going bananas for appeal factors
DESCRIPTION
Learn about doing Reader's Advisory across media using appeal factorsTRANSCRIPT
Charlie (Charles Darwin) Janie (Jane Goodall) Davey (David Livingston)
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So, I when I decided on this topic, Downton Abbey was all the rage – and I was ALL THE RAGE. Everyone kept puHng books about the 1920s on bibs and just claiming that that’s all that RA is. It seemed like the perfect Pme to discuss (a) mulP-‐type RA and (b) appeal factors and how they can live in perfect harmony. Like monkeys with coconuts.
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But that’s all I’m going to talk about anyways.
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So let’s get to monkeying around.
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Stolen from the illustrious Holly Hibner
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But what is it that appeals to us when we see adorable baby photos. It’s clearly not species.
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p. 40
Next slide: What is appeal in general?
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p. 42
Next slide: But what is the definiPon of appeal?
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p. 42
Next slide: Joyce’s appeal divisions
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Pacing: (ex: Page turner or Compelling) -‐ Characters and plot quickly or slowly unveiled? -‐ More dialog or descripPon? -‐ Densely wriben?
CharacterizaPon: (ex: IntrospecPve or Quirky characters) -‐ Developed over Pme or immediately recognizable stereotypes? -‐ Focus on single character or several intertwined? -‐ Whose point of view?
Story Line: (ex: Complex, Convoluted, MulP-‐story threads, or Addressing moral/social issues -‐ Emphasizes people or situaPons and events? -‐ What is author’s intenPon regarding story line? -‐ Is focus more interior and psycholoical or exterior and acPon oreinted?
Frame: (Bleak, Upbeat, or Historical detail) (seHng, tone, atmosphere) -‐ Is background detailed or minimal? -‐ Does the frame affect the tone or atmosphere? -‐ Is there a special background?
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Storyline: Determine a book’s focus; helps readers find books with the overall structure they are looking for. (ex: AcPon-‐packed; Intricately plobed; Issue-‐oriented)
Pace: The rate at which a story unfolds for the reader. (They only idenPfy books that appear at the ends of the spectrum) (Ex: fast-‐paced; leisurely paced)
Tone: The feeling that a book evokes in the reader. (Ex: Amusing; Gruesome; Suspenseful)
WriPng Style: Includes the language used in the book and the level of detail in the background. (Ex: ConversaPonal; Griby; Lush; Scholarly)
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But why learn these things. Why o why?
Split
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Amazon is not a good place for period/seHng/genre readalikes but it is a good place to go to see what people who like one thing will buy. And it’s probably not what’s on your bibs.
I’m going to pick on the NYTimes arPcle “If You’re Mad for ‘Downton,’ Publishers Have Reading List” from January 11, 2012. They were just repeaPng things that people had said, but it’s a great example of how bad we are at this. A selecPon of Ptles listed: Lady Almina and the Read Downton Abby by the Countess of Carnarvon Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor by Rosina Harrison A Biber Truth by Charles Todd (WWI) The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Julian’s niece) Parades End by Ford Madox Ford (a war novel) The Decline and Fall of the BriPsh Aristocracy by David Cannadine
We’re going to use it as an example.
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Downon Abbey on Amazon.
Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought: -‐ Downton Abbey-‐related items -‐ One movie by the same producer at the same Pme period Gosford Park -‐ And then a tv show about terrorism? How does that match with the NyPmes arPcle?
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Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought: -‐ Something Similar -‐ And then another BriPsh movie with a defined seHng -‐ Then another BriPsh tv show that’s wiby and fast paced -‐ Something Similar -‐ The Soundtrack -‐ And another PBS series – but set 40 years later than Downton Abbey There’s very few period based purchases here.
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Let’s talk about how we get down to monkey business
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I know – not everyone has NoveList. I don’t care. Books & Authors is not a subsPtute for NoveList when it comes to appeal factors.
If you don’t have Novelist, I will show you how to pick out appeal factors without it – but I do think that it’s the best.
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Jinni! My new favorite movie resource.
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All of these have different advantages and disadvantages.
While I like the mail tools that I chose, all that you really need to do this is a review.
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Let’s dive in!
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From iTunes: A stately country house, a noble family, and a succession crisis are the backdrop for Downton Abbey, an Edwardian spellbinder by Oscar-‐winning writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). The series that took the UK by storm, Downton Abbey stars Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, and a house full of revered actors in a producPon that brings a glibering bygone era to life.
Downton Abbey does have non-‐ficPon books associated with it and a soundtrack.
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/downton-‐abbey/
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Chosen out of the Novelist.com list of ‘Appeal Terms for Adults’, with the jinni.com descripPon in mind.
Storyline: Character-‐driven; Issue-‐oriented Tone: Strong sense of place Wri1ng: Dialogue-‐rich; Engaging; Richly detailed; StylisPcally complex; Wiby
Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview was wiby. “That Dame Maggie Smith is just perfecPon”.
Appeal Factors also based upon Jinni.com factors: Character-‐driven (Ensemble cast); Issue-‐oriented (Society); Dialogue-‐rich (Ensemble cast); StylisHcally complex (Stylized); Engaging (CapHvaHng); Richly-‐detailed (Period); Strong sense of place (period)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/downton-‐abbey/
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Let the hard work begin!
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Time Traveler’s Wife by: Audrey Niffenegger
Novelist Descrip1on: Passionately in love, Clare and Henry vow to hold onto each other and their marriage as they struggle with the effects of Chrono-‐Displacement Disorder, a condiPon that casts Henry involuntarily into the world of Pme travel.
Storyline: Character-‐driven, Intricately ploMed Pace: Leisurely Paced Tone: Moving; Romanic; Thought-‐provoking Wri1ng Style: Compelling; Lyrical; StylisHcally Complex; WiMy
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=121054&site=novp-‐live
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Notes from a Small Island by: Bill Bryson
Novelist Descrip1on: Before returning to America aser spending twenty years in Britain, the author decided to tour his second home and presents a look at England's quirks and its endearing qualiPes.
Tone: Funny; Strong sense of place Wri1ng Style: WiMy
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=175385&site=novp-‐live
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Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth by: Apostolos K. Doxiades
Novelist Descrip1on: Recounts, in graphic novel format, the life of Bertrand Russell, mathemaPcian and philosopher, and his life-‐long struggle to achieve perfect logic and ulPmate truth.
Storyline: Character-‐driven Wri1ng: Engaging; Wiby
Persepolis for a different patron.
