Hailey Carrell

Process and Reasoning:

In choosing the books for my patron, I tried to give a broad selection, while still hitting the
appeal factors they emphasized. My patron mentioned three books in the interview, so I looked
for a similar book for each one. In addition, my patron listed three genres they like, which I tried
to ensure were represented in my selections as well. They also gave me a book they didn’t like,
which I kept in mind in my selections, too.
Aside from titles and genres, I took note of why my patron chose them. For example, they
enjoyed the time period and Loch Ness plot of At Water’s Edge. They said they enjoy character-
centered books, as they like to see the characters develop. They also said they enjoy books in
which the setting is vivid and an important part of the story.
I used NoveList to search for books with similar appeal factors for these books. I also had a
few ideas based on books that I have personally read that I thought might appeal to my patron. In
addition, if a book I had read before came up on NoveList, I was more inclined to choose it. This
is simply because I was more familiar with it and knew the appeals better.
For the most part, I stuck with the first books I picked. However, I did have one different
book picked out at first. As I was gathering the books to give to my patron, I saw Monday’s Not
Coming and I thought it might interest them, too, so I ended up using it instead.

Annotations:
1. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
This book follows Blue and a group of four boys from a prestigious academy as they search for
the burial site of a fabled Welsh King. I chose this book for my patron because it focuses on a
mythical quest, similar to At the Water’s Edge. While this book is slow-building, it is very
character-centered. The Raven Boys is the first book on The Raven Cycle quartet, so the reader
can watch as the characters develop over the series.
2. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
Jane McKeene must battle racism and zombies in this novel set in an alternate Civil War era.
This book is historical fiction, so the setting is important. It is also very fast-paced, so it doesn’t
take long for the reader to get hooked. These are two factors my patron specifically mentioned.
In addition, it focuses on racial issues, similar to Angie Thomas’s books, which my patron also
mentioned.
Hailey Carrell

3. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

When Tessa’s brother goes missing, she investigates and uncovers the world Shadowhunters and
other supernatural beings. A Victorian steampunk tale set in London, setting is a vital part of this
story. This is an engrossing tale of fantasy and mystery, which are two of the genres my patron
likes. It is also the first in the Infernal Devices Trilogy, so character development is present. This
is part of Cassandra Clare’s expansive Shadowhunters world, so there are many books if the
reader enjoys them. Though not all feature this same historical setting, there are similar
fantastical elements and multiple series.
4. Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Claudia’s best friend, Monday, is missing, but no one seems to care. This a compelling and
thought-provoking Own Voices mystery. NoveList lists it as a read-alike for On the Come Up,
which my patron mentioned. These books are both realistic fiction stories featuring strong
females of color. It also contains mystery elements, which my patron enjoys.
5. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Rory is attending a boarding school in London when a Jack the Ripper copycat killer begins his
spree. The catch is, she is the only one who can see him. She is soon swept up in an underground
world, where she learns about powers she didn’t realize she had. This is a fast-paced,
suspenseful, and atmospheric mystery. The setting of London is vital to the plot, as it revolves
around Jack the Ripper. It is also the first book in the Shades of London series, which currently
has three books and a potential fourth.
Hailey Carrell

Closing Interview Transcript:

Hailey: Welcome back! Thank you for meeting with me again.
Patron: Thank you! I’m excited.
H: Okay, let’s start off with a general overview. What did you think of the books I gave you?
P: I liked them. I thought it was a good selection. And they weren’t all the same.
H: That’s great! So we’ll go through each book and you can tell me what you thought of each.
P: Okay, sounds good.
H: First, we have The Raven Boys. Would you read it?
P: No, I don't think this would be something I would read. I found the plot and setting complex
to understand from its description. It just didn’t really catch my attention.
H: Okay. How about Dread Nation?
P: Yes, I am interested in this book as it deals with racism and even zombies. I think this is a
unique plot and captures my attention.
H: Great! Next, we have Clockwork Angel?
P: I do like the sound of the plot to this book as I have always wondered what it would be like to
be a shape shifter. I also love stories that take place in England. So this in one that I would
definitely read.
H: Awesome! Howe about Monday’s Not Coming?
P: Yes, this is something I would be interested in reading because it is a mystery as to why the
main character's best friend went missing and why no one seem to really care about the last
moments of when she was last seen. It seems like a really intense and real story. I want to know
what happened!
H: Okay, finally we have The Name of the Star?
P: Yes, I would read this. I have always enjoyed stories of Jack the Ripper and also I like how
the book's main character is in another country trying to figure out her place as well as dealing
with a new string of Jack the Ripper-like murders. It sounds really interesting!
H: Wonderful! I’m glad you liked the sounds of some of these.
P: I really did!
H: Okay, I have just a few more questions about the process.
P: Okay.
H: Do you think you would have selected any of these books on your own?
Hailey Carrell

P: I think it is possible that I could have selected them. The plots and the setting of the books are
something I would have picked out.
H: Do you think you really will read any of these books?
P: Yes, I think I will. They sound really interesting and I want to know what happens!
H: Of the five books, which one sounds most appealing and why?
P: Oh, that’s tough. I would say The Name of the Star is the most appealing to me. I like how the
plot features an old classic brought into the present. It has a lot of elements I find interesting
blended into one book.
H: That’s great. Finally, what are your thoughts on this overall experience? Do you feel like
these selections were tailored towards your interests?
P: Yes, and I honestly do like getting personalized recommendations from peers. Sometimes it
even leads me to get interested in something I didn't even know I would be interested in.
H: Great! Thank you so much for being my patron. I hope that if you do read any of these you
enjoy them!
P: Thank you! I will let you know if I do and what I think!
H: Great!
Hailey Carrell

Assessment:
Based on my patron’s reaction, I think that I did well in this project. I think that I was
able to take the elements that appeal to them and find a decent selection that represented those
elements. Though I did choose some books that I have previously read, I did so simply because I
was better able to pinpoint the appeal factors. I believe this familiarity allowed me to better
match books to my patron.
However, there are a few things that I know I could have done better. Normally, when I
am doing reader’s advisory, my mind goes blank. I lose all the questions I wanted to ask. For this
assignment, I tried to make sure I had all of my questions written down, so I wouldn’t have that
problem. Unfortunately, this had me more focused on the list and less on a more organic
interview experience. I had my list and then I felt like I ran out of questions. It also meant my
interview was shorter than intended. After the fact, especially as I was picking out the five
books, I thought of other questions I should have asked. I think the questions I did ask were
helpful, but I could have gone much deeper.
One thing that helped me in this case was that I am acquainted with this person. Because
of that, I was able to tailor the choices a little more personally than I would have if it were a
stranger who walked into the library. For example, I know that this person enjoys travelling to
London, so books set in London stood out more to me. Despite the advantage I may have had,
this was good practice. It helped me test out questions and see what worked and what didn’t.
As for the books I selected, I am still pleased with them. Of course, since they didn’t care
for The Raven Boys I would swap it out with something different, but that is the only one I would
change. I am surprised that they liked so many of the books, but that is great!
In the end, I think this was a successful reader’s advisory interview. I was able to match
the patron with books that they found appealing, which is what is most important. I was able to
recognize my weaknesses in the process and I will work on those areas. I need to find a good
balance of having a script of go-to questions and letting the conversation flow more naturally. I
know that this is something that will come to me with time, and I’m ready to give it another shot!