Reader's Advisory Questions and Suggestions

1. I am looking for a book by Laurell K. Hamilton. I just read the third book in the Anita Blake series and I can’t figure out which one comes next!

The Lunatic Cafe is the next book in the series. You can probably find this information on a lot of sites, or even just a quick google search, but I used GoodReads

2. What have I read recently? Well, I just finished this great book by Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer. I really liked the way it was written, you know, the way she used language. I wouldn't mind something a bit faster paced though.

You Must Remember This by Joyce Carol Oates. Using the literature map website I saw that Joyce Carol Oates was showing as a similar author and in the results from “What Should I Read Next?” This book is listed as a similar book that might be enjoyable for those that enjoyed Prodigal Summer. I also have some experience with the first book and other Joyce Carol Oates and can see a similarity in the writing/language that might be what the user is looking for.

3. I like reading books set in different countries. I just read one set in China, could you help me find one set in Japan? No, not modern – historical. I like it when the author describes it so much it feels like I was there!

The House of Kanze by Nobuko Albery. This is a historical fiction novel set in Japan with a level of accuracy demanding footnotes that follows the drama of the development of 14th century Japan and follows characters of uprising japanese actors. I found this selection through a historical novels database (Historicalfiction.info) and searched individual book reviews on Kirkus to make sure it appeared to fit the requirements of the user.

4. I read this great mystery by Elizabeth George called Well-Schooled in Murder and I loved it. Then my dentist said that if I liked mysteries I would probably like John Sandford, but boy was he creepy I couldn't finish it! Do you have any suggestions?

All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie. Deborah Crombie is listed as a similar author as Elizabeth George and this book shares a lot of the sames traits as a the previously read novel such as being set in England and having a police element. This is also listed as a suggestion on “What Should I Read Next?”.

5. My husband has really gotten into zombies lately. He’s already read The Walking Dead and World War Z, is there anything else you can recommend?

I am Legend and Other Stories by Richard Matheson. This is also a mainstream zombie book that would be along the lines as The Walking Dead and World War Z. While it has similar name recognition as the other titles it is also listed in zombie book lists that are similar on GoodReads

I pretty much only find reading for my own use. I have used GoodReads off and on for quite a few years utilizing their reviews, and user submitted lists as well as just scouring the database. I also work a lot off of friends recommendations. I feel like it can add value to the reading if you’re reading a book the same time or just after a friend has read the same book. This can make reading into a social experience too and plus, I get a recommendation for a read from a trusted source and someone who I know there tastes.

Reading Profile

Hello!

I don't think it's hard to deduce that I love to read. The feeling of being completely enveloped into a story, connecting to the characters, following the story line, and walking away having gained the experiences that you've read is definitely one of the most enjoyable and satisfying things I've found in my life. With that being said I don't always have the time to fully enjoy the books that I would like to. Because of this I have begun to open up to lighter, shorter reads and have realized that with expanded reading interests I can enjoy reading more and more often.

When time is not a factor I love a good long fantasy or science fiction series. My favorite of all time being the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. I loved the use of magic, the lovable and ever-enduring characters and the balance of action and resting points in the plot.

When looking for a short read, or indulging in re-reading a favorite I adore Kurt  Vonnegut. The writing is so distinct with multiple levels that it is really enjoyable for me to read and often times feels like visiting an old friend, picking up one of his stories. My favorite? Probably Welcome to the Monkey House.

In the past year and a half or so I have found a love for audio books as I juggle a full time job and school. At the end of the day I often do not have a desire to pick up a book, but the lack of great fiction in my life found an outlet through audio books that I listen to during my daily commute or whenever I have a moment at work. Experiencing  books in this way, one book can stretch over weeks or over a month and I am often interrupted. Because of this I have had to open my tastes up to easier to follow books, and this has given me the opportunity to really enjoy some popular fiction. I just recently finished The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks. While I did not fully enjoy this one due to the setting and a lack of character development, I did enjoy some elements and appreciated the fairly lighthearted story and fun banter between the characters. I might find myself trying a different novel by the author in the future. Some other popular fiction that I have enjoyed in the past year include some suspenseful books including Gone Girl and Silent Sister, both of which I enjoyed.

I am looking forward to further expanding my horizons as well as finding books similar to my favorite fantasy series to cater to the part of me that enjoyed reading them in the past.