The Changing Appeal of Books

Appeal is, in some ways, an intangible aspect of reading, suggesting and loving books. Of course there are aspects of appeal that are tactile – the smell of a book, the weight of it, the picture on the cover, etc. – but there are parts of the appeal that are also intangible. Some of those we can quantify – pacing, characterization, frame, story, etc. – and some we cannot. Sometimes people identify a book or author that they like/appreciate but cannot tell us why. While it is frustrating to try to find a similar book or author without concrete evidence as to why it was a favorite, it is something that we are all probably guilty of, as professionals as well as pleasure readers.

When I talk about e-books and audiobooks with patrons, I find that they can be polarizing. The group that prefers audiobooks either finds it more comfortable to read them (due to poor eyesight, inability to hold books, difficulty with reading/literacy, or other reasons) or use them to supplement long times when they are distracted by other activities such as driving and working. In my experience, I have found that those who prefer audiobooks are loyal to them and will do whatever they can to get them. For this sector of patrons, the appeal for these books can vary from traditional books. These patrons look for good narrators, who keep them engaged, and are entertaining. They seek music that mirrors the story and enhance the tone. Of course they appreciate the story and characters, but I have some patrons who are more committed to following a certain narrator than type of book! Many still seek genre or subject specific books, but I do believe the appeal factor for audiobooks varies a bit from traditional print books.

E-book fans have different appeal factors to contend with. In some ways, e-books mirror appeal factors of print books. Most, if not all, have a cover picture that sets the tone for the book; swiping across a page gives the idea of turning a page; patrons are able to read at their own speed. However, with readers – especially those like iPads and Kindle Fires – there are some differences with e-books. Patrons have the ability to change the size of the print which can be like reading large print – it encourages more “page turning” which can seem to increase pace. Patrons may change the page color to ease their eyes which presents a stark difference between print and e-books. The electronic table of contents allows for ease in navigating to new chapters with the touch of a finger. I believe that, subconsciously, patrons see this way of reading as speeding up the process of getting through a book. It may not actually decrease the amount of time devoted to reading a book, but with a single page presented on a tablet at once, it seems like readers are engaging more movement to get through a book which may be perceived as a faster pace.

In my experience, people who do read e-books are quick to say that they don’t want to “totally abandon regular books.” I don’t know if they feel a personal attachment to reading print books, or don’t want to be perceived as transitioning away from print books, but I do find it interesting. Even though these same patrons highlight some of the same reasons for enjoying e-books that were explored in the powerpoint, such as ease in getting books; privacy; etc., they seem to want to assure me (and themselves!) that they are still interested in print books.

In some ways, I think that people are still adjusting to the idea of books in alternate formats in libraries (especially e-books) and don’t quite understand that just because they are accessing them in different formats, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t using the library as they should. I think our role in RA is to encourage the exploration of formats that may be easier, more accessible or more fun for people to try, and reinforce the idea that for the most part, the reasons that patrons like certain books will not change. Sure, the format or the look may differ, but the content is in the same – and for most patrons, that’s what counts most of all.

Historical Fiction Annotation - Shadow on the Crown

Picture retrieved from
www.amazon.com

Title: Shadow on the Crown

Author: Patricia Bracewell

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date: February 7, 2013

Publisher: Viking Adult

Pages: 432 (hardcover)

Geographical Setting: England and Normandy

Time Period: Medieval

Plot Summary

In 1002, Emma of Normandy is negotiated as a bride for the aging King Aethelred of England. Aethelred, a father many times over and a widower, is not eager at all to wed again, but does so to appease his advisors and forge political alliances with Emma’s brother, Richard, Duke of Normandy. At 15, Emma (rather than her sickly older sister) is sent to a strange land and expected to find her way in this new home.

Emma finds herself in an unwelcoming court, with a rival named Elgiva who had set her sights upon becoming the new queen of the land. Emma surrounds herself with Norman ladies-in-waiting and guards, but continues to be tormented not only by Elgiva and her conniving family, but also the sons of Aethelred who worry about her bearing another child – especially a son- to the King. According to the marriage contract, Aethelred not only marries Emma but makes her queen of England, something the other sons’ mother never attained. Emma’s title as queen may allow any children she has to usurp the grown children that Aethelred has fathered. After Emma miscarries her first pregnancy, the court begins to doubt her ability to serve as queen.