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=324170&site=novp-‐live
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The Remains of the Day (Movie, 1993)
From iTunes: Oscar-‐winners Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs) and Emma Tompson (Howards End) reunite with the acclaimed Merchant Ivory filmmaking team for this extraordinary and moving story of blind devoPon and repressed love. Hopkins stars as Stevens, the perfect English butler -‐ an ideal carried by him to fanaPcal lengths -‐ as he serves his master, Lord Darlington, beauPfully played by James Fox (The Servant). Darlington, like many other members of the BriPsh establishment in the 1930s, is duped by the Nazis into trying to establish a rapport between themselves and the BriPsh government. Thompson stars as the estate's housekeeper, a high-‐spirited, strong-‐minded young woman who watches the goings-‐on upstairs with horror. Despite her apprehensions, she and Stevens gradually fall in love, though neither will admit it, and only give vent to their charged feelings via fierce arguments. Marvelously acted by a supporPng cast that includes Christopher Reeve and Hugh Grant.
Storyline: Issue-‐oriented (Master and Servant) Tone: Strong sense of place (Period) Wri1ng: Richly detailed (Period); Wiby (Clever)
The Help for a different patron.
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/remains-‐of-‐the-‐day/
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Cranford (TV Series, 2007)
From iTunes: This wiby story, starring the Oscar-‐winning Judi Dench, follows the absurdiPes and tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford. Set in the 1840s, Cranford is a small northern English town on the cusp of change. Talk of a new railway being built brings fears of the breakdown of law and order. The arrival of a handsome new doctor from London causes a sPr among the ladies' in the town.
Storyline: Character-‐driven (Ensemble Cast); Issue-‐oriented (Society) Tone: Strong sense of place (Period) Wri1ng: StylisPcally complex (Stylized); Wiby (Clever)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/cranford/
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Enigma VariaHons by Edward Elgar (performed by Sir Andrew Davis)
Playing (Theme)
From Amazon Descrip1on for the Documentary Associated with this CD: In an acclaimed BBC drama-‐documentary filmed in the rolling Malvern Hills, Sir Andrew Davis unravels the mystery of the famous musical puzzle contained in Elgar's seminal work. A landmark performance of the complete work by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, given in the cathedral in Elgar's home town of Worcester, is recorded in beauPful surround sound.
Wri1ng: Engaging; Richly detailed; StylisPcally complex
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Oregon Trail (TV Series, 2007)
From Wikipedia: The Oregon Trail is a computer game originally developed by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger in 1971 and produced by the Minnesota EducaPonal CompuPng ConsorPum (MECC) in 1974. The original game was designed to teach school children about the realiPes of 19th century pioneer life on the Oregon Trail. The player assumes the role of a wagon leader guiding his party of seblers from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamebe Valley over the Oregon Trail via a Studebaker Wagon in 1848
Storyline: Character-‐driven; Issue-‐oriented Tone: Strong sense of place Wri1ng: Engaging; Richly detailed; StylisPcally complex
JUST KIDDING!
hbp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oregon_Trail_(video_game)
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LA Noire (PS3 & Xbox 360, 2011)
Found by searching for “well-‐wriben video games” on Google:
From Rockstar Games via Metacri1c: L.A. Noire is a next generaPon crime thriller developed by Team Bondi, a new Australian based studio founded by Brendan McNamara, of "The Getaway." L.A Noire is an interacPve detecPve story set in the classic noir period of the late 1940's. It blends ac1on, detec1on and complex storytelling and draws players into an open-‐ended challenge to solve a series of gruesome murders. Set in a perfectly recreated Los Angeles before freeways, with a post-‐war backdrop of corrupPon, drugs and jazz, L.A. Noire truly blends cinema and gaming.
From Destruc1od via Metacri1c: The Good: RevoluPonary facial animaPon; 1947 L.A. is recreated in stunning detail; lengthy and engrossing story; gorgeous graphics and soundtrack; great ac1ng performances; adventure purists can skip through the acPon. Our Verdict: A rewarding adventure, a richly detailed world, an intriguing mystery, and a fascina1ng character study all in one—L.A. Noire is truly something special. ((hbp://www.destructoid.com/the-‐ten-‐most-‐meaningful-‐videogame-‐quotes-‐of-‐all-‐Pme-‐64837.phtml)
Storyline: Character-‐driven (great acPng performances) Tone: Strong sense of place (period) Wri1ng: Engaging (lengthy and engrossing story); Richly detailed
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/playstaPon-‐3/la-‐noire
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That wasn’t so hard. No need to be scared. Try these!
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From Novelist: When a woman goes missing on her fish wedding anniversary, her diary reveals hidden turmoil in her marriage, while her husband, desperate to clear himself of suspicion, realizes that something more disturbing than murder may have occurred.
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10078827&site=novp-‐live
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Chosen out of the Novelist.com.
Storyline: Character-‐driven; Intricately plobed Pace: Fast-‐paced Tone: Disturbing; Suspenseful Wri1ng: Compelling
Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview was fast-‐paced and compelling. “I just couldn’t put it down!”
Appeal Factors also based upon Jinni.com factors: Character-‐driven (Ensemble cast); Issue-‐oriented (Society); Dialogue-‐rich (Ensemble cast); StylisHcally complex (Stylized); Engaging (CapHvaHng); Richly-‐detailed (Period); Strong sense of place (period)
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10078827&site=novp-‐live
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Those bananas are gone, girl.
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Shuber Island by: Dennis Lehane
Novelist Descrip1on: U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner, Chuck Aule, come to Shuber Island's Ashcliffe Hospital in search of an escaped mental paPent, but uncover true wickedness as Ashcliffe's mysterious paPent treatments propel them to the brink of insanity.
Storyline: Intricately ploMed Pace: Fast-‐paced Tone: Creepy; Disturbing; Suspenseful Wri1ng: Compelling; Griby
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=072239&site=novp-‐live
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A Death in Belmont by: SebasPan Junger
Novelist Descrip1on: In the spring of 1963, the quiet suburb of Belmont, Massachusebs, is rocked by a shocking sex murder that exactly fits the pabern of the Boston Strangler. Sensing a break in the case that has paralyzed the city of Boston, the police track down a black man, Roy Smith, who cleaned the vicPm's house that day and les a receipt with his name on the kitchen counter. Smith is hasPly convicted of the Belmont murder, but the terror of the Strangler conPnues. On the day of the murder, Albert DeSalvo-‐-‐ the man who would eventually confess in lurid detail to the Strangler's crimes-‐-‐ is also in Belmont, working as a carpenter at the Jungers' home. In this spare, powerful narraPve, SebasPan Junger chronicles three lives that collide-‐-‐ and ulPmately are destroyed-‐-‐ in the vortex of one of the first and most controversial serial murder cases in America.
