You can probably guess what this is about:
The blog is moving to Wordpress: TheGraphicShelf.wordpress.com Please remember to update your book marks and feeders!
After being a loyal Blogger way longer than I should have, Google's stunt on February 24, and immediate backpedaling by February 27 was the final straw. My honest belief is that Google is getting ready to shut down the platform. They're being underhanded because remember how everyone felt when Google Reader was shut down?
To be honest, I've been toying with the idea of moving the blog since the start of the year. I've held back for a while (mostly because I didn't want to make yet another change), but as I started to look between Blogger and Wordpress, I was starting to feel that Blogger did not meet my needs anymore.
I'll leave this here as a reference, but posts have moved to the new site so you can find the same information there too.
Thank you!
Showing posts with label LifeThoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LifeThoughts. Show all posts
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
The Diversity Discussion: Some Thoughts
I have spent about 8 hours on this post and I've spent the past evening and this morning trying to get reality checks from fellow librarians. I offer to you my opinions and ask that you keep that in mind.
I got in a Twitter argument on Saturday. Or discussion. When it comes down to it, it really was a discussion because in the end, I felt heard by those I was discussing with and we had new ideas and points. It was good. Here's the Tweet that started it:
The first point is this: CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT. Since Saturday morning, I've read the Story Time Underground Post, I've read the blog post above, and I've read more twitter stuff like Justina Ireland's Storyfied post. Honestly, her posts sum up my philosophy easily.
The more I read, the more I think about how this is one singular comment posted on Twitter for all to see and here's how I see it: it is a relatively harmless comment on its own (please be patient with me before you go commenting. This is very, very complex). I say this because I understand this response. I had the same thing happen in my picture book collection when I started. Since then, I've bought more picture books with POC and I include them because of their topic, not the color of skin: i.e. moving because it is a very well done story about moving, opposites because it is a fun story about opposites, etc.
My community reads diverse books for the story.
So the answer given by others to the issue of The Crossover being a hard sell is to... hand sell it? Fine. That can be done, but sometimes, no matter the amount of hand selling, the book (and I'm talking generally here because I can think of one Newbery that appears on my weed list occasionally) is still going to be a hard sell. It goes out once or twice or not at all.
If the book (general, again) won an award, it'll stay, and maybe in 3 years, it'll be crazy popular again because I have that population and readership. In the meantime, there are over hundreds of other books to chose from.
In fact, that's part of the issue: there are so many books coming out. When it comes to diverse books, I look to content over characters. Is the book getting a favorable review? Check. Is the topic of the book something my readers would like such as a love story, fantasy, family moving, topic my parents have asked for, etc? If so, then I'll get it because my community will probably read it for the story.
From my experience, which is how I'm relating to this, I only do reader's advisory when kids or parents ask and I pick books that match their question. If there is a diverse book on that topic and it is in, I'll share it. If it doesn't match or it's not in, there are a bunch of other books to chose from.
Does that mean I ignore diverse books in my collection? No. I put them face out on displays whenever I can and let readers discover them. I will include them on books lists when I make them. I treat the books by their stories.
What I see happening is two camps: one that says librarians must promote books, authors, and particular ideas, while another says we must promote and provide to our community and what they like. Unfortunately, librarianship is not so black and white. We all fall onto a continuum of this and it depends on your readers, your collection policy, your mission statement, and your statistics.
Does this mean I don't purchase diverse books for my collection? No. I treat all book reviews equally and keep my readership in mind. Again, this is my community I'm purchasing for and I want to have what they want and what they might be willing to read to broaden the mind. Again, they read diverse books because they want to read a story.
Community is, I think, a great part of the book purchasing equation. We need to include things to broaden the mind, but also provide what they want. It's a balancing act which means some great starred books will be passed over for something that had a decent review and better suits the readers. Public libraries cannot buy ALL THE BOOKS. Gosh, if there is a library that has that kind of budget and does buy ALL THE BOOKS, I'd like to see this library. (Hold on. I think I have. How about a library in an average service community, though?)
On the flip side, a great collection is diverse and will have at least one book or item that offends someone. If you are not offended by one thing in my collection, I have not done my job. If I'm not offended by something in my collection, I also haven't done my job.
I don't love all graphic novels. This One Summer is not one of my favorites. Does this mean I'm not going to have it in my collection? NO. I recognize the merit of the book and it's getting a bunch of press so I got it. I got The Crossover after it was announced as the Newbery winner, but am I a bad librarian because I didn't buy it the first time around? I did purchase How It Went Down when it first came out because of the story. Basketball does not come up often for middle school and high school RA at my library. Baseball and football are more likely the stories they want.
Librarianship and libraries are changing. We're in uncertain times. Diversity needs to happen in books. That is true, but we also need to be careful we don't alienate our readers and each other. By this, I'm saying we need to be sure we're striking the balance between what they want and what might push their boundaries. If we make a point to get diverse books but if our readership doesn't relate to them in some way, they'll go somewhere else.
On the other hand, this is just part of a discussion I've seen happening for years: some award winners are a hard sell to the community, regardless of what's between the covers. I can think of a Newbery winner a few years ago that someone told me they tried to read and couldn't get into it. I can think of Printz winners I wasn't sure would go (one of which didn't go when it came out, but years later has found a readership). I have books I love, authors I love, but no matter how much hand-selling I do, sometimes the readers just don't find it appealing.
So what should librarians be doing: promoting books, their authors, and particular ideas, or promoting community and a love of reading? Is it our job to make particular books succeed or is it our job to make books in general succeed? Has this librarian (and I'm wondering if I have) failed for not providing The Crossover since March? I don't think so.
What I'm saying is that we need to open a dialogue about all angles of this: diverse books, our communities, what we stand to promote, the award winners that don't have a huge appeal regardless of what's between the covers, and we need to do it with an open mind and with respect to each other. Librarians are the loudest, most outspoken people I know, but seeing some of the comments that have come out of this discussion (mostly in the vein of "You're not doing your JOB") makes me ashamed of us as a profession that I have always seen as diverse, open minded, and open to discussion. Our JOBS are as diverse as the books that are out there. Our jobs are as diverse as the libraries. What is popular in one half of my state, is not popular in the other (finally attending a conference near Pittsburgh really showed me how different it is compared to Philly). This idea can even be expanded to the entire country.
Everyone is different and bringing their experience to the table. Let's have discussion and stop casting blame.
This is my philosophy of librarianship: The Five Laws of Library Science (source-Wikipedia):
Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider this point of view. I want to remind you this does NOT reflect my employer and this does NOT reflect the Library Association I'm part of.
I got in a Twitter argument on Saturday. Or discussion. When it comes down to it, it really was a discussion because in the end, I felt heard by those I was discussing with and we had new ideas and points. It was good. Here's the Tweet that started it:
If you're a librarian, it's your job to do your job and it's your job to HELP THESE BOOKS SUCCEED ffs. pic.twitter.com/09IMeCELDy
— Kelly Jensen (@catagator) February 7, 2015
First, you can find my points under there easily, so I'm not exactly going to rehash all of those. What I am going to do is bring up the points that I've come up with since reading the Story Time Underground Facebook Group and So Tomorrow's Blog Post.The first point is this: CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT. Since Saturday morning, I've read the Story Time Underground Post, I've read the blog post above, and I've read more twitter stuff like Justina Ireland's Storyfied post. Honestly, her posts sum up my philosophy easily.
The more I read, the more I think about how this is one singular comment posted on Twitter for all to see and here's how I see it: it is a relatively harmless comment on its own (please be patient with me before you go commenting. This is very, very complex). I say this because I understand this response. I had the same thing happen in my picture book collection when I started. Since then, I've bought more picture books with POC and I include them because of their topic, not the color of skin: i.e. moving because it is a very well done story about moving, opposites because it is a fun story about opposites, etc.
My community reads diverse books for the story.
So the answer given by others to the issue of The Crossover being a hard sell is to... hand sell it? Fine. That can be done, but sometimes, no matter the amount of hand selling, the book (and I'm talking generally here because I can think of one Newbery that appears on my weed list occasionally) is still going to be a hard sell. It goes out once or twice or not at all.
If the book (general, again) won an award, it'll stay, and maybe in 3 years, it'll be crazy popular again because I have that population and readership. In the meantime, there are over hundreds of other books to chose from.
In fact, that's part of the issue: there are so many books coming out. When it comes to diverse books, I look to content over characters. Is the book getting a favorable review? Check. Is the topic of the book something my readers would like such as a love story, fantasy, family moving, topic my parents have asked for, etc? If so, then I'll get it because my community will probably read it for the story.
From my experience, which is how I'm relating to this, I only do reader's advisory when kids or parents ask and I pick books that match their question. If there is a diverse book on that topic and it is in, I'll share it. If it doesn't match or it's not in, there are a bunch of other books to chose from.
Does that mean I ignore diverse books in my collection? No. I put them face out on displays whenever I can and let readers discover them. I will include them on books lists when I make them. I treat the books by their stories.
What I see happening is two camps: one that says librarians must promote books, authors, and particular ideas, while another says we must promote and provide to our community and what they like. Unfortunately, librarianship is not so black and white. We all fall onto a continuum of this and it depends on your readers, your collection policy, your mission statement, and your statistics.
