Joyce G. Saricks

One of the few required textbooks from library school that I've actually kept, this book provides a short, lucid introduction to the concept of readers' advisory, but in a public library only. Sometimes I wonder how often the the relatively laborious techniques in here are really employed on the job.

Part of the LU series Read On, this particular book adds a dimension for looking at how audiobooks can be used effectively. Emphasizing the dynamic factors of a book, this part of the series shows how to get readers started in this area as well as exciting already experienced users of audiobooks. The lists offered by J. Saricks are well compiled and thoughtful, but leave room to add your favorites if they aren't there. Explore the genres that are suggested, and consider how to best use your show more knowledge with that of Saricks. Symbols used are helpful, but reading levels are left to you to ascertain in many cases. Great suggestions, widely diversified, and thoughtfully compiled. Recommended. show less

Good discussion of genre attributes, but boy howdy does it need to be updated for newer authors, trends, and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more diversity. C'mon, Joyce. Really. Nearly every instance of an author who's not white is just lumped under "multicultural." Come. On.

This is the first book for class that I will not be selling back. Saricks does a phenomenal job of explaining the differences in genres, the characteristics of each (which were really neat to learn, and sometimes you just don't notice even reading them), she recommends authors for each genre, gives some history of the genres, lists common authors in the genres and more. It's so easy to read, so well broken down and an excellent buy!