Secret Shopper

Secret Shopper

When first entered the library, I felt like it was different than I remembered from a few years ago. As I began to make my way to the reference area, it felt more familiar. I approached the reference desk and was immediately greeted with a friendly “Hello” and a “how can I help you”. I responded with a “Hello” and I began to ask my reference question: I’m looking for a good YA book that would be interesting to adult readers? I mentioned that I’ve read plenty of paranormal teen literature in my teenager days and I dislike the dystopia craze that’s currently available and I’m not really interested in sad or romantic dramatic YA literature. The librarian asked me who are some of my favorite YA authors in the past so she could get a start on which direction to conduct the search. I mentioned that my favorite YA author is Sarah Dessen and that I loved how her books are more realistic and relatable but not pushing any limits and are simply a good read. She then asked me if I’m interested in books that have been released in recent years because she noted that there aren’t that many new releases that are along the lines of Sarah Dessen’s work. She mentioned John Green books are sort of on the level but doesn’t quite fit the YA books I’m looking for. So, I noted that it would be great if there were some new releases that reflect Sarah Dessen’s novels but I’m perfectly fine reading older release. She asked me what is one of my favorite Sarah Desson books. I replied with “Lock and Key”. From there she conducted a Goodreads search and typed in “Lock and Key”.  She showed me one book called “The Nature of Jade” by Deb Caletti. She goes to give a brief summary of the book and thought it has similar elements to “Lock and Key” with its relatable feel. Next, she finds “Fixing Delilah” by Sarah Ockler. She mentions its has the dysfunctional family aspect “Lock and Key” has but written very nicely not over done and dramatic. Lastly, she recommended “Pearl” by Jo Knowles. This book also has the element of dysfunctional families but has a light feel similar to the other books she recommended. She wrote down the names of the books and searched the library’s catalog and wrote down the call number. She gave me the list and mentioned that if I needed any help finding the titles to ask the ladies at the circulation desk. I thanked her for her helped and conducting such a good interview.

What I liked most about the interview is that she asked a lot of questions that I did not think of prior to the interview, that made me dive further into knowing what books I wanted. I came out knowing that I wasn’t exactly looking for a simple YA read but one that is more of intense yet meaningful without being so dramatic. I didn’t realize that is what I liked most about Sarah Desson books and its cool that she picked up on that and know what types of books to recommended. She focused on two elements of the book I liked and focused on finding books that matched those elements. I enjoyed my experience and definitely will return for future suggestions.

Caletti, Deb. ”The Nature of Jade”. Simon and Schuster. 2007. Pg. 286

Ockler, Sarah.” Fixing Delilah.” Little Brown. New York. 2010. Pg. 308

Knowles, Jo. “Pearl”. Henry and Holt Co.  2011. Pg. 216.