Morgan Hansen LIS 642 Reader’s Advisory Survey Annotations July 31, 2010
Patron #1 Survey Response For what purpose are you searching for this book? a) reading for pleasure b) fulfilling an assignment c) research d) other (explain here)___________________________________________ Circle the following types of books that you enjoy: fantasy nature writing horror science fiction mystery romance biography history anecdotes manga comedy plays poetry other: I actually like reading any genre, as long as it’s intelligently written--clever, surprising (in a good way). The highlighted categories are the more “fail safe” options. I don’t like formulaic writing at all. Which type do you enjoy the most? I enjoy really good writing the best--I’m not particuarly devoted to any genre, and I like branching out. Name your favorite author(s) and/or book(s): Annie Dillard Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Gertrude Stein, Aldo Leopold A Sand County Almanac, I’m in the mood for something different, though. Name a book that you have read recently that you have NOT enjoyed. What did you not enjoy about it? I didn’t enjoy The Feng Shui Detective, because it was predictable and culturally offensive. I didn’t enjoy Outlander, because the plot was too contrived and I was appalled at the main character’s acceptance of domestic violence. When do you typically read during the day? In the evening or on the bus during the day. . . or when I’m waiting for someone/the bus/an appointment or class to start. . .
How much time during the day do you set aside for reading? I don’t. It’s terrible. I just read when I have moments in between everything else that needs to be done. I’m easily distracted. What types of reading would you like to explore in more depth? I would really like to read something new and exciting. I want to read something that will really consume my attention--something I won’t want to put down. What kind of book are you looking for today? Something I can’t put down, something contemporary--don’t suggest Twilight. It’s already on my radar. Please check any of the following elements that you find uncomfortable/ unacceptable in your reading material: ____ Graphic violence ____ Strong/frequent sex scenes ____ Strong language _x__ Other: These things only bother me when they’re gratuitous or noticeably out of place or inappropriate for the plot/intended audience. If it’s only written to titillate the reader, I usually don’t like it. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your reading interests and/or habits? Nope. I think that I would be interested in reading something from an author who writes books in serial. I’m about halfway through the Harry Potter series, and I think it’s wonderful having something that I know will be good and reliable to look forward to. Recommendations 1. Abbey, E. (1975). The monkey wrench gang. New York, NY: Avon Books. Vietnam veteran George Washington Hayduke III returns to the desert to find the natural landscape besieged by industrial development. On a rafting trip down the Colorado River, Hayduke enlists the help of feminist saboteur Bonnie Abbzug, wilderness guide Seldom Seen Smith, and billboard torcher Doc Sarvis, M.D., and together they embark on an adventure to give the big yellow machines, on dam builders and road builders and strip miners what’s coming to them. I chose this title because Gnooks suggested Rachel Carson as an author similar to Annie Dillard, Gertrude Stein, and Aldo Leopold. I then used NoveList to select this particular title, which was listed as a NoveList Best, and also coincided with the patron’s interest in nature writing and humor. 2. Bradley, M. Z. (1987). The firebrand. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. Born of noble blood, Kassandra uses her ability to see into the future to forewarn those around her of a battle that will bring the wrath of the gods upon all of Greece. She has foreseen the fall of Troy, but no one believes Kassandra’s prophecies. Thus, even though Kassandra can see what is coming, she is helpless to do anything to change the course of the future.
