Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby! Dobby will have to punish himself most grievously for failing to post to the RAVALA blog for the past three months! Dobby will have to shut his ears in the oven door for this.
But Dobby is back, and hopes to be blogging on a regular basis to keep you updated with more RAVALA information. Dobby knows you missed him!!!!
A few updates regarding staff...
Donna Keslin's film program received a nice writeup in the Colorado Libraries blog. Be sure to check the ALD website for updates to her Classic Film Series - she's added information regarding Hollywood Musicals and will soon be adding a section on classic comedy films.
Manitou Springs Springs Public Library is hosting their fourth annual "Author Fest of the Rockies" on October 2nd & 3rd. According to their website: "Author Fest features many educational and training workshops for fiction and non-fiction, Internet promotion and publishing, poetry writing, dramatic reading and writing/art contests for students and adults." Among the presenters is ALD's Terri Clark with the presentation "Tapping Into Your Inner Teen: Writing for Young Adults" on Friday afternoon. You can get more information about the event (including registration info) at the Author Fest of Rockies website.
The ALD entry for the Overdrive Outreach Program Contest place fourth out of almost 40 entries. Curiously, the ALD video entry was featured on the Overdrive Blog regarding the contest results... while the first through third place winners were only mentioned. Maybe that was because the other entries were... uh, how do I say this nicely... BORING!!!!! Anyway, if you haven't seen the video, enjoy the catchy song created by Nick Taylor and friends below.
Again, Dobby apologizes regarding his absence, and asks you to send him ideas of what you'd like to see in the RAVALA blog. No death threats, please... Dobby is used to death threats, sir. Dobby gets them five times a day at home.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Art and Skill of Readers Advisory - Reviews by June 16th Class Participants
Hello All! The following are the submissions received so far for final completion of the assignment part of ALD-U's June 16th RA Workshop. Thanks to all who sent in their assignment and we welcome submissions from additional class participants (you get a cool certificate upon submission! - Thanks to Cheryl Schubert and Amy Cervene). Here are some fine reviews - a few were edited a bit for space reasons.
Chris Gruenenwald: I just read Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (Mary Ann Shaffer) and really enjoyed it. This historical fiction takes place on an island outside of France, called Guernsey, during World War 2. The book is in letter form and was hard to follow at first with the letters beginning with “To and From”, which made it hard to follow characters. After I figured them out I enjoyed the story and got to know the characters. I liked the ending where the woman stayed on Guernsey Island and decided to raise her friend’s daughter. I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
Virginia Brace: : A Voice of Her Own: becoming Emily Dickinson - Barbara Dana) Author Barbara Dana immersed herself over a ten year period in the life and words of Emily Dickinson so she could give us a look at what it must have been like to be this extraordinary and spirited girl growing up in the 1800’s in New England. Emily wrote: “There is always one thing to be grateful for—that one is one’s self and not somebody else.” (This is on a page following the title page.)
In an era when men were the ones who got the best educations, made the family decisions, chose their careers and their mates and the women stuck to the role prescribed for them by men , gentle and obedient Emily was determined to find her own place in the world. She wanted to write poetry whether or not her father accepted the idea. She said,” I will be a Poet! That’s who I am!”
I believe girls age 11- 17 will enjoy this story that captures Emily’s humor and the cadences of her unique voice. They will identify with her sense of adventure, her love of words, and her determination to not lose herself when pressured by others around her.
Jody Gardiner: I read a NF book titled A Hope In The Unseen by Ron Suskind. This is an account of a young man named Cedric Jennings who graduated in 1995 from an inner city high school in Washington, D.C. He earned admission to Brown University in Providence, RI. The author is a Wall Street Journal journalist who followed the trials and tribulations of Cedric's journey. Getting into Brown proved far easier than surviving there. This book illustrated what can happen when someone who has many disadvantages (poverty, single mom, dad in prison, horrible neighborhood, etc. ) rises above them through sheer hard work. Many comments on affirmative action, racial divides, and the American education system are found throughout this book.
Carmen Zamarripa: I just watched the movie Under the Same Moon("La Misma Luna"). The actors in this movie are Latinos, most of them actors whom I have seen in Latino TV. I thought this movie was awesome and would recommend this to anyone. It is mostly about a young boy who after being orphaned by his caretaker (the grandmother) sets out to find his mom in LA. It's funny, sad and it hits home when it talks about the realities about the struggles of many undocumented aliens.
Carol Luallin: The Dress Doctor (Edith Head) Sure, you've seen them... the glamorous dresses worn by the equally beautiful Hollywood stars. Who can forget Grace Kelly in her flowing white chiffon dress in To Catch a Thief, looking elegant and flawless? Or Norma Desmond, decked to the nines and dressed to kill in Sunset Blvd ? And Mae West, has there ever been a tighter dress worn by a living, breathing actress? Did you know how she survived on the movie set in those too-tight-to-breathe bodices? And just how does a dress designer land a job for a major motion picture studio, make a name for herself and then win eight Academy Awards for Best Costume - despite the fact she couldn't draw?
Ah, the psychological intrigue of working with big names, bigger egos, and incredible demands from director to actor. She treated her famous clients like patients, bringing them into her clinic. She carefully designed and prescribed everything, from the cut of the neckline to the type of fabric and print, to the color of the fitting rooms and her attire, right down to her eyewear. She loved her job. The world, in turn, loved her work and her name became famous world-wide. In fact, she was honored posthumously as "Edna Mode" in The Incredibles, Disney's 2004 hit film. Just who is this woman responsible for creating some of the most beautiful and fashionable outfits that ever graced the Silver Screen in the 1930's, '40's and '50's?
Why, Edith Head, of course. In her autobiographical book, The Dress Doctor, Edith shares a "behind the needles and threads" look at her career: how she became one of Hollywood's most sought after costume designers, the actors and actresses she worked with, what went on during the fittings in her "clinic," why she wore those iconic dark blue round glasses, and the subtle, yet powerful role that psychology played in creating memorable costumes and characters. This book will make you wish you could run to Edith Head for advice when dressing for your day.
Michele Whitley : The invention of Hugo Cabret : a novel in words and pictures / by Brian Selznick. Appropriate ages: Grades 4-9 (Lexile: 820)
Hugo Cabret, a recently orphaned twelve year old boy is taken in by his uncle as an apprentice. He learns how to wind and repair the many clocks at the busy Paris train station where they both live in a tiny apartment. This junior novel is a page-turner full of fantastic drawings that complete and tremendously enhance the story. Mystery and intrigue about automatons and the early days of motion pictures will captivate readers who like a fast-paced interesting story.
Katherine Spiegelman: Rome 1960 By David Maraniss This book is a delicious combination of reminders of the past and the timelessness of sport and the Olympics. Take for instance, the women’s track team and their coach, Ed Temple. He made his athletes wear lipstick and stockings while they were on the road (his motto: foxes, not oxes) in a part of the country where they might not even be assured of indoor plumbing for “negroes”.
