NPR Books Presents Titles for All 50 States and a Bonus Becky Outside the Box Recommendation

NPR Books always has excellent Summer Reading Content. On June 1st they unveiled this fun list, compiled by literary experts from every state. From the introduction to the piece:

Traveling this summer? Here are book picks for all 50 states (and then some)

As the summer travel season kicks off, many of us look forward to exploring new places on trips away from home. To help with this, NPR asked poets laureate, state librarians, bookstore owners and other literary luminaries from all 50 states — plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico — to recommend quintessential reads that illuminate where they live.

Here are more than 100 recommendations for you — whether you want to read about somewhere you're heading, a place you hope to go someday, or somewhere you live and want to get to know better.

(And you can let us know what books you think best represent your home state here.)

As usual, NPR has excellent visual presentation to go along with the fun and usefulness of the content itself. You can make this available to patrons to use on their own or use it to help them find a great read.

Finally, I have a favorite suggestion for armchair travel leisure reads as well. I LOVE reading guidebooks about places I may never go to, one I am going to as well. In  particular, I greatly enjoy guidebooks by Moon or Lonely Planet as they provide excellent content about the history and customs of the locales they are covering. I seek them out whenever wanderlust strikes me.  Here is a review of one of my all time favorites. 

Audiobooks and Summer Make a Great Team

Yes we all know we get more leisure readers at the library every summer, but don't forget to also remind patrons about our audiobook offerings, especially the downloadable options. 

Many adults spend more time outside in the summer, whether it is gardening, going to the beach, or simply taking more walks. And of course, many people will travel as well.

Audio books are an excellent option that some readers may not think about. And they are the perfect choice for people who don't think they have time to read. As I worked the RA desk for 15 years, I consistently convinced adults who thought they did not have time to read to try audiobooks. And over time, many of these readers not only became avid audio readers, but they also rekindled their love of reading for pleasure in the process. 

While I have over 130 posts about audiobooks over the years, including numerous resources and many of my personal reviews which you can access for assistance, I wanted to point out 2 excellent ones today.

First, AudioFile Magazine. They have audio specific reviews which go into depth about the narratoration. Use their "Golden Voices" archive for the very bests narrators regardless of the title they are reading as well as "Earphone Awards," equivalent to a star review, for specific audio title recs. You can search all titles by genre as well. So if you have a patron who wants a specific type of book, you can limit by "subject" and then look for "Earphone" designees within that filter.

Second Book Riot's Audiobook coverage is fantastic and covers all ages of readers. And remember, they are writing their content to get clicks, so you know the information will be of high interest. They also have a newsletter that will deliver audiobook specific information to you every week. Go here for the newsletter archive and scroll to the bottom to sign up for the audiobooks one. There is also one on podcasts.

Remember to include Audiobook specific content in your in person or virtual service to leisure readers. Use this post or my 130+ audiobook tagged posts to help you help your readers.

Backlist Gem: The Library at Mount Char

I read The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins back when it came out [2015] for a LJ column on the top debuts of the year. It has stayed with me. It is one of those backlist gems that I still hand out to patrons regularly. And, it is back in the Horror conversation these days because it is being released in England for the first time.

This week, Neil McRobert interviewed Hawkins about the book on his Talking Scared podcast. It was a great listen.

In 2015, I also invited Hawkins to participate in my "Why I Love Horror" blog series. You can read his essay here.

I went to check my Goodreads and saw that I read this novel so long ago that my annotation was lost in my conversion to Goodreads [from Shelfari] so I went back and updated it. I have my original 2015 annotation and more. You can read the review on Goodreads at this link or below. 

The enduring readability and love for this novel is a great example of why the backlist is the library worker's best friend as they serve leisure readers. 

Suggest The Library at Mount Char or another older title to a reader today. Your patron will thank you and you will showcase how instrumental the library is to connect readers with a good read.

My Goodreads review:

Three Words That Describe This Book: epic, menacing, unconventional 

Here is what I wrote in 2015 to handsell this title to librarians.

