When Everyone's Personal Identity is at stake...

So after getting over the culture shock of listening to Anansi Boys versus Born to Rock (extremely different experiences, after all of my raving I'm sure you already know which I preferred) and getting into Born to Rock, I came out with some conclusions about my new "personal identity". Perfect timing for this week's theme!

Born to Rock was not my favorite book this semester (it seemed too contrived...and buttoned up so/too nicely at the end) but I learned a lot from "having to read" this book. With hysteria over the collection development assignment swirling around in my head and the residual glee from our presentations, I was able to center myself on striving to be a librarian dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the patrons. So although this book was not one that I gained any personal fulfillment from, I realize that it probably appeals to so many teens out there and that is what needs to be kept in the forefront of my mind when selecting resources for a young adult collection...for me there is still the struggle of wanting to offer quality literature that will open hearts and minds.

It was obvious what the messages were throughout Born to Rock, and it was nice to see the characters exploring the depths of their identities and sometimes transforming and growing and sometimes sticking with what felt true and natural, I think teens will certainly relate to the overall experiences presented in this book. I also feel like this is such a popular theme for young adult authors and there are other, more realistic and sincere, books to offer a teen struggling with his or her identity. Which brings me back to the collection development piece, I have to remember to have available a broad variety for a diverse audience, and I cannot let MY own personal identity influence or interfere with the development of my patrons.