Rome 1960 reminds readers of the world as it was, when the cold war was raging and the U.S. and the Soviet Union each used the Olympics as a proxy for the superiority of their economic system. Star athletes were encouraged to defect. Amateur status was still required, and so strictly enforced (by some) that a runner was disqualified for getting married on a game show. The book also covers some very modern issues: the first doping scandal occurred there when a cyclist died at the finish line. His death was ruled heat stroke, but years later one of the autopsy doctors admitted that it was due to drugs.
Finally, the book follows some of the stars after their Olympic performances. Some went on to fame, such as the young man called Cassius Clay, and others went back to quiet lives, earning livings that had nothing to do with sports. I would highly recommend this book.
Karen Bialkowski: ( The Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King) Have you ever read Laurie R. King? No? Well, she has a terrific series featuring a “retired” Sherlock Holmes in his late fifties. In the early years of WWI, he meets his equal (yes, hard to believe!) in 15 year-old orphaned heiress, Mary Russell. He becomes her mentor, and they slowly begin to solve sleuthy cases together. They also become closer than that, but I don’t want to spoil anything! King is an awesome writer, and her prose is literary and very British. Would you like to try her? Yes? Oh, good! A copy of the first book in the series, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, is on the shelf . I will go get it for you, and I hope you find her as delightful as I do!
Kara Rusch: The Glass Castle and Interred With Their Bones I primarily read YA books. I don’t know why, I am just more drawn to them than to adult books. However, for this assignment I decided to go out of my “comfort zone” and read from a genre I usually don’t. I decided to read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls because I hardly ever read non-fiction. Walls’ strong voice and clever writing style drew me in immediately, and I was surprised to find her memoir read more like a novel than dry and boring like I’d expect non-fiction to be. I laughed at her humor, felt sad for her in the bad times and rooted for her when she tried to change her circumstances in life. I always assumed reading non-fiction would be like reading a dry history textbook, but it wasn’t. In fact, this book touched me more than even the best fiction because it’s true. I’m very glad I decided to read out of my comfort zone and expand my horizons.
Currently I am reading a book called Interred With Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell. The reviews I’ve read on it compare it to The Da Vinci Code as a thriller based on historical events. So far I’m enjoying it, which is good, because I’m not much of a mystery/thriller reader either. Plus, I hated The Da Vinci Code, not because of the subject matter but because I thought the writing was horrible. The reviews of Carrell’s book are very mixed as some people loved this book and others simply hated it. I’ll have to keep reading to see what I think. It is refreshing to read outside of YA.
Linda Sangster –The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (John Boyne) Innocence in World War II Germany. Bruno - a 9-year old boy, all-knowing older sister, loving Mother, and hard-working, dedicated, stern Father. When the family has to move from Berlin out to the country, because of Father's job, Bruno finds himself alone and unhappy. What is it that Father does, anyway? Finally, Bruno meets a boy his own age, living on the other side of the fence.
The author, John Boyne, presents us with a tale of the friendship of two innocent young boys during World War II. Using strong characterization and an easy-to-read style, this book is an attention-holder and gives its reader much to consider. A movie has also been made and remains true to the book. Read the book and then watch the movie!
Gayle Manchester –– Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series (Crombie, Deborah) I have read all but the last two books of this thirteen-book mystery series and thoroughly enjoyed them. All take place in England, and the main characters, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones, are Scotland Yard homicide detective “partners.” Throughout the series, the novels explore the workings of Scotland Yard, the attitude toward professional women in England, the changing relationship of the two main characters, and then an intriguing mystery. The mysteries’ locale or particulars help the reader learn about such topics as the redevelopment of run-down portions of London, the English art world, some London social/welfare situations, church and small town life in more rural England, and people who live on the long boats and travel the intricate English canal system.
I found the novels caught my interest in at least three ways — some aspect of England locale, culture, and lifestyles; the mystery story itself; and the changing relationship of the Scotland Yard detectives, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones. A reader who enjoys contemporary mysteries, or novels set in England, should definitely try this series.
Aesta Perlmutter Another Country by Mary Pipher (non-fiction) What is it like to be an older person in America today -- what is it like to face the changes that come with growing old? Mary Pipher offers insight into the thoughts, feelings, and challenges of older Americans. Drawn from her experience as a psychologist, her examples of families caring for older relatives are sometimes profoundly sad, others more hopeful. An excellent and compassionate book, especially helpful if you have an elderly relative.
Annette Klingensmith – The book I read was Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay. This was a story about the Holocaust in France in 1942. Sarah and her family are arrested in the French's collaboration with the Nazi's they called Vel'd'Hiv. She locks her brother in a cupboard which was their favorite hiding place thinking that she will be back in a couple of hours to let him out. An American Journalist is asked to write about this horrific day and in her investigation finds some connections to Sarah. I think the Holocaust is an interesting and serious topic. My grandfather was arrested in Belgium during the war and sent to a camp but did come out alive. The only thing I did not like about the book was the way it centered around the Journalist. I wish it would have told more about the family that was arrested. But still a good and quick read.
Michelle Shields: Let me tell you about a great book I just listened to on CD. It is called The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein) The story is told from the viewpoint of a dog named Enzo. Enzo is different from other dogs, he has insight into the human condition and on the eve of his death he is recalling all that he and his family have been through. He can barely wait until his next lifetime when he is sure he will return as a man. This is a wonderful uplifting story of family, love. loyalty and hope told only as a dog could tell it.
Dorothy New: The Girl in the Red Coat by Roma Ligocka with Iris Von Finckenstein When Roma Ligocka saw the movie Schindler’s List, she identified with the little girl in the red coat. The girl’s red coat was the only color in the movie. Roma was a child in German-occupied Poland. She also had a red coat that her grandmother made. After seeing the movie Roma wanted to write her memoir to represent all the children who lived through the horrors of war. The result is a memoir spanning fifty years. From Roma being a two year old in the Krakow ghetto and the affect it had on her life for years after the war.
Chris Gruenenwald: I just read Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (Mary Ann Shaffer) and really enjoyed it. This historical fiction takes place on an island outside of France, called Guernsey, during World War 2. The book is in letter form and was hard to follow at first with the letters beginning with “To and From”, which made it hard to follow characters. After I figured them out I enjoyed the story and got to know the characters. I liked the ending where the woman stayed on Guernsey Island and decided to raise her friend’s daughter. I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
Virginia Brace: : A Voice of Her Own: becoming Emily Dickinson - Barbara Dana) Author Barbara Dana immersed herself over a ten year period in the life and words of Emily Dickinson so she could give us a look at what it must have been like to be this extraordinary and spirited girl growing up in the 1800’s in New England. Emily wrote: “There is always one thing to be grateful for—that one is one’s self and not somebody else.” (This is on a page following the title page.)
