This revised edition provides a way of understanding the vast universe of genre fiction in an easy-to-use format. Expert readers' advisor Joyce Saricks offers groundbreaking reconsideration of the connections among genres, providing: key authors and themes within 15 genres; an explanation as to how the different genres overlap; and, the elements of fiction most likely to entice readers. Provocative and spirited, "The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, 2nd Edition" offers hands-on strategies for librarians who want to become experts at figuring out what their readers are seeking and how to match books with those interests.

Reviews

Librarians attempting to answer that gut-sinking request for a book "just like this one" can't afford to miss this excellent self-study reader's advisory guide. The author of Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library (Professional Media, LJ 10/15/97), Saricks helps librarians painlessly discover the specific appeal of 15 different popular fiction genres, what the benchmark titles are for each, and how to talk to people about the books they love. Genres overlooked by other reader's advisory tools are listed here in good detail, such as literary fiction, women's lives and relationships, and three types of suspense separate from mysteries, horror, and thrillers. In each chapter, Saricks breaks a genre down into subgenres (for example, under mystery, English cozy amateur detective tales vs. police procedurals) and identifies authors and titles that typify each. Annotated suggestions for print and nonprint resources are appended for further investigation, as well as another appendix challenging readers to explore five books in each genre every year (with a list of good titles to try). Well indexed by author, title, and subject, and full of practical suggestions on how to prepare for working with readers, this is an invaluable resource. Highly recommended for all public libraries. Jennifer Baker, Seattle P.L. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.