I chose this title because Gnooks suggested that Bradley is a writer unlike Diana Gabaldon – who the patron reported she did not enjoy. I then used NoveList to select this particular title, which was listed as a NoveList best and was also reviewed by BookList and Kirkus as having high quality of writing, as well as some plot twists (both of which will appeal to the patron). 3. Bryson, B. (2000). In a sunburned country. New York, NY: Broadway Books. In A Sunburned Country is Bill Bryson’s travelogue of Australia, the country that doubles as a continent, and a place with the friendliest people, the hottest, driest weather, and the most unique and deadly wildlife to be found on the planet. Even though Australia harbors more things that can kill you in grotesque ways than any other locale on the planet, including sharks, crocodiles, snakes, even riptides and deserts, Bryson takes readers on an enjoyable journey far beyond that beaten tourist path. I chose this title because of the patron’s interest in nature writing and humor. I have read several of Bryson’s travelogue’s and find them to be “intelligently written” as Sandra desires of books. 4. Carson, R. (1955). The edge of the sea. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. Carson’s book is one that has appeal to both individuals reading for pleasure and individuals actively engaged in identifying the creatures mentioned in The Edge of the Sea. Carson focuses on the unique environment of the shoreline - where the sea meets the land. I chose this title because Gnooks suggested Rachel Carson as an author similar to Annie Dillard, Gertrude Stein, and Aldo Leopold. I then used NoveList to select this particular title, which was listed as a NoveList Best, and also coincided with the patron’s interest in nature writing. 5. Cather, W. (1997). Alexander's bridge. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Editions. Bartley Alexander, an engineer famous for the bold structure of his North American bridges, is at the height of his career. He has a gorgeous and proper wife and a home in Boston that is the “talk of the town.” But when Alexander’s affair with an Irish actress re–ignites, he finds himself unsure of what to do; should he stay loyal to his wife, who has supported him or spend his time with Hilda, who makes him feel young again? I chose this title based on the patron’s interest in Annie Dillard – NoveList suggests Cather as a similar author. I then selected this particular title because it satisfies Sandra’s request for “something different” than Dillard’s nature writing. 6. Hemingway, E. (1964). A moveable feast. New York, NY: Scribner Classics. A Moveable Feast captures what the life of the young, poor writers in Paris during the 1920s. It is a description of the Paris that Hemingway experienced when he was young,
and is a map drawn via prose of the streets, restaurants, and stores that made up the city in which Hemmingway sharpened the skills of his craft. I chose this title using Amazon’s “Customers who bought also bought” feature for the Selected Writings of Gertrude Stein. I also then reviewed the title in NoveList, which confirmed this choice because it is both biographical and has elements of nature writing. 7. Peace, D. (2007). Tokyo year zero. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. It's August 1946—one year after the Japanese surrender—and women are turning up murdered all over Tokyo. Detective Minami of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police goes searching for the killer known as the Japanese Bluebeard. As he takes on the case, Minami is disturbed by his own recollections of violence that he can no longer explain or excuse. I chose this title because Gnooks suggested Rachel Carson as an author similar to Annie Dillard, Gertrude Stein, and Aldo Leopold. I then used NoveList to select this particular title, which was listed as a NoveList Best, which aligned with the patron’s interest in history, but also with her request to broaden her reading interests. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patron #2 Survey Response For what purpose are you searching for this book? a) reading for pleasure b) fulfilling an assignment c) research d) other (explain here)___________________________________________ Circle the following types of books that you enjoy: fantasy nature writing horror science fiction mystery romance biography history anecdotes manga comedy plays poetry other:Graphic Novels
Which type do you enjoy the most? Science Fiction/Fantasy Name your favorite author(s) and/or book(s): Terry Pratchett (the Discworld Series) Lois McMaster Bujold (the Vorkosigan Saga) Connie Willis (Blackout) Phil and Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius) Name a book that you have read recently that you have NOT enjoyed. What did you not enjoy about it? Jack Campbell’s Dauntless. My brother in law recommended it to me, but it had bad pacing, and it was a little too grim, with the predicaments the character was in too hopeless, and no good characterization beyond the main character. When do you typically read during the day? On the bus (morning, twice around lunchtime, and the evening) then at night or on the weekends, especially afternoon. How much time during the day do you set aside for reading? Either in 20 minute increments, or for 2-5 hour stretches, depends on the book and the reading situation. What types of reading would you like to explore in more depth? I’ve only just started to get into Romance books, especially classic romances like Georgette Heyer (who I hear is uneven) but for contemporary, I would like to know where to go beyond Jennifer Crusie, for a Crusie read-alike. Otherwise, I’m dipping my toes in the water of superhero graphic novels, and I’m looking for good ones with strong (well written, not just super strength) female characters. I always like to read more fantasy, so long as it’s not a Tolkein knockoff (I don’t much like Tolkein). I like Scifi more on the Space Opera end of the scale rather than the Arthur C. Clarke hard stuff. I like my characters to be believable, and the drama to center on them, and not the science. What kind of book are you looking for today? See above? Please check any of the following elements that you find uncomfortable/ unacceptable in your reading material: ____ Graphic violence ____ Strong/frequent sex scenes ____ Strong language __X_ Other: Unhappy endings Is there anything else you would like us to know about your reading interests and/or habits? It would also be cool if you could surprise me. I also like mysteries, but the cozy kind. Recommendations 1. Andrews, M. K. (2002). Savannah blues. New York, NY: HarperCollins. Eloise "Weezie" Foley thought she had hit the jackpot when she met Talmadge Evans III. But when their relationship ended, Weezie’s opinion changed. She then tries to dive even more into her duties as an antiques picker, combing Savannah's back alleys and garage sales for treasures. An unauthorized sneak preview at a sale then lands Weezie in the