In an era when men were the ones who got the best educations, made the family decisions, chose their careers and their mates and the women stuck to the role prescribed for them by men , gentle and obedient Emily was determined to find her own place in the world. She wanted to write poetry whether or not her father accepted the idea. She said,” I will be a Poet! That’s who I am!”
I believe girls age 11- 17 will enjoy this story that captures Emily’s humor and the cadences of her unique voice. They will identify with her sense of adventure, her love of words, and her determination to not lose herself when pressured by others around her.
Jody Gardiner: I read a NF book titled A Hope In The Unseen by Ron Suskind. This is an account of a young man named Cedric Jennings who graduated in 1995 from an inner city high school in Washington, D.C. He earned admission to Brown University in Providence, RI. The author is a Wall Street Journal journalist who followed the trials and tribulations of Cedric's journey. Getting into Brown proved far easier than surviving there. This book illustrated what can happen when someone who has many disadvantages (poverty, single mom, dad in prison, horrible neighborhood, etc. ) rises above them through sheer hard work. Many comments on affirmative action, racial divides, and the American education system are found throughout this book.
Carmen Zamarripa: I just watched the movie Under the Same Moon("La Misma Luna"). The actors in this movie are Latinos, most of them actors whom I have seen in Latino TV. I thought this movie was awesome and would recommend this to anyone. It is mostly about a young boy who after being orphaned by his caretaker (the grandmother) sets out to find his mom in LA. It's funny, sad and it hits home when it talks about the realities about the struggles of many undocumented aliens.
Carol Luallin: The Dress Doctor (Edith Head) Sure, you've seen them... the glamorous dresses worn by the equally beautiful Hollywood stars. Who can forget Grace Kelly in her flowing white chiffon dress in To Catch a Thief, looking elegant and flawless? Or Norma Desmond, decked to the nines and dressed to kill in Sunset Blvd ? And Mae West, has there ever been a tighter dress worn by a living, breathing actress? Did you know how she survived on the movie set in those too-tight-to-breathe bodices? And just how does a dress designer land a job for a major motion picture studio, make a name for herself and then win eight Academy Awards for Best Costume - despite the fact she couldn't draw?
Ah, the psychological intrigue of working with big names, bigger egos, and incredible demands from director to actor. She treated her famous clients like patients, bringing them into her clinic. She carefully designed and prescribed everything, from the cut of the neckline to the type of fabric and print, to the color of the fitting rooms and her attire, right down to her eyewear. She loved her job. The world, in turn, loved her work and her name became famous world-wide. In fact, she was honored posthumously as "Edna Mode" in The Incredibles, Disney's 2004 hit film. Just who is this woman responsible for creating some of the most beautiful and fashionable outfits that ever graced the Silver Screen in the 1930's, '40's and '50's?
Why, Edith Head, of course. In her autobiographical book, The Dress Doctor, Edith shares a "behind the needles and threads" look at her career: how she became one of Hollywood's most sought after costume designers, the actors and actresses she worked with, what went on during the fittings in her "clinic," why she wore those iconic dark blue round glasses, and the subtle, yet powerful role that psychology played in creating memorable costumes and characters. This book will make you wish you could run to Edith Head for advice when dressing for your day.
Michele Whitley : The invention of Hugo Cabret : a novel in words and pictures / by Brian Selznick. Appropriate ages: Grades 4-9 (Lexile: 820)
Hugo Cabret, a recently orphaned twelve year old boy is taken in by his uncle as an apprentice. He learns how to wind and repair the many clocks at the busy Paris train station where they both live in a tiny apartment. This junior novel is a page-turner full of fantastic drawings that complete and tremendously enhance the story. Mystery and intrigue about automatons and the early days of motion pictures will captivate readers who like a fast-paced interesting story.
Katherine Spiegelman: Rome 1960 By David Maraniss This book is a delicious combination of reminders of the past and the timelessness of sport and the Olympics. Take for instance, the women’s track team and their coach, Ed Temple. He made his athletes wear lipstick and stockings while they were on the road (his motto: foxes, not oxes) in a part of the country where they might not even be assured of indoor plumbing for “negroes”.
Rome 1960 reminds readers of the world as it was, when the cold war was raging and the U.S. and the Soviet Union each used the Olympics as a proxy for the superiority of their economic system. Star athletes were encouraged to defect. Amateur status was still required, and so strictly enforced (by some) that a runner was disqualified for getting married on a game show. The book also covers some very modern issues: the first doping scandal occurred there when a cyclist died at the finish line. His death was ruled heat stroke, but years later one of the autopsy doctors admitted that it was due to drugs.
Finally, the book follows some of the stars after their Olympic performances. Some went on to fame, such as the young man called Cassius Clay, and others went back to quiet lives, earning livings that had nothing to do with sports. I would highly recommend this book.
Karen Bialkowski: ( The Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King) Have you ever read Laurie R. King? No? Well, she has a terrific series featuring a “retired” Sherlock Holmes in his late fifties. In the early years of WWI, he meets his equal (yes, hard to believe!) in 15 year-old orphaned heiress, Mary Russell. He becomes her mentor, and they slowly begin to solve sleuthy cases together. They also become closer than that, but I don’t want to spoil anything! King is an awesome writer, and her prose is literary and very British. Would you like to try her? Yes? Oh, good! A copy of the first book in the series, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, is on the shelf . I will go get it for you, and I hope you find her as delightful as I do!
Kara Rusch: The Glass Castle and Interred With Their Bones I primarily read YA books. I don’t know why, I am just more drawn to them than to adult books. However, for this assignment I decided to go out of my “comfort zone” and read from a genre I usually don’t. I decided to read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls because I hardly ever read non-fiction. Walls’ strong voice and clever writing style drew me in immediately, and I was surprised to find her memoir read more like a novel than dry and boring like I’d expect non-fiction to be. I laughed at her humor, felt sad for her in the bad times and rooted for her when she tried to change her circumstances in life. I always assumed reading non-fiction would be like reading a dry history textbook, but it wasn’t. In fact, this book touched me more than even the best fiction because it’s true. I’m very glad I decided to read out of my comfort zone and expand my horizons.
Currently I am reading a book called Interred With Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell. The reviews I’ve read on it compare it to The Da Vinci Code as a thriller based on historical events. So far I’m enjoying it, which is good, because I’m not much of a mystery/thriller reader either. Plus, I hated The Da Vinci Code, not because of the subject matter but because I thought the writing was horrible. The reviews of Carrell’s book are very mixed as some people loved this book and others simply hated it. I’ll have to keep reading to see what I think. It is refreshing to read outside of YA.
Linda Sangster –The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (John Boyne) Innocence in World War II Germany. Bruno - a 9-year old boy, all-knowing older sister, loving Mother, and hard-working, dedicated, stern Father. When the family has to move from Berlin out to the country, because of Father's job, Bruno finds himself alone and unhappy. What is it that Father does, anyway? Finally, Bruno meets a boy his own age, living on the other side of the fence.
