| LII.org (Home) | About LII IPL.org Suggest a Site Subscribe to New This Week Contact |
|
|
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
Book Reviews
 Websites presented in alphabetical order 100 Best Nonfiction Books 
 In 1999, Modern Library, a division of Random House, selected what it advertised as a list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century. This list presents Modern Library's choices as well as choices solicited from (possibly nonrepresentative) Modern Library readers. http://www.randomhouse.com/modernlibrary/100bestnonfiction.html Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Mar 12, 2003 aalbc.com: African American Literature Book Club
This site is a "source of critical reviews of books by and about African American Authors. ... The site features profiles of hundreds of published and unpublished authors and poets, book description and reviews, an online reading group, discussion boards, and much more. ... Not all authors on AALBC.com are African-American. However, all of the authors whose work appears on AALBC.com has been deemed significant to the African-American community." http://aalbc.com/ Topics: Authors by Region: United States, Black Resources, Communications, English Language, Literature & Books, Nonfiction by Genre, Poetry, Writing Last updated Jan 17, 2005 Amazon.com
Librarians often use this large online store as a free version of Books in Print, as a reader's advisory service, and as a source for reviews of books and media from major review sources as well as readers. http://www.amazon.com/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Feb 9, 2007 Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read
A site for the annual celebration of the freedom to read. A good source for librarians to obtain information and display materials. Contains a concise explanation of intellectual freedom and its importance, notable First Amendment court cases, quotes, information about banned and challenged books and censorship, a list of Banned Book Week sponsors, and related links. From the American Library Association (ALA). http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Librarianship, Literature & Books, Social Issues, Special Months Last updated May 24, 2009 Beach Bag of Books
Features weekly adult fiction selections for summer 2005 with reviews, author biographies and interviews, and book excerpts. From Bookreporter.com http://www.bookreporter.com/features/beachbag2005/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Jun 22, 2005 Beatrix
Beatrix is a review of book reviews, whose author says he "[watches] the major book reviewers to discern patterns of taste and/or critical strategy, and sometimes ... [follows] a book through the review matrix to see how opinions coalesce or wildly diverge." A great way to track the uber-buzz for hot books. Free RSS subscription available. Written by blogger Ron Hogan for the literary-world Web site Artsjournal.com. http://www.artsjournal.com/beatrix/ Topics: Literature & Books, Nonfiction by Genre Last updated Apr 24, 2005 Blogging for a Good Book
This blog provides a book review every weekday, from librarians at the Williamsburg Regional Library (Virginia). Browse past reviews by reviewer and by subjects and genres such as literary fiction, nonfiction, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, mysteries, young adult, and thrillers. http://bfgb.wordpress.com/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Aug 13, 2007 Book Browser
This site continues to offer reading lists, book discussion resources, and other readers' advisory materials, but it is no longer the site it was, now that it has been absorbed by Barnes & Noble, and the orientation is now distinctly commercial. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/subjects/subjects.asp?r=1&userid=2WCIBLLI10 Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books Last updated Jul 23, 2005 Book Bytes
A collection of well-written columns about great books, annotated bibliographies of books "too good to put down" (ideal for the reluctant reader), book dealers, and other review resources. Another good resource from librarian Marylaine Block. http://marylaine.com/bookbyte/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated May 19, 2004 BookBrowse.com
Devoted to current fiction and nonfiction books. Contains information for starting a book club, including hundreds of discussion guides "with a substantial excerpt and multiple reviews of each book." Also features interviews with authors, bestseller lists, discussion forums, and more. Searchable and browsable. http://www.bookbrowse.com/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Jul 18, 2004 BookHive: Your Guide to Children's Literature and Books
A searchable collection of hundreds of brief reviews of children's books; also browsable by category. Search books by author, title, illustrator, reading level, reading interest, or page length. Readers may add their comments on individual books. Some titles include parental notes about awards and/or content. Reviews are written by librarians. From the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, N.C. http://www.plcmc.org/bookhive/ Topics: Children's Literature, Literature & Books Last updated Jul 13, 2008 Booklist Online
