I stumbled across some book talk videos on Youtube this morning. The Appleton Public Library, based in Wisconsin, has uploaded several clips of different people performing quick book talks. I don't think any of the people delivering them are professional and the quality of the performances can vary dramatically. Nevertheless, when a performer has enjoyed the book you can tell by their excitement and engagement level. For example, the girl who introduces us to "Twilight" is clearly is a fan and I'm sure by the end of her talk several people will want to read it.
Check out Youtube for more book talks. Maybe you can upload some of your own.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Book Talk FAQ
I was browsing the internet and came across an excellent Book Talk FAQ.
It's quite extensive and detailed; it explains the differences between a book review and a book talk and it gives a basic outline of what a book talk is. What's also great about this website is that it is a database of book talks that anyone can use. The service is free and it allows the user to search by author, subject, title and interest level. Included are guides and tips, book review sources and reading lists.
I think this is a fantastic resource that no book talker should be without.
It's quite extensive and detailed; it explains the differences between a book review and a book talk and it gives a basic outline of what a book talk is. What's also great about this website is that it is a database of book talks that anyone can use. The service is free and it allows the user to search by author, subject, title and interest level. Included are guides and tips, book review sources and reading lists.
I think this is a fantastic resource that no book talker should be without.
Book Talking - The Last Unicorn
Below is a book talk I have developed. Feel free to use it in at one of your own events.
"The unicorn lived in a lilac wood and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of sea foam, but rather the color of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea."
So begins Peter S. Beagle's fantasy classic. Now, what would you do if you were the last of your kind? Would you try to find what had become of the others? What would you sacrifice?
Follow our protagonist as she encounters a second class witch with a death wish, a bumbling magician under a curse and the terrifying knowledge that people have forgotten unicorns. Will she find the missing? Who or what is the mysterious Red Bull? Can she return to her forest after so much has changed?
Read, The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle, to find out.
For more on The Last Unicorn, check out a review, buy the movie, or read an essay analysis.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
So begins Peter S. Beagle's fantasy classic. Now, what would you do if you were the last of your kind? Would you try to find what had become of the others? What would you sacrifice?
Follow our protagonist as she encounters a second class witch with a death wish, a bumbling magician under a curse and the terrifying knowledge that people have forgotten unicorns. Will she find the missing? Who or what is the mysterious Red Bull? Can she return to her forest after so much has changed?
Read, The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle, to find out.
For more on The Last Unicorn, check out a review, buy the movie, or read an essay analysis.
Book Talk Sample
If you're struggling to get started with your first book talk; this sample found here can be a useful tool.
This particular template is for a picture book, but it could be adapted for any kind of book.
Remember that this is a guide and it does not have to followed to the letter. It is not always necessary to read a passage from the book, but if it does contain pictures it's a good idea to show a few.
Hopefully this will get you off on the right foot!
This particular template is for a picture book, but it could be adapted for any kind of book.
Remember that this is a guide and it does not have to followed to the letter. It is not always necessary to read a passage from the book, but if it does contain pictures it's a good idea to show a few.
Hopefully this will get you off on the right foot!
Book Talk
One of the most effective ways to promote books is to do a book talk. What is book talking? It's basically advertising; you're trying to get people to read the book in question.
Many librarians do not feel comfortable telling stories but book talking is something that almost anyone can do with a little training.
Remember these tips and you will be off to a good start.
Click here for more information!
A How To Guide
Many librarians do not feel comfortable telling stories but book talking is something that almost anyone can do with a little training.
Remember these tips and you will be off to a good start.
- Don't give away the ending
- Don't critique the literary elements
- Do pick a book you have enjoyed yourself
- Keep it short, snappy and memorable
- Practice if you need to
- Keep them wanting more
- Choose appropriate books for the audience (age level, content)
- Don't read from a script
- Vary your volume and tone
- Have fun and be enthusiastic
Click here for more information!
A How To Guide
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