The author, John Boyne, presents us with a tale of the friendship of two innocent young boys during World War II. Using strong characterization and an easy-to-read style, this book is an attention-holder and gives its reader much to consider. A movie has also been made and remains true to the book. Read the book and then watch the movie!
Gayle Manchester –– Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series (Crombie, Deborah) I have read all but the last two books of this thirteen-book mystery series and thoroughly enjoyed them. All take place in England, and the main characters, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones, are Scotland Yard homicide detective “partners.” Throughout the series, the novels explore the workings of Scotland Yard, the attitude toward professional women in England, the changing relationship of the two main characters, and then an intriguing mystery. The mysteries’ locale or particulars help the reader learn about such topics as the redevelopment of run-down portions of London, the English art world, some London social/welfare situations, church and small town life in more rural England, and people who live on the long boats and travel the intricate English canal system.
I found the novels caught my interest in at least three ways — some aspect of England locale, culture, and lifestyles; the mystery story itself; and the changing relationship of the Scotland Yard detectives, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones. A reader who enjoys contemporary mysteries, or novels set in England, should definitely try this series.
Aesta Perlmutter Another Country by Mary Pipher (non-fiction) What is it like to be an older person in America today -- what is it like to face the changes that come with growing old? Mary Pipher offers insight into the thoughts, feelings, and challenges of older Americans. Drawn from her experience as a psychologist, her examples of families caring for older relatives are sometimes profoundly sad, others more hopeful. An excellent and compassionate book, especially helpful if you have an elderly relative.
Annette Klingensmith – The book I read was Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay. This was a story about the Holocaust in France in 1942. Sarah and her family are arrested in the French's collaboration with the Nazi's they called Vel'd'Hiv. She locks her brother in a cupboard which was their favorite hiding place thinking that she will be back in a couple of hours to let him out. An American Journalist is asked to write about this horrific day and in her investigation finds some connections to Sarah. I think the Holocaust is an interesting and serious topic. My grandfather was arrested in Belgium during the war and sent to a camp but did come out alive. The only thing I did not like about the book was the way it centered around the Journalist. I wish it would have told more about the family that was arrested. But still a good and quick read.
Michelle Shields: Let me tell you about a great book I just listened to on CD. It is called The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein) The story is told from the viewpoint of a dog named Enzo. Enzo is different from other dogs, he has insight into the human condition and on the eve of his death he is recalling all that he and his family have been through. He can barely wait until his next lifetime when he is sure he will return as a man. This is a wonderful uplifting story of family, love. loyalty and hope told only as a dog could tell it.
Dorothy New: The Girl in the Red Coat by Roma Ligocka with Iris Von Finckenstein When Roma Ligocka saw the movie Schindler’s List, she identified with the little girl in the red coat. The girl’s red coat was the only color in the movie. Roma was a child in German-occupied Poland. She also had a red coat that her grandmother made. After seeing the movie Roma wanted to write her memoir to represent all the children who lived through the horrors of war. The result is a memoir spanning fifty years. From Roma being a two year old in the Krakow ghetto and the affect it had on her life for years after the war.
Deanna Leppink: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. I liked this a lot. It was hard to get into, but I kept reading and really enjoyed the book being told by the dog Almondine. I really liked the boy Edgar, a very smart kid - he had already figured out who killed his father. I like dogs, so I enjoyed the parts about the dogs and the kennel. I didn't like the way it ended.
Julie Tufo: If I Stay by Gayle Forman (YA fiction, 2009). Not living a perfect life, but pretty darn close...until. Until the unthinkable. Until the saddest thing you can imagine. Mia floats outside her tragedy wondering if there is any point to staying and living with the "crater-sized hole where my heart used to be". Looking back on the highlights of her short life, she worries that what lies ahead would be so different, even if she could, would she really want to face it? I cried as I turned the last page, rooting for her, no matter her decision, whether to stay, or to let go.
Barb Pinhas: The World to Come – by Dara Horn
Dara Horn’s novel actually begins with a “true crime” – the theft of a Chagall painting from a New York museum during a singles cocktail hour. This article on the front page of The New York Times a couple of years ago actually planted the seed and inspired the author to write this book. What is” the world to come”? It means different things to different people. The meaning is multi layered and goes far beyond merely exploring why we are here and what comes next. Life after death, redemption, or simply the future of everyday life are just a few of the possibilities. From the horrors of the Vietnam War to life in a Russian orphanage in 1919, to modern day New York - the author uses the imagined world of century old folk tales to tie together this original and very well written novel. Mysticism, art, spirituality, romance and death can all be found in The World to Come.
Dara Horn’s novel actually begins with a “true crime” – the theft of a Chagall painting from a New York museum during a singles cocktail hour. This article on the front page of The New York Times a couple of years ago actually planted the seed and inspired the author to write this book. What is” the world to come”? It means different things to different people. The meaning is multi layered and goes far beyond merely exploring why we are here and what comes next. Life after death, redemption, or simply the future of everyday life are just a few of the possibilities. From the horrors of the Vietnam War to life in a Russian orphanage in 1919, to modern day New York - the author uses the imagined world of century old folk tales to tie together this original and very well written novel. Mysticism, art, spirituality, romance and death can all be found in The World to Come.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Twitter anyone?
Unless you've been living under a bush somewhere, you've likely heard of Twitter. It’s the micro-blogging service that lets users (“senders”) send out short messages up to 140 characters in length (“tweets”) to anyone who has subscribed to them (“followers”). In its most mundane form (and maybe most personal) a follower can read all about someone’s day in small and frequent updates… “Had beans for breakfast! Yum” or “Passed my econ final, finally!” or “Not sure what to wear today, blue or green” …you get the drift. But Twitter has moved beyond the minute by minute comments about someone’s life to getting small amounts of information quickly in a variety of formats (twitter web site, web browser, instant messaging, or mobile phone) about a variety of subjects from the meaningful (news bulletins, emergency situations, public interest, presidential campaigns) to the not-so-meaningful (follow the exciting lives of Ashton Kutcher or Britney Spears). And with the ability to embed shortened website links into tweets, senders can send out a snippet of a story that can link directly to a lengthy blog or web entry.
So what does this have to do with RAVALA? Well, not surprisingly there are twitter entries from a variety of book related sources that are starting to show up on the tweetosphere:
TwitterLit (twitterlit.com) sends out a literary teaser twice daily - posting the first line of a book, without the author's name or book title, but with a link to Amazon so readers can see what book the line is from.
The Book Blog from Readers Read sends out tweets regarding new book information such as “New Robert Langdon novel from Dan Brown, The Lost Symbol, arrives in stores 9-15-09. Huge first printing of 5 million. http://bit.ly/UAdYJ” or “Harper Collins will publish two new Michael Crichton books posthumously. http://tr.im/iow0” with links to more detailed information on their blog.
Borders uses Twitter for new book/music/movie news while Barnes and Noble use it for updates to their many book clubs.