Pace: Fast-‐paced Tone: Disturbing; Suspenseful Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=197471&site=novp-‐live
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Y: The Last Man by: Brian K. Vaughan
Novelist Descrip1on: When a plague of unknown origin kills every mammal with a Y chromosome, Yorick Brown discovers that he is the only male les and embarks on a transconPnental journey to discover why.
Storyline: Character-‐driven Pace: Fast-‐paced Tone: Thought-‐provoking; Violent Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=082474&site=novp-‐live
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Rear Window (1954)
From iTunes: None of Hitchcock’s films has ever given a clearer view of his genius for suspense than Rear Window. When professional photographer L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries (James Stewart) is confined to a wheelchair with a broken leg, he becomes obsessed with watching the private drama of his neighbors lay out across the courtyard. When he suspects a salesman may have murdered his nagging wife, Jeffries enlists the help of his glamorous socialite girlfriend (Grace Kelly) to invesPgate the highly suspicious chain of events… Events that ulPmately lead to one of the most memorable and gripping endings in all of film history.
Storyline: Intricately plobed (Twists and turns) Pace: Fast-‐paced (Thriller) Tone: Suspenseful
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/rear-‐window/
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Sherlock (2010 -‐ Present)
From iTunes: Sherlock Holmes was always a modern man -‐ it's the world that got old. Co-‐created by Steven Moffat and Mark GaPss, Sherlock is back as he should be: edgy, contemporary, difficult and dangerous. Sherlock can tell a sosware designer by his Pe or an airline pilot by his thumb; he has a unique analyPcal brain unlike anyone else in the world and has found the best way to stave off boredom is by solving crimes. When a chance encounter brings soldier John Watson into Sherlock's life, it's apparent the two men couldn't be more different, but Sherlock's intellect coupled with John's pragmaPsm soon forges an unbreakable alliance as they invesPgate a
Storyline: Intricately plobed (Twists and turns) Pace: Fast-‐paced (ExciPng) Tone: Suspenseful Wri1ng: Compelling (CapPvaPng)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/sherlock/
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Fallen by: Evanescence (2003)
Playing Tourniquet
iTunes Descrip1on: Fallen is he major-‐label debut of Evanescence, a Lible Rock, AR-‐based quartet led by the soaring vocals of 20-‐year-‐old Amy Lee. Emboldened by the inclusion of its single "Bring Me to Life" is a bit misleading. A flawless slice of Linkin Park-‐style anguish pop, it's actually a duet between Lee and 12 Stones' Paul McCoy. In fact, almost half of Fallen's 11 songs are piano-‐driven ballads that suggest Tori Amos if she wore too much mascara and recorded for the Projekt label. The other half of the album does include flashes of the single's PG-‐rate nu-‐metal ("Everybody's Fool", "Going Under"). But it's the symphonic goth rock of groups like Type O NegaPve that influences most of Fallen. Ethereal synths float above Ben Moody's crunching guitar in "Haunted," while "Whisper" even features apocalypPc strings and a scary chorus of LaPn voices right out of Carmina Burana. "Tourniquet" is an anguished, urgent rocker driven by chugging guitars and spiraling synths, with brooding lyrics that reference Evanescence's ChrisPan values: "Am I too lost to be saved? / Am I too lost? / My God! My tourniquet / Return to me salvaPon." The song is Fallen's emoPonal center point and defines the band's sound.
Very dark; very energePc
Pace: Fast-‐paced Tone: Disturbing; Suspenseful Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallen_(Evanescence_album)
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Overclocked: A History of Violence (PC)
Googled best suspenseful, fast-‐paced video games – via eHow (hbp://www.ehow.com/info_8399365_suspense-‐adventure-‐pc-‐games.html)
From Anaconda via Metacri1c: The classic point and click adventure game breaks new ground in order to tell a story revolving around psychiatrist David McNamara and five young paPents. These paPents are found barely clothes, the apparent vicPm of a traumaPc act of violence, in the rain-‐drenched streets of New York City. McNamara is called to help as an expert psychiatrist. At the Staten Island Forensic Hospital he is tasked with treaPng the young paPents -‐-‐ who all suffer from severe amnesia. Dave begins to carefully probe their memory, trying to reveal their obscured past. The story-‐telling approach of Overclocked sees the player take on the role of the pa1ents as they are quesPons, playing and exploring their memories one by one. In reverse chronology, the player makes his way through the shards of their past and experiences frightening events that seem incoherent at first. The insights gained can then be used back in the role of Dave McNamara to piece tougher the interconnecPons between the vicPms and open up new lines of quesPoning.
Storyline: Character-‐driven; Intricately plobed (Take on the role of the paPents) Pace: Fast-‐paced (Adventure) Tone: Disturbing; Suspenseful
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/pc/overclocked-‐a-‐history-‐of-‐violence
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From Novelist: Relates the story of a U.S. airman who survived when his bomber crashed into the sea during World War II, spent forty-‐seven days adris in the ocean before being rescued by the Japanese Navy, and was held as a prisoner unPl the end of the war.
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10150625&site=novp-‐live
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Chosen out of the Novelist.com.
Tone: InspiraPonal; Moving Wri1ng: Engaging; Lyrical
Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview was inspiraPonal. “I just couldn’t BE-‐LIEVE his story!”
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10150625&site=novp-‐live
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This is the most inspiraPonal monkey photo that I had…which is a lible bit sad.
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What Is the What by: Dave Eggers
Novelist Descrip1on: A biographical novel traces the story of ValenPno Achak Deng, who as a boy of seven was separated from his family when his village in southern Sudan was abacked by government helicopters and became one of the esPmated 17,000 "lost boys of Sudan" before relocaPng from a Kenyan refugee camp to Atlanta in 2001.
Tone: InspiraPonal; Moving Wri1ng: Lyrical
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=154660&site=novp-‐live
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Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by: Cheryl Strayed
Novelist Descrip1on: A powerful, blazingly honest, inspiring memoir: the story of a 1,100 mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe-‐-‐and built her back up again.
