Two Books

Sometimes I take a break from reading mystery novels. When I do, one of my favorite authors is Fannie Flagg. I remember Fannie Flagg from watching afternoon game shows when she was one of the celebrity guests. I didn't know why she was a celebrity, but she was always on the shows. Then I saw the movie Fried Green Tomatoes and learned that Fannie was a writer. Since then, I've read all of her books. The most recent is I Still Dream About You. Fannie is like the southern U.S. version of Maeve Binchy - another of my favorite non-mystery authors.

Fannie's characters are unusual, interesting, have unique perspectives on life and just fun to know. As much as I want to finish her books to find out what happens, I'm always sad when they end. While the endings may sometimes be bitter-sweet, they are overall very happy. I can always depend on Fannie Flagg for a totally satisfying read.

The other book I'm reading is Amy Hart's The RDA Primer : A Guide for the Occasional Cataloger. I've been trying to keep abreast of RDA so that I can offer Continuing Education programs on its basics. I'm already scheduled to give one in the fall. I'll also have to cover it more and more in LIS415.

For those of you facing RDA in the near future, this book is a great introduction. I attended a 3 session webinar a few months ago, and I follow all of the on-line discussion lists so I already know something about RDA. Amy's book has helped fill in many of the gaps. It's not that RDA's rules are so very different from AACR2's, but the thought process is very different and that's what Amy stresses through this slender book. I'm nearly finished with it (yes, I'm reading it cover to cover) and I expect I'll just start again at the beginning.

Thanks, Amy, and thanks, Fannie. Now I'm ready to delve into another mystery book.