Ra to Genre Fiction
by Joyce G. Saricks
2021-01-03 09:17:56
04/01/2019In the third edition of this guide, former librarian Saricks (Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library) is joined by Wyatt, LJ's readers' advisory columnist. The authors promote the appeal framework, a set of terms for readers' advis...
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04/01/2019In the third edition of this guide, former librarian Saricks (Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library) is joined by Wyatt, LJ's readers' advisory columnist. The authors promote the appeal framework, a set of terms for readers' advisors to use in classifying works, based on writing elements and features including pacing, story line, characterization, and tone. The framework crosses genre, subject, and format; indeed, this latest version of this guide emphasizes the importance of the entire collection (including nonfiction and multimedia) more so than previous editions. Another key component is genre studies, which examines in detail what makes each category unique, while also looking at genre subdivisions, core features, titles, and authors. Rather than focusing on well-known genres (mystery, romance, sf, etc.), the authors combine them into four broad-based topics: adrenaline, intellect, landscape, and emotion. These more general terms allow librarians to determine more effectively how genres overlap and connect while also acknowledging that their readers' preferences do not always fit easily into a particular type of work. VERDICT This valuable resource lets public librarians move beyond a narrow approach to readers' advisory and become more open to a wide range of possibilities.—Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL
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