Tone: InspiraPonal; Moving Wri1ng: Lyrical
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10039635&site=novp-‐live
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Zahra’s Paradise by: Amir
Novelist Descrip1on: "Set in the asermath of Iran's fraudulent elecPons of 2009, Zahra's Paradise is the ficPonal story of the search for Mehdi, a young protestor who has vanished into an extrajudicial twilight zone. What's keeping his memory from being obliterated is nobhe law. It is the grit and guts of his mother, who refuses to surrender her son to fate, and the tenacity of his brother, a blogger, who fuses tradiPon and technology to explore and explode the void in which Mehdi has vanished"-‐-‐Publisher's web site.
Tone: Moving
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10069956&site=novp-‐live
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Good Will HunHng
iTunes Descrip1on: A true moPon picture phenomenon, this triumphant story was nominated for 9 Academy Awards winning Oscars for Robin Williams (Best SupporPng Actor) and hot newcomers Mab Damon and Ben Affleck (Best Original Screenplay). The most brilliant mind at America’s top university isn’t a student…he’s the kid who cleans the floors! Will HunPng (Damon) is a headstrong, working-‐class genius who’s failing the lessons of life. Aser one too many run-‐ins with the law, Will’s last chance is a psychology professor (Williams), who might be the only man who can reach him!
Tone: InspiraPonal; Moving (Feel Good; SenPmental) Wri1ng: Engaging (CapPvaPng)
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/good-‐will-‐hunPng/
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Friday Night Lights
iTunes Descrip1on: Audiences cheer the first season of this poignant and powerful drama. The inPmate storytelling and spired performances involve the viewer with an authenPc portrait of life, love, family, and friendships that really hits home. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) is under intense pressure from the enPre town to lead the high-‐school football team to the championship. Wife Tami (Connie Bribon, also from the hit movie) provides loving support as the school’s counselor. The young people face their own challenges: the former-‐star fighPng to overcome a tragic injury; the cheerleader torn by conflicPng emoPonal loyalPes to two players; the quarterback overwhelmed with responsibiliPes on and off the field (which daPng the coach’s daughter); the cocky running back who’s turned to performance enhancers. All this and more come together for a truly human drama.
Tone: InspiraPonal; Moving (Feel Good; SenPmental) Wri1ng: Engaging (CapPvaPng)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/friday-‐night-‐lights-‐2006/
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Duets II by Tony Benneb
iTunes Descrip1on: Tony Benneb is an indefaPgable powerhouse of a vocalist. His energy and charisma have guided him through six decades of hits. The perennially hot Mr. Benneb is given both tribute and chance to shine with this celebraPon of the Great American Songbook. It doesn’t hurt that some of the biggests and most respected arPsts around are helping out in this second installment. Behold, Duets II with arPsts like Lady GaGa, Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, and, recorded just months before her passing, Amy Winehouse.
Mostly posiPve -‐ halfway between energePc and calm Play Don’t Get Around My Anymore with Lady Gaga
Tone: Moving Wri1ng: Engaging; Lyrical
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/music/duets-‐ii/tony-‐benneb
Quotes are from a Blurt Online review via MetacriPc: hbp://blurt-‐online.com/reviews/view/3529/
However, don't scoff at the collabs clearly geared towards the soccer mom set before hearing them first. Benneb harbors a magic about him that inspires you to become caught up in the beauty of his performance prowess regardless of what arPst is playing second banana to him on the microphone, giving him or her automaPc shine with his arPsPc credibility by virtue of associaPon alone -‐ be it Carrie Underwood or Lady Gaga or John Mayer or Mariah Carey. Never thought you'd voluntarily listen to such aunt-‐centric marquee stars as Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill and Josh Groban? Check out how sublime they are on Duets II sidling up alongside the true master and you might find yourself turning in your tastemaker cred for a used copy of Romanza in no Pme. hbp://blurt-‐online.com/reviews/view/3529/ (Blurt Online via MetacriPc)
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Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360)
Googled inspiraPonal video games and found: hbp://www.cheatcc.com/extra/top10mosPnspiraPonalgames2.html#.UJHInsXA98E
Extreme Gamer via Metacri1c: Mistwalker should be proud that they created an ambiPous tradiPonal role-‐playing game at the level of Lost Odyssey. Lost Odyssey touches the gamer on many different levels with its caring storyline, explosive baKles and metamorphosing plot developments. The presentaPon in the graphics and audio help put the whole game together creaPng a beauPful amalgamaPon showcase some best talent seen in both areas. If you’re a fan of tradiPonal role-‐playing games, or love games with an endearing story then you will likely fall in love with the dynamic inPmacy Lost Odyssey provides. Despite being challenged because of its tradiPonal roots, Lost Odyssey embraces them and turns on a memorable gaming experience that will be remembered for years to come.
Tone: Moving (“Endearing story”) Wri1ng: Engaging (“Memorable”)
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/xbox-‐360/lost-‐odyssey
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From Novelist: Police officer Rick Grimes is shot on the job and wakes up a month later to find that the world that he knows is gone. Zombies have taken over and are killing and eaPng those who are sPll alive. He sets out toward Atlanta in the hope that his family is sPll alive and endures many horrors along the way.
Walking Dead does has a ficPon book, a tv show, and a video game
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=149655&site=novp-‐live
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Chosen out of the Novelist.com.
Tone: Bleak; Gruesome Wri1ng: Compelling
For a teen patron. Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview was fast-‐paced and compelling. “I just couldn’t put it down!”
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=149655&site=novp-‐live
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If you ever put me in this costume again, you’ll be the Walking Dead
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Unwind by: Neal Shusterman
Novelist Descrip1on: In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can have their lives "unwound" and their body parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to extreme lengths to uphold their beliefs-‐-‐and, perhaps, save their own lives.
Tone: Bleak Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=229325&site=novp-‐live
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A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by: Ishmael Beah
Novelist Descrip1on: In a heart-‐wrenching, candid autobiography, a human rights acPvist offers a firsthand account of war from the perspecPve of a former child soldier, detailing the violent civil war that wracked his naPve Sierra Leone and the government forces that transformed a gentle young boy into a killer as a member of the army.
Tone: Bleak Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=189270&site=novp-‐live
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From Hell by: Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
From Amazon: FROM HELL is the story of Jack the Ripper, perhaps the most infamous man in the annals of murder. Detailing the events leading up to the Whitechapel killings and the cover-‐up that followed, FROM HELL is a meditaPon on the mind of a madman whose savagery and violence gave birth to the 20th century. The serialized story, presented in its enPrety in this volume, has garnered widespread abenPon from criPcs and scholars. Osen regarded as one of the most significant graphic novels ever published, FROM HELL combines mePculous research with educated speculaPon, resulPng in a masterpiece of historical ficPon both compelling and terrifying. This new ediPon, which has been completely re-‐mastered, is certainly the finest ediPon of the book produced to date.
