Nobody Puts Backlist in the Corner
Posted by: Neil Hollands
Here’s a blog concept that voracious readers and book groupers should get behind. Shelf Renewal (http://www.shelfrenewal.com/) is a new project by Chicago-area librarians Rebecca Vnuk and Karen Kleckner. I stole their cheeky tagline for the title of this blog entry. Fighting the stream of publicity for new books that are already getting plenty of attention, Shelf Renewal highlights books that are NOT brand-spanking new.
So far, posts are of two varieties. Most of the posts identify a theme, usually a theme or trend inspired by a new book or a current event, and then list older books that have been happily filling that niche for readers for years. The lists are eclectic, so far addressing paranormal romance, hoaxes, rock and roll books, Glee, dysfunctional families, zombies, King Tut, consumerism, the food industry, and foodie memoirs. Any of these brief lists would make a fine starting point for a thematic book group meeting. Shelf Renewal has a fun, fresh style that should keep blog readers entertained.
Other posts identify a “Web Crush of the Week,” a website upon which readers will be pleased to spend their browsing time. Congratulations, Rebecca and Karen, your site will be a regular stopping point for me every week if you keep up the great work.
October 21st, 2009 at 7:29 pm
What great ideas! Thanks for the tip. I just put them in my reader.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
The eclecticity has just begun! Thanks for mentioning shelfrenewal, Neil. We’re having a blast.