November 15th, 2011
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Flowchart
Looking for a good science fiction or fantasy book, but don’t know where to start? The science fiction blog SF Signal recently created a flowchart based on NPR’s list of the top 100 science fiction and fantasy books of all time.
As SF Signal points out, the chart has “(obviously) 100 end points and over 325 decision points.” It’s heavy on the “pithy commentary,” which is amusing even for people like me who don’t normally read these two genres. For example, the question “Cyberpunk?” yields two possible answers: “Yes, I love that Billy Idol album,” or “No, I get enough ‘cyber punks’ on Facebook.”
The flowchart is available as a printable, static chart and as an interactive guide.
July 13th, 2011
Teen Summer Reading Book Reviews
JCPL teens can include a book review to complete the requirements of their summer reading logs. They can rate the books from 1-5 maps. Here are a few of their reviews:
Ezra, age 11, reviewing The Line by Teri Hall:
I gave the book 3 maps because it was too well, unrealistic. The reason was that the line was supposed to protect America and the people on the other side could not cross. How did they get a message over the line? Did they have a key? A special ability from the bomb? etc. This is why I give this book 3 maps.
Emily, age 12, reviewing The Clue of the Leaning Chimney by Carolyn Keene:
(4 maps). I feel this way because The Clue of the Leaning Chimney is an exciting fun book. The Nancy Drew books make it really seem like you’re on the adventures. Carolyn Keene is a very spiritive author.
July 8th, 2011
Visit Novel Destinations with Kentucky Authors
You’ve probably heard of Kentucky authors like Wendell Berry, Silas House, and Jesse Stuart, who are famous for writing about their home state. But can you name local authors who write in other genres?
Here’s a list to get you started:
- Terry Bisson (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
- Wahida Clark (Urban)
- Janice Holt Giles (Historical)
- Sue Grafton (Mystery)
- A.B. Guthrie (Western)
- Maurice Manning (Poetry)
- C.E. Morgan (Literary)
- J.R. Ward (Romance)
- Jan Watson (Christian)
- Crystal Wilkinson (African American/“Affrilachian”)
Celebrate local talent this summer! For more suggestions, stop by the Information Desk.