Women's Lives and Relationships Annotation

                                                               Author:                                Elizabeth Noble

                                                                Title:      Between a Mother and Her Child

                                                                Genre:  Women’s Lives and Relationships

                                                                Publication Date:              2013

                                                                Pages:   448

                                                                Geographical Setting:     London, England

                                                                Time Period:      Present day

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Plot Summary

Isolating herself and others, Maggie Barrett grieves the unexpected death of her oldest son, Jake, pushing away her husband, Bill and teen daughter, Aly in the process.  Through her trusted sister, Liv’s unconventional answer to an ad, she enlists the help of Kate Miller, a “rent-a-granny” companion for the struggling household.  Kate seems to be the healer of all wounds, from troubled Aly and estranged Bill to desperate Maggie.  Invading privacy in search of truth, Aly discovers Kate’s secret and as the family “fixer” tries to heal her beloved rent-a-granny, Kate. 

Subject Headings

Sons, Death, Bereavement, Marriage, Fiction

Appeal

Tone/ Mood

Witty and deep:  Elizabeth Noble deeply explores every angle of the nuclear family’s division.  The reader feels the character weaknesses, nervousness and excitement at each phase of the relationships’ study, “…authors, by their intention and direction, create a range of books that deal with similar, always difficult and emotional topics,” (Saricks 157).  Saricks goes on to explain that while some authors provide only a “casual look at an issue,” others explore issues and possibilities (157).  Noble details Maggie’s anger  and then warmth with Bill, her frustration and then closeness with Aly, her love of her sister and closeness with Stan.  “Maggie knew Aly had withdrawn herself emotionally from her mother.  And, for now, it was easier not to fight it, however much it hurt,” (Noble 33).

Noble adds sarcasm and light humor to intense situations, strengthening the emotional link between the readers and the characters, while providing a very personal look inside the characters’ lives, “Don’t make me [Aly] laugh.  I’m trying to pee on a very narrow stick [pregnancy test] here….” (Noble 298).

Characterization

This genre explores the life of female protagonist and her relationships (Saricks 157): Between a Mother and Her Child explores the life of fragile Maggie, the protagonist, and her complex relationship with her distant daughter, challenged son, beloved sister, estranged husband, live in granny Kate and boyfriend.  Throughout the trials and drama, Maggie learns how to love her children in the face of disaster and reassure them in the midst of unavoidable change, “The love tween a mother and her child, or between a father and his child, cannot ever, ever be changed.  Not by anything…nothing,” (Noble 379).

Story Line

“Novels in this genre examine themes of concern special to women,” (Saricks 158).  In this domestic drama, Elizabeth Noble celebrates the family life of Maggie and her children through grieving the death of Jake, accepting the birth of Carrie’s baby [Bill’s new girlfriend], , “Our [Maggie and Bill] lives are not connected in this way anymore…” (Noble 311), and fearing Aly’s possible pregnancy, “I [Maggie] could never hate you, silly girl.  Little thing called unconditional love,” (Noble 293).

Style/ Language

Conversational dialogue and the inclusion of emails and letters, aide in telling the personal story of the central characters, (Saricks 156).  Noble uses Liv’s bouncy, energetic character to lighten the mood; upon arrival from Australia, Live declares that she’s, “Smelly, knackered and starving” (Noble 62). Aly and her boyfriend, Ryan, correspond almost exclusively through emails  (Noble 102) and Kate writes a heart-felt letter to her disconnected daughter, Rebecca, expressing regret and hope, “I’m [Kate] writing for the first time in a long time because I hope that maybe there’s a chance you feel a little differently  about me and about what has happened between us,” (Noble 355).

Read Alikes

 Home front(2012) by Kristin Hannah

Jolene and Michael, in a fragile12- year marriage, are forced to endure Jolene’s tour of duty to Iraq.  Michael, angry that Jolene has been deployed, leaving him to juggle parenthood with his legal practice, begins to understand all that he has taken for granted when Jolene’s helicopter crashes.  Similar to Between a Mother and Her Child, the protagonist in Home Front must rebuild herself and her relationships following disaster. 

 The Bright Forever (2006) by Lee Martin

The Mackey family, glassworks owners and envied in their small Indiana town for their wealth and good looks encounter unspeakable tragedy when their nine year old Katie Mackey rides her bike to the library, but never returns.  In a community of shady neighbors with questionable histories, Katie’s older brother desperately tries to gain his father’s praise while seeking the truth behind Katie’s death.  Similar to Between a Mother and Her Child, in The Bright Forever, a family is torn apart with the death of their young child and a sibling struggles to mend the wounds.  