Does this mean I don't purchase diverse books for my collection? No. I treat all book reviews equally and keep my readership in mind. Again, this is my community I'm purchasing for and I want to have what they want and what they might be willing to read to broaden the mind. Again, they read diverse books because they want to read a story.
Community is, I think, a great part of the book purchasing equation. We need to include things to broaden the mind, but also provide what they want. It's a balancing act which means some great starred books will be passed over for something that had a decent review and better suits the readers. Public libraries cannot buy ALL THE BOOKS. Gosh, if there is a library that has that kind of budget and does buy ALL THE BOOKS, I'd like to see this library. (Hold on. I think I have. How about a library in an average service community, though?)
On the flip side, a great collection is diverse and will have at least one book or item that offends someone. If you are not offended by one thing in my collection, I have not done my job. If I'm not offended by something in my collection, I also haven't done my job.
I don't love all graphic novels. This One Summer is not one of my favorites. Does this mean I'm not going to have it in my collection? NO. I recognize the merit of the book and it's getting a bunch of press so I got it. I got The Crossover after it was announced as the Newbery winner, but am I a bad librarian because I didn't buy it the first time around? I did purchase How It Went Down when it first came out because of the story. Basketball does not come up often for middle school and high school RA at my library. Baseball and football are more likely the stories they want.
Librarianship and libraries are changing. We're in uncertain times. Diversity needs to happen in books. That is true, but we also need to be careful we don't alienate our readers and each other. By this, I'm saying we need to be sure we're striking the balance between what they want and what might push their boundaries. If we make a point to get diverse books but if our readership doesn't relate to them in some way, they'll go somewhere else.
On the other hand, this is just part of a discussion I've seen happening for years: some award winners are a hard sell to the community, regardless of what's between the covers. I can think of a Newbery winner a few years ago that someone told me they tried to read and couldn't get into it. I can think of Printz winners I wasn't sure would go (one of which didn't go when it came out, but years later has found a readership). I have books I love, authors I love, but no matter how much hand-selling I do, sometimes the readers just don't find it appealing.
So what should librarians be doing: promoting books, their authors, and particular ideas, or promoting community and a love of reading? Is it our job to make particular books succeed or is it our job to make books in general succeed? Has this librarian (and I'm wondering if I have) failed for not providing The Crossover since March? I don't think so.
What I'm saying is that we need to open a dialogue about all angles of this: diverse books, our communities, what we stand to promote, the award winners that don't have a huge appeal regardless of what's between the covers, and we need to do it with an open mind and with respect to each other. Librarians are the loudest, most outspoken people I know, but seeing some of the comments that have come out of this discussion (mostly in the vein of "You're not doing your JOB") makes me ashamed of us as a profession that I have always seen as diverse, open minded, and open to discussion. Our JOBS are as diverse as the books that are out there. Our jobs are as diverse as the libraries. What is popular in one half of my state, is not popular in the other (finally attending a conference near Pittsburgh really showed me how different it is compared to Philly). This idea can even be expanded to the entire country.
Everyone is different and bringing their experience to the table. Let's have discussion and stop casting blame.
This is my philosophy of librarianship: The Five Laws of Library Science (source-Wikipedia):
- Books are for use.
- Every reader his [or her] book.
- Every book its reader.
- Save the time of the reader.
- The library is a growing organism.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider this point of view. I want to remind you this does NOT reflect my employer and this does NOT reflect the Library Association I'm part of.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
The Caldecott Honor of 2015
It's on everyone's minds: HOW did a graphic novel get a Caldecott Honor? This is nothing like when Hugo Cabret won. That could be justified, but a graphic novel? A YA book no less? How was that possible?
I don't know, but what I do know is that there is going to be discussion about it for months to come.
This Horn Book blog post from Calling Caledcott raises great points and a lot of points I considered: Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking: the Process Edition. (HT Twitter Julie Jurgen @himissjulie).
When I mentioned to my husband that there will be discussion (and crazy discussion at that) he brought up the Sandman by Neil Gaiman, issue 19 caused a bit of a stir for winning a Short Story Award:
I suspect the Caldecott rules will change after this. This One Summer will be harder to explain to parents. I'm surprised it's considered a 14 and under title. I'd put it in high school range, but that's just because of the topics dealt with in the book. It is a darker story.
So this raises a bunch of questions: who is the Caldecott for? Will more graphic novels be included or will the rules change? Have graphic novels always been included? Or will it change nothing and we'll go back to the usual picture books for the next few years until the next oddball? Time will tell.
I don't know, but what I do know is that there is going to be discussion about it for months to come.
This Horn Book blog post from Calling Caledcott raises great points and a lot of points I considered: Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking: the Process Edition. (HT Twitter Julie Jurgen @himissjulie).
When I mentioned to my husband that there will be discussion (and crazy discussion at that) he brought up the Sandman by Neil Gaiman, issue 19 caused a bit of a stir for winning a Short Story Award:
At the 1991 awards, comic book The Sandman issue #19 "A Midsummer's Night Dream" scripted by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Charles Vess, won the Award for Best Short Fiction.[3] The widely circulated story that the rules were subsequently changed to prevent another comic book from winning is not entirely true. The official website states: "Comics are eligible in the Special Award Professional category. We never made a change in the rules."[4] Gaiman and Vess, however, won the Award under the Short Fiction and not the Special Award Professional category.From Wikipedia: World Fantasy Award
I suspect the Caldecott rules will change after this. This One Summer will be harder to explain to parents. I'm surprised it's considered a 14 and under title. I'd put it in high school range, but that's just because of the topics dealt with in the book. It is a darker story.
So this raises a bunch of questions: who is the Caldecott for? Will more graphic novels be included or will the rules change? Have graphic novels always been included? Or will it change nothing and we'll go back to the usual picture books for the next few years until the next oddball? Time will tell.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Thursday Morning Musings
Good morning! I realized that my Twitter account is separate from here. I've been retweeting a lot of good stuff. In the next few days, I'll add the widget back with my account. Eventually, I'm hoping to create an RSS feed account where you can see when I updated. All of this is eventually.
I practically live on Twitter. I've had a lot to muse on this morning and wanted to share some of it.
First, yes, it is cold and if you're in the south eastern portion of PA, you should follow these guys. Generally, they are spot on with weather predictions. Then occasionally they have stuff like this:
I practically live on Twitter. I've had a lot to muse on this morning and wanted to share some of it.
First, yes, it is cold and if you're in the south eastern portion of PA, you should follow these guys. Generally, they are spot on with weather predictions. Then occasionally they have stuff like this:
MEGA ALERT BREAKING WEATHER NEWS: It's winter and it's going to be cold. Cue flashing graphics and icons with tag team meteorologists!
— PhillyWx.com (@phillywx) January 7, 2015
Next, a comic artist I follow on Twitter muses about her library experiences as a page and in an awesome pop culture library I did not realize exists. Star Trek Memorabilia? YES!
I love reading Questionable Content. Lately, he's been having a lot happen in the library with characters...but including some interesting commentary on libraries. Take a read here: First part and a follow up. I could go in-depth on this, but just enjoy the humor and how Marten and Claire (intern) and Tai (the head librarian) have their opinions of the [academic] library.
Last, Story Time Underground has this neat blog prompt called "Resolve to Rock." I first heard about it through Laura at Literacious (who is awesome). I may do this just for myself. I know it's time to set my vision and goals for the coming year so this might help me focus professionally.
Anything you found interesting so far this week? Want to discuss something? Share in the comments.
I Was a Librarian http://t.co/JjZUdcg5hp
— Kelci Crawford (@KelciDCrawford) January 8, 2015
I manage 2 nonprofit Facebook pages (my library and another) and I admit, I haven't actually sat down to read this yet, but it looks intriguing. I like 99u for their inspirational posts.
A day in apps: The social media manager’s edition. http://t.co/f6tmW3Rbwa
— 99U (@99u) January 8, 2015
Remember Ferguson Library? They are still doing awesome work.
Now Trending on Twitter: Public Libraries http://t.co/gEYTl6dKDx
— Publishers Weekly (@PublishersWkly) January 7, 2015
I love reading Questionable Content. Lately, he's been having a lot happen in the library with characters...but including some interesting commentary on libraries. Take a read here: First part and a follow up. I could go in-depth on this, but just enjoy the humor and how Marten and Claire (intern) and Tai (the head librarian) have their opinions of the [academic] library.
Last, Story Time Underground has this neat blog prompt called "Resolve to Rock." I first heard about it through Laura at Literacious (who is awesome). I may do this just for myself. I know it's time to set my vision and goals for the coming year so this might help me focus professionally.
Anything you found interesting so far this week? Want to discuss something? Share in the comments.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Reviews will start back up next Tuesday and post weekly!
Be sure to check back!
Be sure to check back!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Reader's Advisory - SEPLA Workshop Thoughts and Such
For two months now I've been toying with the idea of dusting this place off. I told myself I would think about it...indefinitely because I think I have good ideas that turn out to be too much work and I only have so much time. Also, right now, I really don't need to add something into the mix.