Online edition of print magazine of same title. Contains reviews of books and electronic media for adults, young adults, and children; interviews, bibliographies, and lists of recommeded titles; indexes to the print magazine; and more. From the American Library Association. http://www.booklistonline.com/ Topics: Librarian Specialties, Librarianship, Literature & Books, Magazines Last updated Jul 13, 2008 Booknotes.org
Online companion to C-SPAN's weekly author interview program, which serves "as a forum for books about history, politics and public affairs." Includes transcripts and video of past programs, previews of future programs, and excerpts from featured books. Searchable. http://www.booknotes.org/home/ Topics: Literature & Books, Nonfiction by Genre, Recreation, Television Last updated Nov 28, 2004 BookPage
This online version of the monthly publication features brief reviews of new general interest nonfiction, fiction, science fiction, mysteries, romance, children's books, and audio books. Also includes author interviews. Aimed at librarians, booksellers, and consumers, it is archived and searchable back to January 1996. http://www.bookpage.com/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Magazines, Mysteries and More Last updated Jan 4, 2006 BookWire
Contains "articles on the latest industry news, access to literary journals and reviews, and ... [a] directory of book sites around the world." Also features statistics on books, and interviews with authors. http://www.bookwire.com/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Oct 11, 2005 Boston Review: A Political and Literary Forum
Progressive bimonthly journal of culture and politics featuring critical essays, movie and book reviews, short fiction, and poetry. Browsable archives as well as indices to poetry, fiction, film reviews, and articles about evolution. http://bostonreview.net/ Topics: Literature & Books, Magazines, Nonfiction by Genre, Poetry Last updated Jul 19, 2004 Burlington Public Library: BPL Kids
Features book reviews and Web resources for children, as well as information for parents. Provides annotated Web links organized by Dewey classification, lists of award-winning books and books on specific topics, reviews written by librarians, online picture books, and links to game and activity sites. From the Burlington Public Library, Ontario, Canada. http://www.bpl.on.ca/bplkids.htm Topics: Children's Literature, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Literature & Books Last updated Sep 4, 2005 CAA Reviews
Peer reviews of new books pertinent to the fields of art and art history. Previous reviews are archived. Searchable. Published by the College Art Association. http://www.caareviews.org/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Apr 6, 2003 California Literary Review (CLR)
The goal of CLR is to be an online source "for insightful, irreverent book reviews, thought provoking essays, and interviews with talented authors." Find reviews for fiction and non-fiction books, author interviews, and essays on topics such as a Frida Kahlo art exhibit, Art Deco in Havana, Cuba, and notes from Italy. Also includes a blog called "The Balcony." http://calitreview.com/ Topics: Literature & Books, Magazines Last updated Jul 16, 2008 Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site
"This is a collection of reviews of great books for kids, ideas of ways to use them in the classroom and collections of books and activities about particular subjects, curriculum areas, themes and professional topics." The site is focused on pre-kindergarten to eighth grade educators' needs and has lesson plans and display ideas. Carol Hurst is a "nationally-known storyteller, lecturer, author and language arts consultant." http://www.carolhurst.com/ Topics: Children's Literature, K-12 Education, Lesson Plans, Literature & Books Last updated May 31, 2006 Chapter One
Provides the "first chapters of selected new books." Includes reviews. From The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/books/chapterone.htm Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Feb 21, 2005 CM: Canadian Review of Materials
This online magazine reviews "Canadiana of interest to children and young adults, including publications produced in Canada, or published elsewhere but of special interest or significance to Canada, such as those having a Canadian writer, illustrator or subject." Also includes news and author profiles. Searchable and browsable. Published biweekly from September to June by the Manitoba Library Association. http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/ Topics: Children's Literature, Librarianship, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction Last updated Nov 13, 2007 Comics Get Serious: Graphic Novel Reviews
This book review site on the latest graphic novels is arranged by title and subject. Each review includes genres, audience, and lengthy synopses and evaluations. Graphic novels, "like picture books, are print materials in which pictures and narrative are joined in one interdependent format…and are discrete or stand-alone literary works, in contrast with comic strips." http://www.rationalmagic.com/Comics/Comics.html Topics: Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction Last updated Jan 6, 2002 Common Sense Media: Entertainment Reviews for Kids and Families