Sometimes you just need a thrilling, terrifying dark fantasy epic story to put you in the Halloween mood; a book that delivers a little bit of everything that reminds us of why a well spun scary story can also be one of the best books you read all year. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins crafts a world in which a God like figure known as “Father” has abducted a group of children and raised them in his “Library” outside the bounds of normal time and space. Carolyn, our protagonist, is the Librarian of Languages, and after years of study, she can speak them all. Now in their 30s, the children have all mastered their subjects, but when Father goes missing, other Gods are battling for power, and the fate of the universe is thrown into chaos. Carolyn must take control with the help of an ex-con and a war hero, but are her intentions for the good of all mankind, or just to put herself in power. This intricate, compelling, and menacing novel is reminiscent of Neil Gaiman’s masterpiece, American Gods.  And when you combine the story with that title, this will not be a hard sell at your library.

Updated Readalikes: I feel like when Mount Char came out the only comp was American Gods. But since, I have seen many more readalike options be released. N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth Trilogy is a great example. Also an upcoming release-- No Gods for Drowning by Hailey Piper which I just reviewed for LJ is an EXCELLENT readalike here.

Other readalikes: No Gods, No Monsters by Turnbull. And those who like darkest parts of Erin Morgenstern-- especially The Starless Sea.

What I have learned as I have passed this book on to people over the last 7 years is that it was very ahead of its time. Yes, it has held up over time, but it is more than that. This is a book that foreshadowed a new type of horror.

It also garnered multiple star reviews at the time. 

Here is a quote from the star Kirkus review which I think sums it up well [via NoveList]:

"Like the Library itself, the book  is bigger, darker, and more dangerous than it seems. The plot never flags, and it's never predictable. Hawkins has created a fascinating, unusual world in which ordinary people can learn to wield breathtaking powerand he's also written a compelling story about love and revenge that never loses sight of the human emotions at its heart. A wholly original, engrossing, disturbing, and beautiful book . You've never read anything quite like this, and you won't soon forget it."

I have never forgotten it. Glad it is back on the front burner.

What I'm Reading: June 2022 Library Journal Horror Review Column

I have 8 reviews in the June 2022 issue of Library Journal. Below are the titles with my three words and links to my full draft reviews. 

I want to remind everyone that I craft this column very deliberately to suit public library needs. Every single title is a great edition for all library collections. I do not allow myself more than 3 stars out of the 8 titles I review in each column. I curate the grouping to be representative of what is out there and only include titles you should purchase. These are all Becky approved. 

Now the details.

First the STARS:

• Iglesias, Gabino.  The Devil Takes You Home [lyrical, brutal, strong narrative voice]
• My interview in the same issue with Iglesias is here.
• Murano, Doug, ed. The Hideous Book of Hidden Horrors [themed anthology, original stories, range of scares]
• Seidlinger, Michael J.  Anybody Home? [participatory, engaging narration, extreme-- nearly unbearable-- tension]

And the other 5 excellent titles:

• Kingfisher, T. What Moves the Dead [nature gone wild, claustrophobic, intensely unsettling]
• Kiste, Gwendolyn. Reluctant Immortals [unapologetically feminist, excellent world building, character driven.]
• Malerman, Josh. Daphne [slasher, disturbing, thought-provoking]
• McOmber, Adam. Fantasy Kit: Stories [immersive, pervasively creepy, uncanny]
• Piper, Hailey.  No Gods for Drowning [excellent world building, noir, thought-provoking]

Judge a Book By Its Cover and Make it Work For You

As I foreshadowed with Monday's post, this was a wonky work week for me. As I traveled  to pick up my daughter, help her move stuff to storage, and flew back I was also working. I had 2 work related meetings, one of which is an on-going and I am heartened [a word I used a lot in our meeting] that it will lead somewhere good for all of us library workers. Seriously, I haven't been this optimistic about the work Robin and I are doing, well....ever. More after/during ALA annual.

I am home again, but off to a half day System Board meeting today and then we begin some much needed family time. But before I disappear again until Tuesday, I thought today would be a good time to talk about covers. Why? Well, I have been thinking about covers a lot recently because Summer Reading is upon us, and displays are the best way to capture the attention of adults who are looking for a chance to read a book for fun over the Summer. And what makes a great display? It is NOT fancy decorations or props. It is the covers of the books themselves.

Nothing sells a book better than its cover. Publishers pay a lot for those covers. Their main job is to draw the right reader to it. Look, I know it doesn't always work out. Sometimes the cover is not a good representation of what is inside the book. But interesting covers will draw readers to the display, and once there, they will pick up the book, read the flap, and maybe look at others.

At StokerCon I was chatting with the wonderful human and talented artist Lynne Hansen. She was thanking me for calling out her gorgeous covers in some of my reviews. I told her she was welcome, but that honestly, a great cover can make a patron pick up a book and when a really good book gets a fantastic cover, I want every library worker to know about it so that they not only buy it, but they also put it on display.

