Historical Fiction Annotation

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Book Annotation - Historical Fiction

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Title: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date: 01/15/2013

Number of Pages: 356 pgs.

Geographical Setting: Washington City, District of Columbia

Time Period: November 1860 - 1901

Plot Summary: This is the story of the friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckly, her mantua. Elizabeth is a former slave who purchased her freedom and established a seamstress’ shop in Washington, D. C. The novel takes place from the time Lincoln assumed the presidency until Elizabeth’s death. During this time, Elizabeth designed and sewed most of Mary’s dresses as well as arrange her hair, tame Mr. Lincoln’s locks and beard, care for their children, and became Mary’s confident and a source of solace and kindness.

Link:

A New York Times article: A Strong Thread in a Strong Union discussing the book and the movie, Lincoln, by Steven Spielberg.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/books/its-elizabeth-keckleys-year-in-civil-war-history.html

Subject Headings: Keckly, Elizabeth,; approximately 1818 - 1907; Fiction.
                                Lincoln, Mary Todd.: 1818 - 1882; Fiction.
                                Women dressmakers; Fiction.
                                Female friendship; Fiction.
                                First ladies: Fiction.

    

Appeal:

3 terms that best describe this book: Genre:Historical fiction

      Pace:Leisurely paced

      Tone:Strong sense of place

      Writing Style:Descriptive; Richly detailed

Similar Authors and Works (why are they similar?):

Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

This novel takes a character from Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, Catherine Chase Sprauge, and explores this period in history through her eyes. Although Catherine and Mrs. Lincoln had much in common, they remained in a fierce rivalry during Lincoln’s presidency and beyond.

The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers

This novel uses diary entries and letters to create a story based on real events. I think it would be interesting to read this story about the Civil War from a southern perspective.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

This novel, based on the historical figure Sarah Grimke, follows her 35 year relationship with Handful, a servant she was given for her eleventh birthday. The story begins in 19th century Charleston where Sarah was a controversial figure because she was an abolitionist and suffragist, yet came from a slave owning family. She even broke the law by teaching Handful to read and write.

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors:

Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave, And Four Years in the                                                   White House by Elizabeth Keckly

In her own words,  Elizabeth Keckly, writes about her life as a slave and the years she spent with Mrs. Lincoln as her modiste. It would be interesting to compare this to Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly by Jennifer Fleischner.

Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly by Jennifer Fleischner

This book gives the non-fiction account of the friendship between Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckly.  It is richly detailed and descriptive.

Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker:The Unlikely Friendship of

Elizabeth Keckley and Mary Todd Lincoln by Lynda Jones

Although this book is classified as one for upper elementary students, I think it would be an excellent follow-up to the novel, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker. The book contains illustrations, including daguerreotypes, photos, paintings, and illustrations of the Lincoln's, Mrs. Keckley, and her masters. The book’s elegant design emphasizes period fashion and the art of dressmaking.

3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors:

                                  The Emancipator’s Wife by Barbara Hambly

Storyline: Character-driven

Pace:Leisurely paced

Writing Style:Richly detailed

The novel looks at the later years of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life, after she was sent to an asylum by her son, Robert. Here, she writes her memoirs and reflects on her life. It is richly detailed and character-driven, as well as being leisurely paced.

March by Geraldine Brooks

Character:Complex; Courageous; Flawed

Storyline: Character-driven

Writing Style:Lyrical; Richly detailed

This novel follows another family during the years of the Civil War. It is richly detailed and character-driven.

The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin

Writing Style:Engaging; Lyrical; Richly detailed

This novel explores the life and relationships of another woman who is married to a famous gentleman, Charles Lindbergh. It is character-driven and is richly detailed.

References Used:

New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/books/its-elizabeth-keckleys-year-in-civil-war-history.html

BookBrowse:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/

NoveList:
http://web.a.ebscohost.com/novp/search/novbasic?sid=65ea09c6-0994-44d3-8f04-aeb8cc207aa7%40sessionmgr4006&vid=0&hid=4207

Baker and Taylor:
http://ts360.baker-taylor.com/_layouts/CommerceServer/ItemDetailsPage.aspx?ngbtkey=0013473037&isfromsearchresults=1

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-Dressmaker-Basic-Jennifer-Chiaverini/dp/1410455424/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Westerns power point:
https://iu.instructure.com/courses/1616372/files/folder/Week%2011?preview=67090798

The Reader's' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction:
Saricks, Joyce G. The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction. Chicago: American Library Association, 2009. Print.

Week 8: Book Club Experience

Westchester Public Library offers seven book discussion/review groups for those who love to read and to talk about what they’ve read. Each group meets monthly. All of them have a staff member involved, but they do not necessarily lead the discussion each month.

BiFocal Bookies (self-named) 

On Tuesday, February 14, attendees will discuss Lila by Marilynn Robinson, a new American classic from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gilead. Lila, homeless and alone after years of roaming the countryside, steps inside a small-town Iowa church, the only available shelter from the rain, and ignites a romance and a debate that will reshape her life. She becomes the wife of a minister, John Ames, and begins a new existence while trying to make sense of the life that preceded her newfound security.

