The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction

April 1, 2019

In the third edition of this guide, former librarian Saricks (Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library) is joined by Wyatt, LJ's readers' advisory columnist. The authors promote the "appeal framework," a set of terms for readers' advisors to use in classifying works, based on writing elements and features including pacing, story line, characterization, and tone. The framework crosses genre, subject, and format; indeed, this latest version of this guide emphasizes the importance of the entire collection (including nonfiction and multimedia) more so than previous editions. Another key component is genre studies, which examines in detail what makes each category unique, while also looking at genre subdivisions, core features, titles, and authors. Rather than focusing on well-known genres (mystery, romance, sf, etc.), the authors combine them into four broad-based topics: adrenaline, intellect, landscape, and emotion. These more general terms allow librarians to determine more effectively how genres overlap and connect while also acknowledging that their readers' preferences do not always fit easily into a particular type of work. VERDICT This valuable resource lets public librarians move beyond a narrow approach to readers' advisory and become more open to a wide range of possibilities.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2019
It's been a decade since Booklist's former audio editor, Joyce Saricks, updated her seminal guide for readers' advisors who don't have time to read everything (aka all readers' advisors). The third edition of The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction is coauthored by fellow RA juggernaut Neal Wyatt, who will carry on the torch. In addition to updated references (Dan Simmons' The Terror is now a TV show!), this edition acknowledges that we are living in a post-genre period, where the lines between traditional genres are so blurred we cannot rely on a genre sticker to do the book-suggesting for us; instead we must consider what genre conventions say about appeal and what subverting them means for the reader. But don't panic. The book is as well written and engaging as ever, and it is so chock-full of both theoretical and practical information it puts Mary Poppins' bag to shame. Sections on expanding readers' horizons address format crossovers, from graphic novels and audiobooks to films and video games, driving home the idea of Whole Collection Advisory. And bless Saricks and Wyatt for changing the easily dismissed Women's Fiction to Relationship Fiction. Readers are also encouraged to Hack this Book at the end of each chapter, space is provided for their own lists of sure bets and key authors from their library's collection. The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction is absolutely essential, and this updated edition cements its relevance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)