The goal of this "a non-partisan, non-profit organization" is "to provide trustworthy information and create a forum where adults and kids can learn from each other, speak out, and participate in creating a responsible and enjoyable media environment." The site provides browsable and searchable reviews of movies, books, television programs, video games, music, and Web sites. Also includes tips for parents to help create a safer media environment for their children and related information. http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Topics: Film, Movies, & Video, Literature & Books, Recreation, Television Last updated Mar 9, 2004 eBookLocator
"Search through a database of thousands of eBooks" by author, title, keyword, ISBN, or publisher. "Get the latest reviews, excerpts and author bios." Browse top-selling electronic books. http://www.ebooklocator.com/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Aug 28, 2002 Education Review: A Journal of Book Reviews
Signed online reviews of books in the field of education. The listserv EDREV provides a forum for discussion of the reviews and issues they address. Submission guidelines are posted at the site. Also includes reviews in Spanish and Portuguese of works originally published in those languages. http://edrev.asu.edu/ Topics: Education, Literature & Books Last updated Feb 27, 2007 Favorite Teenage Angstbooks
This site is intended to be "a comfortable place for teen readers themselves, as well as to provide down-to-earth perspectives on YA [young adult] literature for the adults in their lives." Includes book reviews sorted by genre categories, interviews with authors, a message board (requires free registration), and links to related sites. From a publishing professional and editor. http://www.grouchy.com/angst/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction Last updated Apr 26, 2005 Feminist Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Utopia
Includes bibliographies, information about authors, reviews, resources for writers and fans, and more. Searchable, and browsable by author. Note: "Community" section contains many broken links. http://www.feministsf.org/ Topics: Dragons, Dreams, & Daring Deeds, Literary Movements and Periods, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction, Social Issues, Women Last updated Jan 31, 2007 Findlaw's Writ: Legal Commentary
This searchable site presents essays by experts about current legal issues such as the California recall election, Enron, terrorism, and the 2000 elections. Archives are browsable by author. Also includes book reviews. http://writ.news.findlaw.com/ Topics: Law, Literature & Books, Magazines Last updated Aug 20, 2003 Greenbelt Review
"An online journal showcasing the literary talents of the UC Davis Graduate Program in Creative Writing." Contains student fiction and poetry, interviews with established authors, and book reviews. Includes archive dating back to spring 2005. From the Department of English at the University of California, Davis. http://greenbelt.ucdavis.edu Topics: Literature & Books, Magazines Last updated Sep 4, 2006 IndieBound
Website about independent booksellers, "supporting local businesses, honoring independents and celebrating the bonds that distinguish us and unite us." Includes book reviews, reading recommendations, and indie bestsellers as reported by stores in the U.S, From the American Booksellers Association. http://www.indiebound.org/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Jul 13, 2008 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
Information about this annual fiction award, which "involves libraries from all corners of the globe," and books "written in, or translated into, English and published within a specified period of time." Features an archive of winners and all eligible titles going back to 1996 when the award was first given, as well as a FAQ and information for participating libraries. Searchable. From the Dublin City Public Libraries, Ireland. http://www.impacdublinaward.ie/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Jun 22, 2004 Iraq: A Reading List
This list from The New York Times "includes books about Iraq, the 1991 war and recent events in the Persian Gulf. The books are linked to their original New York Times reviews. The books are arranged in order of date, beginning with the most recent." All titles are briefly annotated. Includes links to related articles. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/books/iraq-books.html Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Aug 18, 2003 January Magazine
This online magazine provides reviews, author interviews, articles, and excerpts for recent English-language books. Browsable by genre such as fiction, nonfiction, crime fiction, art and culture, children's literature, cookbooks, and biography. Also includes links to some music and movie reviews. Not searchable. http://www.januarymagazine.com/ Topics: Literature & Books, Magazines, Nonfiction by Genre Last updated Nov 25, 2003 Just for Kids Who Love Books
Book reviews, young readers' comments, and links to book, series, award, writing, author pages, and other bookish resources. Created and maintained by Alan Brown, a retired public school teacher-librarian in Toronto, Canada. http://www.alanbrown.com/ Topics: Children's Literature, Librarianship, Literature & Books Last updated Nov 10, 2003 KidsReads.com