Tone: Bleak Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=120492&site=novp-‐live
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The Dark Knight
From iTunes: Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan's sequel to teh highly successful "Batman Begin," sees Batman (ChrisPan Bale) as he raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Aborney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizaPons that plague the city streets. THe partnership proves to be effecPve, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified ciPzens of Gotham as 'The Joker' (Heath Ledger).
Tone: Bleak; Gruesome (Bleak; Violent Content) Wri1ng: Compelling (Suspenseful)
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/the-‐dark-‐knight/
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Breaking Bad
From iTunes: Emmy-‐nominated veteran actor Bryan Cranston (Malcolm in the Middle, LiMle Miss Sunshine) heads the cast of Breaking Bad, portraying Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who life is suddenly transformed by a dire medical diagnosis. Aaron Paul plays Jesse Dupree, a street-‐savvy former student who "teaches" Walter a new trade. Ann Gunn (Deadwood) is Walter's pregnant wife Skylar, an enterprising homemaker. Dean Norris (LiMle Miss Sunshine) is Walter's boisterous and crude brother-‐in-‐law Hank who happens to be a federal drug enforcement agent. Betsy Brandt (CSI) plays Walter's sister-‐in-‐law Marie, and R.J. Mibe (Hannah Montana, Weeds) is Walter's son, Walter Jr., whose teen angst is further complicated by cerebral palsy.
Tone: Bleak; Gruesome (Bleak; Violent Content) Wri1ng: Compelling (CapPvaPng)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/breaking-‐bad/
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The BBC Sessions by: Led Zeppelin
Playing You Shook Me
iTunes Descrip1on: At their incepPon, Led Zeppelin redefined hard rock for an enPre generaPon. While their studio albums were brilliantly recorded documents of the era, their live performances were oddly les in the hands of bootleggers and the less than completely representaPve "The Song Remains the Same" collecPon. These BBC Sessions capture the group in their early prime, stretching out the mania of their early composiPons and jamming out their love for classic rock and rock and sturdy, old blues. Considering singer Robert Plant's vocal authority on tracks such as "You Shook Me," "CommunicaPon Breakdown," and "What Is And What Should Never Be," it's hard to conceive that he was sPll considered to be on trial at this early point in their career. By the Pme of the 1971 sessions, the band spreads out with increasingly intricate material as their classics "Stairway to Heaven," "Going to California," and "Thank You" are saturated with an eerie vibe that only these young men could invent and sustain.
Very dark; very energePc
Tone: Bleak Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Sessions_(Led_Zeppelin_album)
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Dark Souls: Prepare to Die EdiHon (PC)
I looked at the Walking Dead video game on Amazon.com and looked at what other people had bought.hbp://www.amazon.com/Walking-‐Dead-‐Online-‐Game-‐Code/dp/B007WWW2C8
Review from IncGamers via Metacri1c: Dark Souls is a game that pokes at our sos, flabby bellies and laughs at the way other Ptles have babied us with cheap gimmicks and easy rewards. It’s a game whose mechanics are the perfect reflecPon of its bleak, desolate world. You will suffer, you will learn and you will feel triumph aser elated triumph when you succeed. The subversion of tradiPonal RPG thinking (levelling up is nothing compared to good equipment, and skill trumps all), tremendous physicality of its combat and clever integra1on of co-‐op play are just a few highlights from a truly outstanding Ptle. (hbp://www.incgamers.com/2012/08/dark-‐souls-‐prepare-‐to-‐die-‐ediPon-‐review-‐victory-‐achieved/)
Tone: Bleak; Gruesome (“Bleak, desolate world”; “Tremendous physicality of its combat”) Wri1ng: Compelling (“Clever integraPon of co-‐op play”)
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/pc/dark-‐souls-‐prepare-‐to-‐die-‐ediPon
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From Jinni: One day the peaceful village of Midwich is cast into a mysterious sleep for several hours, but with no obvious consequences, unPl soon all the women of child-‐bearing age turn out to be pregnant. Their children are all born at the same Pme, and grow quickly into very spooky young people, with strange white-‐blonde hair and eerie eyes.
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/village-‐of-‐the-‐damned/
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Chosen out of the Novelist.com list of ‘Appeal Terms for Adults’, with the jinni.com descripPon in mind.
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Sobering; Suspenseful
Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview was creepy. “It sent chills up my spine!”.
Appeal Factors also based upon Jinni.com factors: Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Sobering; Suspenseful From Jinni: Atmospheric; Scary; Serious, Suspenseful
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/village-‐of-‐the-‐damned/
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This child of the damned has a monkey on her back
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The Shining by: Stephen King
Novelist Descrip1on: Jack Torrance sees his sPnt as winter caretaker of a Colorado hotel as a way back from failure, his wife sees it as a chance to preserve their family, and their five-‐year-‐old son sees the evil waiPng just for them.
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Suspenseful
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=038251&site=novp-‐live
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In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by: Erik Larson
Novelist Descrip1on: Documents the efforts of the first American ambassador to Hitler's Germany, William E. Dodd, to acclimate to a residence in an increasingly violent city where he is forced to associate with the Nazis while his daughter pursues a relaPonship with Gestapochief Rudolf Diels.
Tone: Atmospheric; Suspenseful
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=395373&site=novp-‐live
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Locke & Key. 1, Welcome to Lovecras by: Joe Hill
Novelist Descrip1on: The story of the Keyhouse, a New England mansion, with doors that transform all who walk through them...and home to a hate-‐filled and relentless creature that will not rest unPl it opens the most terrible door of all.
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Suspenseful
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=295686&site=novp-‐live
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Rosemary’s Baby
iTunes Descrip1on: Possibly the best horror film ever made, this brilliant adaptaPon of Ira Levin’s best-‐selling novel is the story of a loving young New York City couple who are expecPng their first child. Like most first-‐Pme mothers, Rosemary (Mia Farrow) experiences confusion and fear. Her husband (John Cassavetes), an ambiPous but unsuccessful actor, makes a pact with the devil that promises to send his career skyward. Director Roman Polanski elicits uniformly extraordinary performance from the all-‐star cast. Ruth Gordon won an Oscar for her performance as an over solicitous next-‐door neighbor in this classic chiller.
