Reaction Resource Possibility
The Readers’ Advisory Potential
Readers’ Advisory Workshop: Reaction Resource Possibility
Readers’ Advisory Interview Workshop
Tell me about a book you have read and
enjoyed…
The RA Librarian is thinking….
What is it about this book that would appeal to another reader?
What limits its appeal?
What other books are like it?
What does this author have in common with other authors of the same
genre?
How is this author dissimilar?
Specific to this reader…
Is the genre important to the reader?
Is the reader in the mood for the same thing—or something different?
Would this reader prefer to re-read something from the past or try
nonfiction instead of fiction?
(The previous is borrowed from (Saricks. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 3rd ed.
45-59)
Reaction Resource Possibility
The Readers’ Advisory Potential
PACING
Are characters and plot quickly revealed or slowly unveiled?
Is there more dialogue than description?
Is the book densely written?
Are there short sentences, short paragraphs, and short chapters
or other indications of a telescoped time frame?
Is there a straight-line plot, or are there multiple plotlines,
flashbacks, or alternating chapters related from different points
of view?
Do characters act or react to events?
Is the book end oriented or open-ended?
What is the pattern of pacing?
Vocabulary:
breakneck, compelling, deliberate, densely written,
easy, engrossing, fast paced, leisurely paced, measured, page-turning,
relaxed, stately, unhurried
ADD YOUR OWN DESCRIPTORS:
(The previous is borrowed from (Saricks. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 3rd ed.
45-59)
Leane M. Ellis
Edited for MLA 2015
2/16/2016
427lellis@comcast.net
2
Reaction Resource Possibility
The Readers’ Advisory Potential
CHARACTERIZATION
Are the characters developed over time, or are they types we
recognize immediately?
Is the focus on a single character or on several whose lives are
intertwined?
What is the point of view from which the story is told?
Is characterization the most important aspect of the book?
Is the reader expected to identify with the characters or observe
them?
Are there series characters, followed through and developed over
several related novels?
Are there memorable and important secondary characters?
Vocabulary:
clichéd, detailed, distant, dramatic, eccentric,
evocative, faithful, familiar, intriguing secondary (characters),
introspective, lifelike, multiple points of view, quirky, realistic,
recognizable, series (character), vivid, well developed, well drawn
ADD YOUR OWN DESCRIPTORS:
(The previous is borrowed from (Saricks. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 3rd ed.
45-59)
Leane M. Ellis
Edited for MLA 2015
2/16/2016
427lellis@comcast.net
3
Reaction Resource Possibility
The Readers’ Advisory Potential
STORY LINE
Does the story emphasize people, or does it highlight the
situations and events?
What is the author’s intention in regard to story line?
Is the focus of the story more interior and psychological or
exterior and action oriented?
Does the story take place on more than one level?
Vocabulary: action oriented, character centered, complex,
domestic, episodic, explicit violence, family centered, folksy,
gentle, inspirational, issue oriented, layered, literary references,
multiple plotlines, mystical, mythic, open-ended, plot centered,
plot, twists, racy, resolved ending, rich and famous, romp,
sexually explicit, steamy, strong language, thought-provoking,
tragic
ADD YOUR OWN DESCRIPTORS:
(The previous is borrowed from (Saricks. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 3rd ed.
45-59)
Leane M. Ellis
Edited for MLA 2015
2/16/2016
427lellis@comcast.net
4
Reaction Resource Possibility
The Readers’ Advisory Potential
FRAME: Setting, Atmosphere, Background & Tone
Does the setting ring true?
Did the author do their research?
Is the background detailed or minimal?
Does the frame affect the tone or atmosphere?
Tone is about how the writer makes you feel while reading the
book. Does it make the reader anxious? Horrified? Reassured?
Restless? Uncomfortable? Etc.
Is there a special background frame? Does the world-building
make sense? Is it accessible?
Vocabulary:
Frame and Tone--bittersweet, bleak, contemporary, darker (tone),
detailed setting, details [area of specialized knowledge or skill],
edgy, evocative, exotic, foreboding, gritty, hard edged,
heartwarming, historical details, humorous, lush, magical,
melodramatic, menacing, mystical, nightmare (tone), nostalgic,
philosophical, political, psychological, romantic, rural, sensual,
small town, stark, suspenseful, timeless, upbeat, urban
Style—austere, candid, classic, colorful, complex, concise,
conversational, direct, dramatic, elaborate, elegant, extravagant,
flamboyant, frank, graceful, homespun, jargon, metaphorical,
natural, ornate, poetic, polished, prosaic, restrained, seemly,
showy, simple, sophisticated, stark, thoughtful, unaffected,
unembellished, unpretentious, unusual
ADD YOUR OWN DESCRIPTORS:
(The previous is borrowed from (Saricks. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 3rd ed.
45-59)
Leane M. Ellis
Edited for MLA 2015
2/16/2016
427lellis@comcast.net
5
Reaction Resource Possibility
The Readers’ Advisory Potential
As the reader is talking to you, you are listening for the
Appeal Factors.
List the appeal factors:
What does the author not do?
Rank the appeal factors by importance to the reader.
1.)
2.)
3.)
Three suggestions (One can be a stretch that highlights
the main appeal factor (or more) ---) and WHY (appeal!).
1.)
2.)
3.)
Leane M. Ellis
Edited for MLA 2015
2/16/2016
427lellis@comcast.net
6