Two BY Two (2017) by Nicholas Sparks

Russell Green has a seemingly perfect life; a beautiful wife, loving young daughter, successful career and large home, until, unexpectedly, Russell finds himself thrown into the role of single parenthood and jobless.   Like Between a Mother and Her Child, Two By Two is a story of a family adjusting to extreme change and the ever powerful unconditional love.

Works Cited

Noble, Elizabeth.  Between a Mother and Her Child, Berkley Books, 2012.

Saricks, Joyce. The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, American Library Association, 2009.

Special Topics Paper- Services and Materials for Cognitively Impaired Patrons

RA Services and Materials for Cognitively Impaired Patrons

Introduction

Not only does the public library have the responsibility to provide equal access to materials to the underserved patrons needing additional assistance and specialized resources, but, is also able to nurture the librarian/ patron relationship over the course of many years, “libraries and librarians are trusted entities–you may have people being more open and letting their guard down with you in a way that lets you observe what’s happening to them more directly,” (librarianinblack.net).  Staff training is necessary to understand the nature of cognitive impairment and effectively advise those patrons and caregivers with resources to provide mental stimulation, socialization, enrichment and engagement, “It is important to emphasize that common sense and a warm heart alone cannot cope with dementia – professional insight and expertise are also important parts of the solution. In other words, a solid knowledge of dementia is essential,” (Mortenson).   Through staff training focused on communicating with cognitively impaired patrons, carefully developed appropriate collections, specialized sensory-rich programming and joint collaboration with community organizations, the public library is able to tailor library services to positively impact cognitively impaired patrons and their caregivers.

Providing Materials 

Community asset mapping is an important element in collection development to ensure that the area libraries are able to meet the needs of all seniors, from active and independent, to cognitively impaired and dependent on caregivers.  In addition to the specified areas of interest under RUSA, libraries should also provide focused materials to engage and enrich the quality of life for seniors.  Escapism reading unleashes social and personal benefits for all seniors, “While reading, and particularly leisure reading, can be considered beneficial in numerous ways, including literacy building, social connectedness, and dissemination of knowledge, it is its transformative emotional power that is perhaps the most fascinating and complex,” (Soheli).  As seniors journey through life changes, escapism reading provides an oasis, “Leisure reading can be used as a means of escaping boredom, but can also be a critical tool for self-preservation in far more turbulent environments,” (Soheli). Physical restrictions can be somewhat relieved with escapism reading, “…escapism through reading was particularly essential because they were actually physically restricted, due to health issues or other impairments,” (Soheli). Finally, escapism reading relieves anxiety and emotional distress, “Stress of different origins…is another strong factor in seeking out escape and relaxation through leisure reading,” (Soheli).  Offering appropriate reading materials for the cognitively impaired can improve patrons’ physical and mental health.

In order to provide equal access to materials and to properly serve all level functions of the senior population, the library collection must include materials with the focus on escapism reading and enhancing seniors’ quality of life.  The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library sets an example in providing seniors with appropriate escapism materials, “…the KHCPL will begin offering Experience Kits, which will provide various items related to different experiences. Some kits seek to help people with dementia or those who are color blind, while others provide baking materials or water guns,” (Pemberton).    The kits for seniors with dementia include familiar items such as a realistic doll, or pet, items to keep their hands busy and to assist on focusing on a familiar and pleasant memory.  A book on dementia for the caregiver is also included.  The kits are an important step in meeting the needs of physically and cognitively challenged patrons, “The kits are one way the library is hoping to meet the needs of its patrons,’ said Lisa Fipps, director of media and marketing for the KHCPL,” (Pemberton). 

Seemingly, few authors write books for the purpose of providing escapism reading for impaired seniors.  Emma Rose Sparrow is a unique author, writing books specifically for the dementia patient to read.  Her series are numbered according to cognitive ability and range from uncomplicated paragraphs on each page to simple phrases and engaging photos from around the world.  Sparrow’s books cover familiar topics such as the seasons, nature and colors.  Sparrow carefully styles the books to include language that is simple and easy to understand, but not childish; to depict one picture on each double page so as to not overwhelm the senior, and to avoid language stating that the book is for dementia patients.  Sparrow’s books are engaging and offer quality escapism reading in a dignified format for cognitively impaired patrons. 