Publishers Weekly tweets about new book-related information.
Authors love to tweet… hey they write for a living, so it’s a natural fit.Here's a list of 100+ Best Authors on Twitter. Meg Cabot, Chuck Palahniuk, Harlan Coben, Neil Gaiman, they all be tweetin'
And of course ALD is twittering, or is it tweeting… anyway we do it!
And then, as often the case in Web 2.0, users take a new technology and morph it into something else… so there are now books being created using twitter (in 140 character increments) and books condensed into tweets (Pride and Prejudice - janeaustin: Woman meets man called Darcy who seems horrible. He turns out to be nice really. They get together.)
As for me, I’m no tweeter yet, and I have no interest in what someone had for dinner, be it my Uncle Earl or Neil Gaiman, but I do subscribe to a number of blogs and sorting through 50-100 blog entries a day is tedious, so having the blog condensed into a tweet with a link to an entry that interests me seems intriguing.
How about you? Are you a tweet follower? A tweet sender? What’s your opinion?
And no Sylvester & Tweety Bird jokes please!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Award winners & nominees
Some book award information:
2009 Colorado Book Award Finalists: (from the Colorado Center for the Book)
Biography
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America by Walter R. Borneman
The Principled Politician: The Ralph Carr Story by Adam Schrager
Rabbit Creek Country: Three Ranching Lives in the Heart of the Mountain West by Jon Thiem with Deborah Dimon
Children’s Literature
M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Max Goes to Jupiter: A Science Adventure with Max the Dog by Jeffrey Bennett, Nick Schneider, Erica Ellingson, illustrated by Michael Carroll
There Was a Man Who Loved a Rat and Other Vile Little Poems by Gerda Rovetch, illustrated by Lissa Rovetch
Creative Nonfiction
Bicycling beyond the Divide: Two Journeys into the West by Daryl Farmer
Trespass: Living at the Edge of the Promised Land by Amy Irvine
Travels in Place: A Journey into Memory Loss by Christiane W. Griffin-Wehr
Spring’s Edge: A Ranch Wife’s Chronicles by Laurie Wagner Buyer
Fiction/Literary
Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice
Home Pool: Stories of Fly Fishing and Lesser Passions by Bruce Ducker
The Song of Jonah by Gene Guerin
People of the Whale by Linda Hogan
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
2009 Pulitzer Prize Winners
Fiction - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Drama - Ruined by Lynn Nottage
History - The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed
Biography - American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
Poetry - The Shadow of Sirius by W.S. Merwin
General Nonfiction - Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon
2009 Colorado Book Award Finalists: (from the Colorado Center for the Book)
Biography
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America by Walter R. Borneman
The Principled Politician: The Ralph Carr Story by Adam Schrager
Rabbit Creek Country: Three Ranching Lives in the Heart of the Mountain West by Jon Thiem with Deborah Dimon
Children’s Literature
M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Max Goes to Jupiter: A Science Adventure with Max the Dog by Jeffrey Bennett, Nick Schneider, Erica Ellingson, illustrated by Michael Carroll
There Was a Man Who Loved a Rat and Other Vile Little Poems by Gerda Rovetch, illustrated by Lissa Rovetch
Creative Nonfiction
Bicycling beyond the Divide: Two Journeys into the West by Daryl Farmer
Trespass: Living at the Edge of the Promised Land by Amy Irvine
Travels in Place: A Journey into Memory Loss by Christiane W. Griffin-Wehr
Spring’s Edge: A Ranch Wife’s Chronicles by Laurie Wagner Buyer
Fiction/Literary
Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice
Home Pool: Stories of Fly Fishing and Lesser Passions by Bruce Ducker
The Song of Jonah by Gene Guerin
People of the Whale by Linda Hogan
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
2009 Pulitzer Prize Winners
Fiction - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Drama - Ruined by Lynn Nottage
History - The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed
Biography - American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
Poetry - The Shadow of Sirius by W.S. Merwin
General Nonfiction - Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon
Monday, April 20, 2009
British films
A weekend-or-so ago, as is my usual weekend tradition, I brought home a selection of DVDs to see what would agree with my family. Turns out we watched three films that were British in origin and that seemed like a good topic for this weeks blog.
Finding British Films in the catalog is... well... pretty hopeless. Seems like they aren't "foreign film" enough to qualify for their own subject heading, so there's not many that are listed by subject heading that I could find except for "England Drama" which lists 70 or so TV series and movies from England.
So if you are asked about British Movies, a better bet might be looking at a site like britfilms.com, britflicks.com, screenonline (which has a nice list of British films by genre), and don't forget our friends at Wikipedia who have compliled a list of British films. For more of an industry perspective, there's the BAFTA site (British Academy of Film & Television Arts) or the BFI (British Film Institute).
What did we watch? "This is England" (12-year-old Shawn is befriended by a group of skinheads in 1980's England), "Driving Lessons" (starring Julie Waters and Rupert Grint, who does actually has a role besides Ron Weasley - confused Christian teenager Ben gets a summer job working for a retired actress and goes on a unique, life-changing road trip), and "Happy-Go-Lucky" (story of a school teacher who maintains her upbeat attitude while dealing with school bullies, angry tango teachers, and a psychotic driving instructor).
Seen any good British Cinema? (No TV please, we'll handle that one another time!)
Finding British Films in the catalog is... well... pretty hopeless. Seems like they aren't "foreign film" enough to qualify for their own subject heading, so there's not many that are listed by subject heading that I could find except for "England Drama" which lists 70 or so TV series and movies from England.
So if you are asked about British Movies, a better bet might be looking at a site like britfilms.com, britflicks.com, screenonline (which has a nice list of British films by genre), and don't forget our friends at Wikipedia who have compliled a list of British films. For more of an industry perspective, there's the BAFTA site (British Academy of Film & Television Arts) or the BFI (British Film Institute).
What did we watch? "This is England" (12-year-old Shawn is befriended by a group of skinheads in 1980's England), "Driving Lessons" (starring Julie Waters and Rupert Grint, who does actually has a role besides Ron Weasley - confused Christian teenager Ben gets a summer job working for a retired actress and goes on a unique, life-changing road trip), and "Happy-Go-Lucky" (story of a school teacher who maintains her upbeat attitude while dealing with school bullies, angry tango teachers, and a psychotic driving instructor).
Seen any good British Cinema? (No TV please, we'll handle that one another time!)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Summer Showdown... Let's Get Ready to Rummmmmmble!
Summer Showdown!
Information from Alyson Corcoran:
The ALD websites will be featuring a "Summer Showdown" competition this summer where books will go head to head to determine the best book. Check out School Library Journal's Battle of the (Kids) Books for a general idea. The main difference - our judges will be people voting in polls on the websites.
Books will compete in 4 categories - Easy, Junior, YA and Adult. We need books nominated in those four categories. All staff are invited to nominate on or more books and write a brief justification of why the book deserves to compete. Your nominations will count as May Staff Picks. The only criteria is that the book must be owned by ALD.