middle of murder and mayhem. Weezie’s relationship with a cute chef makes her realize how delectable love can be the second time around. I chose this book because of the patron’s interest in exploring romances similar to Jennifer Cruisie (NoveList suggests Andrews is similar to Cruisie). I also thought this book may have additional appeal to the patron because it is a romantic suspense and she enjoys mysteries. 2. Adams, D. (1998). Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. New York : Pocket Books. There is a long tradition of well respected detectives. Dirk Gently, however, is not one of them. His investigation for a missing feline produces a ghost, a time traveler, AND the tragic secret of humankind! Detective Gently's charge for saving the human race from annihilation: nothing! I chose this title because NoveList suggested that this series (Dirk Gently) is similar to Pratchett’s Discworld series. 3. Asimov, I. (1990). Bicentennial man. In Robot visions (pp. 245-290). New York, NY: Penguin Books. After living for 150 years, Andrew Martin is dubbed a sesquicentennial robot. One would think that with all that Andrew has accomplished – being a respected artist, purchasing his freedom from his owners, changing in his robotic body for an organic one – he would be proud and happy. Yet, after all he has done, Andrew has not achieved the one thing he desires the most – to be called a man. I chose this short story because Gnooks suggested that Asimov is an author unlike Jack Campbell. I also chose this because the patron states she prefers that the science fiction she reads focus on the person, not the science. 4. Fforde, J. (2005). Big over easy: a nursery crime. New York, NY: Viking. Meet Inspector Jack Spratt, who is the boss of the Nursery Crime Division. His task is to find out who murdered. Humpty Dumpty. Poor Mr. Dumpty was found broken into a million pieces near a wall in a not-so-nice neighborhood. Jack Splatt will not rest until he discovers who made this big egg into a big omelet. I chose this title because NoveList suggested that Fforde is an author that is similar to Connie Willis. I also selected this because the patron indicated she is interested in cozy mysteries. 5. Hamilton, L. K. (2008). Anita Blake, vampire hunter. Guilty pleasures, Vol. 1. New York, NY: Marvel. Anita Blake is an "animator", which means that she spends her days raising the dead. When she’s not breathing life back into people, she also hunts down criminal vampires and helps out cops by investigating strange cases. But as Anita becomes more wellknown in her hometown of St. Louis, she also risks revealing a secret about herself.
I chose this title because NoveList suggested that this series (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) is similar to Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga. I also selected the graphic novel adaptation of the series because the patron indicated she is interested in graphic novels. 6. MacAlister, K. (2010) Steamed. New York, NY: Signet. When one of Jack Fletcher's experiments is bumped, the resulting explosion sends him into a Victorian-era world of steampower, aether guns, corsets, and goggles. Aerocorps captain named Octavia is also part of this world. It isn’t long before Fletcher life becomes completely different because wild and crazy Octavia is a part of it. I chose this title because of the patron’s interest in exploring romance more indepth. I thought that because she might enjoy romance mixed with elements of another genre she enjoys: science fiction. This title was also reviewed positively by BookList and received a starred review from this publication. 7. Siddell, T. (2008). Gunnerkrigg Court: Orientation. Fort Lee, N.J. : Archaia Studios Press. Antimony Carver is a bright, self-confident young girl starting her first year of school at Gunnerkrigg Court. It’s not your typical British boarding school; within its halls are robots, body-snatching demons, gods, and mythical creatures. This volume follows Antimony her orientation at Gunnerkrigg Court. I chose this title because it was suggested as similar to Foglio’s Girl Genius on LibraryThing. It also meets the patron’s interests in graphic novels with female protagonists, as well as her interest in fantasy. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patron #3 Survey Response For what purpose are you searching for this book? a) reading for pleasure b) fulfilling an assignment c) research d) other (explain here)___________________________________________ Circle the following types of books that you enjoy: fantasy nature writing horror science fiction mystery romance biography
history anecdotes manga comedy plays poetry other: Graphic novels, Which type do you enjoy the most? If I had to narrow it down by genre, I ‘d go with graphic novels. Name your favorite author(s) and/or book(s): My favorite authors are J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen King, Allan Moore, and Poe. My favorite books would have to be the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Name a book that you have read recently that you have NOT enjoyed. What did you not enjoy about it? I read a book called Fringe Benefits for romance novel week. I didn’t care for the main characters at all as they seemed painfully cliched and quite bland. I also thought the plot was horrid. When do you typically read during the day? I will generally read before or after work, depending on whether I work in the morning or the afternoon. How much time during the day do you set aside for reading? It varies, depending on what I’m reading at the time. Some days I might read for several hours, while others I may not read a thing. What types of reading would you like to explore in more depth? I think I would like to read more biographies, but only if they’re about people I’m interested in. What kind of book are you looking for today? I suppose a biography about someone interesting, or a work of fiction that makes me anxious to get home so that I can read more of it. Please check any of the following elements that you find uncomfortable/ unacceptable in your reading material: ____ Graphic violence ____ Strong/frequent sex scenes ____ Strong language X Other: I’m not going to be turned off by a book if it contains any of the above, but I’m also not about to seek something out just for any of them either. So long as they seem natural and not forced or included just for the sake of inclusion, I’m fine. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your reading interests and/or habits?
