WEEK 8: NON-FICTION

I am excited about this week's subject because narrative non-fiction is my favorite type of reading and I read a wide range of genres within it. Just like many fiction readers I want a gripping story with fascinating people but I prefer non-fiction because it is a real story. Many times really good narrative non-fiction will be under utilized and almost lost to the readers. I love adding non-fiction to the RA treasure hunt.

Assignment 1:

"Reading Non-Fiction for Pleasure"

I could really relate to the reasons for enjoying non-fiction--I would have given a number of the reasons myself.

Interesting idea to create hybrid displays--non-fiction and fiction relating to a particular subject plus including a variety of formats. Harder to gather items for this type of display but should be appealing to a wider range of reader.

Very important to get accustomed to using appeal factors with non-fiction . Also  useful to be aware of non-fiction counterparts of popular fiction genres.

"Borderlands"

I totally agreed with the idea that fiction will many times link directly to a narrative non-fiction title. I know myself when I am reading a historical fiction I will become so interested in the period, event or real historical characters I will seek out a non-fiction addition to enhance my reading. The author mentioned Guernsey Literary... and that title prompted me to pursue non-fiction books on the occupation of these islands.

It is vital to use a wide range search of the collection when recommending to a customer.


Assignment 2:

E-Learning video was excellent. Nine plus minutes packed with RA information on Non-Fiction: good description of narrative non-fiction, appeal characteristics/factors types (genres), author appeal characteristics and even lack of appeal factors.


Assignment 3:

Many narrative non-fiction titles I would recommend would in fact actually fall into more than one of the 16 genres. There is a great deal of mixing genres within one book.

1.Biography --primarily in biography at BCPL could also be 920's.

Bio. Zamperini       Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
                           (This is also History, Sports and Survival)

2. History--900's usually but not always sometimes  300's

940.5314     Monuments Men by Robert Edsel.


3. Food--usually in 640's but could be in Biog/Memoir or even Travel

641.5      Cooked by Michael Pollan
              (This also has Memoir and Science Appeal)

944.36     Sweet Life in Paris  by David Lebovitz.
               (Mixture of Memoir, Food, Travel)


4. Medical--usually 610-18 but could be 300's and Biog.

616.81    One Hundred Names for Love  by Diane Ackerman
               (also a memoir)

616.02    Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
              

Assignment 4:


Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert Edsel


Little know story of a small unique multinational band of soldiers who risked their lives racing across war torn Europe in the final days of WWII to rescue the thousands of art treasures that had been stolen and then hidden by the Nazis. Fast paced, filled with amazing heroic characters and astonishing events. Being made into a movie by George Clooney due to be released Fall 2013. Also available in a great CD version-perfect take along on a long vacation drive.

Have given this to customers who enjoy historical fiction especially WWII,  adventure and maybe the art world.  Been popular with a wide range of ages.


Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

Have you ever dreamed of living in Paris? Join David Lebovitz celebrated dessert chef and California transplant as he adjusts to the unique French style of living. Witty, funny, rapid paced memoir of the joys and frustration of adapting to the City of Lights. Story is also richly sprinkled with irresistible
recipes.

This is a great book for Book Clubs, armchair travelers, readers who love anything French, fans of sophisticated humor and anyone who loves to cook. The Dulce de Leche Brownie recipe is fabulous. I know of one Book Club who shared the Brownies and the book. If you want more recipes from David then try his  Ready for Dessert Cookbook.