Check out Lynne Hansen's website for examples of her excellent covers.

I have also written many posts about how to use covers as a resource for working with readers. Click here for every post I have tagged "covers." But if you want  the cliff notes version, I have this popular post, "Make Those Covers Work For You" which also links to my oldie but goodie post, "Judge a Book By Its Cover."

When we all return Tuesday, Summer Reading will be in full swing and multiple small and easy to stock displays are going to help you get through. Remember: covers that attract attention are your displays' best decoration and advertisement.

Make them work for you.

I am back Tuesday with a regular schedule, and June is a busy month of many presentations, 8 days at ALA, and my June Horror Review column drops in Library Journal. And it is a good one. Not to mention the July 1 odor Genre Preview which  is the LJ Cover Story that month. Looking at all of those upcoming events, I am glad I took some time off from blogging because there is a lot going on here all summer. I used to see a slow down in training over the Summer due to staff being swamped with Summer Reading, but now with just about every library embracing virtual, that is not the case any longer.

Speaking of, if you want me to train your staff in July or August, I have virtual only slots available, and honestly, my Fall in person is filling up. I am currently looking at the possibility of doing 3 separate state library association conferences this Fall and another regional RA conference event in a 4th state [that one is definite]. Many of these are not on my appearance calendar yet because contracts are not signed. If you want in person, it might be too late, but virtual, that I can fit in. Let's talk. Contact me to get scheduled. Pricing here.

Enjoy the long weekend.

RA for All on a Wonky Schedule This Week and Nebulas

I am headed East to help my daughter move out of college. Due to Covid restrictions, we have never actually moved her out. She is finishing sophomore year and she has basically boxed up everything and stored it every year so far. Needless to say, there is a lot of weeding to do.

So, I will post when I can. I actually have 2 business meetings while in MA, one involves calling Robin in as it has to do with our Anti-Racist Service to Leisure Readers work. I am very excited about this meeting because I think it will actually go somewhere big and important. More on that soon.

In the meantime, here is the press release from the SFWA with last night's Nebula Award Winners. And here is the link for past winners going back to 1965!

I would like to single out one winner though: 

NEBULA AWARD FOR NOVELETTE
“O2 Arena”, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki (Galaxy’s Edge 11/21)

Ekpeki was on of the HWA's first winners of the Diversity Grant. We are all so proud of him.

If you are interested in donating to the HWA's Diversity Grant fund, click here and scroll to the bottom. I personally fund 1 award winner a year.

US Book Show is Virtual and Library Workers Get Free Tickets

Next week is the US Book Show. It is Virtual and totally free for Library Workers. 

Click here for the full site.

The library worker specific programming is Tuesday. Click here for that.

I do not know if the registration comes with recorded access. I personally cannot attend the live on 5/24 but I signed up just in case I can watch after.

Personally, I am most excited for this one: "Once More For Those In the Back-- Libraries Are Not Neutral!"

Join a Writer's Association

I just got back from StokerCon where I co-chair the Horror Writers' Association's Library Committee and this morning, my co-chair, Konrad Stump, and  I are meeting with our counterpart at Sisters in Crime. Now, while I am an "Active" member of the HWA, meaning I am a professional level writer due to having 3 books about Horror and contracts for pro-rate pay at 2 magazines, the HWA offers a level of  membership, higher than the fan level, for librarians. In fact, most writers associations call out librarians  as "associate" level members.

And that is what I want to write about today. If you purchase for a specific genre or you have a favorite genre and you work at a library, look at the writers association for that genre and join. Once you join, volunteer. Trust me, we all need volunteers.

Obviously, I have the librarians well infiltrated into the Horror Writers Association. The HWA's head of all volunteers is a librarian and I am on the Executive Board. But we are not an anomaly. Every major  writers  association welcomes librarians and we all bring excellent skills they need to reach new readers and engage audiences. We also understand the book industry and how readers think better than many writers do.

Click here to access my favorite FREE genre resources. This Google Doc begins with the links to the writers associations to get you started. Also in 2017, I wrote a post encouraging everyone to get more involved with writers associations. Look, it has worked for me. I am sure it will work for you, but also, I know you will be able to help your favorite genre be better at serving their readers. It is a win-win for all.