Mail your questions and nominations to acorcoran@ald.lib.co.us. Nominations are due May 15th.
The eight competitors in each category will be chosen based on balance among nominees, multiple nominations, and popularity.
Information from Alyson Corcoran:
The ALD websites will be featuring a "Summer Showdown" competition this summer where books will go head to head to determine the best book. Check out School Library Journal's Battle of the (Kids) Books for a general idea. The main difference - our judges will be people voting in polls on the websites.
Books will compete in 4 categories - Easy, Junior, YA and Adult. We need books nominated in those four categories. All staff are invited to nominate on or more books and write a brief justification of why the book deserves to compete. Your nominations will count as May Staff Picks. The only criteria is that the book must be owned by ALD.
Mail your questions and nominations to acorcoran@ald.lib.co.us. Nominations are due May 15th.
The eight competitors in each category will be chosen based on balance among nominees, multiple nominations, and popularity.
Monday, April 13, 2009
RA Outside the Box: CAL Readers' Advisory Workshop 2009
From the CAL (Colorado Association of Libraries) website:
RA Outside the Box: CAL Readers' Advisory Workshop 2009:
Readers' Advisory is a fast and exciting field. Join us for RA Outside of the Box, a training workshop focused on new and creative RA methods on May 27th.
With a special presentation by David Wright from Seattle Public Library about the joys of Adult Storytime, this workshop is sure to not only be a crowd-pleaser, but an excellent educational opportunity as well.
Sessions include:
David Wright - Seattle Public Library - Thrilling Tales: Adult Storytime @ your library!
A story hour for grown ups? Why not! David Wright’s adult story program, Thrilling Tales, is now in its fifth year of captivating audiences with the very best of suspense, adventure, ghost stories and other fun escapist fare. Adult storytimes can focus on a variety of styles and formats, from classics to literary fiction, story discussion groups to parent/child programs to podcasts. They can fit any size venue, and any size budget, including no budget at all. David will share a variety of programs from libraries large and small, and give you all the ideas and inspiration you need to get started with your very own story program for adults, and find new ways to celebrate story in your library.
Dedra Anderson and Carol Wagstaff -Douglas County Public Library District - Creative Booktalking
This how-to session on booktalking (not booksharing) will help you enhance your presentations for the public, for outreach or for special library events designed to inform the public of great titles they may have missed!
Tara Bannon - Denver Public Library - Video and Podcasting Book Reviews
See how cheap and easy it can be to create interesting and informative multiformat book reviews that you can make available to the public on your library's website! Either with content created by staff or the public, these reviews are excellent promotional tools for the library!
The registration deadline for this workshop is May 20, 2009.
Click here for more info.
RA Outside the Box: CAL Readers' Advisory Workshop 2009:
Readers' Advisory is a fast and exciting field. Join us for RA Outside of the Box, a training workshop focused on new and creative RA methods on May 27th.
With a special presentation by David Wright from Seattle Public Library about the joys of Adult Storytime, this workshop is sure to not only be a crowd-pleaser, but an excellent educational opportunity as well.
Sessions include:
David Wright - Seattle Public Library - Thrilling Tales: Adult Storytime @ your library!
A story hour for grown ups? Why not! David Wright’s adult story program, Thrilling Tales, is now in its fifth year of captivating audiences with the very best of suspense, adventure, ghost stories and other fun escapist fare. Adult storytimes can focus on a variety of styles and formats, from classics to literary fiction, story discussion groups to parent/child programs to podcasts. They can fit any size venue, and any size budget, including no budget at all. David will share a variety of programs from libraries large and small, and give you all the ideas and inspiration you need to get started with your very own story program for adults, and find new ways to celebrate story in your library.
Dedra Anderson and Carol Wagstaff -Douglas County Public Library District - Creative Booktalking
This how-to session on booktalking (not booksharing) will help you enhance your presentations for the public, for outreach or for special library events designed to inform the public of great titles they may have missed!
Tara Bannon - Denver Public Library - Video and Podcasting Book Reviews
See how cheap and easy it can be to create interesting and informative multiformat book reviews that you can make available to the public on your library's website! Either with content created by staff or the public, these reviews are excellent promotional tools for the library!
The registration deadline for this workshop is May 20, 2009.
Click here for more info.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Howdy Pardner, let's talk Westerns.
Movie Maven Librarian Donna Keslin continues to develop movie resources on the ALD website.
I had previously posted information regarding the American Film Noir resources, but Donna has continued by adding "Gangsters: American Film Icons" and more recently "The Western: An American Myth" to the "Classic Film Series" link on the "Movies & Music" page of the website.
To quickly reach the page, click here
Donna's essays give a great overview of the genre with some classic film examples, so spend a few minutes taking a look so the next time you get that request for a good western (or gangster film), you'll have a couple of suggestions to make.
Oh, and if you have a favorite western movie or book, or had a favorite western you used to watch as a kid, this is a great place to share.
Just click on the "comments" link below and give us your opinion, pardner!
I had previously posted information regarding the American Film Noir resources, but Donna has continued by adding "Gangsters: American Film Icons" and more recently "The Western: An American Myth" to the "Classic Film Series" link on the "Movies & Music" page of the website.
To quickly reach the page, click here
Donna's essays give a great overview of the genre with some classic film examples, so spend a few minutes taking a look so the next time you get that request for a good western (or gangster film), you'll have a couple of suggestions to make.
Oh, and if you have a favorite western movie or book, or had a favorite western you used to watch as a kid, this is a great place to share.
Just click on the "comments" link below and give us your opinion, pardner!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Book clubs!
Here's subject we haven't discussed yet... Book Clubs.
I don't know how many of you have had the opportunity to run a book club at ALD or have participated in one for personal enjoyment, but there are lots of websites that give book club information.
Here's a few:
BookBrowse.com gives advice, author info, and reading guides to hundreds of titles.
Readinggroupguides.com is "an online community for reading groups" with recommendations, guides, message board and blog, and librarian interviews that give tips and tricks for library book clubs.
Book-clubs-resource.com gives lots of how-to information about starting and running a book club and gives resources for group guides.
Don't forget to check the publisher's website if you are looking for author information and a book guide for a specific titles. For instance, Random House features hundreds of reading guides at their "Book Club Center" page on the Random House website.
Do you know any good resources for book clubs? Any tips from you book club pros? Or perhaps you have a good story to share about a book club? Let's hear those horror/success stories!
speaking of horrors...
enjoy!
- Andrew
I don't know how many of you have had the opportunity to run a book club at ALD or have participated in one for personal enjoyment, but there are lots of websites that give book club information.
Here's a few:
BookBrowse.com gives advice, author info, and reading guides to hundreds of titles.
Readinggroupguides.com is "an online community for reading groups" with recommendations, guides, message board and blog, and librarian interviews that give tips and tricks for library book clubs.