Recommendations 1. Adams, D. (1980) The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. New York, NY: Ballantine Books. Meet unlucky hero Arthur Dent as he is snatched from Earth moments before a cosmic construction team destroys the planet to build a freeway. Dent then journeys about the galaxy with his courageous friend Ford Prefect, getting into atrocious messes and causing hilarious havoc. Dent and Prefect’s adventures create a delightful mix of humor and science fiction that have come to be known as a classic work in the genre. I selected this book because LibraryThing suggested it is similar to The Hobbit. I also thought this would be an appropriate recommendation because of the patron’s interest in science fiction and humor. 2. Eisner, W. (2007). Life, in pictures: autobiographical stories. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Co. The great pioneer of American graphic arts presents an intimate perspective on his life as a writer, a professional, and an artist. These autobiographical short stories in graphic novel format describe Eisner’s early life and career, a personal history of his wife’s family, Eisner’s first rejection from a potential publisher, and Eisner in old age. The book features famous characters from the world of comics and other historical figures and family members. I chose this title because of the patron’s interest in graphic novels and his desire to explore biographies more in-depth. I also thought he might enjoy it because it is a autobiographical graphic novel of a person heavily involved in the writing of comics. 3. Ellis, W. (2009). Transmetropolitan: Back on the street. New York, NY: Virtigo/DC Comics. After years of voluntary exile from a world full of deprivation and lewdness, journalist Spider Jerusalem must return to a job and city he despises. Working as an investigative reporter for the newspaper The Word, Spider assaults the unfairness of his 23rd century surroundings. In this first volume, Spider journeys into the dangerous home of the Transients (humans who have elected to transform into aliens via cosmetic surgery). But Spider's interview with the group’s leader gets him a news story he wasn’t expecting. I chose this title because NoveList suggested Ellis is an author similar to Allan Moore. I also selected it because of the patron’s interests in graphic novels and science fiction. 4. Gaiman, N. (2001). American gods. New York, NY: W. Morrow. The book follows the adventures of ex-convict Shadow, who is released from prison a few days earlier than planned because of the death of his wife. Shadow finds work as the escort and bodyguard of the confidence man Mr. Wednesday, and travels across America visiting Wednesday's colleagues and acquaintances. It is revealed that Wednesday is an incarnation of Odin and is recruiting American manifestations of the Old Gods of ancient
mythology to participate in an epic battle against the New American Gods. Shadow’s wife, Laura, comes back in the form of an animated corpse and is instrumental in eliminating several of the New Gods' agents. I chose this title because NoveList suggested Gaiman is an author similar to Stephen King and Allan Moore. I also selected this book because of the patron’s interest in fantasy. 5. King, S. (2000). On writing: a memoir of the craft. New York, NY: Scribner. On Writing begins with a compelling description of King's youth and his uncannily early focus on writing to tell a story. A string of dramatic memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, Carrie, will provide readers a unique and often very comical viewpoint on the development of a writer. King then takes the reader through essential components of the art and life of a writer, and provides applicable advice on subjects such as plot and character development, work habits, and rejection. I chose this book because the patron stated King is one of his favorite authors and also because he is interested in pursuing biographies more in depth. 6. Lovecraft, H. P. (1964). At the mountains of madness, and other novels. Sauk City, WI: Arkham House. At the Mountains of Madness is a tale of terror different than any other. The barren interior of the Antarctic plateau was thought to be lifeless. But then a group of explorers from Miskatonic University finds bizarre fossils of unknown creatures, ancient carved stones, and the mind-blasting horror of the City of the Old Ones. Three additional strange tales are also included in this macabre collection. I chose this title because Gnooks suggested Lovecraft is an author similar to Poe. 7. Trondheim, L. (2006). A.L.I.E.E.E.N., archives of lost issues and early editions of extraterrestrial novelties. New York, NY: First Second. Tattered and weather worn, this volume has crossed through space to become the first extra-terrestrial comic book in print on earth. The language and alphabet are alien, but the themes and stories are universal. These stories and vignettes seem simple at first, but a more complex side is revealed as alien characters act out human tribulations such as peer pressure, intolerance, and challenges of friendship. I chose this title based on the patron’s interests in graphic novels, science fiction, and humor.