Health & Fitness
Serious About Series - Part One
The first of a multi-part posting focusing on series which have an important role in both literature and film.
It starts in childhood. The shelves are filled with books featuring your favorite characters in a variety of situations. For many, it was Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. For subsequent generations, the list has only gotten longer. For me, it was the Babysitter’s Club.
Certain reading habits are set early in life. There is something comforting about knowing the characters. Reading their adventures is like a visit with old friends. The loss of a popular character can be quite a blow.
Series may form an emotional bond with their readers, but for the author they can fulfill a more pragmatic function. A popular series can almost guarantee book sales. In some ways the characters can be easier to write; basic personalities are an established fact. Well written characters grow and change, but certain core aspects remain the same to retain the loyalty of long time readers.
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Series, for whatever reason, tend to be seen primarily in mystery, romance, and the fantasy genres. That does not mean that they do not exist in other genres, but those that spring immediately to mind are from those fields.
One of the most prolific writers of series is James Patterson. He not only writes multiples series for adults (Alex Cross and Women’s Murder Club), but also teens (Maximum Ride and Witch and Wizard).
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Here are a few notable new releases in series:
Split Second by Catherine Colter (#15 FBI Series)
Quinn by Iris Johansen (Eve Duncan Series)
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (Song of Fire and Ice Series)
The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen ( #9 Rizzoli and Isles Series)
Heartless by Gail Carrigher (#4 Parasol Protectorate)
The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh ( #3 Mistress Series)
If you are looking for a complete chronological listing of books in a series the “Fantastic Fiction” website is a great resource. You can search by author or title to get the complete series listing in chronological order. They also include to be released titles on many of their listings. The website is: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/
No matter where you find yourself in a favorite series -starting with the first book or becoming reacquainted with some old literary friends- the library will help you get the book you need. Call us at 473-0022, stop by the Reference Desk, or visit it us online to view the catalog and make a request.
