Sunday, March 27, 2011

Blended Genres

Library Journal had an interesting article this month called "Crossing Boundaries: The Pleasures of Blended Genres". In it, the editor & members of the 2010–11 Reading List Council (RUSA’s committee to select the best genre titles of the year) recommend 6 novels that "while too blended to exemplify the best of a genre, undoubtedly offer readers of all genres great ­pleasure".

The novels are:

The City & the City by China Miéville ("fantasy novel–cum–hard-boiled detective story")

Mister Slaughter* by Robert McCammon ("part thriller, part historical fiction, and part horror tale", this is McCammon’s third Colonial adventure involving Matthew Corbette-the other 2 are Speaks the Nightbird & The Queen of Bedlam)

Who Fears Death* by Nnedi Okorafor ("Quests and magical apprenticeships are familiar fantasy elements, but this moving and unique novel also features strong touches of literary fiction and a far-future setting more often found in SF.")

Angelology by Danielle Trussoni ("The scholarly blending of biblical and mythical lore as well as historical and political references greatly enriches this contemporary epic fantasy while the multilayered plot and sustained suspense also make it an adrenaline-paced thriller.")

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake ("blending women’s and historical fiction")

The Passage by Justin Cronin ("a grand mix of horror, apocalyptic SF, and thriller")

Have you read any good books lately that blended genres?

Or, for the list of the top genre titles of 2011, check out the RUSABlog (RUSA is the American Library Association's Reference & User Services Association).

*not in the ABC Libraries' catalog

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