Right now, I'm working on NaNoWriMo and am slated to reach my count by Nov. 23. (Side note:it has been so entertaining/wonderful to see librarians getting into this. I'm happy but it's like shiny and new to librarians but I've been aware of it since 2000-something and this is my second official year participating). Also, I have an orchestra concert this week which means my next two days are this: morning routine, work, hour-ish dinner break, rehearsal until who-knows-when (2-3 hours), NaNoWriMo, with Friday being the concert. (I'm pretty stoked, honestly. We sound great and it is awesome to be part of the community this way). Not to mention, we have a toddler of a 1-year old cat who thinks it is a great idea to do things to get us up between 3-6 AM.
So why now? Why did I decide, "sure, I'm going to give it another go and if it doesn't stick, I seriously need to consider giving up for good?"
I attended PaLA's SEPLA annual meeting and workshop today. Our special guest was Becky from RA for All. At this workshop/meeting, she talked about RA and how we have all the tools to be "virtual superstar librarians." She spoke a lot on "bridging the physical-virtual divide" and brought up lots of points I hadn't considered before. Some points are:
I honestly started this blog because I always seem to get fellow librarians in real life (irl) saying "You know about graphic novels, can you help me with XYZ." So, I wanted to share what I read. What stopped me recently (apparently in May) is that I was forcing myself to read new stuff and was growing annoyed I couldn't read what I wanted to read that was new because of money (yes, I'm on Netgalley, but when you have a manga fix, Netgalley doesn't always work). I want to buy manga but at $10 a pop with 15 volumes to a series easily vs. my 16 year old cat with asthma (in May it was the 17 year old Orange Cat with cancer who we lost in July) vs. the car REALLY needed new tires vs. music stuff and other stuff, the comic money I had as a teen is just not there (helloooooo adulthood).
But I still read comics and I am currently, sorta on a manga kick. My original intent was to blog about whatever I was reading graphic novel-wise. More recently, I thought I had to read what was new. I also felt that I couldn't cover YA because it is so overdone (in my opinion).
Thinking about the workshop and exploring the blogs today shows me I should just go back to my original intent: covering graphic novels (and YA occasionally). Eventually, I want to cover my idea of a "core collection." I want to index the reviews by titles (OMG). I have a few other ideas too...so...
OK Go - Here It Goes Again from OK Go on Vimeo.
Right now, I'm working on NaNoWriMo and am slated to reach my count by Nov. 23. (Side note:it has been so entertaining/wonderful to see librarians getting into this. I'm happy but it's like shiny and new to librarians but I've been aware of it since 2000-something and this is my second official year participating). Also, I have an orchestra concert this week which means my next two days are this: morning routine, work, hour-ish dinner break, rehearsal until who-knows-when (2-3 hours), NaNoWriMo, with Friday being the concert. (I'm pretty stoked, honestly. We sound great and it is awesome to be part of the community this way). Not to mention, we have a toddler of a 1-year old cat who thinks it is a great idea to do things to get us up between 3-6 AM.
So why now? Why did I decide, "sure, I'm going to give it another go and if it doesn't stick, I seriously need to consider giving up for good?"
I attended PaLA's SEPLA annual meeting and workshop today. Our special guest was Becky from RA for All. At this workshop/meeting, she talked about RA and how we have all the tools to be "virtual superstar librarians." She spoke a lot on "bridging the physical-virtual divide" and brought up lots of points I hadn't considered before. Some points are:
- take your RA in the the library to virtual spaces to create a seamless experience
- keep your voice the same or similar to how you are in real life (something I've been struggling with on this blog)
- RA really highlights your backlist. The new stuff gets enough attention when it comes out; don't worry about it now.
I honestly started this blog because I always seem to get fellow librarians in real life (irl) saying "You know about graphic novels, can you help me with XYZ." So, I wanted to share what I read. What stopped me recently (apparently in May) is that I was forcing myself to read new stuff and was growing annoyed I couldn't read what I wanted to read that was new because of money (yes, I'm on Netgalley, but when you have a manga fix, Netgalley doesn't always work). I want to buy manga but at $10 a pop with 15 volumes to a series easily vs. my 16 year old cat with asthma (in May it was the 17 year old Orange Cat with cancer who we lost in July) vs. the car REALLY needed new tires vs. music stuff and other stuff, the comic money I had as a teen is just not there (helloooooo adulthood).
But I still read comics and I am currently, sorta on a manga kick. My original intent was to blog about whatever I was reading graphic novel-wise. More recently, I thought I had to read what was new. I also felt that I couldn't cover YA because it is so overdone (in my opinion).
Thinking about the workshop and exploring the blogs today shows me I should just go back to my original intent: covering graphic novels (and YA occasionally). Eventually, I want to cover my idea of a "core collection." I want to index the reviews by titles (OMG). I have a few other ideas too...so...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Cards Against Humanity (NSFW...seriously.)
We've had a bad week. We've probably been having a bad two weeks now to be honest from a list of things. It'd probably be nice if they were all tied together (as in the drama is all from one area of our lives) but it isn't and that's that.
After going back and forth with one of my best guy friends (in real life) about how we need to get together and do something fun and silly and nerdy to get past this stuff and de-stress, he finally got an impromptu party together. So last night, I finally got to play Cards Against Humanity (TM).
All right, here's the disclaimer. This game is not at all safe for work and if you decide to click and read the above link, I am not responsible if you are offended by the random cards appearing on your screen or you spit coffee at your computer because you laughed too hard or I don't know what. You've been warned.
Cards Against Humanity(TM) can roughly be explained as (this is a quote from My Guy and is edited): "Apples-to-Apples meets Mad Libs meets..." and I've added "20 Questions" and just said it can get offensive. Basically, the game has two sets of cards. One set is questions and fill in the blank while the other has nouns, places, situations, body humor, celebrities, pop culture, and almost any and everything. The game is best played in groups. I actually first discovered this game thanks to the wonderful Wil Wheaton who posted pictures of some awesome plays on his Twitter feed.
How we played: We played it last night with a group of about 9 then 7 people and it took roughly an hour to two. One person started the game by picking from the questions pile and everyone else put in their suggestions. The person judged which response they liked best or was a crowd pleaser and awarded the question card to the winner. We played until I pulled the "Make a Haiku" card (a recommended ending to the game) and we never did determine who was the worst person. We just all agreed we have to play that again.
Now, the website says that they are sold out (major bummer because I had full intentions of buying it). I found a copy for $50 and decided against it. The creators charge roughly $25 and I plan to get it when they publish more. I'm also getting the expansion packs directly from them. Yet, if I didn't buy it how did I get it?
Enter the beauty of the Creative Commons, my stash of card stock (at home), the printer, and a very determined Guy. He spent roughly 3 hours printing and cutting them so we wound up with these:
Epically awesome. Yes, he's a keeper. I know that.
My thoughts: One of my thoughts after playing this is that some librarian is going to hear about this and think "Oh man! What a great idea for teens! Let's get that!" My assumption is based on the huge popularity of Apples-to-Apples in the library. Apples-to-Apples in the library is fine, but there is the mature way to play and the immature way (take a guess as to which way I learned first. Let's say, immature, which includes certain cards are seen as "trump cards" and they include gems like Helen Keller and Samuel L. Jackson, not to mention you also want to make the crowd laugh, not make sense).
Read this: DON'T. DO NOT put this in your library for teens. Don't. No. I don't care how mature your teens are, they have parents who get offended by stuff (and the rules tell you it is recommended for 17+). This game has really disgusting stuff and let's just say, if you heard the winning haiku last night, it'd be embarrassing (except for the crowd I was with). I'd say that if you are trying to reach the 20-something crowd, that might not be too problematic, but take a closer look at my layouts:
Oh man, these are still not great examples, although, my friends would get a kick out of "Step 1: Keanu Reeves. Step 2: Prancing. Step 3: Profit." Just go back to the website and watch the examples for a few minutes.
Done? Good. No? The filter got you? Yeah...they swear a bit on the site.
Now, my overall thoughts. My Guy thought I'd be offended by this game. He thought, somewhere, something would offend me. We played through all of the white cards (our gray cards). Nope. Not one bit. Twice in playing, I cracked up to the point of tears. There were many times players were reading the cards out loud and just started laughing. I think every one of us reached that point at some point.
I. Loved. It. CAH was exactly the humor I needed right now.
This is such a horrible, horrible game and I am apparently a horrible person (in a very dark humor kind of way). Not the worst in our group last night, but I was in the top 3. Either way, I absolutely cannot wait to play this again. I've played Apples-to-Apples. I've played Munchkin. I love those games, but honestly, this has got to be my new favorite party game. It is best played with those who have a similar humor because it could get very awkward, very quickly. This is a much more, grown up, adult version of Apples-to-Apples, Mad Libs, 20 Questions, and all those dark humor jokes.
Play it after a tough day at the library, but avoid bringing it into the library (unless you're playing with a crowd who knows what they are getting, don't mind a lot of swearing [how did your library like Go the F--- To Sleep?] but avoid the teen crowd).
You've been warned.