Cynthia Greene, a nationally recognized memory care specialist, also authors books that engage the memory challenged patron, such as “Through the Seasons."   Providing multi-sensory experiences on every page, "Through the Seasons" suggests topics of discussion for caregivers as well as enrichment for the memory-challenged adult.

 Eliezer Sobel authored “Blue Sky, White Clouds” as a result of caring for his 86 year old mother in her advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.   This book contains captivating photos with simple text to attract the attention of the dementia patient.  Both Greene and Sobel, however, note on the cover that the book is intended for the “Memory-Challenged Adult.”  Caregivers might appreciate the descriptive assistance when selecting books, but, the mildly cognitively impaired senior may be upset by the obvious intention of the book.

The Sharon Public Library in Sharon, Massachusetts has developed an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Special Collection including print and audio resources designed for this unique patron population, “The collection includes books, music CDs, and DVDs such as the Teepa Snow DVD series, produced by a care expert who trains and helps agencies, facilities, and families,” (sharonpubliclibrary.org).  The special collection includes Memory Kits available for check out to assist caregivers and family members in evaluating the cognitive ability of their dementia patient and for enrichment, “The set contains several types of activities whose purpose is to help you determine the mental capacity and level of functioning in an individual with any form of memory impaired dementia. Activities range from easy-to-use sensory kits, puzzles, large decks of cards with a game-table, imagination pattern-building kits, easy sing-along music CDs, respite DVDs of common daily activities, and tactile stimuli kits,” (sharonpubliclibrary.org).  Providing library resources that meet the specific needs of the senior population suffering from cognitive impairment offers patrons with information and tools that educate enrich and improve their well-being.

The American Library Association understands seniors’ struggles in obtaining equitable access to library materials, “For a growing number of older adults, sometimes termed “frail elders” (those who are typically the oldest adults and often include persons living in residential facilities and those with various disabling conditions), equity of access is a very real concern,” (ala.org/advocacy).  In addition to personal conversations, utilizing a reading preference form, as suggested by Neil Hollands’ article, “Improving the Model for Interactive Readers’ Advisory Service,” may assist memory impaired patrons and their caregivers in communicating their specific needs to librarians, “This model [a reading preference form] meets our goals of bringing quality service to as many readers as possible, providing RA in a way that fits the realities of daily practice, and designing service to provide maximum documentation and follow-up with patrons,” (Hollands 205). Assisting in communication and follow-up interactions, a reading preference form can be a valuable tool to improve readers’ advisory services for cognitively impaired patrons.  Creative library staff can develop and acquire engaging materials aimed at providing impaired patrons with resources to improve their quality of life, similar to the Ghetto Central Library noted by Soheli where, “Reading functioned as a crucial tool of comfort, learning, and escape…” (Soheli). 

Works Cited (in assignment submission)

“Adult Outreach,” Forsyth County: North Carolina, http://www.forsyth.cc/library/adult.aspx, Accessed  22 February 2018.

“Alzheimer’s & Dementia Special Collection,” Sharon Public Library,                 https://www.sharonpubliclibrary.org/alzheimerscollection.asp, Accessed 21 February 2018.

American Library Association, “Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy,” Association of              Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, 16 January 2001, www.ala.org/ascla/resources/libraryservices, Accessed 22 February 2018.

American Library Association, “Outreach Resources and Services to Older Adults,” ALA,                 www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/outreachtounderservedpopulations/servicesolder, Accessed 21           February 2018.

American Library Association, “RUSA Reference Guidelines: Library Services to Older Adults Guidelines,”  ALA,   www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=adultlibrary&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDis                play.cfm&ContentID=26943, Accessed 21 February 2018.

Brautigam, Faith, “Memory Care at Your Library,” Public Libraries Online, 16 September 2017,                 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/09/memory-care-at-your-library/, Accessed 22 February 2018.

Holland, Neil. “Improving the Model for Interactive Readers’ Advisory Service,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 3, spring 2006, pp. 205-212.

Kelsey, David J. “The Power of Community Outreach Meeting the Demand of the Growing Senior        Population,” Public Libraries Online, 18 December 2017,        http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/12/the-power-of-community-outreach-meeting-the-     demands-of-the-growing-senior-population/, Accessed 22 February 2018.

