Reader's Advisory Matrix

  

The Reader’s Advisory Matrix-I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

1.       Where is the book on the narrative continuum? Highly narrative

2.       What is the subject of the book?  The author’s obsession with chasing cold cases and unsolved crimes and her hunt for the Golden State Killer

3.       What type of book is it? True crime narrative, part reporting, part memoir

4.       Articulate Appeal

·         What is the pacing of the book? The author takes a measured approach, giving enough detail to each individual case as necessary but quickly enough that the reader does not linger for long on the more emotional and difficult to read passages

·         Describe the characters of the book. The author herself is truly the main character. Any first person narration, outside of the forward and afterword, are from the author’s point of view. She includes a list of characters in the beginning, with the part they each play in this saga, including victims, detectives, and outsiders who led her closer to the truth

·         How does the story feel? The story feels like getting to know the author, understanding what has driven her to this obsession, feeling her triumphs and defeat, the act of balancing life as a wife and mother with her need to uncover the truth.

·         What is the intent of the author? This author spent her entire adult life chasing down criminals, scouring the internet for clues, for leads, for information that may have been missed. She wants to share what she has found, specifically in regards to the Golden State Killer, who terrorized California for decades and has not yet been found

·         What is the focus of the story? The main focus is the Golden State Killer. The author describes his crimes, some in greater detail than others, uses notes from interviews with the victims to set the scene, while others are skimmed over.

·         Does the language matter? Yes. It can be easy to recount these events with facts and data but the author’s voice conveys empathy and while it can make the book harder to read, the reader feel genuine fear, stress, and pain on behalf of the victims

·         Is the setting important and well described? The author describes the various areas of California, and her own hometown of Oak Park, with important details and local knowledge, giving the reader a deeper glimpse into not only the place but the time.

·         Are there details and, if so, of what? Yes, there are many details used in describing the setting, the era, and the crimes committed.

·         Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? There are no real charts, but the author does include a timeline detailing the crime committed by the GSK as well as a list of characters and their involvement.

·         Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? Yes, the book places a lot of stress on the experience, truly transporting the reader to Sacramento in the 70’s.

5.       Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

a.       Characterization

b.      Detail

c.       Story line

 

 

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