After going back and forth with one of my best guy friends (in real life) about how we need to get together and do something fun and silly and nerdy to get past this stuff and de-stress, he finally got an impromptu party together. So last night, I finally got to play Cards Against Humanity (TM).
All right, here's the disclaimer. This game is not at all safe for work and if you decide to click and read the above link, I am not responsible if you are offended by the random cards appearing on your screen or you spit coffee at your computer because you laughed too hard or I don't know what. You've been warned.
Cards Against Humanity(TM) can roughly be explained as (this is a quote from My Guy and is edited): "Apples-to-Apples meets Mad Libs meets..." and I've added "20 Questions" and just said it can get offensive. Basically, the game has two sets of cards. One set is questions and fill in the blank while the other has nouns, places, situations, body humor, celebrities, pop culture, and almost any and everything. The game is best played in groups. I actually first discovered this game thanks to the wonderful Wil Wheaton who posted pictures of some awesome plays on his Twitter feed.
How we played: We played it last night with a group of about 9 then 7 people and it took roughly an hour to two. One person started the game by picking from the questions pile and everyone else put in their suggestions. The person judged which response they liked best or was a crowd pleaser and awarded the question card to the winner. We played until I pulled the "Make a Haiku" card (a recommended ending to the game) and we never did determine who was the worst person. We just all agreed we have to play that again.
Now, the website says that they are sold out (major bummer because I had full intentions of buying it). I found a copy for $50 and decided against it. The creators charge roughly $25 and I plan to get it when they publish more. I'm also getting the expansion packs directly from them. Yet, if I didn't buy it how did I get it?
Enter the beauty of the Creative Commons, my stash of card stock (at home), the printer, and a very determined Guy. He spent roughly 3 hours printing and cutting them so we wound up with these:
 |
| Creative Commons License allows us to print off the PDF, remix it (hence the white cards are gray, the black cards are pinkish), and print them to play ourselves. |
My thoughts: One of my thoughts after playing this is that some librarian is going to hear about this and think "Oh man! What a great idea for teens! Let's get that!" My assumption is based on the huge popularity of Apples-to-Apples in the library. Apples-to-Apples in the library is fine, but there is the mature way to play and the immature way (take a guess as to which way I learned first. Let's say, immature, which includes certain cards are seen as "trump cards" and they include gems like Helen Keller and Samuel L. Jackson, not to mention you also want to make the crowd laugh, not make sense).
Read this: DON'T. DO NOT put this in your library for teens. Don't. No. I don't care how mature your teens are, they have parents who get offended by stuff (and the rules tell you it is recommended for 17+). This game has really disgusting stuff and let's just say, if you heard the winning haiku last night, it'd be embarrassing (except for the crowd I was with). I'd say that if you are trying to reach the 20-something crowd, that might not be too problematic, but take a closer look at my layouts:
Done? Good. No? The filter got you? Yeah...they swear a bit on the site.
Now, my overall thoughts. My Guy thought I'd be offended by this game. He thought, somewhere, something would offend me. We played through all of the white cards (our gray cards). Nope. Not one bit. Twice in playing, I cracked up to the point of tears. There were many times players were reading the cards out loud and just started laughing. I think every one of us reached that point at some point.
I. Loved. It. CAH was exactly the humor I needed right now.
This is such a horrible, horrible game and I am apparently a horrible person (in a very dark humor kind of way). Not the worst in our group last night, but I was in the top 3. Either way, I absolutely cannot wait to play this again. I've played Apples-to-Apples. I've played Munchkin. I love those games, but honestly, this has got to be my new favorite party game. It is best played with those who have a similar humor because it could get very awkward, very quickly. This is a much more, grown up, adult version of Apples-to-Apples, Mad Libs, 20 Questions, and all those dark humor jokes.
Play it after a tough day at the library, but avoid bringing it into the library (unless you're playing with a crowd who knows what they are getting, don't mind a lot of swearing [how did your library like Go the F--- To Sleep?] but avoid the teen crowd).
You've been warned.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
YALSA Book Lists: A Rant
I'm late to this. I know I am because I kind of hoped it'd blow over when I actually wanted to see the lists again. As it should be semi-public knowledge here, I normally pick on the "Great Graphic Novels for Teens" lists that YALSA puts out. I like them. They can be a good start, BUT there's just some stuff on there that doesn't hold a teen's interest (Prime Baby [my review] is a prime example). I've tried to be involved, but only learned last year that I can actually suggest stuff. I have one to suggest for this year actually...
Well, today, I finally ran into YALSA's "block." Basically, if you have been under a rock, when you decide to take a look at YALSA's lists, you see a "Thanks for your interest blah-blah give us your information or skip all this and sign in."
I hate signing in. Mainly because for some dumb reasons my passwords hate me. Or the system hates my password. I also don't always remember my user name and/password and ALA Connect and Member Services have still left a bad taste in my mouth (basically, I asked recently why we can't get invoices. The state library association gives me one right off the bat AND I can access it for say, when I want to print it off for taxes. I asked if this could be consider and got a "no"). As if ALA doesn't get enough of my money right now.
Yeah, I could just end my membership there, but if I didn't like YALS so much, I would.
Ok, so why did I finally run into this block? I wanted to add the book lists to my resources page because it looks somewhat sparse and I haven't started looking for stuff to add yet. My first thought was "Let's check to see if that block is there."
Yes it was. What the hell?
Now read this post on the YALSA Blog.
Read it? Did you take a look at the comments?
Here we go. First, all the information about the awards is available outside of the wall, EXCEPT the actual list themselves. So, I can nominate a book without actually signing in or giving them my information (except in the process). That means non-members could try to nominate books. In certain cases, I understand that, but I'd think that should be more behind the wall than it is. I can also learn all I want about the award, see nominations (WHAT?), but not actually see what won. That is messed up logic.
"Members who want to access the lists on reference desk computers or other non-personal computers and don’t want to login with personal information can also bookmark the links for the lists and awards. These URLs are now posted in the “Members Only” section of the website." That's kinda nice, but something about this irks me. That is also somewhat messed up logic. If I want to book mark the link, am a non-member, but need it to do my job, I have to get a membership to get special links? Um...
"Fourth, several people have raised the question about whether it is worth it to ask for this information. The answer is we’re not sure yet, but we think it might be." Ok, you've been at this since February to when this was posted on May 30. Frankly, you should know whether or not this is working. I'm not impressed with the statistics.
"Fifth, some members have indicated that they are against this change because they feel that YALSA is restricting or putting up barriers to information. In fact, YALSA is doing the same thing that most of you do every day in your own libraries..." Yes, but when I want e-books from my library or want to browse my library or any library collection, I don't have to log in to do it. While I get the database analogy, it doesn't fly because it isn't true of every database or even the catalogs. I also can get that library card for FREE (the majority of the time) in order to access the information. In order to get access to these lists, I have to do what Facebook's apps basically do: get my information to enjoy it or pay a lot of money for a list.
YALSA, you are "putting up barriers to information" especially in a time of budget crunches and closures. I'm thinking of city librarians who just want to promote reading or justify the need to purchase books. The time strapped librarian who doesn't have time to fill out forms and forgets when s/he gets home because of how tired the person is.
I'm also looking at this fact, which is wrong, absolutely wrong:
By the way membership is down 3.7% according to the President's Report
Disclosure: This is a rant. I may not know all of the details and may not have read up on all of the details leading to this decision on YALSA's behalf. It may not be prudent to take this discussion out onto my blog, but honestly, others are doing it too and I restarted the discussion on twitter. I'm very annoyed about this and am just using this as a way to vent. There are great blogs out there and a very nicely written post,with more comments and links, was done by Liz B of A Chair, A Fireplace, and A Tea Cozy (link to her reaction to the update from June 5)
Things Discovered...after the majority of this was written
Well, today, I finally ran into YALSA's "block." Basically, if you have been under a rock, when you decide to take a look at YALSA's lists, you see a "Thanks for your interest blah-blah give us your information or skip all this and sign in."
I hate signing in. Mainly because for some dumb reasons my passwords hate me. Or the system hates my password. I also don't always remember my user name and/password and ALA Connect and Member Services have still left a bad taste in my mouth (basically, I asked recently why we can't get invoices. The state library association gives me one right off the bat AND I can access it for say, when I want to print it off for taxes. I asked if this could be consider and got a "no"). As if ALA doesn't get enough of my money right now.
Yeah, I could just end my membership there, but if I didn't like YALS so much, I would.
Ok, so why did I finally run into this block? I wanted to add the book lists to my resources page because it looks somewhat sparse and I haven't started looking for stuff to add yet. My first thought was "Let's check to see if that block is there."
Yes it was. What the hell?
Now read this post on the YALSA Blog.
Read it? Did you take a look at the comments?
Here we go. First, all the information about the awards is available outside of the wall, EXCEPT the actual list themselves. So, I can nominate a book without actually signing in or giving them my information (except in the process). That means non-members could try to nominate books. In certain cases, I understand that, but I'd think that should be more behind the wall than it is. I can also learn all I want about the award, see nominations (WHAT?), but not actually see what won. That is messed up logic.