In the midst of this change, the reader is introduced to the ghosts that haunt King Aethelred – namely, that of his elder brother who was murdered in his sleep shortly after taking the crown. Aethelred and his mother share a secret about this murder – one that Aethelred cannot shake – and he finds his conscience increasingly interrupted by the guilt he feels about his brother’s death. His health and spirit decline and he finds himself suffering with these thoughts and memories.

As time goes on, Emma is welcomed by the people of the land who see her as a gentle, kind and loving woman who shows care for all, while she continues to be tormented by the king’s court. Aethelred’s youngest children see Emma as an affectionate, loving step-mother and cling to her.  In time, Aelthelred’s eldest son Athelstan also begins to see this side of her, and Emma finds herself falling in love with Athelstan. After a brief affair, Emma is unable to bear her feelings for him and asks him to leave her so that she may not be tempted. Emma returns to her husband, and though she feels no love for him, dutifully resumes her attempts to bear him a son.

An unsettling and tragic turn of events culminate when Aethelred, in an attempt to appease his brother’s ghost, Aethelred names Emma’s future children as heirs to the throne, thereby alienating Athelstan and his other brothers from her favor. Emma finds herself on more secure footing, and after bearing a son, understands that her role as wife and queen are cemented – for the time being.

The first in a trilogy, this book creates a strong foundation for the story of Emma, her sons, and her life as queen of England.

Elements of Historical Fiction Writing

World Building/Historically Accurate

One of the most important elements of historical fiction is the story’s ability to convey historically accurate information in a narrative tale that both intrigues and interests the reader. In this book, Bracewell uses quotations and information from the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, a recorded history of the Middle Ages. Bracewell uses information from these Chronicles to begin each chapter, which gives a small glimpse into both the timeline and the pace of this story.

Given the time period of this story, it is more difficult to determine historical accuracy. Fewer recordings of history lend this time period to having some gaps, as it did through the Middle Ages. However, the Anglo Saxon Chronicle is a respected, accepted historical document which lends validity to this story.

Accurately Portrayed Characters

In historical fiction, characters in the books are at least roughly/loosely based on actual characters from history. Emma and Aethelred, Richard Duke of Normandy and other characters in this book actually lived; characters more like Emma’s maids. Elgiva and other members of court may have been embellishments. Within respect to the actual historic characters and their lives, this book remains as true to account as the author is able to determine.

Leisurely/Long Pacing

As with many works of historical fiction, this book is lengthy at 432 pages, and has a leisurely pace. Even when the characters experience action, the prose used to describe the setting and action is evenly paced, descriptive and lends itself to leisurely reading. Most historical fiction, at least from this time period, tends to be longer with descriptions that acquaint the modern reader with the culture of that time period.

Historically Accurate Language

Some historical fiction will use historically accurate language to further paint the picture of the historical setting. In this case, the author did choose to incorporate both Middle English, as well as Dutch. In this situation, Bracewell included a glossary in the front of the book that this reader extensively used to reference! Additionally, the book also included language that accurately depicted things such as clothing, chambers, etc. to help create the setting for the story.

Book Read-Alikes

The Forever Queen – Helen Hollick

This book is another take on the reign and life of Emma of Normandy, and her marriage to two English kings. This book encompasses in one what the trilogy of Shadow on the Crown did in three books. Both authors capture Emma’s life, marriage to two very different kings, her challenges at court, her family and marriage alliances and how they clashed, and her motherhood of two future kings of England. This book would be a great read for anyone who very much enjoys the story of Emma of Normandy

.

To Defy a King – Elizabeth Chadwick

The story of Emma of Normandy tells an all-too-familiar tale of a young girl who is required to marry a (much often older) man in order to forget family alliances. In To Defy a King, Mahelt is a spirited young woman who is daughter to the kingdom’s greatest knight; however, after her father’s death, is required to marry a man of the King’s choosing and live a life of fear while her brothers are held hostage. Both of these books share the story of women who are used as pawns in political situations, who still manage to retain their spunk, personality, and individuality.

The White Princess – Philippa Gregory

While these two books span different times during the Middle Ages, the storyline of “behind the scenes” women who married powerful English kings is resonant in both. Elizabeth of York is bidden to marry Henry Tudor and forge the two greatest houses in the kingdom under one family. As with Emma, this marriage is about cultivating peace, alliances and protection. Elizabeth of York is torn between her love for Richard III, her relationship with Henry Tudor and her reappearing brother, and finds her alliances stretched and questioned as Emma does with King Aethelred and her brother, Duke of Normandy.

