Who Else Writes Like …? A Readers' Guide to Fiction Authors, 6th edition

Citation

Quinn, S. (2009), "Who Else Writes Like …? A Readers' Guide to Fiction Authors, 6th edition", Library Management, Vol. 30 No. 6/7, pp. 494-495. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910982177

Who Else Writes Like …? is the classic reference for fiction readers. Look up an author you like, and find a list of up to 12 other authors who write similar books or write in a similar style. Whilst no author writes exactly like another, this approach enables readers to select authors whose work they might enjoy reading, on the basis of others they have already enjoyed.

Authors initially selected for inclusion are those most borrowed according to the list compiled by the Registrar of Public Lending Right in the UK. Additional authors are suggested by a small team of volunteer advisors from public libraries across the UK and, for the first time in this edition, from Australia. Thus the content of the book is in step with the preferences of the borrowing public.

Authors included have usually had three novels published. This edition lists 1973 authors, including 490 not in previous editions. Main authors are listed alphabetically. As well as the list of suggested “who else” authors, for each main author information such as birth and death dates, web site, nationality, genre, pseudonyms, characters and/or their occupations and environment, and literary awards is given. Symbols indicate if the author also writes for children, and whether the author's books are suitable for introducing older teenagers to adult fiction (a new feature in this edition). Names of these “crossover authors” are also listed in a separate section. The genre list enables readers to identify authors by genre (for example, adventure/thriller, or humour, with large genres such as crime and fantasy broken down into sub‐genres). Genres new to this edition are “Historical romance”, “Mature chick lit” and “Paranormal”.

Additional lists include winners of major literary awards from 2000, selected further reading (genre guides and reference books) and genre web sites. There is an index of pseudonyms, and an index of characters and series. The book is well‐set out with handy alphabetical side index tabs – it is portable, easy to navigate and quick to use. Whilst there are many hundreds of web sites and library catalogues that can generate “read alike” reading lists, this book is appropriate technology and has a place in every library which lends popular fiction. Libraries should have a copy at the main fiction enquiry point(s) and make sure staff are familiar with it. Get another copy for patrons to consult and make sure that it is promoted to them. As new authors are included in new editions of Who Else Writes Like … ? older authors are omitted to make room. Don't discard the older editions unless you are sure that they no longer reflect your collection. They are also useful for information on, for example, literary awards prior to 2000.

Who Else Writes Like …? is an invaluable compendium of information about the most popular fiction authors. Highly recommended – a “must have” book for fiction libraries.