For library patrons who thrive on fiction, the search for new (to them) books and authors will never end, or so it seems. Similar to the avid reader looking for another good novel is the librarian hoping to find another good reference source for locating the same.
Now Read On makes a contribution to this effort, joining such ongoing publications as H. W. Wilson's
Fiction Catalog, Gale's
What Do I Read Next?,
Genreflecting: A Guide to Reading Interests in Genre Fiction,
Olderr's Fiction Index, and many other guides to fiction. This book offers a British viewpoint, and although many of the authors are American novelists popular in Britain, it may introduce the average American patron to quite a few new writers. Author Hicken is a librarian, Prytherch, an information management consultant.
As was the first edition published four years ago, this is "a guide to the work of popular contemporary authors who write in a specific genre." Westerns and light romance are not covered, although gothic romances are. Of the 20 genres listed, some interesting ones are country life, foreign locations, humorous novels, "perceptive" women's novels, sea stories, and war stories. Mysteries are represented by the categories of detective stories, police work, thrillers, and women detectives.
The section on each genre begins with a description of its characteristics, a brief history, and the leading writers identified with it. A short biography is given for each author, including place of birth, education, field of endeavor, places of residence, and honors and prizes. Next is a list of books with British publishers and publication dates, sorted by series, where applicable. The entry finishes with "now read" suggestions for similar authors. In the adventure genre, the entry for Desmond Bagley ends, "Now read Hammond Innes, Geoffrey Jenkins, Alistair MacLean, Duncan Kyle, Ken Follett, Wilbur Smith, Bob Langley." A list of literary prizes and awards, an index of authors, and an index of series and recurring characters complete the book.
Making no claims to be exhaustive, this is nevertheless a solid work, giving access to many authors and titles of worthy novels, presented in a useful and interesting way. Patrons should enjoy using it and may come to rely on it. The short biographies of authors will be popular also. Library staff members doing book selection may find some authors to add to their collections. Recommended for public libraries.
