Comments for Points Of Reference

Comment on Reference sources for book discussions by CarolK

CarolK — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:36:08 +0000

Oh, the first in the Inspector Kurt Wallander series. We just purchased some of the dvd adaptations. I’m glad you mentioned what you’ll be reading. Though I mentioned mystery resources, you original post did specify crime. There seems to be more of a blending of genres, crime, mystery, thriller which can make it difficult to suggest books as well as resources.
One source I use is Crime Time http://www.crimetime.co.uk/mag/index.php/
It has reviews, interviews, a pdf magazine, etc.
and is British based.
Another website group I like to keep track of is International Thriller Writers
http://www.thrillerwriters.org/

Are you interested in book club resources like this site - Book Group Buzz or Reading Group Guides, both providing suggestions on how to run a good book group and keep the conversation going?

Let us know how the first meeting goes. In light of your choice I would also recommend Steig Larsson’s Girl with the dragon tattoo and any of the excellent psychological suspense mysteries by Minette Walters.

Comment on Reference sources for book discussions by Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:52:12 +0000

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Our first book will be Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell in January.

Comment on Reference sources for book discussions by CarolK

CarolK — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:58:43 +0000

I’d recommend…Mystery Readers International
http://www.mysteryreaders.org

My thoughts about Mystery Readers International as posted to webjunction.org
is a spectacular website. Janet Rudolph is one ambitious lady who deserves the name, as some have called her, “Mistress of Mystery”. She is writer/producer of Murder on the Menu, a California theater event company. For RA purposes, The Mystery Readers Journal is where she really shines. It is the official publication of Mystery Readers International which is published in quarterly thematic issues. Online lists can be found at http://www.mysteryreaders.org/journal.html Though you can read a great deal online this is one publication worth the subscription price for both library staff and patrons.

Thanks for the heads up on the books edited by Jim Huang. I have requested these interlibrary loan to take a gander. Noticed he has one other, Mystery muses : 100 classics that inspire today’s mystery writers, that was inspired by the other two. It asks mystery writers the questions…Did a mystery set you on your path to being a writer? Is there a classic mystery that remains important to you today?

I’d love to hear what your group will be reading.

I’d lwould recommend A Beautiful Place to Die by Malla Nunn. There’s lots of meat in the characters, you get a good picture of South Africa, and the time line of 1952 explores apartheid and racial tensions. It is gritty, not for the faint of heart or those expecting a story like The Number One Ladies Detective Agency. Well written debut.

Comment on Reference sources for book discussions by Book Group Buzz - Discussion of Book Clubs, Reading Lists, and Literary News - Booklist Online » Blog Archive » For the Mystery Book Group

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:03:38 +0000

[...] at Points of Reference, Jessica is getting ready to start a mystery book group at her public library in January. She’s going to be using Read ‘em Their Writes as a source and is wondering [...]

Comment on Overheard at the desk by Suzanne

Suzanne — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:35:40 +0000

Love this idea and hope to try it!

Here’s another one to consider: For teens, I did a paper and web list of “Speed reads,” books under 200 pages. When so many bestsellers are intimidatingly large, it’s good to have something to suggest to the young person who prefers a quick read.

Comment on Overheard at the desk by Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:12:05 +0000

Cindy,

That is a great idea for a display and I love that you also get the students involved. Thanks for sharing!

Comment on Overheard at the desk by Cindy Dobrez

Cindy Dobrez — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:12:42 +0000

My middle schoolers ask this question “where are the good books?” so often that I finally made a permanent “good books bin” display. I put books there that I love but don’t know how to booktalk, along with new books and old favorites. It also has a tagline asking students to find a book in the library that they loved and add it to the bin. They surprise me with the classics that end up there. I love participatory displays! Now I can answer, “The good books? Oh, they’re in the Good Books Bin over there!”

Comment on Going to the Dogs by Kim Laird

Kim Laird — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:59 +0000

Dear Barbara, so sorry to hear about the loss of your 16yo dog. Such a hard thing to go through. I lost my nearly 15yo dog not too long ago. I waited about 8 months before getting a puppy & have tremendously enjoyed her. I wish the same for you as you seek your new companion.

Comment on Web Site of the Week: findingDulcinea by Robin Horton

Robin Horton — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:43 +0000

FindingDulcinea is indeed one of the web’s great finds!

Comment on Reference Sources for Audiobook Listeners by Mary Burkey

Mary Burkey — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:04:31 +0000

Great tips! I’d add in these ALA lists of great audiobooks for children and young adults:

ALSC’s Notable Children’s Recordings:
http://bit.ly/1A9bL

YALSA’s Amazing Audiobooks:
http://bit.ly/ZaJw

and the Booklist-sponsored Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production:
http://bit.ly/Br4Sn

Happy listening!
Mary Burkey
http:/audiobooker.booklistonline.com