Reading Profile
I have always loved to read and my reading tastes are constantly changing and evolving. In recent years, I’ve made it a point to branch out and explore new genres like true crime, science fiction, young adult, and romance. I’ve also made an effort to read more books written by women and international authors. Some of my favorite genres right now are literary fiction, poetry, thrillers, horror, true crime, and graphic novels. I am also very interested in Latin American literature. Some of my favorite authors are Haruki Murakami, Lindsay Hunter, Stephen King, Junji Ito, Marjane Satrapi, Daniel Clowes, Julio Cortázar, Harlan Coben, and Sam Pink.
Here are some of my favorite books:
Here are some books I want to read this year:
When I first formally learned about readers’ advisory
services last year, they piqued my interest immediately. Since then, I’ve been practicing
readers’ advisory interviews with friends and family. I’ve also learned to use read-alikes,
NoveList, Goodreads, and book reviews to help with recommending books. However,
I have learned that it’s much easier to recommend books which I’ve actually
read. This has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new genres.
As Joyce Saricks (2005) explains, “readers’ advisors…need a general knowledge
of fiction and nonfiction collections, an ability to recognize the quality of
the books they suggest, and the ability to describe books well, both orally and
in writing” (p. 7). I enjoy writing about literature and sharing my love of
books with others. I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of different
genres and discussing books with everyone this semester.
Reference
Saricks, J. G.
(2005). Readers’ advisory service in the public library. American
Library Association.
Hi Juliana,
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you have decided to branch out with the genres you read. Have you found any new genres that you enjoy just as much as your go to authors and books?
-Abby
Hi Abby,
DeleteHorror, thriller, and true crime are a few genres that I've just recently started reading. I am a huge horror movie fan, but I never read too many horror novels. Last year, I started tackling some Stephen King books. I'm also looking forward to reading some contemporary, independent horror novels as well as classics like Dracula. I also read a couple sci-fi novels in the past few years and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed them as it was a genre I hadn't really read before.
Hi Juliana,
ReplyDeleteI love your commitment to branch out and try other genres! That is something that I try to do, but I always end up finding my way back to my comfort genres. It seems as though I can only get through a couple of books in a different genre before I just have to go back to my favorites before I can branch out once again. I also use NoveList, but agree when you say there is nothing like having read the book in order to recommend it.
I'm so sorry, my name did not appear! The comment above is from Darla Rowe.
DeleteThanks!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi Darla,
DeleteI mostly stick to my favorite genres, too, because who doesn't want to read what they already know they enjoy? However, I try to pepper in some other genres I'd like to explore. Sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and mystery are genres I'm not too familiar with, but if I can at least read one book from each of those genres every year, there are a few more books I can recommend to patrons. That's how I try to think of it.
Hi Juliana,
ReplyDeleteI think the most unsettling aspect of Junji Ito is his easygoing and often funny public image. It is the least one would expect from someone dealing with such bizarre, cosmic horror fantasies in his books. I am currently reading the psychological thriller "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith for class. If you're looking for more female authors, give her a shot, if you haven't already.
Cheers.
Hi Sasha,
DeleteI just picked up a Junji Ito book earlier today! That is a good point. I find it kind of funny how his public image differs so greatly from the nature of his work. I have not read The Talented Mr. Ripley before, but I've heard good things. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hello Juliana!
ReplyDeleteI am actually about to start reading The Stranger right now for my Thriller annotation! I saw that was one of your favorite books. I love to read psychological thrillers and I'm actually pleasantly surprised that I have not read any of the books you listed before! Don't worry, they are all added to "want to read" list now (anyone else's list getting longer than normal since starting this classs??). Thank you so much for sharing those titles!
Leah,
DeleteThat's so exciting! I'm looking forward to reading your annotation for The Stranger. I hope you enjoy that book! If you do, I'd recommend checking out The Tunnel by Ernesto Sabato. It's a short novel, like The Stranger, and has many of the same themes.
Fantastic reading profile! You have a diverse taste in authors and I like how you mention that you are trying to read more female and international authors. That's a great goal for everyone to have. Solid closing quote from the book - I'm glad you're committed to reading a little outside your comfort zone to improve your RA - I hope you find it enjoyable! Full points!
ReplyDelete