Copies of the current book are available on a first-come first-served basis. Stop in at the circulation desk at the Hageman Branch and sign one out to read. Books can then be returned for others to read before the discussion group meets.

Popular Books - At the Water's Edge By Sara Gruen

Set in Loch Ness, right in the middle of WWII, a foolish group of rich Americans arrive in search of the famous monster. Narrator Maddie must make sense of the circumstances that have brought her to this wild locale. Only then can she discover the strength she needs to make her own decisions. Enjoy a delightfully intriguing cast of characters and the engaging style of storytelling that has made Gruen so popular.

Mad About Mysteries

Come meet Valparaiso author Ruth Foster as she introduces us to her newest book, King Richard's Sword. The sixth book in the Lady Apollonia mystery series, King Richard's Sword finds Lady Apollonia of Aust protecting her son amidst murder, sexual misconduct, and illegal money lending in 14th century Worcester.

Bookmarks at Noon

It's time to get off the beaten path. Inspiring equal parts wonder and wanderlust, Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders celebrates over 700 of the strangest and most curious places in the world.
Talk about a bucket list: here are natural wonders—the dazzling glowworm caves in New Zealand, or a baobob tree in South Africa that's so large it has a pub inside where 15 people can drink comfortably. Architectural marvels, including the M.C. Escher-like stepwells in India. Mind-boggling events, like the Baby Jumping Festival in Spain, where men dressed as devils literally vault over rows of squirming infants. Not to mention the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia, Turkmenistan's 40-year hole of fire called the Gates of Hell, a graveyard for decommissioned ships on the coast of Bangladesh, eccentric bone museums in Italy, or a weather-forecasting invention that was powered by leeches, still on display in Devon, England. Created by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton, Atlas Obscura revels in the weird, the unexpected, the overlooked, the hidden and the mysterious. Reviewed by Annmarie Kostyk.

Books that Make You Think

Westchester Public Library invites those who enjoy reading thought-provoking books to attend Books Make You Think Discussion Group.

This month we will be discussing Sherwood Anderson’s “Winesburg, Ohio.” Sherwood Anderson's structured story collection is considered one of the first examples of modernist literature and an American masterpiece.Through twenty-three connected short stories, the author looks into the lives of the inhabitants of a small town in the American heartland. In a simple and intense style, these psychological portraits of the sensitive and imaginative of Winesburg's population are seen through the eyes of a young reporter-narrator, George Willard. Their stories are about loneliness and alienation, passion and virginity, wealth and poverty, thrift and profligacy, carelessness and abandon. Join us and we'll visit this work nearly 100 years after it was first published.

Graphic Novel Book Club

From Hayao Miyazaki, creator of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, comes this tale of environmental catastrophe as man delves into powers it has no business dealing with. In our hubris the world is past the brink of ecological disaster as a giant malevolent forest is slowly swallowing all the major world populations. A beautiful and resounding tale of the consequences and responsibilities we face as we use up our planets' resources.

Pizza Pajama Book Club for YA

Bookworms can discuss books they have recently read, are currently reading or even old-time favorites. Pizza will be provided to fuel the conversation. For teens grades 6-12 - The Pizza Pajama Book Club at Thomas Library is just for teens in grades 6-12. This month we will be reading “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. Pizza will be provided to fuel the conversation. Registration is required and can be done by calling or visiting the Thomas Branch.

Book Club Experience
I attended the BiFocal Bookies discussion of Lila by Marilynn Robinson on February 14, 2017 from 1 pm to 2 pm. 

Who is asking the questions, is there a leader or do people take turns?
This month's discussion was led by the library clerk (Ronnie) who is a member of the club. The members volunteer to lead the discussion, usually for the book they have suggested. There were 11 members present. 

If there is a leader, does the leader answer the questions as well or let the attendees respond first?
Ronnie had a list of prepared questions which she allowed the members to discuss first, but she always added her views and provided additional background and relevant historical information. 

What type of questions are asked? Any involving just yes or no answers?
Most of the questions asked were open-ended and involved the themes of loyalty and abandonment. They also discussed the Dust Bowl and how that influenced this story. Many of the members recalled family members who had lived through the Dust Bowl and had told them their stories. None of the questions were yes or no.

Do all attendees actively participate?
This book was unusual because only Ronnie and one other attendee had even remotely liked it. Several of them did not even finish reading it. Almost everyone participated, if not to answer one of the prepared questions, but by bringing up questions of their own. These dealt with family history and the religions views presented in the book.

Did any attendees swoop in and steal all the spotlight?
No, the discussion was very well balanced among members.

What is the atmosphere of the discussion, where is it taking place?
The atmosphere of the discussion was friendly and involved a lot of give-and-take among members. They have met long enough for friendships to have formed. There was some good-natured kidding of one member who had been "shamed" into finishing the book the night before by another member, who didn't even like the book either. The meeting took place in a separate meeting room in the library. There was a lively discussion about the definition and use of a credenza. 

Are snacks or drinks provided?
Yes, bottled water, coffee, hot water with tea or hot chocolate, and cookies. Often members will bring a snack related to the book, especially if they are leading the discussion.

