Week Twelve Prompt Response

THE READER'S ADVISORY MATRIX for The Book of Delights, by Ross Gay

Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

[X] Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose)

Highly fact-based (has few or no narrative moments)

What is the subject of the book?

Joy- the author makes (semi)daily entries for a year about things that bring him delight

What type of book is it?

Short essays/Essayettes

Articulate appeal

What is the pacing of the book?: The book is leisurely paced but, since the entries are so short, it reads quickly.

Describe the characters of the book: It is not character-focused aside from the author, who is a poet residing in Bloomington, IN

How does the story feel?: Reflective, inspiring, thoughtful, and uplifting

What is the intent of the author?: To record and share joy

What is the focus of the story?: Everyday occurrences (nature, songs, turns of phrase, coffee, etc.) that inspire delight in the author’s life.

Does the language matter?: Yes! (as the author is a poet)

Is the setting important and well described?: It is not. Many entries are nature- or local-inspired, but only a few mention Indiana (or even Bloomington) specifically. It is not especially important to the story, but it is well described.

Are there details and, if so, what?: The book is almost entirely focused on details, from people’s reactions to seeing a tomato plant in an airport to the way a DeBarge song made him feel. Most are about the “little things” people may overlook in daily life.

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?: None

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?: All three, learning delightful things/how to emphasize them more, understanding the world (and each other) better, and experiencing life to its fullest

Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal) 

1. Feel       2. Language    3. Details