Prompt 1 Responses

I used NoveList to answer these prompts. The elements used to determine the read-alikes are from NoveList's "Book Appeal Terms" associated with each title (NoveList Plus). 

When appropriate and possible, I try to pull a few titles for the patron to review. Sometimes the result takes the conversation to a different genre or format that may be a better fit.


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! 

It is very confusing. The way the titles are organized makes it seem as though there are several series, instead of one. In the "Series" line of  NoveList's description for Anita Blake,  I found the number 4.  The next title in the series is Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The Laughing Corpse, Book 2: Necromancer.

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. 

One option is Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin. Kingsolver and Zevin write thought-provoking stories. Both of these books have complex characters and share the mainstream fiction genre, but Young Jane Young is fast-paced.

The History of Bees by Maja Lunde also focuses on the connection between humanity and nature. Lunde and Kingsolver books are thought-provoking and feature character-driven plots. NoveList contributor Katherine Johnson explains her reason for deciding the novels are read-alikes: 

These richly descriptive novels present explicit ecological messages through their absorbing storylines. The History of Bees features characters from different eras of history and across the world, while Prodigal Summer engagingly portrays contemporary people living in a small region Appalachian (Johnson).

Lunde's engaging style may deliver the faster pace the patron requested.

Another possibility may be a bit of a stretch, but if the reader appreciates lyrical writing, they will find it in Isabel Allende's books. Both authors draw complex characters whose actions drive the plot, and their novels are thought-provoking and reflective. Allende's works have a faster pace. 

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! 

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden follows a geisha's life from her 1929 enslavement at the age of nine, through her years as a famous geisha. Golden uses descriptive language that immerses the reader in the period and the geisha's personal journey.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a family saga set in early 20th century Korea and Japan. The characters are authentic and complex. The writing style is compelling. 

James Clavell's  Shogun was also made into a popular TV movie. The story takes place in 17th century Japan. The main character is an Englishman who travels to Japan in search of wealth and ends up staying and adopting the Eastern culture. The novel is a fast-paced, plot-driven, and violent saga that is part of Clavell's Asian series.

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?

P.D. James is a British author who, like George, writes in the elegant style of traditional British mysteries, has a police detective as the protagonist, and places her books in a vivid contemporary setting. Both authors use layered plots, and nuanced characters. James and George deliver a realistic experience associated with crime procedurals.

Another suggestion is Louise Penny's Inspector Armand Gamache series set in Quebec, Canada.
Penny's characters are complex, the lyrical and descriptive language sets an atmospheric tone, and the intricate plot moves at a leisurely pace.

Set in Ireland, Haunted Ground by Erin Hart is the first title in the Nora Gavin and Cormac Maguire series. Hart and George write intricate, character-driven plots. George's mysteries have a leisurely pace whereas Hart's style tends to be more compelling 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?

The Dead Run by Adam Mansbach is also a fast-paced apocalyptic zombie story presented from various perspectives.

Blackout by Mira Grant is another compelling, realistic depiction of a society after a zombie apocalypse.

Stephen King's Cell features a zombie apocalypse triggered by a pulse that transforms all cell phone users into killers. It fast-paced horror written in King's compelling style.

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.

A few suggestions are: (Movie release dates are in parentheses)

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (2015).
The little stranger by Sarah Waters (2018)

Victoria & Abdul: the true story of the queen's closest confidant by Shrabani Basu (2017)
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (2017) 

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (2017)

Lion, based on A long way home by Saroo Brierley (2016)

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

Older thrillers and suspense are generally cleaner than contemporary titles. A few options follow.

Alistair MacLean novels focus on heroes who are spies or military men, the plots are complex, and the pace is fast.

Helen MacInnes started writing international spy thrillers in the 1940's. Her early novels  focused on fighting the Nazis. She later switched to Cold War villains, but her books consistently contained an exciting pace and concerned current issues of the day.

Dorothy Gilman's Mrs. Pollifax series combines a gentle read with fast-paced suspense. Mrs. Pollifax is the middle-aged heroine who occasionally works as a CIA operative.


Second, after you get a chance to do the readings and explore Mary Chelton's list of tools, I want to hear about how you find books to read. It could be a site or a resource you've just discovered or one you've used for years,  one you use for yourself or for your patrons or family and friends.

Resources I use include:

• Carmel Clay Public Library's website 
• Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, Book List
• Goodreads
• NoveList

For personal reading, I use our library website to find read-alikes, new books, and to see what our Adult Reference librarians are reading. I discovered that my book choices have overlapped a few times with two of those staff members, so I follow their selections. I scan professional journals for books to use in storytimes, and to find titles for my daughters and me. I have used NoveList to find materials for patrons, but this exercise has shown me how to navigate it more effectively.