"Members who want to access the lists on reference desk computers or other non-personal computers and don’t want to login with personal information can also bookmark the links for the lists and awards. These URLs are now posted in the “Members Only” section of the website." That's kinda nice, but something about this irks me. That is also somewhat messed up logic. If I want to book mark the link, am a non-member, but need it to do my job, I have to get a membership to get special links? Um...
"Fourth, several people have raised the question about whether it is worth it to ask for this information. The answer is we’re not sure yet, but we think it might be." Ok, you've been at this since February to when this was posted on May 30. Frankly, you should know whether or not this is working. I'm not impressed with the statistics.
"Fifth, some members have indicated that they are against this change because they feel that YALSA is restricting or putting up barriers to information. In fact, YALSA is doing the same thing that most of you do every day in your own libraries..." Yes, but when I want e-books from my library or want to browse my library or any library collection, I don't have to log in to do it. While I get the database analogy, it doesn't fly because it isn't true of every database or even the catalogs. I also can get that library card for FREE (the majority of the time) in order to access the information. In order to get access to these lists, I have to do what Facebook's apps basically do: get my information to enjoy it or pay a lot of money for a list.
YALSA, you are "putting up barriers to information" especially in a time of budget crunches and closures. I'm thinking of city librarians who just want to promote reading or justify the need to purchase books. The time strapped librarian who doesn't have time to fill out forms and forgets when s/he gets home because of how tired the person is.
I'm also looking at this fact, which is wrong, absolutely wrong:
- The Newbery and Caldecott List is public, but the Printz is not. And don't get into the fact that these are different divisions. I recognize that, but they are also respected awards and I find the Printz equivalent to that. If other divisions can do this, so can YALSA. Put other stuff behind the walls. Stuff that people would be glad to pay for.
By the way membership is down 3.7% according to the President's Report
Disclosure: This is a rant. I may not know all of the details and may not have read up on all of the details leading to this decision on YALSA's behalf. It may not be prudent to take this discussion out onto my blog, but honestly, others are doing it too and I restarted the discussion on twitter. I'm very annoyed about this and am just using this as a way to vent. There are great blogs out there and a very nicely written post,with more comments and links, was done by Liz B of A Chair, A Fireplace, and A Tea Cozy (link to her reaction to the update from June 5)
Things Discovered...after the majority of this was written
- The Philosopher Musician thinks that as a patron and person, lack of access to the links is uncool and that the basic list itself should be available freely as it is very basic information...SO
- He just discovered the Printz List is available on Wikipedia. To be honest, I'm kind of embarrassed that I didn't think of this first and am sorry if YALSA forces it to come down after this information comes to light.
- Also, kudos to whoever is maintaining that Wikipedia page.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
What can you expect in my reviews?
I'm experimenting. I'm trying to write more, especially since I'm reminded of Ray Bradbury on this sad day. Also, my other blogging gig has been revealed.
Simply put, this is my explanation about my reviews here and over there.
Simply put, this is my explanation about my reviews here and over there.
- Currently, I get GNs that are of interest to me or I feel I should read because everyone is talking them up. Mainly, the talking up bit is because, well, I should know about it and generally I have to wonder, if the librarians are talking it up, is it really that awesome (lately it has been 50/50)?
- I get books from the library, Netgalley, purchasing them (wish I had more funds for that...I miss my manga habit) and if people give them to me for free (ARCs, friends, etc).
- I will not hesitate to rip into a book (aka give it a negative review). If you want to know what I mean, please find the review on Marvel's Pride and Prejudice. I cannot stop talking about how much that book irked me and yet it got such high praise.
- Since I sometimes give negative reviews, please look at it as another voice out there and not that I hate your book. I truly believe that books have their readers and places and that we can't all love the same books. If we did, life would probably be boring. On the other hand, I will make every effort to find some sort of positive in the book, be it that it is suited better to school librarians, adult readers (see Prime Baby as an example), etc, or that the art is pretty or the plot was pretty good but not for me. Negative reviews should exist and I find it my duty to tell you my thoughts on the book.
- I'm writing from both a professional stance and that of a graphic novel reader. My main reading habits include the following: comics, graphic novels, manga, young adult books, and non-fiction for grown-ups. I dabble in chapter books and picture books (but picture books are so easy to read in a few minutes and so much fun). I will probably post YA once in a while, but like non-fiction for grown-ups, it is mainly pleasure reading and to improve my RA skills. Huzzah!
- If you want a completely professional stance, visit The Graphic Classroom. They have great professional reviews and that is where you can find my "professional voice."
- If it looks like I have a DC slant, I do and openly admit to the fact I love Batman. He is my favorite hero and have read a lot about him (and Catwoman). I will read other comics though. Believe me. I will read almost everything in a comic format (excepting gore. No. Way. Not my style.).
- Not every comic/graphic novel I read will get reviewed. I gotta have my mind candy and truly pleasure reading.
- This blog exists mainly as a place to tell my friends and family (Hi Mom!) about what graphic novels to get for their libraries since I'm seen as some expert because I read comics. Go figure.
- Why I don't read book blog book reviews.
- Why I tend to blog only reviews and very rarely other stuff.
- Why I love webcomics and eventually web comic reviews (or web comic book reviews)
- And other mysteries as I feel I have to explain them.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What's Up. Not Much. The Sky.
I took time to think about it. I took time to look at my new project. I poked around Netgalley for new graphic novels of interest. I read some really (laughably) bad YA novels. I read some intense non-fiction books. I took some time to realize I miss this.
I also took some to talk to my mom about this blog and her thoughts. She reads way more book blogs than I do and I knew I was aiming in the wrong direction. My intent was good, but my writing, not so much. Simply put, she was really helpful and insightful (Hi Mom!).
Basically, I'm back. Regular posts return for just Sundays at the moment unless I feel that some are worthy for you to read much, much sooner. I'm also going to be a lot more honest if I loved or hated the book. I'll also point out whether you should pick it up, or what you'll need to know in order to make the best decision for your collection. Simply, I'm planning to pick up where the review journals and other librarians left off. I'm planning to try to grab titles that for some reason are missed by the review journals.
I have a different perspective on graphic novels and libraries that needs to be heard. I know many librarians love certain graphic novels and I can tell why they do, but I don't love those titles and that's from years and years of reading graphic novels for fun (my favorite example: American Born Chinese sits on many a shelf, collecting dust. I can see why librarians loved it, but honestly, it doesn't appeal to your average teen reader for the most part).
Regarding the challenges this year: HECK WITH IT. I try the challenges every year and I lose sight halfway through the year for other reasons so I'm not even bothering. I just want to give you my take on graphic novels (and other stuff) and what I think.
Enjoy!
I also took some to talk to my mom about this blog and her thoughts. She reads way more book blogs than I do and I knew I was aiming in the wrong direction. My intent was good, but my writing, not so much. Simply put, she was really helpful and insightful (Hi Mom!).
Basically, I'm back. Regular posts return for just Sundays at the moment unless I feel that some are worthy for you to read much, much sooner. I'm also going to be a lot more honest if I loved or hated the book. I'll also point out whether you should pick it up, or what you'll need to know in order to make the best decision for your collection. Simply, I'm planning to pick up where the review journals and other librarians left off. I'm planning to try to grab titles that for some reason are missed by the review journals.
I have a different perspective on graphic novels and libraries that needs to be heard. I know many librarians love certain graphic novels and I can tell why they do, but I don't love those titles and that's from years and years of reading graphic novels for fun (my favorite example: American Born Chinese sits on many a shelf, collecting dust. I can see why librarians loved it, but honestly, it doesn't appeal to your average teen reader for the most part).
Regarding the challenges this year: HECK WITH IT. I try the challenges every year and I lose sight halfway through the year for other reasons so I'm not even bothering. I just want to give you my take on graphic novels (and other stuff) and what I think.
Enjoy!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
What's Up.
As you can see, I've taken a step back from the blog. When reading GNs turned into more of a chore than the fun it once was, I had to take a step back. I also needed to evaluate where I am, what I wanted to do, and such. I have found so far that at the moment, I want more time to think about this blog. I am still getting asked about GNs by friends and at this point, I still find some that I want to read (i.e. Hark! A Vagrant! is on my book shelf). I'm still seen as someone who knows a lot about GNs, but again, I feel I don't deserve the credit as I have hardly touched anything since October. I made an impulse Manga purchase a while ago, but still have yet to read them cover to cover. So, inquiring reader, I am taking a minor break, with no idea when I'll be back. I know I want to be back at this, but I need to sit down and really think about this. I've started yet another side project that needs more attention for a variety of reasons. I will keep Twitter alive and you can certainly see me live-tweeting at any webinars that I attend, but until I find a nice balance between the new project, work, life, and this blog, I've decided this one is where I will take a break. My twitter handle is, of course: ReadsRantsRaves.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Batten Down the Hatches
So...Hurricane Irene. We've prepped, we keep prepping (Me: "Hon, what if we lose water?" Him: "Dear, we'll probably be ok."), and I know we'll reach a point where we can't prep any more. We aren't in a spot where we'll have to evacuate (I think), but there is a shelter opening up tonight. The closest river is on the other side of the county city, which is a few miles and up a bit of a bank. We have a pond nearby but I think the ground is graded enough and we're on the second floor.