What types of books does this book club normally discuss?
The majority of book discussed are literary fiction, leaning toward the Women's Lives and Relationships genre, but they have read locally related mysteries, historical fiction related to the Chicagoland area, an Indiana author during the Bicentennial, and non-fiction as well. 

In this particular discussion, Ronnie began with an author biography. During her lifetime she has received many awards. Among them are the 2005 Pulitzer, the 2012 Humanities Award, the 2016 Library of Congress prize for American Fiction. In 2016, she was named to Time Magazine's list of 100 most influential people. She shared a special relationship with President O'Bama, who greatly admired her and enjoyed her books and essays. Here is a link to a conversation they had in Iowa in 2015: 
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2015/11/05/president-obama-marilynne-robinson-conversation/

Ronnie closed the meeting by reiterating that no one was obligated to finish the book, but she encouraged everyone to still attend the discussion, since we can always learn from others.

As Branch Manager, I was very pleased to find out how many of the guidelines spelled out in the ilovelibraries article  by Anna Healy, about starting a book club that this group already has in place. They covered almost all of the suggestions in How to Structure a Meeting, including:

• Basic Ground Rules
• Meeting Format
• Holding the Discussion
• How to Select Books?
• Ways to Select 

While Ronnie covered many of the points of Tips for facilitating a book discussion and Tips for taking part in a book discussion, I will certainly pass the article on to her and the rest of the group.

Special Topics Paper - Genre Reading Challenge 2017

Joyce Saricks explains the necessity of understanding genre fiction this way, "to help librarians become familiar with fiction genres, especially those we do not personally read by choice." (Saricks, 2009) For this paper, I have chosen to develop a reading challenge for librarians who wish to expand their skills as Readers’ Advisors', but could be used by anyone who wishes to broaden their reading horizons.

Enhancing our knowledge of fiction genres and their different formats will help us fulfill these laws. This reading challenge will help librarians match readers to books and books to readers. Our increased awareness of and familiarity with new authors and genres will help us better serve our patrons. There may be members of our staff who have never read an eBook, listened to an audiobook, or watched the movie that is based on a book they read. Actually using these formats will, hopefully, will encourage our staff to recommend other formats which will promote integrated readers advisory. The challenge will save time for the reader who might need assistance in deciding what kind of book they are in the mood for but doesn’t have time for an interview, by giving them a framework for their selections. The challenge will help our library as those who participate in the challenge will be active participants influencing further collection development. After reading a book outside of their customary comfort zone, staff or patrons may request other titles by newly discovered authors or in alternate genres.

Understanding what elements are important to the reader will enhance the librarian's ability to provide quality readers' advisory. One reader may enjoy J.D.. Robb because of a writing style element that is similar to Nora Roberts romance even though the genre is dramatically different, while another may not care about the writing style as an element at all and thus not be interested in crossing genres in this case. Each reader has specific elements they are looking for, some they may not even be aware of. Being able to articulate a variety of elements and the works that exemplify them will be beneficial in finding that next 

great read.

I recently read about a library system that developed a reading challenge which the entire library staff; director, managers, clerks, administration, pages, technical services and even the IT staff all participated. Their goal was to encourage everyone on the staff to talk about books, to each other as well as with their patrons. They saw a positive shift in both attitude and motivation by the staff as well as a huge jump in circulation fueled by both patrons and staff. Their patrons responded to this shift and often commented on how much friendlier the staff had become.

Duplicating these results for our library is my dream goal. For now, our plan is to make the challenge optional for the staff and available to our patrons. Any exposure to new genres and/or authors will be a step in the right direction for our staff. A passive program such as this might be something a more reserved patron would participate in on their own, without having to risk "exposing" themselves like they would during the normal Readers' Advisory Interview. Everyone who participates will be broadening their horizons and hopefully, by seeing things from a different perspective, will become more open-minded, tolerant, and compassionate.

Genre Fiction Reading Challenge 2017

Inspire your world with 26 books//one book every two months.

• An Adventure novel with a female heroine.
• A Romantic Suspense which takes place in an exotic locale.
• A Suspense with a male protagonist.
• A Corporate/Financial Thriller on an eReader.
• A Gentle Read published between 1950 and 1970.
• Listen to an audio book Horror novel.
• A Romance written by a male author.
• A novel of Women’s Lives and Relationships which takes place in Ireland.
• A Literary Fiction novel that is a story within a story.
• A Mystery that includes recipes.
• A Psychological Suspense that has been made into a movie, watch the movie.
• A book of Science Fiction short stories.
• A Fantasy novel where at least some of the characters are non-human.
• An Historical Fiction novel that takes place in two time periods.
• A Spur Award-winning Western.
• A Nonfiction book about immigration.
• A New Adult novel about someone who has a mental illness.
• A Young Adult novel written in verse.
• An Urban Fiction novel that takes place in East Baltimore.
• An African American novel written by a first-time author.
• A LGBTQIA novel published by a micro press.
• Read a book of Poetry aloud to someone.
• A Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
• A Memoir about someone whose ethnicity is different than yours.
• A Banned book.
• A book that was translated into English.