Week 8: Nonfiction

Assignment 1

"Borderlands" by Jennifer Brannen
I think Brannen makes some very good points about the relationships between fiction and nonfiction in RA.  I enjoy reading nonfiction, particularly what is termed narrative, and have often recommended titles to customers.  However, I don't know why it didn't occur to me that someone who enjoys certain types of fiction (such as Brannen illustrates) may also enjoy a similar 'story' in the nonfiction section.  I hope to put these ideas into practice on the desk.

"Reading Nonfiction for Pleasure" by Catherine S. Ross
Ross advises that when doing RA, it's important to really understand what the person is looking for by doing an effective reference interview with them and not to make assumptions.  I agree that sometimes it's easy to immediately want to lead a customer to a particular book or genre based on the first thing that he/she tells you.  However, it's important to go beyond that initial comment to find out what they really want.  I also found it interesting that during her research, many people responded that not being able to read would affect them profoundly in a negative way.  I have to agree that I can't imagine my life without the ability to read or the materials to read.

Assignment 2

I viewed Pratt's Nonfiction RA video by Richard Oloizia and found it overall to be very helpful.  I think the 16 types of narrative nonfiction he lists are pretty comprehensive and useful.  I also thought it was interesting the he not only listed 16 Appeal Factors but had separate lists of Author Appeal, "Lack of Appeal" and Appeal for Non-fiction.  It seems like a lot to know or to try and go through (at least in your mind) when doing at RA for someone interested in nonfiction.

Assignment 3

History (900's, depending on era) Stealing Lincoln's Body by Thomas Craughwell, 973.7092 C
Travel (also 900's, usually lower numbers)  A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, 917.4 B
Essays (in the lower 800's) Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, 814 S
Biography (BCPL shelves them by last name of subject) Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon, Bio CARNARVON

Assignment 4

Stealing Lincoln's Body by Craughwell is probably one of the best written non-fiction narratives I've ever read.  Craughwell offers enough details about the events leading up to this improbable story of the attempt to kidnap Lincoln's body from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois, to engage the reader without bogging down the flow of the story.  The plot is both obscure enough and intriguing to hold the reader's attention.  I think it would appeal to anyone who enjoys historical narratives, Lincoln, 19th century history, grave-robbers, crooks, and counterfeiters, or anyone who is looking for a quirky but true story.

David Sedaris is known for his satire and humorous stories both in written format and on radio and TV shows.  Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day recounts through a series of very funny vignettes his life as an ex-Pat living in France as  well as other stories including insights into his rather odd family.  This book will appeal to those who enjoy satirical humor, fast-paced essay type books, unusual insights and characters, or/and someone who appreciates a quirky view of the world.  This book is also hilarious in audio format which is read by Sedaris himself.