Landgraf, Greg. “An Aging Population Reshapes Library Services: Growth Rate of Older Adults Produces Demographic Shift,” American Libraries, 31 May 2016,    https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2016/05/31/aging-population-reshapes-library-services/, Accessed 21 February 2018.

“Library Services for People with Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Librarian In Black, 25 July   2016, http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/memoryloss/, Accessed 21 February 2018.

Mortenson, Helle Arendrup and Gyda Skat Nielsen.  “Guidelines to Library Persons with Dementia,”       International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2007,             https://archive.ifla.org/VII/s9/nd1/Profrep104.pdf. Accessed 20 February 2018.

Nord, Leslie Lea. “Reaching Out: Library Services to the Developmentally Disabled,” Public Libraries         Online, 5 January 2015, http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/01/reaching-out/, Accessed 22           February 2018.

Pemberton, Caele. “KHCPL to loan Experience Kits ranging from dementia help to baking materials: Kits meant to ‘meet patrons’ needs.”  Kokomo Tribune, 16 October 2017,         www.kokomotribune.com/news/local_news/khcpl-to-loan-experience-kits-ranging-from-        dementia-help-to/article_80ff943e-b2a7-11e7-8c45-7fbb0143ef04.html, Accessed 21 February        2018.

Scott, Paula Spencer. “Libraries Offer Alzheimer's Activities for Senior Living: A "Novel" Idea Sweeping   Memory Care Across the Nation,” caring.com, www.caring.com/local/memory-care-  facilities/experiences/libraries-alzheimers-activities-senior-living, Accessed 22 February 2018.

Soheli, Begum. “Readers’ Advisory and Underestimated Roles of Escapist Reading.” Library Review, vol. 60, no. 9, 2011, pp. 738-747.

Witteveen, April. “As baby boomers retire, libraries reinvent services to older adults,” Library Journal, 13  June 2017, https://lj.libraryjournal.com/2017/06/library-services/senior-partners-innovation/#_,   Accessed 20 February 2018.

Week 7 Writing Prompt

Celebrity Inspired Book Clubs

The value of celebrity book clubs is debatable.  Are they simply to promote the celebrity, or do they serve a greater public service?  The study conducted by Butler, Cowan and Nilsson found that Oprah’s highlighted titles propelled public purchase of the book, “…an Oprah endorsement was enough to bring a book up into the top 150 bestsellers in America…” (Butler 32).  Did the public swarm to purchase the book simply because a respected celebrity promoted it, or, is Oprah offering readers advisory services on a grand scale?

The husband and wife book club team, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, “huge names in the literary world,” dismiss the idea of self-promotion and emphasize their respectable goal of providing quality books to the public, “If he [Madeley] and Finnigan keep an eye on the new celebrity clubs, it's from an interested, not competitive, stance. ‘We're all out there to get people reading,’ says Madeley,” (Thomas).    Thomas notes also, that although not their main focus, celebrities want the public to know that they are more than just a pretty face, they’re intelligent people, too, “These celebrities want to show they are intelligent people and not just celebrities, that's perhaps their motive for it,” (Thomas). 

In February of this year, People magazine published online a glimpse of celebrity top titles, including one line quotes from celebrity Instagrams (People).  USA Today published an article celebrating the most highly acclaimed books of 2017 by Reese Witherspoon, Emma Watson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Emma Roberts, Lena Dunham and Oprah Winfrey, (Cadden).  Clearly, the public is curious about celebrity reads and motivated by the stars’ positive reviews, propelling book sales and….well…public reading.  Celebrities are empowered to both inspire and disappoint their audience.  Taking the time to promote literature and encourage reading is a respectable component of their public lives.  The fact that such an endorsement drastically affects sales and public popularity is a side effect of our free will and free market economy. The public chooses how much trust they place in the celebrity recommendations.   The Butler study evaluated public trust in Oprah by comparing the Oprah books rankings, “…’announcement week’ rank may be better than ‘best rank’ at indicating how much consumers trusted Oprah…” (Butler 29).  Celebrities that promote literature serve a public good on a grand scale, but do not control the effects of such recommendations.  The public has the ability to either embrace or discard celebrity book suggestions. 

   

Works Cited

Butler, Richard, J. et. al. “From Obscurity to Bestseller: Examining the Impact of Oprah’s Book Club           Selections.”  Publishing Research Quarterly, Winter 2005, p. 23-34.

