Week 3 - Assignment 3

Conversation #1




For this patron, my understanding is that she they are looking for a travel narrative with a strong sense of an author's personal introspection... I got this from both the tone of Gilbert's book as well as the patron's enjoyment of the various countries about the world. I would suggest maybe Under the Tuscan Sun by Mayes if they want something travel oriented with a lighter, breezier tone, or maybe something by Paul Theroux if they are looking for something a bit more cynical/ darker with a bit more bite, such as Riding the Iron Rooster or The Pillars of Hercules.


Conversation #2


If the patron is looking for a good, "traditional" vampire novel, I could recommend Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice. It's almost "the" clichéd answer, but it remains popular for a reason... the story is fast and energetic and though there is romance, it's not teen-oriented at all - the book is steeped in very adult-styled romance and couplings. Plus, the characters are rich in historical reference. Lastly, if they like the book and the characters, there are numerous others in that series that they can move on to. If they are dead set against a "traditional" answer, though, I would recommend one of the earlier books by Kim Harrison (Every Which Way but Dead) or Kostova's The Historian, which keeps a more traditional edge as a vampire story while maintaining the methodical pacing of a good modern thriller. It's size can be a bit daunting, but the book reads fast.




Conversation #3


For this patron, I am hearing that they like the historical aspects of the story, and also the pacing of a good modern-day thriller. I would try and avoid some of the more "easy" responses and suggest something like Thunderstruck by Larson or City of Falling Angels by John Berendt. Both of these books are firmly grounded in historical fact but move with a quick pace and are extremely engaging. In addition, these books are tied to an aspect of American history with a bit of the "world at large" thrown in, which makes them a bit more cosmopolitan than others.