Part of the meeting this morning if for us to talk with our SiC counterpart about doing some actual training for library workers to get more involved with writers organizations and Konrad and I are pursuing creating a program at PLA in 2024 to help all of you understand why and how to get more involved. Stay tuned. 

But in the meantime, join a writers association and see what they are up to and how you can help. And again, trust me, as someone on the inside, I know they need our help.

Summer Reading Reading Resources via Goodreads and Summer Scares Opportunities

Summer Reading is about to go into full swing. As someone who co-ran an adult Summer Reading program for 15 years, I know that the work for this year's Summer Reading began back in January. But that does not mean you are prohibited from adding more information as you get closer..

Goodreads released their Summer Reading Guide and it is full of lists and you can work the articles into your planned displays very easily. 

From lists of the hottest summer books [which you can use to make readalike lists of backlist titles to read while you wait], guaranteed page turners by genre [a list you ALWAYS need], 100 years of popular books [what a way to spotlight your backlist], and staff picks [a great grab bag of titles new and old]

But my favorite page is the Book Recommendations for Different Types of Summer Readers Lists. This page has categories like "The Adaptation Reader" or "The Riveting Reality Reader" [among many others] that gives you a catchy title an a handful of books ready made for display. 

For any or all of these pages from the Goodreads Summer Reading Guide you can make displays both in your library and online. The short lists with catchy titles allow you to put up a few books anywhere for use them to create special mead posts and encourage patrons to add their titles to fit the category.

One of the biggest mistakes we make at this time of year is our unwillingness to deviate from our summer reading themes. Stop that nonsense. The themes are a great marketing tool and will draw some readers in, but they will not capture everyone. Summer reading is your chance to remind all of your adults that you have more reading options than they ever imagined. Keep things broad. Yes make lists surrounding your chosen theme, but also find ways to market and promote as many titles as possible. 

Speaking of as many titles, don't forget I am one of the people behind Summer Scares and we have lots of ready made lists and programming ideas for you to use at your library. In fact, today on the Horror blog I shared Summer Scares partner-- Syosset Public Library's-- full programming slate, including access for all of you or your patrons.

Head over to the Summer Scares Resource page or today's post. It all starts tomorrow with Summer Scares Spokesperson Alma Katsu, virtually, for free!

What I'm Reading: Nightmare Fuel

I have a review in the current issue of Booklist and it is nonfiction. Not only is it a nonfiction book about horror films, but I would classify it as a comp title for my book. This book uses a scientific frame to talk about the appeal of Horror films. More on the appeal below, but first, my draft review.

Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films

By Nina Nesseth

July 2022. 304p. Tor Nightfire, $25.99 (9781250765215). 791.43. 
First published May 15, 2022 (Booklist).

Nesseth, a science communicator whose focus is on understanding popular culture and its fans, specifically in the Science Fiction and Horror realms, tackles why people love Horror movies, From a history of Horror films to a discussion of the movie monster, from the role of soundtracks and violence, Nesseth surrounds her topic well, but this title shines when she actively applies scientific research to topics like why humans find Horror so appealing, why some scares stick with the viewer, and even honest advice about how to forget a particularly jarring scare. Insets entitled “Scare Spotlight” where Nesseth analyzes a specific film and those labeled “In Conversation With…” interviews with current Horror movie professionals, further enhance the chapters in which they appear. This is a comprehensive look at why people enjoy horror movies to be enjoyed by all-- novices to experts, but it is Nesseth’s narrative voice, her ability to balance a conversational tone with accessible science that makes this an educational, thought-provoking, and just plain fun read. Readers who love Horror regardless of format, will eagerly seek out this title, but it is also a great suggestion for fans of Mary Roach or Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks from Hell.

YA/General Interest: Many teen-fave horror movies are discussed here, and technical details will appeal to science-loving high-school students.

Further Appeal: This was a fascinating read, especially because I prefer Horror in the written format, not the visual one. This book helped me to understand my own preferences much better. Every public library should grad a copy of this book, because while those studying film will need it, those with an interest in Horror in general will LOVE it.

It really has the perfect balance of authority and conversational tone.

Nesseth included a list of movies watched for the project alongside a bibliography. I liked that. Holding herself accountable as a fan and a scholar/scientist. I could not fit that information into the review due to word limit.

Three Words That describe this book: conversational, thought provoking, comprehensive

Further Readalikes: Besides what is mention in the review, and my book, mentioned at the top of the post you should also look to Danse Macabre by Stephen King or any other Science of Pop Culture titles.