Author Read-Alikes

Philippa Gregory – the most obvious, and clear, read-alike is Philippa Gregory, who is the “reigning queen” of historical fiction – namely the European monarchy. Gregory and Bracewell share stories that write about strong female characters, are rich in detail and description, and create tantalizing stories about families, wars, love, courts, and betrayal in the Middle Ages.

Alison Weir – Like Gregory, Weir writes a number of books about the Tudor court and focus on singular subjects such as King Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell. Her books span many strong female characters in British history, and her works are richly detailed and peppered with historical facts and little known elements.

Sharon Kay Penman – Like Bracewell, Penman writes a number of books that are based in the Middle Ages, and focuses on biographical historical fiction. Her books are quite detailed and leisurely paced, and capture a great deal about life at that time.

Reader Thoughts

For a long time now, I have been an avid fan of historical fiction. I have explored books in all time periods, but find that I am most drawn to books about Middle Age nobility (Philippa Gregory is an author I greatly enjoy) and more recently, World War II historical fiction. Given the choice, I think I could read about King Henry VIII and his wives incessantly, but I have been branching off more lately to read more about earlier medieval times. Lately, I’ve also been reading about nobility in Italy, Spain and Scotland in this time period. I greatly appreciate the characteristics of historical fiction that describe the setting, the culture, etc. – I like to imagine the setting in which these writers weave these stories.  I believe that this is a huge part of why I enjoy middle ages so much – there’s so much to talk about!

This book was recommended to me by a colleague as I wanted to read something different than my usual Philippa Gregory/Alison Weir for this assignment – and she did not lead me astray. Something about this writing made the story seem colder, more detached – as I imagine things were for Emma as she started this new life. Emma was a fun, spunky, lively character who was refreshing in a somber, dark, damp court. This was my first foray into the world of Norman rule, and I would like to continue exploring it!

I will admit that until I read some online reviews, I did not know this was a trilogy which is a relief as the only part of the book that I do not like is the ending. Not knowing it was a trilogy made the ending seem rushed and trite – but now that I know there are additional books to read, I can see how this on built a strong and solid foundation for the rest of the story. I would highly recommend this!

Book Club Experience

This past Tuesday, I attended a book club meeting at the Fishers Branch of the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL). This month, the club read The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan. This book club is called “Just the Facts” – as it is a non-fiction book club - and is facilitated by librarian/HEPL employee Hayley Trefun.  Full disclosure: this book club occurs at the library in which I work but I do not:

•          Facilitate or contribute to book choices
•          Attend professionally or personally
•          Even like to read nonfiction.

I facilitated a book club at our library called Books on Tap – it reads contemporary fiction and meets outside the library in the community. I believe that Just the Facts is pretty much the polar opposite of the book club I facilitate, so I wanted to see the differences in facilitation and discussion topics. Additionally, I must admit that I wanted to see how conversation flowed and the interactions between members, and how it compared to my group.

Just the Facts has been meeting on a regular basis (the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the library) for the past three years. With the exception of maternity leave, Hayley has been the only facilitator. In speaking with Hayley, I found that she was drawn to create and lead this club “because I have a passion for nonfiction and believe that others in our community do as well – and we need to meet more than just the needs for fiction readers” (personal communication, H. Trefun, March 6, 2015). Hayley is responsible for book selection, and makes her list in the last quarter of the calendar year, so that she may publish it by December and have books purchased and in-hand by her January meeting.

This meeting began with a gathering of 12 people in the library’s meeting rooms – though the advertised start time is 7:00 pm, Hayley allowed general chit-chat for a few moments while people drifted in, and this seemed to be the norm. After coming together, the group acknowledged that there were new members or returning members who had been absent for a while, so the group took turns doing introductions and wore name tags so that they could address one another. I introduced myself but refrained from sharing that I was observing their interactions so that their behavior would remain natural.

The book club opened with people sharing general thoughts about the book and its topic. This book discusses the impact that “the myths of pseudoscience” have on decision making in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven society, and explores whether society will be able to make intelligent and rational decisions in the future with false scientific myths clouding our judgment (Sagan, 1997).  It was anticipated that this book would spark a lot of debate and dissention of opinion, as the book discusses false science that ranges from witchcraft to alien abductions to some/most religions – and that anticipation was certainly met. Each person in the book club had a very strong opinion about the book – some agreeing, some vehemently disagreeing. However, when the discussion concluded, the general consensus was that our society knows far less about science now than it did when this book was written – and that knowledge may continue to decline.