We have a radio. We have books. I have crafting (a treadle sewing machine of all things!). I'm trying not to panic, but the last 24 hours or so, I've surprisingly been panicked. "Don't panic. Always travel with a towel." (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).Why does this make sense in a hurricane all of a sudden?
I do have a plan though should power go out for more than about 2 or 3 days: Mom's, which is about 2 hours west and should be ok. When I was in middle school and Dad lost power due to that Hurricane, we kids eventually wound up there ("Mom has running water! And power!"). Although, that is also dependent on work.
At this time, it is dark for 7:30 PM (I think), which means that more of the Hurricane is here. We're probably not going to have any major problems, but seeing as this is my first one on my own, I'm still a little panicked. There has been a surprising amount of panic here. I've seen so many pictures of empty bread shelves (good thing I'm g-free and don't care) and hearing about how stores don't have milk and eggs (which is useless people, if the power goes out for more than a day) and how there's no bottled water (what about using water pitchers and bottles at home? We've filled everything we can find and then some. Thank you water filter pitcher).
I'm actually planning to get away from this computer and all the Hurricane Irene coverage in order to calm down. The Philosopher Musician made pudding but I'm so stressed I'm afraid to eat it. I know this is stress because I made it to PAYA today, despite the weather. I was relaxed and had fun. I love seeing this event happen, but am sorry about the timing (of the Hurricane that is). I think more librarians stayed home and a slew of authors didn't come out. I only stayed an hour so I could get home earlier to wait the storm out. All that time, I felt fine and even ate my lunch. Now home, I'm stressing and panicked.
Here's the plan though: I have a ton of books to read and surprisingly I've decided to reread a series I devoured as a teen, and my first manga: Mars. It is interesting to read it now as a 20-something in a relationship instead of a single, never-been-kissed, semi-outcast teen. I am looking out for the idea of rape culture, bloated ideals, and the idea that "he'll be there to save her." Rei, the male lead, was not there for Kira, the female lead, when the popular girls threw out her shoes in the first volume. He does take her home though (on his motorcycle. Oh bad boy). I'm wondering what adult me will have to say about the series, while teen me was like "OH OH I want to read the next volume! Why do I have to WAIT? GAH. SO ROMANTIC!" (Or how adult me is feeling about Bride of the Water God and Chi's Sweet Home, minus romance in that one.) So far, the bits I have reread (out of order) has me saying "that's convenient" to a lot and "that's romantic."
All in all, I guess we're as prepared as we'll be. Most of the hurricane will pass through while we're sleeping so tomorrow morning will definitely be interesting. I have stuff to do, with or without power. Our cats are being cute and trying to comfort us or me (one cat is sleeping so beautifully on the couch with me) and I am thankful I'm at home with my family (The Philosopher Musician and the cats). Here's hoping my friends are safe and we'll be safe.
UPDATE: I ate some of the pudding as The Philosopher Musician proofed this..
We have a radio. We have books. I have crafting (a treadle sewing machine of all things!). I'm trying not to panic, but the last 24 hours or so, I've surprisingly been panicked. "Don't panic. Always travel with a towel." (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).Why does this make sense in a hurricane all of a sudden?
I do have a plan though should power go out for more than about 2 or 3 days: Mom's, which is about 2 hours west and should be ok. When I was in middle school and Dad lost power due to that Hurricane, we kids eventually wound up there ("Mom has running water! And power!"). Although, that is also dependent on work.
At this time, it is dark for 7:30 PM (I think), which means that more of the Hurricane is here. We're probably not going to have any major problems, but seeing as this is my first one on my own, I'm still a little panicked. There has been a surprising amount of panic here. I've seen so many pictures of empty bread shelves (good thing I'm g-free and don't care) and hearing about how stores don't have milk and eggs (which is useless people, if the power goes out for more than a day) and how there's no bottled water (what about using water pitchers and bottles at home? We've filled everything we can find and then some. Thank you water filter pitcher).
I'm actually planning to get away from this computer and all the Hurricane Irene coverage in order to calm down. The Philosopher Musician made pudding but I'm so stressed I'm afraid to eat it. I know this is stress because I made it to PAYA today, despite the weather. I was relaxed and had fun. I love seeing this event happen, but am sorry about the timing (of the Hurricane that is). I think more librarians stayed home and a slew of authors didn't come out. I only stayed an hour so I could get home earlier to wait the storm out. All that time, I felt fine and even ate my lunch. Now home, I'm stressing and panicked.
Here's the plan though: I have a ton of books to read and surprisingly I've decided to reread a series I devoured as a teen, and my first manga: Mars. It is interesting to read it now as a 20-something in a relationship instead of a single, never-been-kissed, semi-outcast teen. I am looking out for the idea of rape culture, bloated ideals, and the idea that "he'll be there to save her." Rei, the male lead, was not there for Kira, the female lead, when the popular girls threw out her shoes in the first volume. He does take her home though (on his motorcycle. Oh bad boy). I'm wondering what adult me will have to say about the series, while teen me was like "OH OH I want to read the next volume! Why do I have to WAIT? GAH. SO ROMANTIC!" (Or how adult me is feeling about Bride of the Water God and Chi's Sweet Home, minus romance in that one.) So far, the bits I have reread (out of order) has me saying "that's convenient" to a lot and "that's romantic."
All in all, I guess we're as prepared as we'll be. Most of the hurricane will pass through while we're sleeping so tomorrow morning will definitely be interesting. I have stuff to do, with or without power. Our cats are being cute and trying to comfort us or me (one cat is sleeping so beautifully on the couch with me) and I am thankful I'm at home with my family (The Philosopher Musician and the cats). Here's hoping my friends are safe and we'll be safe.
UPDATE: I ate some of the pudding as The Philosopher Musician proofed this..
Saturday, March 26, 2011
What's Been Happening
Here's what happened
March is a crazy month for me. It seems that March is one of the few months of the year (the others being May and October for sure) that I just get hit with workshops, programs, meetings, and all sorts of obligations that I must meet (or want to meet). Generally, I chose this craziness, but this March, I almost over scheduled myself because I wasn't using the right planning calendar. Oops...
Which means, I didn't pay attention to the blog. It's sad really. I have so much "back log" review-wise you'd think I'd be ready to go, but I just don't feel like booting the computer up some days, especially after spending a day staring at the computer for various reasons. I'm going to try to change this, and also try to warn you if there seems to be some down time happening.
What's going to happen now
April is my "new leaf" month, at least for the blog. Really, I've marked May 1st as my "turn around date" for a lot (I don't believe in just New Year's Day as the only goal setting day of the year). I've just spent a few hours clearing up the back log and getting posts ready to go. From this weekend out, you'll see regular updates on Sundays. If the Sunday post was volume 1, check back on Monday for a possible bonus post for volume 2. Wednesdays in April will be a slew of "bonus" posts to hopefully make up for my March absence. I'm also going to try to prepare some bonus posts since Book Links has been focused on Graphic Novels, which is an interesting surprise (They reviewed Axe Cop of all things!).
Enjoy!
March is a crazy month for me. It seems that March is one of the few months of the year (the others being May and October for sure) that I just get hit with workshops, programs, meetings, and all sorts of obligations that I must meet (or want to meet). Generally, I chose this craziness, but this March, I almost over scheduled myself because I wasn't using the right planning calendar. Oops...
Which means, I didn't pay attention to the blog. It's sad really. I have so much "back log" review-wise you'd think I'd be ready to go, but I just don't feel like booting the computer up some days, especially after spending a day staring at the computer for various reasons. I'm going to try to change this, and also try to warn you if there seems to be some down time happening.
What's going to happen now
April is my "new leaf" month, at least for the blog. Really, I've marked May 1st as my "turn around date" for a lot (I don't believe in just New Year's Day as the only goal setting day of the year). I've just spent a few hours clearing up the back log and getting posts ready to go. From this weekend out, you'll see regular updates on Sundays. If the Sunday post was volume 1, check back on Monday for a possible bonus post for volume 2. Wednesdays in April will be a slew of "bonus" posts to hopefully make up for my March absence. I'm also going to try to prepare some bonus posts since Book Links has been focused on Graphic Novels, which is an interesting surprise (They reviewed Axe Cop of all things!).
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The HarperCollins Issue
"You know, the general public still doesn't know about this," The Philosopher Musician said to me last night after I brought up my continual annoyance at the HarperCollins Issue.
"Yeah. Yet another quiet battle the quiet librarians are fighting for their readers." I said quietly and in disgust.
Despite the NYTimes article, despite BoingBoing, despite the major news circuits and Twitter, I wonder how much the general population realizes is at stake. As I look for more information on this I can't help but find that these are the facts:
What I'm asking for at the moment, is that librarians don't give into this decision. In fact, I say we take it to the public and post a huge notice on the OverDrive page. Those who use the service will see it. We also need to make it clear that something like this is only in the interest of the publisher, not the reader. This is not in the interest of the libraries. Boycotting the books will not help as the works that are popular include HarperCollins works. As it stands, HarperCollins is winning the publicity side of things, too. Of all the (top 5) book publishers, HarperCollins has the social media side down pat. I see tweets daily from HaperTeen and HarperChildren.