Meet Booker T. Worm and read The Bookworm Newsletter on this reader's advisory site aimed at youth. Kidsreads provides a place for children (and librarians) to find out about new and favorite books, series, and authors. The site includes book reviews, excerpts (sometimes the entire book), author interviews, trivia games, word scrambles, and contests. Author biographies and where to write to a favorite author are strong points. http://www.kidsreads.com/ Topics: Children's Literature, Librarianship, Literature & Books Last updated Jan 30, 2002 LibraryJournal.com
"LibraryJournal.com is an electronic offshoot of Library Journal, the oldest independent national library publication." Find late-breaking news, some of the magazine's book, audio, video, CD-ROM, and website reviews, editorials, and some feature articles. http://www.libraryjournal.com/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Magazines, Nonfiction by Genre, Social Science Last updated Dec 1, 2003 London Review of Books
The online edition of this semi-monthly book review journal from England contains full-text articles and reviews, as well as letters to the editor. Registration (free) required to access the review archive, which dates back to 2000. http://www.lrb.co.uk/ Topics: Literature & Books, Magazines Last updated Jul 29, 2006 Los Angeles Times: Books & Talks
Book reviews, bestseller lists, and literary news for the Los Angeles area and beyond. Includes listings for book events, lectures, and signings in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. From the website for the Los Angeles Times. http://www.calendarlive.com/books/ Topics: California: Literature & Books, Literature & Books Last updated Jul 24, 2006 Mystery Ink
This "booklover's guide to mysteries and thrillers" features book reviews, author interviews, and related reference materials. Searchable, or browse by genre (mystery, suspense and thrillers, and crime and noir). Also includes award and top-10 lists, a "books into movies" section, and links to author Web sites. http://www.mysteryinkonline.com/ Topics: Crime, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction, Mysteries and More, Nonfiction by Genre Last updated Nov 2, 2004 The Mystery Reader
A searchable collection of reviews for the different genres of mystery novels. "Features" contains miscellaneous information including a list of recommended titles, small presses, addresses for many of the authors, and more. Note: much of the site has not been updated recently. http://www.themysteryreader.com/ Topics: Literature & Books, Mysteries and More, Printing, Publishing, and Book Arts Last updated Nov 30, 2003 New York Review of Books
Online edition of the publication Esquire Magazine calls "the premier literary-intellectual magazine in the English language." In addidion to selections from the current issue, it has an archive of several hundred articles from past issues including full text of its famous first issue (February 1, 1963). Also find a gallery of thousands of caricatures by David Levine. http://www.nybooks.com/ Topics: Literature & Books, Magazines Last updated Sep 18, 2004 New York Times Book Review
Includes an archive of thousands of reviews, book-related news pieces, bestseller lists, and interviews back to 1996. In addition, the full-text of First Chapters of selected bestsellers and featured titles are available. http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/ Topics: Literature & Books Last updated Jul 17, 2001 No Flying, No Tights
This website reviews graphic novels for teens. Browse by genre (superheroes, fantasy, historical fiction, nonfiction, crime and suspense, science fiction, and "realism") or skim the "new sensation" section. Resources particularly appropriate for younger teens are starred. Updates are also available through a free email subscription service. http://www.noflyingnotights.com/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction Last updated Jul 8, 2005 Overbooked
"A web site for ravenous & omnivorous readers." Includes recommended booklists in genre fiction, a discussion area, "hot lists" of forthcoming hardcover fiction releases, and lists of books that received at least one starred review in a major journal. From collection development librarian and bookaholic Ann Chambers Theis. http://www.overbooked.com/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction Last updated Feb 7, 2009 Paper Cuts: A Blog About Books
This blog is "about books and other forms of printed matter, written by Dwight Garner, senior editor of The [New York Times] Book Review. Look here for book news and opinion, interviews with writers, regular raids on the Book Review's archives, and other special features." Includes posts on topics such as the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" in 2007 and playlists of songs from writers. From The New York Times. http://papercuts.blogs.nytimes.com/ Topics: Blogs & Podcasts by Subject, Literature & Books Last updated Aug 20, 2007 Readers' Café: A Virtual Meeting Place for Books and Readers