In my opinion, Hayley did an excellent job as facilitator and moderator – it was clear that the group looked to Hayley to begin conversation, and transition it when it died or became contentious! In that role, Hayley would take on that responsibility, but did so in a way that encouraged input from all members who wanted to speak before moving on. Some members were distinctly quieter than others, but each had something to contribute, and Hayley seemed to know most of them well enough to encourage that from them. As facilitator, Hayley did share her opinions, but did so in a time that allowed others to share theirs first, and in a way that did not make anyone feel like they must share her perspective. She came prepared with a list of questions and used them occasionally – either when conversation turned in the direction of a question, or when there was a lull. The group seemed to appreciate the opportunity to have a focused question to answer, but also seemed to thrive when their conversation flowed more organically.

As with most group dynamics, there were a few characters present. One gentleman (who is known to the librarians as a headstrong fellow!) made comments that were not only irrelevant to the discussion but also inflammatory – i.e. bringing up the existence of God in a way that seemed to be inciting debate just for the sake of debate. Throughout the evening, it seemed as if members of the book club knew how to push back, and the facilitator did not have to step in, though she later shared that she was prepared to if he got too aggressive (personal communication, H. Trefun, March 11, 2015). Another gentleman, who is new to book clubs, would blurt out his opinion at times when that portion of the discussion had been concluded, or share transitions that didn’t make sense to most. Luckily, he is an affable man and was willing to explain his transitions so that others could follow!

The book club had a lively, engaged conversation that seemed to leave all of the members satisfied. Conversation wrapped up around 8:15, which was the typical length for this club. At the end, Hayley handed out the next month’s book and reminded people of place and time, and members left seemingly pleased and excited for next month’s book.

I was very pleased with this club and the opportunity to observe its discussion. I was a little surprised at the level/amount of conversation, and was told that it is not usually that lively (personal communication, H. Trefun, March 11, 2015). The members were generally respectful of each individuals’ opinions and time to talk, and even the more abrasive moments/members were handled in assertive, but not aggressive, ways. It was noted that many members of this group have been together for a while in this group and others, so they are accustomed to interacting with one another.

The only feedback/changes I would make would be the following:

·         Length of time devoted to each point of conversation: Hayley allowed ample time for each attendee to discuss their perspectives – but sometimes certain points dragged. I did observe fidgeting and time checking which indicated to me that some people were losing interest. It may have been helpful to shorten some individual speaking time and move to others more quickly so that more people could speak in a given time.

·         Incorporate additional library information: The library has a large number of fun and engaging spring programs coming up, and staff has been asked to mention it to all of our programs and groups. It would have been great if Hayley could have brought along some adult programming brochures or flyers so that attendees could review the offerings and ask questions.

Overall, I think that this book club had a great discussion and fun dynamic – and Hayley was an excellent facilitator! I would be interested to attend another meeting to compare the conversation, and see a more typical conversation. Regardless, this shows that there is a need and an interest in reading and discussing nonfiction works in our community, and I’m glad that our library’s offerings include this book club.

References

Sagan, C. (1997). The Demon Haunted World – Science as a Candle in the Dark. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.

Special Topics Paper - Readers' Advisory Training and Education

Hello all! 

Here is my special topics paper - I'm trying to embed it on the blog because I'm not quite sure how to view it otherwise without making my blog super, super long. Please let me know if you have trouble reading it!

Thanks,
Jess

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3XWdbVIqgZnemY1SlMtMTItcFE/edit?usp=sharing>

Annotation for Women's Lives and Relationships - Maine

Image retrieved from www.amazon.com

General Information

Author: J. Courtney Sullivan

Title: Maine

Genre: Women’s Lives and Relationships

Publication Date: June 14, 2011

Number of Pages: 400 (Hardcover)

Geographical Setting: Maine, United States

Time Period: Present

Plot Summary

The Kelleher family has always loved Maine – it is a place where “children run in packs, showers are taken outdoors, and old Irish songs are sung around a piano” (Sullivan, 2011). The house has been in the family for years, after it was won in a game of cards, and has provided a summer vacation spot for the family for years. It’s also a place where the family refreshes and restores their souls and relationships, or comes to hide – whatever is most needed at that time.