Book-clubs-resource.com gives lots of how-to information about starting and running a book club and gives resources for group guides.
Don't forget to check the publisher's website if you are looking for author information and a book guide for a specific titles. For instance, Random House features hundreds of reading guides at their "Book Club Center" page on the Random House website.
Do you know any good resources for book clubs? Any tips from you book club pros? Or perhaps you have a good story to share about a book club? Let's hear those horror/success stories!
speaking of horrors...
enjoy!
- Andrew
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Books you can't put down!
The RAVALA blog is back! And the blog is pleased that you all wanted it to keep on blogging! It's as giddy as Sally Fields at the 1985 Oscars who said "I haven't had an orthodox career, and I've wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn't feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!"
So with all this good feelings in the air, let's chat a bit about good books.
"Books Alive" is is an Australian Government initiative developed through the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body...or so says their website. Anyway, Books Alive produced a spiffy online guide titled "50 Books You Can't Put Down" that's in a flashy Flash format where you can turn the pages of the online guide or you can open the PDF version at the bottom of their web page. You can find the "50 Books You Can't Put Down" guide at: http://www.booksalive.com.au/index.php/guide
The guide says "The books here are the best of the best, guaranteed great reads hand-picked by book lovers. There’s something for everyone – and every occasion. But whatever you choose, you can be sure that once you start reading, you won’t stop." Sure, it's going to include Australian authors (They are the Australia Council for the Arts - they have to promote their own), but there are lots of good books in there.
Books you can't put down... back in the day, I used to feel that way with Stephen King novels - I didn't care how late it was, I was going to finish it! Not so easy when you are reading The Stand at 1100+ pages, but that was back when I could stay up late... okay, maybe it took me a few days to read it.
So the question this week is - Is there a book that you couldn't put down? One you stayed up way too late reading, but were happy you did? I'm sure you RAVALA readers have lots of them!
So with all this good feelings in the air, let's chat a bit about good books.
"Books Alive" is is an Australian Government initiative developed through the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body...or so says their website. Anyway, Books Alive produced a spiffy online guide titled "50 Books You Can't Put Down" that's in a flashy Flash format where you can turn the pages of the online guide or you can open the PDF version at the bottom of their web page. You can find the "50 Books You Can't Put Down" guide at: http://www.booksalive.com.au/index.php/guide
The guide says "The books here are the best of the best, guaranteed great reads hand-picked by book lovers. There’s something for everyone – and every occasion. But whatever you choose, you can be sure that once you start reading, you won’t stop." Sure, it's going to include Australian authors (They are the Australia Council for the Arts - they have to promote their own), but there are lots of good books in there.
Books you can't put down... back in the day, I used to feel that way with Stephen King novels - I didn't care how late it was, I was going to finish it! Not so easy when you are reading The Stand at 1100+ pages, but that was back when I could stay up late... okay, maybe it took me a few days to read it.
So the question this week is - Is there a book that you couldn't put down? One you stayed up way too late reading, but were happy you did? I'm sure you RAVALA readers have lots of them!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Article from The New York Review of Books
"Google & the Future of Books" by Robert Darnton.
An article from The New York Review of Books (2/12/09):
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22281?email
Thanks to Alice K for the tip!
An article from The New York Review of Books (2/12/09):
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22281?email
Thanks to Alice K for the tip!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Looking for Animal Tales
Okay! Let's move into the animal kingdom! One of the hottest themes in books and movies these days seems to be animal stories - "Marley and Me", "Dewey", "The Art of Racing in the Rain", "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" - and on and on. So, dear RAVALA members, the question of this week is what is/was your very favorite animal book or movie and why. Please contribute and share with all of us!
I'm a horse lover, and growing up I was enthralled with Marguerite Henry's story for children, "King of the Wind", the gripping adventure of Sham, the Arabian, who was born to run and who became the ancestor of some of the greatest Thoroughbreds. Then of course, there was "My Friend Flicka" ( a great coming of age story that showcases Wyoming) and its sequels. These are just a few among my favorites. How about anyone else out there in RAVALA land?
Susan C.
I'm a horse lover, and growing up I was enthralled with Marguerite Henry's story for children, "King of the Wind", the gripping adventure of Sham, the Arabian, who was born to run and who became the ancestor of some of the greatest Thoroughbreds. Then of course, there was "My Friend Flicka" ( a great coming of age story that showcases Wyoming) and its sequels. These are just a few among my favorites. How about anyone else out there in RAVALA land?
Susan C.
Friday, January 30, 2009
"Women in Fantasy Literature" conference - Vail 10/09
Vail, CO
October 1–4, 2009
A conference on women in fantasy literature presented by Narrate Conferences, Inc.
Sirens, a conference focused on literary contributions by women to the fantasy genre and on fantasy works with prominent female characters, will take place October 1–4, 2009, in Vail, CO. The conference seeks papers, panels, interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, and other presentations suitable for an audience of academics, professionals, educators, librarians, authors, and fantasy readers.
The theme for 2009 is "warriors," and programming prompted by the theme is encouraged; presenters are not limited to this theme, however, and proposals that address specific aspects of a work or series, works related by other themes, and studies of the fantasy genre across all disciplines are encouraged as well. A non-exhaustive list of sample topics includes literary analyses of novels; studies of genre history; use of fantasy works in schools and libraries for education; examination of related business and legal issues; media and fan studies; craft-based workshops in writing, art, and publishing; and overviews of how fantasy works fit into larger contexts.
Presentation submission to the vetting board is by online system only. No other format or contact will be considered. The online submission system is located at <http://www.sirensconference.org/submissions/> and will open for proposals on November 21, 2008.
The deadline for proposals is April 12, 2009, and notices regarding proposals will be sent no later than May 1, 2009.
(Thanks to Maureen K. for this info)
October 1–4, 2009
A conference on women in fantasy literature presented by Narrate Conferences, Inc.
Sirens, a conference focused on literary contributions by women to the fantasy genre and on fantasy works with prominent female characters, will take place October 1–4, 2009, in Vail, CO. The conference seeks papers, panels, interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, and other presentations suitable for an audience of academics, professionals, educators, librarians, authors, and fantasy readers.
The theme for 2009 is "warriors," and programming prompted by the theme is encouraged; presenters are not limited to this theme, however, and proposals that address specific aspects of a work or series, works related by other themes, and studies of the fantasy genre across all disciplines are encouraged as well. A non-exhaustive list of sample topics includes literary analyses of novels; studies of genre history; use of fantasy works in schools and libraries for education; examination of related business and legal issues; media and fan studies; craft-based workshops in writing, art, and publishing; and overviews of how fantasy works fit into larger contexts.
Presentation submission to the vetting board is by online system only. No other format or contact will be considered. The online submission system is located at <http://www.sirensconference.org/submissions/> and will open for proposals on November 21, 2008.