Cadden, Mary, “Reese, Lena, Sarah Jessica and Oprah Told Us the Hottest Books to Read in 2017,” USA Today, 22 Dec. 2017, www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/12/22/reese-lena-sarah- jessica-and-oprah-told-us-hottest-books-read-2017/758893001/.  Accessed 20 Feb. 2018.

People Staff. “The Celebrity Book Club:  See What Your Favorite Stars Are Reading.”  People, 18 Feb.       2018, http://people.com/books/celebrity-book-club/jane-fonda-super-woman-rx.  Accessed 19         Feb. 2018.

Thomas, Rebecca.  “Celebrity Book Clubs:  Page Turner or Dust Collector?”  BBC, 30 June 2017,                 www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40157799.  Accessed 19 Feb. 2018.

Mystery Annotation - Two Nights by Kathy Reichs

Author:                  Kathy Reichs Title:                      Two Nights Genre:                  Mystery Publication:        2017 Pages:                   320 Geographical  Setting:    Goat Island, SC;  Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY. Time Period:      Present

Plot Summary:

Parentless and wrestling with real world nightmares, teenager Sunday Night, (“Sunnie”) is taken in by Charleston Police Department’s Perry Beaumonde (“Beau”).  Beau rescues Sunnie from a stream of reckless acts, landing her with the choice between a Department of Corrections uniform and a military uniform.  Sunnie picks the military, which ends with a dishonorable release.  Undeterred Beau , once again presents Sunnie, isolated and living in voluntary seclusion on Goat Island, with a way out of her downward spin, “You can’t hide on this island, talking to no one, doing God knows what to yourself…You’ve withdrawn from the whole goddamned human race,” (7).  Beau enlists Sunnie’s investigative skills locating the murderers of wealthy Opaline Drucker’s daughter, Mary Gray, and grandson, Bowman, and finding her missing teenage granddaughter, Stella, feared kidnapped by a cult.   A low quality video of three suspects in the Chicago area Hebrew School bombing, where Mary Gray and Bowman were killed, is Sunnie’s only lead.  Two Nights follows Sunnie’s elite tracking tactics as she avoids and invites ambushes and assaults in Chicago, L.A. and Louisville, uncovering the cause of Opaline’s family destruction and putting the pieces of her own broken past together. 

Appeal

Intricately plotted story line

Fast paced action

Sarcasm lightens tension

Characteristics of Mysteries

·         Crime-driven plot, “The crime and subsequent investigation form the heart of the story line…” (Saricks 197). Sunnie’s investigation of the unresolved murder of Opaline Drucker’s daughter and grandson and still missing granddaughter propel the story, eventually revealing a criminal scheme of extraordinary magnitude. 

·         The story line focuses on the investigator’s discovery and realization of clues and solving the puzzle, “Since the point of Mysteries is to examine the clues and solve the puzzle, the character of the investigator plays a major role, and these two appeal elements – characterization and story line-intertwine as the crime is solved,” (Saricks 199).  Sunday Night is the focus of the story: her internal struggles stemming from the murder of her mom and torment of Sunnie and her twin brother Gus, slowly revealed through backflashes; and her relentless determination to save young Stella and capture the murderers.  Sunnie’s side kick and twin brother, Gus, cunningly track and allude criminal suspects in a time sensitive  chase, “The sidekick…often plays a key role in solving the case and in attracting readers,” (Saricks 200).

·         Frames flourish in the Mystery genre, and they contribute to the appeal of this Intellect genre…” (Saricks 201).  Reichs adds interest to the plot with a detailed setting luring the reader further into the story with in-depth knowledge of the Churchill Downs track and Kentucky Derby grounds layout and operations. 

·         The mood of Mysteries range from gentle and light to dark and sinister (Saricks 202).  Two Nights illustrates a dangerous and deadly present with unexplained murders and a dark, fearful past that continues to haunt Sunnie.  Distrust, tension and suspense first surface on Goat Island, and continue throughout.

·         Pacing moves toward the solution to the crime, but investigative details may slow the pace somewhat (Saricks 203).  Two Nights constantly moves toward discovery and solution of the puzzle, while Sunnie’s frequent flashbacks slow the pace of the overarching story line in an effort to align the characters of Sunday Night and Stella.   