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Suspenseful (Atmospheric; Scary; Suspenseful)
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/rosemarys-‐baby/
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The Dead Zone
Wikipedia Descrip1on: Small-‐town teacher Johnny Smith is involved in a car accident that leaves him comatose for approximately six years. Aser regaining consciousness, Johnny begins having visions of the past and future triggered by touching items or people; doctors abribute the visions to acPvity in a previously unused "dead zone" of his brain that is abempPng to compensate for the impaired funcPon of the porPons injured in the accident. Johnny also learns that his fiancée, Sarah, gave birth to his son in the interim following the accident, but has since married another man. With the help of Sarah, her husband Walt, and physical therapist Bruce, Johnny begins using his abiliPes to help solve crimes. However, his abempts to do good are complicated by intermibent visions of apocalypPc events brought about following the future elecPon of congressional candidate Greg SPllson.
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Suspenseful (Atmospheric; Scary; Suspenseful)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/the-‐dead-‐zone-‐2002-‐1/
83
Criss Angel: Believe by Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque Du Soleil Descrip1on: With the original score for the show CRISS Angel Believe, Cirque du Soleil fans are provided an in-‐depth look at renowned French composer Éric Serra’s work which features key tracks from the pre-‐opening of the show in September 2008 to today. Éric Serra created the iniPal music composiPon for the show CRISS ANGEL Believe and incorporates his vast experience in film music scores (The Big Blue, The Last Combat, Subway, La Femme Nikita, AtlanPs, The Fish Element, etc.). Inspired by the show’s themes and wriben and arranged to blend with the visuals, Serra takes the listener on a thrilling, dreamlike explora1on beginning with sounds of vintage children-‐inspired melodies to rock and gothic moments with heavy, industrial, electronic beats to classical and opera1c influences. Featured on 4 songs of this album is Nitza, original lead vocalist of the show and award-‐winning (Los Angeles Music Awards, Hollywood Music Awards, DEKA) world music arPst.
Rock – Very Dark, More Calm Play Shadows and Whispers
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Suspenseful (Atmospheric; Suspenseful) (“Thrilling, dreamlike exploraPon)
hbp://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/believe/soundtrack.aspx
Quotes are from the “About the Album” from the website – see above.
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Silent Hill: ShaMered Memories (Wii, PlayStaPon2, PSP)
Googled creepiest video games and found: hbp://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/10/scary-‐games/2/
Konami via Metacri1c: While the game shares its twisPng plot with the original PlayStaPon game, Silent Hill: Shabered Memories takes a different path in many, many ways. Characters can be approached but offer different responses and be found in different places, while new clues and gameplay paths can be followed. The Ptle follows Harry Mason, as he abempts to unravel the mystery of his missing daughter, Cheryl. A broken man, Mason’s invesPgaPons lead him to the mist-‐shrouded, snowy streets of Silent Hill: a malevolent town where the shadows play host to a wealth of evil, misshapen creatures.
Tone: Atmospheric; Creepy; Sobering (“Eerily atmospheric”; “Downright chilling”; “Disturbing themes”)
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/wii/silent-‐hill-‐shabered-‐memories
Review via IGN hbp://www.ign.com/arPcles/2009/12/05/silent-‐hill-‐shabered-‐memories-‐review?page=3:
Meet Harry Mason. He's crashed his car in the middle of a blizzard on the outskirts of a small town called Silent Hill. He's confused -‐-‐ his memory is iffy, but he's painfully aware that his lible girl is no longer in the vehicle. So with flashlight in hand, he braves the cold, the snow and inevitably the terror as he searches blindly for her. This is the setup for Shabered Memories, which is not a remake but a full-‐blown re-‐imagining of Konami's classic horror adventure game. While devoted franchise fans will find some familiar gameplay elements, characters and story arcs, the Climax Studios sequel is simultaneously disPnguished by some altogether new mechanics and concepts that represent bold and refreshing departures from the convenPons that some purists hold dear. Backlash is therefore inevitable, but whether you choose to define the experience as Silent Hill-‐esque or not, it is undeniably well-‐executed, eerily atmospheric and at Pmes downright chilling -‐-‐ literally, as I'll explain. Shabered Memories is an adventure game riddled with a host of disturbing themes, not least of which is the fact that the town is caught in the grip of a snow storm, most of its inhabitants are missing, and dreadful monsters periodically scream from icy formaPons.
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From iTunes: JusPn Bieber abracted a global audience aser posPng videos of himself covering songs by the likes of JusPn Timberlake and Usher -‐ the laber of whom caught wind of Bieber's talents, and helped the singer/mulP-‐instrumentalist relocate to Atlanta and score a record deal. Aser recording a smash first album, JusP s once again likely to be taking over the charts with his sugar-‐coated second album "My World 2.0"
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/music/my-‐world-‐20/jusPn-‐bieber
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88
Chosen out of the Novelist.com list of ‘Appeal Terms for Teens’, with the Billboard Review in mind.
Tone: Moving; Feel-‐good; Upbeat Wri1ng: Engaging
For a teen patron. Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview were feel-‐good and engaging. “It was so much fun! I listened to it 100 Pmes. No 200!”
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/music/my-‐world-‐20/jusPn-‐bieber
89
JusPn Beiber wishes he was the king of pop
90
The Princess Diaries by: Meg Cabot
Novelist Descrip1on: Fourteen-‐year-‐old Mia, who is trying to lead a normal life as a teenage girl in New York City, is shocked to learn that her father is the Prince of Genovia, a small European principality, and that she is a princess and the heir to the throne.
Tone: Upbeat Wri1ng: Engaging
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=077425&site=novp-‐live
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My Life in Dog Years by: Gary Paulsen
Novelist Descrip1on: The author describes some of the dogs that have had special places in his life, including his first dog, Snowball, in the Philippines; Dirk, who protected him from bullies; and Cookie, who saved his life.
Tone: Feel-‐good Wri1ng: Engaging
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=179292&site=novp-‐live
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Gunnerkrigg Court by: Tom Siddell
Novelist Descrip1on: AnPmony Carver is a precocious and preternaturally self-‐possessed young girl starPng her first year of school at gloomy Gunnerkrigg Court, a very BriPsh boarding school that has robots running around along side body-‐snatching demons, forest gods, and the odd mythical creature.
