that this section is not one of the favorites for selectors. I was not familiar with the section but I am learning. Is it real exciting to me? No, I would prefer 741s but I am giving it the proper research and though out purchases it deserves. I use review for each purchase I make. Even the ones that are suggestions by a patron. I try to find Kirkus and Library Journal reviews. I do so because I believe they are reliable resources. Periodically I look at list such as the New York bestsellers to find books that people are reading. I still however use reviews to help with my final decision. Nonfiction should be about both sides and contain correct information. These sources help selectors in the purchasing of books that do just that.

When The Wind Blows

By James Patterson

Genre: Science Fiction

Publication Date: 1998

Number of Pages: 416

Summary

When Frannie O’Neill’s husband was killed, she has pulled back from her booming veterinarian practice and started keeping to herself. Then things changed one night when she finds a girl, Max, running through the woods. Max has special talents that make her valuable to the school she escaped. Kit Harrison, a troubled FBI agent, goes undercover in Bear Bluff Colorado investigating the deaths of doctors involved in embryonic research. Kit and Frannie find themselves coming together to help Max free the other children from the school.

Subject Headings:

Women veterinarians

Government investigators

Medicine, Experimental

Genetic engineering

Flight

Colorado

Three terms that describe this book: 

Suspenseful

This book keeps readers on the edge of their seats. A great example is when Max is at the fence and she is trapped. The bad people are closing in but she figures out she has an ability that allows her to escape.

Fast-paced
James Patterson writes in short chapters. Events and characters keep moving so that readers want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens.

Disturbing

The bad guys in this book are meddling with nature. They are genetically modifying children for their own purposes.

Read-A-likes

Jumper by Steven Gould

The Infinite Instant by Danielle L. Parker

Fleet of Worlds by Larry Niven

Jupiter by Ben Bova

1. I am looking for a book by Laurell K. Hamilton. I just read the third book in the Anita Blake series and I can’t figure out which one comes next!

This series is printed in plain text and graphic novel format. If the patron is looking for the series in plain text I would suggest,  "The Lunatic Cafe". If she would like the graphic novel format I would suggest, "The Laughing Corpse Book 1".

2. What have I read recently? Well, I just finished this great book by Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer. I really liked the way it was written, you know, the way she used language. I wouldn't mind something a bit faster paced though.

I would recommend "Anthill" by Edward Wilson. It has a lush and lyrical writing style and a Ecofiction genre like "Prodigal Summer".

3. I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!

I would recommend "The Teahouse fire" by Ellis Avery. The writing style is descriptive and richly detailed.

4. I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?

I would recommend "Capital Crimes Series" by Margaret Truman. It is fast-paced, a mystery and suspenseful.

5. My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?

I would recommend "I am Legend" by Richard Matheson. It has the same tone, bleak and the same pace, fast.

6. I love books that get turned into movies, especially literary ones. Can you recommend some? Nothing too old, maybe just those from the last 5 years or so.

"The Martian" by Andy Weir
"The Yellow Birds" by Kevin Powers
"Room" by Emma Donoghue
"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

7. I love thrillers but I hate foul language and sex scenes. I want something clean and fast paced.

I would recommend T. Davis Bunn. His series, "Marcus Glenwood is a fast-paced legal thriller full of  suspense.


How I find books to read:

I find books with Novelist, GoodReads, recommendations, browsing the shelves and even sometimes I pick a book up because the cover has peeked my interest. Finding read-alikes are easy to find in Novelist but I use GoodReads to read recommendations from friends or others who enjoy the same type of books. Often a patron will talk about a book that they have read when they return them. I take these recommendations also.

I have always enjoyed reading. It allows me to venture into other worlds. Creating what the characters look like in my mind, allows me to use my imagination. As an adult it is a nice way to get away from the stress of everyday things. However, I have not had a lot of time to read for pleasure the last couple of years. When I do get a chance to read, I lean towards Young Adult and mystery/suspense books.

Some of my favorite books in the Young Adult area have been The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer and The Farm Series by Emily McKay. I enjoy these series because one tells the romantic side of vampires and the other shows the evil side. Young Adult books creep close to the line of adult romance and horror but keep it on the lighter side. This is another reason why I enjoy reading them.

Mystery/suspense is another one of my favorite genres to read. I enjoy the hunt for the suspect and figuring out who did it. Suspense adds the thrill of danger and adventure. Two of my favorite authors are James Patterson and Iris Johansen. Alex Cross and Eve Duncan are well created characters. Patterson and Johansen allow readers to get to know their characters with continued stories involving them.

I look forward to adventuring into new genres as part of this class. I find sometimes adventuring from my comfort zone allows me to find new things that I enjoy. 

Welcome to my blog! This is my first blog post and site. My name is Rachel Rice and I am nearing the end of my MLS degree. It has been a bumpy journey but I am excited about all of the new things I have learned.