Fun and Different Display Idea: First and Last Sentence Novels via The Millions

I am always on the look out for new display and promotion ideas, especially ones that can incorporate an interactive element.

The other day I saw this on The Millions: "Fourteen First and Last Sentence Novels." The author of the article writes about her long fasciation of looking at a novel's first and last sentences as a shorthand for the feel of the entire book [I am oversimplifying here, read the essay, it will appeal to any fan of reading]. She even had a blog about it for awhile.

In this case, she resurrected the concept by asking 14 novelists to give their favorite example of a book that fits her concept of "first and last sentence novels." 

Again go to the article to see for yourself, but it is fascinating and really fun. 

At the vert least you can make a display of the 14 authors and their 14 suggestions-- it works in the library or as an online or social media post. Simply call it "First and Last Sentence Novels." Don't explain. That's part of the fun and intrigue. People will be drawn to it because it is slightly different. They will walk over to investigate. This is already a win!

Make sure you link to the article for those who want more info [if doing this online] or include a QR Code on the display itself for people to scan for details.

If you want to be more adventurous, search out more on your own. Here is a great reddit thread on the topic. Or ask around at work. Send out an email to all staff and see what you get back. Library workers are generally book lovers, so they may have a few of these already identified. You might be pleasantly surprised by who responds. That is a second win! Getting more staff input always enhances your RA Service.

Next step, figure out a way to ask patrons to contribute as well, but make the entry point a little easier for them. Ask for books with favorite first lines or final lines or both. Link to a Google form for them to participate if your display is online, or use the comments on social media. You can also put up a bulletin board or make a box next to some scrap paper for in person patrons to contribute. Then as you get patrons suggestions, add them to the display as well.

At the very least a display like this will be a conversation starter at your library. Both starting conversations as people encounter it and continuing those conversations as staff and patrons add to the display itself. And as I always say, your job is to start conversations about books. 

Give it a try. From just putting up the 14 authors and their 14 suggestions to taking it a litter further, any way you can promote your books in a slightly different way is a win.