The deadline for proposals is April 12, 2009, and notices regarding proposals will be sent no later than May 1, 2009.
(Thanks to Maureen K. for this info)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
lists, lists, and more lists!
Top 10?... don't make me laugh
Top 100?... child's play!
Top 1000!... now you're talkin'
The good folks at the guardian.co.uk, the online version of the the U.K. newspaper founded in 1821 recently released a list of what they considered "1000 novels everyone must read!" So when you're stuck with that patron that's read everything you can suggest, give 'em this site and perhaps they'll find a book or two.
1000 novels everyone must read!
If that's not enough, they've previously released lists of "1000 films to see before you die" & "1000 albums to hear before you die" (see, they're thinking RAVALA too!)
1000 films to see before you die!
1000 albums to hear before you die!
For a lighter side of a top 100, check out this video "100 Movies, 100 Quotes, 100 Numbers." How many movies in the countdown can you name?
enjoy!
Andrew
Top 100?... child's play!
Top 1000!... now you're talkin'
The good folks at the guardian.co.uk, the online version of the the U.K. newspaper founded in 1821 recently released a list of what they considered "1000 novels everyone must read!" So when you're stuck with that patron that's read everything you can suggest, give 'em this site and perhaps they'll find a book or two.
1000 novels everyone must read!
If that's not enough, they've previously released lists of "1000 films to see before you die" & "1000 albums to hear before you die" (see, they're thinking RAVALA too!)
1000 films to see before you die!
1000 albums to hear before you die!
For a lighter side of a top 100, check out this video "100 Movies, 100 Quotes, 100 Numbers." How many movies in the countdown can you name?
enjoy!
Andrew
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What Book/Movie/Audio Did You Really NOT Like in 2008
Hello To All - And happy Inauguration Day!!
Since it's Tuesday, we have a shorter week to post comments, so here's one question that hopefully will peak your interest and get those brain juices flowing: Let us know what book/movie/audio that you read/watched/listened to this past year that totally turned you off. You really didn't like it! You hated it! And why!
For example, I turned totally against the tide (including Oprah) on "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". True, it was well written (especially for a first time author), but for pete's sake, Hamlet in Wisconsin? Hamlet is Shakespeare's alone and now we have so many trying to outdo him! I didn't like this book because of the over-used Hamlet factor (which was huge) and because I thought it was a slow read and I really didn't like any of the characters except perhaps for Almondine (who is Ophelia in dog drag). Give me a break!
Enough of my ranting. How about you out there in RAVALA land? What did you indulge in during this past year that truly grated on you for one or another reason?
Please chime in - and forgive my over the top emoting regarding Edgar but I had a hard time holding back.
Susan C.
Since it's Tuesday, we have a shorter week to post comments, so here's one question that hopefully will peak your interest and get those brain juices flowing: Let us know what book/movie/audio that you read/watched/listened to this past year that totally turned you off. You really didn't like it! You hated it! And why!
For example, I turned totally against the tide (including Oprah) on "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". True, it was well written (especially for a first time author), but for pete's sake, Hamlet in Wisconsin? Hamlet is Shakespeare's alone and now we have so many trying to outdo him! I didn't like this book because of the over-used Hamlet factor (which was huge) and because I thought it was a slow read and I really didn't like any of the characters except perhaps for Almondine (who is Ophelia in dog drag). Give me a break!
Enough of my ranting. How about you out there in RAVALA land? What did you indulge in during this past year that truly grated on you for one or another reason?
Please chime in - and forgive my over the top emoting regarding Edgar but I had a hard time holding back.
Susan C.
Monday, January 12, 2009
more resources!
Here are a couple more websites that might be of some help with our advisory efforts:
Reading Trails is a website where users can create a trail (list) of books with a common theme (Melancholic meanders, Fallen Women of the 19th Century, Curiosities of Human Behavior). Find a theme to see what the user recommends. The site gets more interesting when you discover intersections where two (or more) threads pick the same book, which allows you to turn down the new trail if you like.
For example, the trail "Fallen Women of the 19th Century" has 5 books on the trail. There are five intersections at the book "Anna Karenina" which include the trails "Adultery Trail" and "Russian Works that Rock." Click on one of those trails and you can head in a completely different direction, subject-wise.
It's a young site, launched last November, but it seems like there are lots of Reader's advisory opportunities there.
No Flying No Tights is a website/blog dedicated to graphic novel reviews. The main site (designed for teens) has a variety of subject headings (superheroes, humor, non-fiction, action, etc) to help get you to the kind of graphic novel you are looking for. A variety of reviewers (some library-related, others not) give brief but helpful reviews.
There are two other companion sites, The Lair ("here to help distinguish between those graphic novels and comics that walk the line between teen appeal and more adult content") and Sidekicks (for kids up to age 12) that can be accessed through the home page.
Since many of us (or at least me) know little about many of the graphic novels out there (and there are lots of them out there) this is a good site to get some reviews to help guide the patron in the right direction.
Andrew
Reading Trails is a website where users can create a trail (list) of books with a common theme (Melancholic meanders, Fallen Women of the 19th Century, Curiosities of Human Behavior). Find a theme to see what the user recommends. The site gets more interesting when you discover intersections where two (or more) threads pick the same book, which allows you to turn down the new trail if you like.
For example, the trail "Fallen Women of the 19th Century" has 5 books on the trail. There are five intersections at the book "Anna Karenina" which include the trails "Adultery Trail" and "Russian Works that Rock." Click on one of those trails and you can head in a completely different direction, subject-wise.
It's a young site, launched last November, but it seems like there are lots of Reader's advisory opportunities there.
No Flying No Tights is a website/blog dedicated to graphic novel reviews. The main site (designed for teens) has a variety of subject headings (superheroes, humor, non-fiction, action, etc) to help get you to the kind of graphic novel you are looking for. A variety of reviewers (some library-related, others not) give brief but helpful reviews.
There are two other companion sites, The Lair ("here to help distinguish between those graphic novels and comics that walk the line between teen appeal and more adult content") and Sidekicks (for kids up to age 12) that can be accessed through the home page.
Since many of us (or at least me) know little about many of the graphic novels out there (and there are lots of them out there) this is a good site to get some reviews to help guide the patron in the right direction.
Andrew
Monday, January 5, 2009
Favorite First Lines
Happy "First Monday in 2009" to everyone in RAVALA land!! And, to help celebrate this first Monday, how about chiming in to let us know what your favorite first lines in literature or in movies are? My very favorite first line is that penned by Margaret Mitchell in "Gone With The Wind": "Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were." That first line was truly intriguing for me and as a 13 year old, it drove me forward into the book. After seeing the movie, I knew she was gorgeous, but Ms. Mitchell used an amazing first line to hook me in.
So - what is your favorite or most memorable first line? Please share and satisfy our curiosity!
Susan C.
So - what is your favorite or most memorable first line? Please share and satisfy our curiosity!
Susan C.
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