Synopsis
From psychological suspense and historical fiction to gentle reads and romance, this new guide from expert readers' advisor Joyce Saricks explores the many worlds of fiction. Covering fifteen popular genres (including often-neglected literary titles), each chapter includes a definition of the genre, its characteristics and appeal elements (such as character development, story line, and frame), and its key authors and subgenres. To help you prepare for the eternal can you recommend a good book on... question, there are also reader interview tips, reference sources, and guidelines on how to prepare for the questions you will undoubtedly get. Packed with specific examples, this user-friendly and readable guide will help you to: * Learn which elements of fiction actually entice readers. * Distinguish the expectations of readers of different genres. * Uncover Sure Bets - titles that consistently appeal to a variety of readers. * Master the ins and outs of the readers' advisory interview. Provocative and spirited, The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction offers hands-on strategies for librarians who want to become expert at figuring out what their readers are looking for and ho
Reviews
Librarians attempting to answer that gut-sinking request for a book "just like this one" can't afford to miss this excellent self-study reader's advisory guide. The author of Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library (Professional Media, LJ 10/15/97), Saricks helps librarians painlessly discover the specific appeal of 15 different popular fiction genres, what the benchmark titles are for each, and how to talk to people about the books they love. Genres overlooked by other reader's advisory tools are listed here in good detail, such as literary fiction, women's lives and relationships, and three types of suspense separate from mysteries, horror, and thrillers. In each chapter, Saricks breaks a genre down into subgenres (for example, under mystery, English cozy amateur detective tales vs. police procedurals) and identifies authors and titles that typify each. Annotated suggestions for print and nonprint resources are appended for further investigation, as well as another appendix challenging readers to explore five books in each genre every year (with a list of good titles to try). Well indexed by author, title, and subject, and full of practical suggestions on how to prepare for working with readers, this is an invaluable resource. Highly recommended for all public libraries. Jennifer Baker, Seattle P.L.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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