Comprehensive, engaging and funny!

Comprehensive, engaging and funny! Buker, Derek M The science fiction and fantasy readers'advisory: the librarian's guide to cyborgs, aliens and sorcerers.ALA readers' advisory series. Chicago: American LibraryAssociation, 2002. 230 pp. US$38.00 (ALA members US$34.20) soft ISBN ISBNabbr.International Standard Book NumberISBNInternational Standard Book NumberISBNn abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m0838908314 THIS BOOK IS THE LATEST INSTALMENT IN THE ALA READERS'ADVISORY SERIES. It is designed to help readers' advisors suggestthe 'next good read' to a client, whether a science fictionand fantasy aficionado A Spanish word that means fan, devotee, enthusiast, etc. There are loyal aficionados of every subject in the computer field. or a beginner. It includes authors from H.G.Wells to Isaac Asimov to Anne McCaffrey Anne Inez McCaffrey (born April 1, 1926) is an American science fiction author best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series. Life and workAnne McCaffrey was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to George Herbert McCaffrey and Anne Dorothy McElroy. , as well as a multitude ofothers, with titles written from the late 19th century onwards. NumerousAustralian authors are also covered. The volume begins with a prologue considering the nature of thereaders' advisory interview, as well as some strategies for dealingwith specific science fiction and fantasy questions. The main content isdivided into two 'books': science fiction in Book 1 andfantasy in Book 2. The books are then divided into chapters coveringvarious sub-genres: mystery and thriller science fiction, historicalfantasy, general and classic science fiction, humorous fantasy, etc. As any dedicated reader of this genre knows, although sciencefiction and fantasy cover similar areas, they are not exactly the same.Here, science fiction has been loosely defined as anythingscience-related, while the fantasy section deals with magic, but thesedefinitions are certainly not exclusive, and there are overlaps. Eachchapter gives a brief overview of the topics that might be included inthat particular sub-genre. Short synopses are provided for fiverecommended titles or series, with a list of other recommended titles.Buker also offers his pick for the best title in each sub-genre, as wellas the best pick for reluctant readers. The book contains an excellentindex, listing all authors, titles and series covered, as well assubject listings, such as the moon or dragons. The appendix includes achronological listing of the winners of the Hugo and Nebula nebula(nĕb`ylə)[Lat.,=mist], in astronomy, observed manifestation of a collection of highly rarefied gas and dust in interstellar space. Awards forscience fiction and the Mythopoeic myth��o��poe��icor myth��o��pe��ic ? also myth��o��po��et��icadj.1. Of or relating to the making of myths.2. Serving to create or engender myths; productive in mythmaking. and World Fantasy Awards for fantasyfor those looking for award winners. This book is an excellent resource for anyone needing informationon the science fiction or fantasy genres. As a dedicated reader in thisgenre, I found that the authors and titles that I expected to find wereusually included. It was particularly pleasing to note that many of thebest Australian writers were covered. The organisation of the book isboth practical and useable, and Buker's writing is humorous andvery accessible. This work is highly recommended. Amanda Magnussen, IP Australia