Since the digital age began, publishers have seen libraries as "the bad guys." What publishers often see is "$." What librarians see are people and readers. What has happened and what will continue to happen is that readers will get their books the way they've always gotten them: through the library or purchase them, and at that, either used or new. You cannot control the buyer. Please stop trying to control the buyer. This nonsense has to stop. We need the right to purchase a book and to purchase it where we want to purchase it; or, we need the right to borrow it where we want to borrow it.
PS: We can actually make a difference as OverDrive is trying to determine what to do next (I don't expect an answer overnight, but it'd be good if it were before the month is out).
"Yeah. Yet another quiet battle the quiet librarians are fighting for their readers." I said quietly and in disgust.
Despite the NYTimes article, despite BoingBoing, despite the major news circuits and Twitter, I wonder how much the general population realizes is at stake. As I look for more information on this I can't help but find that these are the facts:
- HarperCollins wants to limit circs to 26 times per title (meaning if 50 people want it, 24 are shit out of luck, go buy it, or ask the library to buy more copies but suffer when it comes to other best sellers you want now).
- Librarians are currently trying to boycott HarperCollins from not touching the books to not purchasing (no offense, but not a smart move considering they are quite the mover and shaker in publishing...or rather the publisher a lot of books. Boycotting their eBooks makes more sense).
- A lot more is at stake than I think people realize (Librarian by Day).
What I'm asking for at the moment, is that librarians don't give into this decision. In fact, I say we take it to the public and post a huge notice on the OverDrive page. Those who use the service will see it. We also need to make it clear that something like this is only in the interest of the publisher, not the reader. This is not in the interest of the libraries. Boycotting the books will not help as the works that are popular include HarperCollins works. As it stands, HarperCollins is winning the publicity side of things, too. Of all the (top 5) book publishers, HarperCollins has the social media side down pat. I see tweets daily from HaperTeen and HarperChildren.
Since the digital age began, publishers have seen libraries as "the bad guys." What publishers often see is "$." What librarians see are people and readers. What has happened and what will continue to happen is that readers will get their books the way they've always gotten them: through the library or purchase them, and at that, either used or new. You cannot control the buyer. Please stop trying to control the buyer. This nonsense has to stop. We need the right to purchase a book and to purchase it where we want to purchase it; or, we need the right to borrow it where we want to borrow it.
PS: We can actually make a difference as OverDrive is trying to determine what to do next (I don't expect an answer overnight, but it'd be good if it were before the month is out).
Sunday, February 20, 2011
PostSecret - Library Love
PostSecret, the blog, books, lectures and more, where people send in their secrets anonymously on postcards, has something for us librarians today: secrets that involve libraries.
You'll have to scroll down a little as the first four don't seem to do with books (per say), but as soon as you pass the "PostSecret Books Banner" you'll find five secrets that involve libraries, books, and how we make the world better. The secrets end at the PostSecret Community banner it seems.
And for the librarian who posted about 158.723, kudos to you for finding a book. When I was there, I couldn't find any books. Second, it gets better, but you may need to make a change...
If you don't think PostSecret helps anyone, I will tell you now, it helps me every week. I never know what gem will come along to tell me "hey, it gets better" or to help me through a tough time.\
You'll have to scroll down a little as the first four don't seem to do with books (per say), but as soon as you pass the "PostSecret Books Banner" you'll find five secrets that involve libraries, books, and how we make the world better. The secrets end at the PostSecret Community banner it seems.
And for the librarian who posted about 158.723, kudos to you for finding a book. When I was there, I couldn't find any books. Second, it gets better, but you may need to make a change...
If you don't think PostSecret helps anyone, I will tell you now, it helps me every week. I never know what gem will come along to tell me "hey, it gets better" or to help me through a tough time.\
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Cybils Announced!
How did I miss the Cybil announcement? Was it not on Twitter?
Either way, the winners have been announced and frankly, this is what the ALA award list should have looked like...or at least close. These are better books. Most are what I see move on the shelves. I mean, the Newbery Winner is no where to be seen and the one title many thought should be the Newbery is here. The picture book, I think is a Caldecott runner up. The GN Cybil titles? Not ones I'm particularly enthused about (haven't read them yet so there's still a chance). On the other hand, those two got a lot of press the past year.
Either way, I'm excited for the winners. All are great titles!
Either way, the winners have been announced and frankly, this is what the ALA award list should have looked like...or at least close. These are better books. Most are what I see move on the shelves. I mean, the Newbery Winner is no where to be seen and the one title many thought should be the Newbery is here. The picture book, I think is a Caldecott runner up. The GN Cybil titles? Not ones I'm particularly enthused about (haven't read them yet so there's still a chance). On the other hand, those two got a lot of press the past year.
Either way, I'm excited for the winners. All are great titles!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Machine of Death: a book (or [oh, see in the post])
(Or what to do when customers asks if you bought the book yet or they donate a copy...or five).
It all started last week (maybe before then, but last week it was on my radar) on Twitter when David Malki ! (of Wondermark fame who gave away books to LIBRARIES a while back) and Ryan North challenged the Twitter-verse and web comic fans alike to make their upcoming compilation book the number 1 seller on Amazon for at least one day, which was yesterday. Well, you can see here, here, and here (not sure that link will hold) that it happened, and it has gone into today. Impressive. Many, many kudos to the fact it is an Indie Book and it topped.
Well, today, the story just got a little more interesting. According to David Malki !'s Twitter here and continued here, Glenn Beck (of this book fame [I do not endorse this book, I just know that you may only know who he is by his book*]) called the book "an example of our 'culture of death.'" The Twitter-verse is just RUNNING with this and challenging the fans to buy MORE copies or convince more people to buy copies.
So, as a librarian do I purchase this book for my collection or not?
Non-librarians, here is the dilemma: there are no professional reviews backing this up (that I've seen) and it hasn't reached the NYTimes Best Seller list. These are two factors in most libraries when determining whether or not to purchase a book. While it is a talked about book, I find that the audience for this book will be small. The concept is different, but sight unseen, this is one of the few books I honestly can't say I'd pick up for my Library Collection. I'd be likely to pick it up if I knew that there was a huge Glenn Beck fan base in the area (Banned Book, anyone?), but a quick search of the county I work in** shows me this is not necessarily the case. A search of Worldcat also shows me that no one has purchased Machine of Death yet, and judging by what it is, libraries won't even start getting it until a month from now (if they do).
So, non-librarians, you now know why it might not be in your libraries and librarians, you are prepared if you should decide to purchase this book (due to all the suggestions) or know why you might suddenly end up with 1-5 copies of the book (guys, if you do donate, PLEASE don't donate more than 1, also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check with your librarians about their donation policy before donating).
I'm willing to review Machine of Death for this here blog, but I just want to warn you, I'm in a state of upheaval considering I'm hoping to move next week and am starting a new adventure shortly thereafter. If you want me to review before the end of next week, please annoy me (comment below or e-mail me at ReadsRantsRaves [at] gmail [dot] com or @me on Twitter.com/readsrantsraves) and I will get a copy one way or another.
For an added bonus, I challenge everyone to get this thing on the NYTimes Best Sellers list because then EVERYONE will be talking about it. :)
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*In fact, I'd like to go to DC this weekend for the Daily Show/Colbert Report March.
**Not for much longer. It's bittersweet.
It all started last week (maybe before then, but last week it was on my radar) on Twitter when David Malki ! (of Wondermark fame who gave away books to LIBRARIES a while back) and Ryan North challenged the Twitter-verse and web comic fans alike to make their upcoming compilation book the number 1 seller on Amazon for at least one day, which was yesterday. Well, you can see here, here, and here (not sure that link will hold) that it happened, and it has gone into today. Impressive. Many, many kudos to the fact it is an Indie Book and it topped.
Well, today, the story just got a little more interesting. According to David Malki !'s Twitter here and continued here, Glenn Beck (of this book fame [I do not endorse this book, I just know that you may only know who he is by his book*]) called the book "an example of our 'culture of death.'" The Twitter-verse is just RUNNING with this and challenging the fans to buy MORE copies or convince more people to buy copies.
So, as a librarian do I purchase this book for my collection or not?
Non-librarians, here is the dilemma: there are no professional reviews backing this up (that I've seen) and it hasn't reached the NYTimes Best Seller list. These are two factors in most libraries when determining whether or not to purchase a book. While it is a talked about book, I find that the audience for this book will be small. The concept is different, but sight unseen, this is one of the few books I honestly can't say I'd pick up for my Library Collection. I'd be likely to pick it up if I knew that there was a huge Glenn Beck fan base in the area (Banned Book, anyone?), but a quick search of the county I work in** shows me this is not necessarily the case. A search of Worldcat also shows me that no one has purchased Machine of Death yet, and judging by what it is, libraries won't even start getting it until a month from now (if they do).
So, non-librarians, you now know why it might not be in your libraries and librarians, you are prepared if you should decide to purchase this book (due to all the suggestions) or know why you might suddenly end up with 1-5 copies of the book (guys, if you do donate, PLEASE don't donate more than 1, also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check with your librarians about their donation policy before donating).