Read Alikes

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda (2017):  Nicolette Farrell left her rural hometown 10 years ago after the unexplained disappearance of her best friend, Corinne.  A decade later, she returns home to care for her ailing father, landing in the search for another missing hometown girl and uncovering truths behind Corinne’s disappearance.

Find Her by Lisa Gardner (2016):  A kidnapped college student, Flora Dane, endures and then struggles to readjust to society.  With her crime survival skills, Flora may be able to assist authorities in rescuing a missing college student.  Flora, herself disappears, igniting a search for a sinister predator.

Never Never by James Patterson and Candice Fox (2017): Harry Blue, a seasoned sex crimes investigator is shocked by her brother’s arrest in the murder of three young women.  Harry is sent to a desolate, crime-infested location, paired with a new, shady partner.  As she navigates her new environment and struggles to clear her brother’s name, she uncovers dark secrets in search of truth – before she, herself, vanishes.

Works Cited

Reichs, Kathy. Two Nights, Bantam Books, 2017.

Saricks, Joyce. The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, American Library Association,          2009.

Week 6 Writing Prompt Integrated Advisory Re: Promoting Romance

Promoting Romance with Integrated Advisory

Romance Fiction is immensely popular, making up the largest share of consumer book purchases (Saricks 132).  Therefore, a library patron is very likely to request advice on locating print and nonprint materials in the Romance genre.  Providing effective integrated advisory services, opens all aspects of the library's collection to the patron (Dunneback, xi).  A library program inviting patrons to view popular television shows that reveal a strong book connection, effectively bridges the popular show with similar print materials, "Watching a show so inextricably entwined with books can also facilitate the transition from TV viewer to reader," (Lau).  In her article, "Getting Lost: Books, Television, and Integrated Advisory," Lau uses the ABC drama series Lost to connect viewers with read alikes by focusing on thematic parallels, noting book references in the show and of famous writers and thinkers mentioned in the show, drawing viewers to print materials, "In their efforts to gain insight into the labyrinth of Lost, fans read the books that appear onscreen or are referenced on the show, based on the assumption that the books complemented or interacted with the show’s plot or themes."  Book clubs, blogs and online sites offer fans a forum to discuss the books read as a result of the popular show, further engaging viewers with all inclusive library materials.  

Romance readers expect either a "happily ever after" or a "happy for now" ending, (Dunneback 184).  Because this ending is highly important to Romance readers, a subtle display dividing Romance print materials by either their "happily ever after" or "happy for now" endings and cross referencing those titles with audiobooks and videos that share the same ending style, may assist users in experiencing their favored Romance ending in an alternative format.  

Interactive displays provide patrons with readily available advisory services.  Romance fans value strong characters, "Characters play an important role in romance stories as readers frequently identify and empathize with the lead characters.  Readers often have strong opinions on the types of characters they will or will not read..." (Dunneback 199).  A lift the flap prominently located bulletin board display provides an interactive way for patrons to find their preferred character traits in all Romance medium options.  Similarly, a display highlighting the grabbing first lines of Romance books, e-books, audiobooks and movies is another interactive, easy to use tool to entice  patrons to explore Romance formats they may have not yet experienced.  The Magpie teen librarian created the below pictured display to attract teens to good reads. 

Works cited

Dunneback, Katie and Mary Wilkes Towner. "Everything Romance." Libraries Unlimited. 2010, p. xi-xvi.

Dunneback, Katie and Mary Wilkes Towner. "Introduction:  Integrated Advisory." Libraries Unlimited, 2010, p. 183-225.

Lau, Andrea. "Getting Lost:  Books, Television, and Integrated Advisory." Public Libraries Online, 30 April 2013,http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/getting-lost-books-television-and-integrated-advisory/.  Accessed 12 February 2018. 

Magpie Librarian. "Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover...But What About It's First Line?  A Teen Library Display," https://magpielibrarian.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/dont-judge-a-book-by-its-cover-but-what-about-the-first-line-a-teen-library-display/. Accessed 12 February 2018.

Saricks, Joyce. The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, American Library Association, 2009.

Gentle Read Annotation The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise

The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise  by Julia Stuart

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Author:   Stuart, Julia

Title:      The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise

Genre:  Gentle read

Publication:        2010

No. of Pages:     304

Geographical Setting:     London, England

Time Period:      Present-day 

Subject Headings: Tower of London, Zoo Keeper, Eccentrics

Appeal:  leisure pace, eccentric characters and whimsical storyline.