References

Johnson, K. (2019). Read-alikes for Prodigal Summer. NoveList Plus. Retrieved from https://www.carmel.lib.in.us/

NoveList Plus. (2019). Appeal terms. NoveList Plus. Retrieved from https://www.carmel.lib.in.us/

Thriller Genre Annotation

Masquerade by Gayle Lynds (1996)

St. Martin’s Press, 450 pgs. Series: Liz Sansborough, Book One 

Summary:
Liz Sansborough has amnesia. She does not remember her name or her previous life as a CIA field agent. A charming stranger shares memories of her past and their life together. He helps her heal then train for a special assignment. When Liz discovers information that contradicts what she has been told, she sets out to find the truth. Confused and alone, Sansborough encounters an attractive fellow agent who joins her search. Together they uncover a terrifying plot called Grandeur that has devastating global repercussions. If they survive the tortuous web of violence, diabolical medical practices, mixed identities, and shifting alliances, will they be in time to dismantle Grandeur?

Thriller Characteristics in Masquerade 

Prominent elements:

Fast-paced, intricate plot with surprising twists and widespread violence 

Saricks’ Genre Characteristics (Source: Saricks 72-82) 

Pacing: The story reflects the fast-paced action of an Adrenaline genre. Danger or imminent danger propel the pace and build suspense.

Frame/Setting: Lynds designs the action to cinematic effect; the protagonist travels from California to Colorado, Washington, D.C. and Paris. The focus is on the espionage profession. The types of weapons, facilities, clothing, and lifestyle related to tradecraft are described in technical detail.

Story Line: The plot’s byzantine twists reflect the political maneuverings of international espionage. The intricate narrative directs the fluctuations in the action.

Characterization: The main characters are representative of the genre. Liz is a strong and sympathetic protagonist. The antagonist and his cohorts are clever and sinister.

Tone/Mood: The violence and constant threat of danger give the book a dark tone common to the Thriller genre.

Style/Language: Lynds’ narrative is informal and replete with intelligence community jargon.

Masquerade’s Appeal 

Liz is a likeable heroine; she is resourceful and determined. Action dominates the text and sets a page-turning pace. The plot is complex with many twists. Lynds frames the story in a recognizable intelligence agency (CIA) and immerses readers in a global story of political intrigue. 


Read Alikes

Mathews, F. (2009). The cutout. New York, NY: Bantam Books

Reason:  Like Francine Mathews Gayle Lynds writes gripping, fast-paced tales of international espionage with strong female protagonists, rapidly shifting perspectives and locations, and authentic atmospheric details gleaned from government agencies. -- Derek Keyser*

Reich, C. (2003). Rules of deception. New York, NY: Delacorte

Reason:  These authors write gripping, action-packed, and intricately plotted thrillers involving international espionage and possible global catastrophe. Amidst the endless deception and suspenseful chase scenes in their stories are also more intimate elements involving romantic relationships where one partner carries deadly secrets. -- Derek Keyser*

Rimington, S. (2006). At risk. New York, NY: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard.

Reason:  Though the spy fiction genre is dominated by male writes and characters, these women authors create strong, intelligent female protagonists while maintaining the relentless action, international locales, and intricately drawn, conspiracy-filled plots that fans of the genre expect. -- Derek Keyser*

*Derek Keyser is a contributor for NoveList Plus, the online database used to find these read-alikes.

References

Keyser, D. (2019). Read-alikes for Lynds,Gayle. NoveList Plus. Retrieved from https://www.carmel.lib.in.us/

Saricks, J. (2009). The readers’ advisory guide to genre fiction (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

My Reader Profile

I have loved to read just about anything for as long as I can remember. One semester in elementary school I read a Beverly Cleary book almost every afternoon when I got home. I particularly liked stories with animals as the main character. At work I often suggest to patrons titles I read as a child, including A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. I still read some of them when I have the time. They hold up well, are a nice escape, and bring back happy memories.

My favorite genres are Mysteries, Non-Fiction - Biography, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, and more recently, Young Adult fiction. My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have read it several times and am always sad to finish it. Every sentence is perfectly worded and the characters are meticulously drawn.

Period mysteries appeal to me for their sense of time and place. I also like to be surprised by the ending. My favorites in this subgenre combine my interest in history with likeable protagonists and a well-paced plot. I am excited when I find a new series because there is a level of comfort to following familiar characters written in a familiar style. That may be why I also like re-reading classic literature.

If I was not getting an MLIS or working in a library, I might not have tried certain authors and formats. My likes have expanded, and I am more open to exploring new genres. Referring to patrons, Saricks comments, “Nor do they necessarily look exclusively to fiction or nonfiction; they seek a story that meets their interests and mood at that moment” (Saricks 9). That is true for me; I have learned that although different genres appeal to me at different times, I gravitate to titles that have a strong narrative. Some of my current favorites are below:

The Maggie Hope mysteries (set during WWII) by Susan Elia MacNeal

The Royal Spyness mysteries (set in 1930’s England) by Rhys Bowen

Fangirl (college students navigating life) by Rainbow Rowell (Young Adult)

Scythe (dystopian novel) by Neal Shusterman (Young Adult)

March (non-fiction graphic novel series) by John Lewis (Young Adult)

The Boys in the Boat (rowing biography set around the 1936 Olympics) by Daniel James Brown


References

Saricks, J. (2005). History and introduction. In Readers' advisory service in the

public library. Chicago: ALA. Pp. 1-13