I'm willing to review Machine of Death for this here blog, but I just want to warn you, I'm in a state of upheaval considering I'm hoping to move next week and am starting a new adventure shortly thereafter. If you want me to review before the end of next week, please annoy me (comment below or e-mail me at ReadsRantsRaves [at] gmail [dot] com or @me on Twitter.com/readsrantsraves) and I will get a copy one way or another.
For an added bonus, I challenge everyone to get this thing on the NYTimes Best Sellers list because then EVERYONE will be talking about it. :)
------
*In fact, I'd like to go to DC this weekend for the Daily Show/Colbert Report March.
**Not for much longer. It's bittersweet.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Manga Moveable Feast: Yotsuba&! - Discussion
In my head Saturday: YES! I finally did it! I can finally participate in the Manga Movable Feast! Good Comics for Kids (at School Library Journal, many kudos to Robing Brenner on this one) this time is the host it and it doesn't start until August 30, and I have read the title and...oh drat, I've posted the review all ready...
PS: I haven't read any of the other discussions this week, so be prepared for an addendum.
Little Librarian:
I am surprised to think about Yotsuba&! as a kid's title. Honestly, I would not suggest to put it in my children's collection at the library I work at and I almost always find it in the teen and adult collections at libraries. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Considering the creator behind the work (he wrote Azumanga Diaoh), I'd suspect that somewhere along the way, the creator would sneak something "questionable" in, but I haven't read past volume 1.
When I think of Yotsuba&! I don't think of kids reading the title, I think of adults reading the title. I learned about Yotsuba&! in college, from my college friends. Those in the web comic community know that a particular artist really loves reading Yotsuba&! so I link all of those things up to a teen and adult readership. In fact, if this is to be billed as a children's story, then why does it say in this post that Yotsuba&! is "seralized in Dengeki Daioh (Japanese website here), a magazine aimed at adult men[.]" I'm sorry, but that does not help the cause that this should/could be a kids' title. I honestly did not know that "While Yotsuba! is not officially a children’s series, as noted above, it has been embraced by young readers here in the United States as well as older readers." (Same post as above). I'm not one to go recommending this title to children. That's despite, if I remember rightly, the All Ages stamp on the back of the book by ADV.
Now don't get me wrong. I loved Yotsuba&! and think it is fantastically funny, adorable comic. I enjoyed her sense of wonder and her abandonment of her safety in the name of exploration, but some of the situations make me feel it is better suited for a teen and adult audience (although, that's not to say kids won't discover it).
This is a place I'm willing to hear your thoughts. Why kids? Do you picture it or is it located in your library's children collection? If it is not, why do you think that? Why are kids picking this up (I'm pretty sure I know why...) Please discuss. I'm willing to be convinced.
PS: I haven't read any of the other discussions this week, so be prepared for an addendum.
Little Librarian:
I am surprised to think about Yotsuba&! as a kid's title. Honestly, I would not suggest to put it in my children's collection at the library I work at and I almost always find it in the teen and adult collections at libraries. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Considering the creator behind the work (he wrote Azumanga Diaoh), I'd suspect that somewhere along the way, the creator would sneak something "questionable" in, but I haven't read past volume 1.
When I think of Yotsuba&! I don't think of kids reading the title, I think of adults reading the title. I learned about Yotsuba&! in college, from my college friends. Those in the web comic community know that a particular artist really loves reading Yotsuba&! so I link all of those things up to a teen and adult readership. In fact, if this is to be billed as a children's story, then why does it say in this post that Yotsuba&! is "seralized in Dengeki Daioh (Japanese website here), a magazine aimed at adult men[.]" I'm sorry, but that does not help the cause that this should/could be a kids' title. I honestly did not know that "While Yotsuba! is not officially a children’s series, as noted above, it has been embraced by young readers here in the United States as well as older readers." (Same post as above). I'm not one to go recommending this title to children. That's despite, if I remember rightly, the All Ages stamp on the back of the book by ADV.
Now don't get me wrong. I loved Yotsuba&! and think it is fantastically funny, adorable comic. I enjoyed her sense of wonder and her abandonment of her safety in the name of exploration, but some of the situations make me feel it is better suited for a teen and adult audience (although, that's not to say kids won't discover it).
This is a place I'm willing to hear your thoughts. Why kids? Do you picture it or is it located in your library's children collection? If it is not, why do you think that? Why are kids picking this up (I'm pretty sure I know why...) Please discuss. I'm willing to be convinced.
Friday, August 27, 2010
ALA Great Graphic Novel Nominations for 2011 (1)
I wrote this way back when the list was first published and am only now getting around to posting this. Yay for Grad School distraction! I have since read some of the titles, which I will post reviews of soon.
Somewhere on my Twitter feed, I saw this Tweet that the Nomination for the Great Graphic Novels of 2011 is available. While this is excited news, can I be honest with you? As a librarian and an avid graphic novel reader, even though I'm not as in touch as I have been, about 80% of these titles are no where to be found on my blog rolls nor what I have seen circulating in the library. I mean, where's Gaiman's Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (Ok, a little research shows this should have been on the 2010 list. I nearly CRIED over the brilliance of it). Where's Chi's Sweet Home which looks like it is going to be everyone's favorite all-ages GN (DAWWWWWWWWWW! Expect a review!). I find it uneasy that I don't recognize even half of the nominations.
I honestly feel like I shouldn't complain. I'm not on the committee (yet, but intend to after grad school), but honestly, I'm not that excited about this list. I mean, 2010 had many titles I recognized, wanted to read, and were, I thought, good picks, but this list? I recognize more titles as I look at it, but then I notice all the "book-to-graphic-novel" suggestions, which are seriously hit and miss. I just read a Marvel adaptation that almost killed the book for me (except there are great movie adaptions-expect a review) and one title on this list, when I post the review, isn't pretty as well. And speaking of book-to-GN adaptations, where is the infamous (I didn't/couldn't finish it) Twilight GN? Didn't the book make it to one of the other lists? Or Maximum Ride?
Maybe as a GN reader, I have different expectations of the Great Graphic Novel list, but I think there should be more to the list than book adaptations, or just what looks like it'll work. Yes, plot is important, but we also like pure fluff and sometimes the really zany.
Somewhere on my Twitter feed, I saw this Tweet that the Nomination for the Great Graphic Novels of 2011 is available. While this is excited news, can I be honest with you? As a librarian and an avid graphic novel reader, even though I'm not as in touch as I have been, about 80% of these titles are no where to be found on my blog rolls nor what I have seen circulating in the library. I mean, where's Gaiman's Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (Ok, a little research shows this should have been on the 2010 list. I nearly CRIED over the brilliance of it). Where's Chi's Sweet Home which looks like it is going to be everyone's favorite all-ages GN (DAWWWWWWWWWW! Expect a review!). I find it uneasy that I don't recognize even half of the nominations.
I honestly feel like I shouldn't complain. I'm not on the committee (yet, but intend to after grad school), but honestly, I'm not that excited about this list. I mean, 2010 had many titles I recognized, wanted to read, and were, I thought, good picks, but this list? I recognize more titles as I look at it, but then I notice all the "book-to-graphic-novel" suggestions, which are seriously hit and miss. I just read a Marvel adaptation that almost killed the book for me (except there are great movie adaptions-expect a review) and one title on this list, when I post the review, isn't pretty as well. And speaking of book-to-GN adaptations, where is the infamous (I didn't/couldn't finish it) Twilight GN? Didn't the book make it to one of the other lists? Or Maximum Ride?
Maybe as a GN reader, I have different expectations of the Great Graphic Novel list, but I think there should be more to the list than book adaptations, or just what looks like it'll work. Yes, plot is important, but we also like pure fluff and sometimes the really zany.
Comics and Education: Links
First, I must say that the following has nothing to do with my politics. In fact, I'm not even in this particular state, so I assume it doesn't really matter, but just wanted to let you know.
When I first clicked on this link ("An Open Letter to Maryland State Senator Nancy King", ReTweeted by J. Torres from Dean Trippe) in my twitter feed today, I could not stop laughing at the picture. Seriously, the link that laying off teachers means kids will go off and read comics and not learn anything? I just had to laugh.
Unfortunately, I can't believe this stereotype is still around today. I mean, this stereotype goes way back (thinking the stuff from 1950s/1960s). I link it to you today because Dean Trippe has a lot of good things to say about comics and education. In fact, he even links to a non-profit that is linking educational comics to teachers.
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Speaking of comics, tomorrow is International Read Comics in Public Day. I'll find a way to participate even though I'm working...
When I first clicked on this link ("An Open Letter to Maryland State Senator Nancy King", ReTweeted by J. Torres from Dean Trippe) in my twitter feed today, I could not stop laughing at the picture. Seriously, the link that laying off teachers means kids will go off and read comics and not learn anything? I just had to laugh.
Unfortunately, I can't believe this stereotype is still around today. I mean, this stereotype goes way back (thinking the stuff from 1950s/1960s). I link it to you today because Dean Trippe has a lot of good things to say about comics and education. In fact, he even links to a non-profit that is linking educational comics to teachers.
------
Speaking of comics, tomorrow is International Read Comics in Public Day. I'll find a way to participate even though I'm working...
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