I am a very eclectic reader. There is hardly a genre that
won’t grace my to-read pile. For that reason, I really enjoy the Reader’s Bingo
competition that the library holds periodically (OK, so everyone else thinks
that it is a game, but I can make anything into a blood sport).
Reader’s Bingo requires participants to fill in a bingo
sheet with books titles they have read during the game period that fit the
description of one of the squares. For example, if the square reads, “A coming
of age story,” I might fill in “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho or “A Separate
Peace” by John Knowles. My coworker, Liz, plans the squares so that they will
challenge readers to explore genres that take them out of their comfort zones.
My secret is that I have no literary comfort zone. I like it all. This makes
filling bingo sheets a breeze.
Because of my preferences, when I first started doing
readers’ advisory, I was surprised to find that people have visceral reactions
to certain genres. When I ask patrons what they like to read, if I so much as
mention science fiction or fantasy, most patrons look at me like I have
suggested reading the phonebook while walking on hot coals.
I don’t want patrons to miss out on some of the best fiction
on our shelves simply because they think that sci-fi is just little green men
and that fantasy always has faeries flitting around a forest. There is so much
more to these genres. Sci-fi and fantasy aficionados, skip to the end- I am
about to suggest books you have already read.
If you are willing to dip your toe into the sci-fi pool,
there is no better place to start than with Frank Herbert’s “Dune.” It is the
quintessential beginner’s science fiction. It is classic sci-fi in that it
takes place in another world and there are advanced technologies that are
central to the plot, but it is also a very human story about a boy navigating
his way into adulthood amidst extreme hardship, resource scarcity, and more
than a few people intending to do him harm. Already read “Dune”? Try “Red
Rising” by Pierce Brown.
If worlds unlike our own are not your thing, Margaret Atwood
might be a good author to try. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood is a
wonderful alternative to space and technology themed science fiction. This book
describes a highly patriarchal society where women are no longer allowed to
read or access education and are only valued for their ability to produce
children. The story follows one woman as she navigates this new world and how
she resists. Considered required reading in high school and college courses
around the world, this book is a true page turner.
As for fantasy, I just have to recommend “The Rook” by
Daniel O’Malley. This book is fantasy-lite and perfect for people who claim to
hate fantasy. This novel is set in modern-day London and is about a young woman
who unwittingly finds herself in the body of an operative for a secret
government department in charge of all things magical, supernatural, or just
plain odd. While there is suspense and action, the writing style is light and
funny.
I would certainly not do the genre justice if I did not
mention Neil Gaiman. He has a fantasy book for nearly every age and taste. If
you think you would enjoy a classic fantasy with lighter themes, then
“Stardust” is a good pick. If you are prepared for a darker and stranger
selection, “American Gods” is a must-read. I have never finished a Gaiman book
without wishing there were more pages to read.
If you want to have any shot at winning Reader’s Bingo this
summer, you’ll eventually have to pick up a science fiction or fantasy book.
Why not read something you’ll actually enjoy? While you can try one of the
titles listed above, our reference librarians are happy to tailor a list to
your tastes.
