When I started my library career, the "Left Behind" craze had already begun. At my rural public library, where I received many requests for both the adult and children's series of these books, I soon discovered that a number of patrons wanted other novels that reflected Christian themes or did not contain graphic sexual content and language. Eventually, I set up a separate "Inspirational Books" display near the "New Books" shelf, and patrons appreciated being able to find these titles easily. Since then, I have kept a close watch on this rapidly growing genre, seeing it expand to include books that appeal to men as well as the traditional female readership. Besides historicals and romance, there are now more mysteries, thrillers, and sf. There are titles that present evangelical viewpoints as well as those with unconventional perspectives. Many have crossover appeal, and the literary quality has improved greatly. With this column, T hope to assist librarians with their collection development decisions as well as offer them some readers' advisory suggestions for their patrons.
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