Tone: Upbeat Wri1ng: Engaging
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=305365&site=novp-‐live
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Wall-‐E
iTunes Descrip1on: What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? Academy Award-‐winning writer-‐director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo) and the invenPve storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar AnimaPon Studioes (The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouiller) transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away from a new computer-‐animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL-‐E. Aser hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL-‐E (short for Waste AllocaPon Load Liser Earth-‐Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecPng knick-‐knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL-‐E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet’s future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiPng word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL-‐E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into moPon one of the most exciPng and imaginaPve comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen. Joinging WALL-‐E on his fantasPc journey across a universe of never-‐before –imagined visions of the future, is a hilarious cast of characters including a pet cockroach, and a heroic team of malfuncPoning misfit robots.
Tone: Feel-‐good (Feel-‐good) Wri1ng: Engaging (ExciPng)
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/wall-‐e/
94
Make It Or Break It
Wikipedia Descrip1on: Make It Or Break It is a relaPonship drama set in the high-‐stakes world of compePPve gymnasPcs. The series follows a group of elite teenage gymnasts as they deal with parents, boyfriends, coaches, rivalry, and betrayal. Payson is the extremely focused, serious gymnast. Kaylie comes from a privileged background and doesn’t think the team’s rules apply to her. Lauren is highly compePPve and will stop at nothing to win. Newcomer Emily abracts the abenPon of everyone when she arrives at the gym wearing an old leotard with gymnasPcs moves beyond compare.
Tone: Feel-‐good; Upbeat (Feel good; SenPmental)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/make-‐it-‐or-‐break-‐it/
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Back to Basics by ChrisPna Aguilera
Metacri1c Descrip1on: The 'Basics' in the Ptle of this double-‐disc set are the jazzy blues and soul sounds of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, which Aguilera tackles with the help of Linda Perry and DJ Premier.
Found through a co-‐worker Play Candyman
SomePmes – it’s just a feeling what fits. Tone: Moving; Upbeat Wri1ng: Engaging
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/music/back-‐to-‐basics/chrisPna-‐aguilera
Review from Amazon.com: Back to Basics, ChrisPna Aguilera's first disc in four years, refines and clarifies the-‐-‐let's call it "sexy"-‐-‐aura surrounding this plaPnum firebrand. Here, the best belter in a class that counts Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears on its roll call has turned her abenPon to love songs: the supercharged and ubiquitous first single "Ain't No Other Man," for one, and the hushed stunner "Save Me from Myself" for another. That doesn't mean she's foresworn being nasty, though. Dive deep into this set, past the gorgeous crackle that frames the old-‐school jazz-‐, blues-‐, and soul-‐inspired tracks on the first disc, and you'll reach a playful and familiar raunch; "Candyman" celebrates a "one-‐stop shop" who "makes the panPes drop" to a boogie-‐woogie beat, and "Nasty Naughty Boy" sends out a heated, big-‐beated invita1on to "sip on my champagne/Cause I'm gonna give you a lible taste/Of the sugar below my waist." Though�ul listeners should snap out of their fascinaPon with XPna's undiminished yet newly un-‐tramp-‐like sexuality, though, because what they'll really want to focus on throughout these 22 tracks is the honest-‐to-‐God ar1stry. While the rock producer Linda Perry helps disc two pop in interesPng and unexpected ways (check the muffled blues number "I Got Trouble" and "Mercy on Me," an obvious nod to Fiona Apple), DJ Premier, a mainstay on Jay-‐Z and Nas projects, pipes a batch of aural high-‐fives into the nostalgia-‐biben first disc (the deep-‐down funk of "Back in the Day," the strut-‐strut early hip-‐hop sound of "SPll Dirrty"). Their nudges aside, though, Back to Basics is all Aguilera's baby-‐-‐she execuPve-‐produced, and she's found herself ar1s1cally. Nobody would argue, in fact, if she swiveled around the chorus to "Ain't No Other Man," wriben for her husband, and aimed it at herself: "You got soul, you got class/You got style, you're bada-‐-‐." -‐-‐Tammy La Gorce
96
Lego Indiana Jones (PC, DS, PlaystaPon 2, PlayStaPon 3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360)
LucasArts via Metacri1c: LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures takes the fun and creaPve construcPon of LEGO and combines it with the wits, daring and non-‐stop acPon from the original cinemaPc adventures that enthralled audiences everywhere (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). With a unique tongue-‐in-‐cheek take on the original adventures, LEGO Indiana Jones follows Dr. Jones escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountaintops of India. Fans can build, bable and brawl their way through their favorite cinemaPc moments, from Indy's entanglements with snakes to his dashing boulder run. Pop culture's most iconic archeologist whips through all the classic moments with the help of a host of supporPng characters including Marion Ravenwood and Short Round. Players can also mix and match the body parts of more than 60 playable characters to create new heroes just as they could in the LEGO Star Wars games.
Tone: Upbeat (“Comedic cutscenes) Wri1ng: Engaging (“Brick-‐busPng good Pme”)
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/xbox-‐360/lego-‐indiana-‐jones-‐the-‐original-‐adventures
Review via Atomic Gamer hbp://www.atomicgamer.com/arPcles/575/lego-‐indiana-‐jones-‐review:
If you’ve caught Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on the big screen, and you’re sPll jonesing for Jones, LucasArts and Traveller’s Tales have just the thing to curb your treasure-‐hunPng hunger. Treading the same plasPc-‐paved path as the successful Lego Star Wars series comes Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, a brick-‐bus1ng good 1me that matches the accessibility and addic1veness of its Force-‐driven forefathers…The gameplay is addicPve as ever and the Indy makeover oozes with style. From the excellent visuals and famous cinemaPc score (you’ll be surprised just how cool you feel playing as a Lego when that rousing theme rises through your speakers), to the franchise’s trademark comedic cutscenes—some actually top the side-‐splibers from LSW, —it’s hard not to recommend this one.
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(PS3, Xbox 360)
From Metacri1c: Final Fantasy XIII-‐2 is a direct sequel to FFXIII, and will once again star lead protagonist Lightning.
FFXIII Descrip1on: In Final Fantasy XIII, you will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse. Along the way, you will encounter diverse allies who will fight alongside you. Execute powerful abacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmaPc Eidolons with an evolved AcPve Time Bable system. Experience seamless transiPons between real Pme gameplay and in-‐game cinemaPcs. Do you have the courage to face your desPny?
Link to the trailer: hbp://youtu.be/zRDij-‐wHKok
Final Fantasy does have a soundtrack
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/playstaPon-‐3/final-‐fantasy-‐xiii-‐2
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hbp://www.thesixthaxis.com/2012/02/16/final-‐fantasy-‐xiii-‐2-‐review-‐ps3-‐xbox-‐360/
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Chosen out of the Novelist.com list of ‘Appeal Terms for Adults’, with the Sixth Axis descripPon and trailer watching in mind.