This summer, three generations of Kelleher women come to the Maine beach house, each struggling with her own challenges, demons and questions about her life. Alice, the matriarch, has been living this house for years and is struggling with the unexplained disappearance of her husband while determining the fate of the house and her inheritance. Ann Marie, Alice’s martyr-ish daughter-in-law is positioning herself as the favorite family member while trying to piece together her crumbling marriage and feelings towards her husband. Maggie, Alice’s granddaughter comes to Maine to seek solace and clarity after finding out she is pregnant by her unreliable boyfriend. Kathleen, Alice’s daughter and Maggie’s mother, comes to reconnect with Maggie all while maintaining a sober lifestyle that is difficult around her family.

With all of these (related!) women under one roof, tensions are understandably high – and yet, each member of this female-centric family provides others with that which they need to address their individual struggles. Alice and Maggie connect over Maggie’s pregnancy as Alice provides advice and counsel that only a grandmother can give; Kathleen and Ann Marie work through their polar opposite problems to try to help Alice make reasonable decisions about her future; and Kathleen and Maggie start testing the mother/daughter bonds that have been so strained in the past. Each woman is jarred to the core at a crazy turn of events, bringing someone back into their lives that they thought they never would see again – and each woman must draw upon her internal strength, and be supported by her friends, in order to make decisions about the changes they must make in their lives.

Elements of Women’s Lives and Relationships Writing

Tone/Mood

Books in the “Women’s Lives and Relationships” genre have a variety of tones – ranging from melodramatic to realistic and everything in between (Saricks, 2009). This story has some dramatic elements – the disappearance and reappearance of Alice’s husband; Ann Marie’s drastic 180 which turns her from a meek housewife to a force to be reckoned with – but for the most part, the underlying elements of relationships, friendships, identity, love and loss create a realistic setting for this story to unfold.

Characterization

This book highly ascribes to the characterization aspects of Women’s Lives and Relationships, as it solely revolves around four related women, who are all working through their personal and interpersonal relationships and related issues. While men are present in this story – Maggie’s unreliable boyfriend, the gentle local priest, Alice’s absent husband, Ann-Marie’s distant husband, and Kathleen’s lovable and quirky husband – Sullivan does a fantastic job of keeping the focus of the story on the women themselves and how they related to one another, and view themselves, both within and outside the context of their male counterparts. This book is truly character-centered.

Story Line

Stories in this genre focus not only on women as main characters, but also on their struggles and triumphs – especially as they relate to women. In this novel, the women are dealing with life changes, age, loneliness, mother/daughter relationships, marriage, identity, etc. – and while these elements aren’t reserved for books about women, the way Sullivan describes and resolves those issues resonate deeply with women. Sullivan has a keen awareness of the love/tension relationships that exist between generations of women in a family, and is able to write a story that very accurately reflects the ways in which women relate to one another.

Frame/Setting

Maine is set in the present-day, with a location that isn’t familiar to all, but evokes feelings of familiarity. Saricks (2009) notes that stories in this genre often include “fascinating background details related to geographical setting, careers, and hobbies…” Sullivan explores some fun/quirky details of both the setting (contrasting the huge, “main house” with the quaint, rickety cottage that everyone prefers) as well as Ann Marie’s hobby as a dollhouse creator, and Kathleen’s business as a worm farmer. These small details are funny and intriguing, and draw the reader in.

Pacing

The pacing of this novel is slow and languid – very reminiscent of the beach where it is set. While there are no real suspenseful moments in the book, there are a few moments that are jarring for the characters and reader, and the pacing speeds up at that point. Overall, the pacing is set in a way that allows things to unfold at a consistent, unhurried pace.

Book Read-Alikes

Ladies of the Lake – Haywood Smith

Both of these books focus on friendships and relationships between female family members who are spending time together on vacation. In each of these books, the relationships encounter tough spots that require the women to engage in tough conversations and find ways to reconcile their differences to repair their relationships and the family structure.

Summer People – Elin Hildebrand

In both books, the authors focus on groups of women who are vacationing together while dealing with personal problems and interpersonal relationships. The stories are both slowly paced with quick moments of surprise and feature women that have deep flaws that make the reader engage with/relate to them on a deep level.

Summer Rental – Mary Kay Andrews

Both Maine and Summer Rental explore the lives of groups of women who are all in the process of rebuilding their lives after some sort of crisis. While Maine finds the characters exploring their crises from the beginning and Summer Rental provides more look-backs on the actual events, the characters in each are charged with re-creating their lives with the support and love of their family and friends.

