Week 12 Prompt

Readers' Advisory Matrix for Martha's Vineyard: Isle of Dreams, By Susan Branch



      1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
          Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

      2. What is the subject of the book? 

           Rebuilding a life after an unexpected divorce from the love of your life and what you thought was a fairy tale marriage.

      3. What type of book is it?

           A memoir

      4. Articulate appeal

           What is the pacing of the book?

            Leisurely

            Describe the characters of the book.

            The story is character-driven. It is about the author Susan Branch who moves from California to Martha's Vineyard after a sudden divorce.

            How does the story feel?

            Moving, inspiring, and heartwarming.

            What is the intent of the author?

            To share her story with her followers.

            What is the focus of the story?

            The way her move changed her life in so many unexpected and positive ways.

            Does the language matter?

            Yes.

            Is the setting important and well described?

            The setting is vital to the story. It is described in great detail.

            Are there details and , if so, of what?

            There are many details such as: famous quotes, mouth-watering recipes, hundreds of personal photographs, and charming, detailed, original watercolors by the author.

            Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?  

            None. 

            Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?

             All three. She learned to have faith in her talent as an artist, she understood that she could be self-reliant and independent, and she experienced the seasons for the first time, the kindness of strangers, and serendipity.
      
      5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

             1. Heartwarming                 2. Richly detailed                3. Engaging

  

Resources:

Readers' Advisory Guide to Nonfiction by Neal Wyatt

Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Marthas-Vineyard-Dreams-Susan-Branch/dp/0996044027/ref=la_B001H6MRVQ_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490995275&sr=1-1

Baker & Taylor
http://ts360.baker-taylor.com/_layouts/CommerceServer/ItemDetailsPage.aspx?ngbtkey=0018278322

Susan Branch's Blog
http://www.susanbranch.com/2017/03/go-go-go-and-happy-spring/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SusanBranchBlog+%28Susan+Branch+Blog%29

Susan Branch's Website
http://www.susanbranch.com/