Storyline: Intricately plobed (Lots to do outside of the main plotline) Tone: Atmospheric; HaunPng; Strong sense of place Wri1ng: Compelling; Dialogue-‐rich (AddicPve; Totally absorbed)
Primary characterisPc from the patron during the interview was Compelling. “I just couldn’t stop playing!”.
Storyline: Intricately plobed Tone: Atmospheric; HaunPng; Strong sense of place Wri1ng: Compelling; Dialogue-‐rich
101
Compelling yet intricately-‐plobed
102
1Q84 by: Haruki Murakami
Novelist Descrip1on: An ode to George Orwell's "1984" told in alternaPng male and female voices relates the stories of Aomame, an assassin for a secret organizaPon who discovers that she has been transported to an alternate reality, and Tengo, a mathemaPcs lecturer and novice writer.
Storyline: Intricately plobed Tone: Atmospheric;
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=10004055&site=novp-‐live
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Final Fantasy XIII-‐2: The Complete Official Guide by: “Piggyback”
Not every book has a perfect readalike in every type of media/print. This is one of them. Myself and another librarian tried for an hour and a half and found no nonficPon books that we would give to someone with only the informaPon given.
hbp://www.amazon.com/Final-‐Fantasy-‐XIII-‐2-‐Complete-‐Collectors/dp/0307894215/ref=pd_sim_vg_3
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UnWriben: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus IdenPty by: Mike Carey
Novelist Descrip1on: Tom Taylor's life was screwed from the word go. His father created the mega-‐popular Tommy Taylor boy-‐wizard fantasy novels. But dad modeled the ficPonal epic so closely to Tom that fans constantly compare him to his counterpart, turning him into a lame, Z-‐level celebrity. When a scandal hints that Tom might really be the boy-‐wizard made flesh, Tom comes into contact with a mysterious, deadly group that's secretly kept tabs on him all his life. Now, to protect his life and discover the truth behind his origins, Tom will travel the world, to all the places in world history where ficPons have shaped reality. -‐-‐ Publisher descripPon.
Tone: Atmospheric Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=340833&site=novp-‐live
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Pan’s Labyrinth
Metacri1c Descrip1on: Guillermo del Toro delivers a unique, richly-‐imagined epic with Pan's Labyrinth, a gothic fairy tale set against the postwar repression of Franco's Spain.
Storyline: Intricately plobed (Twists and turns) Tone: Atmospheric; HaunPng(Atmospheric; Surreal) Wri1ng: Compelling;(CapPvaPng)
hbp://www.jinni.com/movies/pans-‐labyrinth/
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Lost
Jinni Descrip1on: Created by successful television producer J.J. Abrams (FELICITY, ALIAS), LOST became one of the most popular and criPcally acclaimed programs of the 2004-‐2005 season. UPlizing a ripe premise and well-‐drawn and acted characters, LOST abracted a huge following and was proclaimed the saving grace of a television year otherwise marred by derivaPve reality programming. The story concerns the survivors of a terrible plane crash, who find themselves stranded on a tropical island with seemingly lible chance of a rescue. Medical doctor Jack takes a posiPon of leadership, helping to rally the survivors and prepare them for a period of difficulty as they learn how to survive on the paradisiacal island. But everything is not as it seems, as the island offers potenPal danger in the form of a large, mysterious creature, and evidence is found that the plane crash may not have been an accident. As they struggle to survive, each of the characters forms alliances and makes enemies, all while dealing with the unresolved issues of the lives they've les behind. LOST disPlls the difficulPes of society down to their essence, exploring these problems with compelling characters and with a seHng that's equal parts paradise and mystery.
Storyline: Intricately plobed (MulPple Stories/Twists and turns) Tone: Atmospheric; HaunPng (Atmospheric; Surreal) Wri1ng: Compelling; Dialogue-‐rich (CapPvaPng; Ensemble Cast)
hbp://www.jinni.com/tv/lost/
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Eskimo by The Residents
AllMusic Review: The most rewarding, the most difficult, the most accomplished of all the Residents albums, this was their departure into the field of imaginary ethno-‐musicography that they had begun on “Six Things to a Cycle” on Fingerprince. Ostensible a musical documentary on the Eskimo, this is an album of icy atmospheres, poe1c electronics, and imaginary landscapes, concocted around a loose narraPve told in the liner notes. There’s also a subtheme of indigenous populaPons overrun by western commercialism (is that naPve chant actually “Coca Cola is Life”?). Ex-‐Henry Cow member Chris Cutler plays a lot of percussion on the album, especially on the finale, “FesPval of Death,” the only real piece of rhythmic music here which shines out as anything but dark or sinister. In any other group’s hands this would have been a pretenPous disaster, but the Residents pull it off through spirit, humor, and sheer bravado. hbp://www.allmusic.com/album/eskimo-‐mw0000193507
RecommendaPons from co-‐workers Play The Walrus Hunt
Storyline: Intricately plobed (“Subplot”) Tone: Atmospheric; HaunPng; Strong sense of place (“Icy Atmospheres”)
hbp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimo_(album)
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Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (PC, PlayStaPon 3, Xbox 360)
Through a co-‐worker
Metacri1c Descrip1on: Immerse yourself in an all-‐new massive universe from the minds of bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston. Choose your path and bable through a sprawling world featuring intense, responsive, and customizable RPG combat.
Storyline: Intricately plobed Wri1ng: Compelling
hbp://www.metacriPc.com/game/pc/kingdoms-‐of-‐amalur-‐reckoning
Review via IGN hbp://www.ign.com/arPcles/2012/02/03/kingdoms-‐of-‐amalur-‐reckoning-‐review:
Reckoning proves once and for all that great role-‐playing experiences don't have to sacrifice what mabers most in any game -‐-‐ gameplay -‐-‐ while sPll remaining true to all of the minuPae that makes the best RPGs great. And while Reckoning certainly has its own flaws, I sPll found myself uberly saPsfied with my experience and anxious to parlay the good news to fellow fans of the western RPG. Reckoning certainly isn't a game you should sleep on. Quite the contrary: Amalur demands your aKen1on.
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Now you can stop monkeying around with RA – because now you know all about a-‐peel factors!
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Next slide: Why?
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Next slide: Why?
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Now, even you can go bananas for books.
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