Extensive readers' advisory material: monthly "Spotlight on..." themed bibliographies with brief annotations, book reviews by readers and librarians, author of the month essays with links to more information, book group suggestions, and more. Some information is local but plenty has general content. Anyone may participate in the online book discussion. From the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Libraries. http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/readerscafe/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books Last updated Oct 5, 2003 Reader's Robot
With about 5,000 reviews, in 21 genres, most readers will find something new and interesting. Browse by category, or search by keyword or by "appeal," which allows you to choose from a list of characteristics within a genre (e.g., "mystery novels where the focus of the story is on people and the psychology of characters and the author's style is elegant and 'literary'"). Any reader may submit reviews for consideration. From a Canadian library system. http://www.tnrdlib.bc.ca/rr.html Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Literature: Fiction, Mysteries and More Last updated Jul 13, 2005 Reference Reviews
Reviews of reference books and Internet-based and CD-ROM reference sources. Searchable. Reviewers include Peter Jacso, John R.M. Lawrence, Blanche Woolls, and David Loertscher. The archive has reviews back to 1997. From Gale. http://www.gale.cengage.com/reference/ Topics: Librarian Specialties, Librarianship, Literature & Books Last updated Dec 12, 2008 Reviewing the Evidence
Reviews of nearly 2000 murder mysteries and thrillers in print and audio formats. Searchable by keyword, author, publisher, and reviewer. There are descriptions of the reviewers' backgrounds and reading tastes, and the site welcomes submissions of reviews, titles to review, and links. http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/ Topics: Literature & Books, Mysteries and More Last updated Jun 21, 2003 SFGate.com: Books
In addition to book reviews, this site contains news about bookstores and other literary happenings in the San Francisco area, listings for author readings and book signings in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, and podcasts and columns. From the website for the San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/eguide/books/ Topics: California: Literature & Books, Literature & Books Last updated Jul 24, 2006 Small Spiral Notebook
This unpretentious online literary journal features fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art and photography, interviews, and reviews. Includes submission guidelines and a browsable archive of past issues. http://www.smallspiralnotebook.com/ Topics: Arts and Humanities, Arts and Humanities, Literature & Books, Magazines, Nonfiction by Genre Last updated Jul 16, 2003 Summer Reading
Recommendations, reviews, and features about books for summer reading. Also includes articles about books with horticultural themes, "airport novels," cookbooks, and more. From the Guardian Unlimited, the online companion to the British newspaper The Guardian. http://books.guardian.co.uk/summerreading2006/ Topics: Literature & Books, Summer Reading Last updated May 29, 2007 Very Short List
"Very Short List is a collection of distinct, free, daily e-mails that each recommend one must–see gem a day. ... Each weekday, we recommend a single gem from the vast mass of films, TV shows, books, websites, music, and more." Also includes separate items for science and the Web. Archive goes back to mid-2006. Includes subscription information. http://www.veryshortlist.com/ Topics: Film, Movies, & Video, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Literature & Books Last updated Mar 25, 2009 whichbook.net
A database of book, audio book, and large print titles, searchable by trait (including Demanding, Disgusting, Disturbing, Happy, and Funny), and by charcter type, plot elements, and setting. Each record includes comments, sometimes an extract, and suggested similar titles of "fiction and poetry in paperback written in or translated into English and published (with very few exceptions) since 1995." Books are reviewed by staff of British libraries and literature organizations. Formerly known as Book Forager. http://www.whichbook.net/ Topics: Librarianship, Literature & Books, Poetry Last updated Nov 16, 2006 World Wide Words: Exploring the English Language
A "British viewpoint" to the uses of English and American slang. " World Wide Words is devoted to the English language - its history, quirks, curiosities and evolution." Short, and sometime extensive, answers to questions about words and phrases, such as fuddy-duddy and balderdash . The page also looks at new words that have not yet made it to the dictionaries, offers short articles on issues relating to language, and reviews on the new dictionaries and CD-ROMs. Use the index for a starting list of words already explored, or use the search engine. Updated weekly. From word lover and contributing writer for various Oxford dictionaries, Michael Quinion. http://www.worldwidewords.org/ Topics: Dictionaries, English Language, Literature & Books Last updated Jul 19, 2002 |
|||
| Copyright © 2009, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved. Primary financial support for LII (Librarians' Internet Index) from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. LII is also supported by the IPL Consortium, and hosted by The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology. Other sources include California Digital Library. |