Author Read-Alikes

Patricia Gaffney – Both Gaffney and Sullivan write novels that feature sharp, intelligent and emotionally mature female characters. The books have realistic settings and dialogue and showcase complex moral and familial situations.

Sue Miller – J. Courtney Sullivan and Sue Miller both write stories that are fun and entertaining, while pushing readers to think about the challenges each character is facing. Both authors write emotionally and situationally complex stories about divorce, family relationships and dysfunctions, and aging parents.

Elin Hildebrand – Both of these authors focus on women's lives and relationships in character-driven novels that are easily relatable because of the character's problems and complex lives. Their leisurely-paced writing is emotional and sometimes bittersweet as characters' pasts are explored.

Reader Commentary

I first read Maine when it was first released, and then again in the summer of 2014, and was impressed by how relevant it was at each point in my life – as my relationships with my female friends and mother/sister were in flux. While I would not consider this book to be a great work of literary fiction (and truthfully it wasn’t written to be that!) I do think it is a great example of this genre of fiction.

I think Sullivan does a fantastic job of creating unique and fun characters. I really enjoyed Alice and Ann Marie – Alice is feisty and fun and slightly bitter; Ann Marie is deeply complex and darkly funny. Of all the characters, Maggie is my least favorite, but that’s probably because I found her story to be one that’s told before. However, she is a relatable character and familiar for many readers. The men in this book are also well-written – they complement the story without detracting from it or overwhelming the female characters.

This genre as a whole encompasses some of my favorite authors – especially Jodi Picoult. I did not choose to discuss any of her books in this annotation because I wanted to explore a different author, but I have consistently been a fan of her work and after reading more of the genre, understand how great of a writer she is for this genre.

As an aside – another book I would highly recommend in this genre is The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.  While the book may also fall under historical fiction, the intense, complex and amazing women that are featured in this book will put readers into a spell. I cannot speak highly enough of it.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Dovekeepers-Novel-Alice-Hoffman/dp/1451617488

Saricks, J. (2009). The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction: Second Edition. Chicago, Illinois: American Library Association.

The Proof is in the Pudding...the Truth is in the Tale - Or Is It?

Like some of the other classmates have mentioned, the most recent experience I have with assessing the authenticity of a book occurred when the news about “The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven” broke in the news. Our library staff was surprised to read about this situation, but frankly, I believe we were more surprised that a story with this subject was the center of the debate. That was probably biased thinking on our part.

Our library’s Collection Development staff team was meeting later that week, so they discussed this book and decided to leave it in the non-fiction collection. When asked why, our library’s main selector noted that the library “does not verify the authenticity of all books in the non-fiction collection, so we will leave it on the shelf and let patrons decide for themselves” (S. Bonham, personal communication, January 22, 2015). Staff has not heard much from patrons, and the book continues to circulate, so we cannot comment on whether or not the announcement had an impact on patron interest – or if patrons are simply curious to read the book more now than before.

I do remember controversy like this when A Million Little Pieces was revealed – and I was actually reading the book at the time that it came out, so I felt like I had to comb through it! I did feel some twinges of compassion and a lot of mortification for Frey, as I’m sure it was embarrassing to re-live this mistake over and over as he was exposed by the media. I feel even more compassion for Alex Malarkey who, from the media reports I’ve read, seems to be a victim of his father/family’s intention to create this story about his return from the afterlife. While Frey can take full responsibility for his decision to fabricate his biography, Alex seems to have been a somewhat innocent party in his story – which, while it doesn’t negate the fact that this story has been retracted, somewhat requires a reader to take pause and consider the circumstances and familial pressures of this story.

Also – let’s pause and consider the irony of Alex’s last name. Malarkey. Defined as “meaningless talk; nonsense.” It may be unfair to point that out, but I found it somewhat laughable, so I thought I’d see if anyone else noticed too.

When considering the library’s responsibility in this situation, I think it’s a very gray area. The library in which I work moved Frey’s book from non-fiction to fiction, but as is demonstrated above, they did not do that with Malarkey’s. I think some of that has to do with the decision-makers at the time, which opens up larger questions about cataloging consistency, the library’s role in making decisions about books’ authenticity, the responsibility of patrons to be informed to whatever extent they think is important, and even publishers’ responsibility when printing these books. Regardless, I am confident that this library – and any good library – would leave books on the shelf and allow patrons to make informed decisions about what they read.