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Plot Summary

A witty account of the vibrant characters residing within The Tower of London, The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise paints a vivid picture of the heartaches and oddities of The Tower of London residents.  Stuart takes the reader on a comfortable journey through the hearts and minds of Balthazar Jones, a Beefeater, aka Yeoman Warder of The Tower of London, and his wife Hebe Jones, an employee of the London Underground Lost Property Office.  While Hebe and her coworker and close friend, Valerie Jennings effortlessly work to connect lost things to their absentminded owners (an ash-filled urn, 157 pairs of false teeth, a Russian typewriter, 16 jars of preserved ginger, a long black magician’s box and a false eye, among other unusual items), the two women discover love, cope with loss, and provide the reader with entertaining tales of their daily work.

Morose brings depth to the story as Hebe grieves the loss of their young son, Milo, three years ago and Balthazar claims, only to himself, his responsibility in his son’s untimely death, creating seemingly unrepairable distance in their relationship.  Even their reliable 180 year old tortoise cannot offer reassurance.

With the arrival of the Queen’s animals to The Tower, Balthazar’s appointment of caring for the menagerie, and the residents’ pure dislike of tourists, Stuart provides a light-hearted and comical story.

Characteristics of the Gentle Reader Genre

·         Cheerful and hopeful with a reassuring sense of well-being (Saricks 94):  Stuart sprinkles humor throughout both the heartwarming and despairing moments, “After blowing her a kiss from the door, which confused the Yoman Gaoler who happened to be in his eye-line…” (100).

·         Colorful, down- home language (Saricks 96):  Stuart adds quirkiness to the many despairing moments throughout the story with repeated outlandish descriptions of ordinary items, “solitary teapot for one” (56), “keep the lovebirds separate, they hate each other” (64),  the Reverends’ “holy long fingers” (24).

·         Ordinary characters in ordinary situations (Saricks 96, 97):  Even though young Milo’s death weighs on the hearts of Hebe and Balthazar, his death is “only part of the natural events…and fit(s) within the boundaries of this genre” (Saricks 97). 

Hebe Jones adds a quirky element to the London Underground Lost Property Office, as she is routinely found within the magician’s box, her oasis (Stuart 39).  Valerie Jennings relieves job-related boredom and frustration by trying on various lost customs and accessories such as a Viking helmet, and the front end of a pantomime horse (Stuart, 134).

·         Book focuses on the relationships among characters (Saricks 97):  Stuart offers an essential map of The Tower of London as well as a Cast of Characters in the first pages of her book.  The many vibrant characters engage in dramatic relationships including:  Reverend Septimus, the Chaplain to the Tower, is attracted to the barmaid, Ruby Dore, and is a writer of erotic fiction; the Ravenmaster engages in extramarital affairs and will do anything to protect his beloved ravens; Arthur Catnip, the London Underground ticket inspector “of limited height” who coons over Valerie Jennings, finding her in a different costume upon each arrival. 

Similar Authors and Works

Quicksand by Steve Toltz (2015):  Liam, a struggling writer, enlists in the police academy for research for a book and finds himself failing as a cop.  He looks to Aldo, his best friend and a magnet for disaster, as inspiration for his writing.  While trying to sort out Aldo’s countless misfortunes, Toltz uses wit and humor to sift through the layers of friendship and faith.  The quirkiness of Quicksand characters and devotion to friendship thorough are similar to the character development in The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand: A Novel  by Helen Simonson (2010):  Like the eccentric characters in The Tower, The Zoo and the Tortoise, Major Pettigrew’s unforgettable sarcastic personality adds light humor to the comfortable paced novel.  In an English countryside, the retired Major meets Mrs. Ali, the village Pakistani shopkeeper.  The two bond over their loss of spouses and love of literature in a community were Mrs. Ali will always be a foreigner and Major Pettigrew, an honorable local. 

The Milk Lady of Bangalore:  An Unexpected Adventure by Shoba Narayan (2018):  In the same way that The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise gives readers an inside view of the challenges, comics and adventures inside The Tower of London, The Milk Lady of Bangalore offers readers a taste of Indian culture through the eyes of two unlikely friends; a big city writer from Manhattan, Narayan and the south Indiana village milk lady. 

Works Cited

Saricks, Joyce. The Readers’ Advisory      Guide to Genre Fiction, American Library Association,     2009.

Stuart, Julia. The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise: A Novel, Double Day, 2010.