Guest Blogger | What Are You Reading?

              

“What are you reading?” conversations between library users and staff often evolve to include whether or not the author’s latest book is up to his/her usual standards.   If a book has been or is being made into a movie, how do we feel about the actors selected to portray our favorite characters? 

As well as giving suggestions for new authors when a customer’s favorites well has run dry, I also receive tips about authors who might interest me.   You know, “If you like…., then you will love….”.

If you enjoy Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, some great recommendations from our customers include:

The Bricklayer
by Noah Boyd

The Innocent
by David Baldacci

Click on the titles below the book covers to see if your local library carries a copy. Remember, titles can be requested to be sent to your home branch.

Guest Blogger | What Are You Reading? Part 1

Working the customer service desk at a public library gives me the opportunity to interact with readers of all ages.  I must admit it gives me a thrill to see young readers borrowing the same books that I loved as a child (and believe me, that was a few years ago).  Beverly Cleary's books really bring back memories, and I think anyone who has a younger sister will enjoy the Ramona series, even as an adult.

And then there are the adult readers who come to the desk in a panic stating, "I've finished reading all of the books written by my favorite authors and I need someone new, now!"  I can certainly sympathize.  There is nothing quite as horrifying as a reading drought.  

Since I read a lot of fiction, especially mystery/suspense and sci-fi/horror, I often make suggestions of authors who write in those genres.  I get a feel for who might be interested in lightweight or humorous mysteries, and who might be more into the darker, hardcore private eye type stories. 

There are also many different sub-genres within sci-fi/horror, so if a customer says they have been reading Stephen King, I might suggest Dean Koontz or F Paul Wilson.  But, if someone asks me for a new author of romantic vampire novels, they are out of luck.  Hey, vampires are supposed to be evil and bloodthirsty!

Feedback on these recommendations is mixed.  Sometimes a customer lets me know that an author I suggested didn't quite meet their expectations, but I know I've been successful when a familiar face pops up at the desk and asks, "What are you reading?"

-Ginny