Dystopia tops the pile

MOST WANTED: Sandy Green with a pile of new books that have readers have reserved. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

This year it seems everyone, young and old, wants to read about a dystopian future.

The most reserved book at the Masterton District Library for 2014 was Divergent, the first in a trilogy by Veronica Roth, about a post-apocalyptic Chicago.

While it is aimed at the young adult market, it was top of the list for adult fiction and second for young adult fiction.

Library manager Sandy Green said the appeal of the series was that it was a little bit different but the film adaptation also contributed to its popularity.

"The film has been out and I think that's helped, it's like The Fault in Our Stars."

The book by John Green, about two teens with cancer, was amazingly popular, she said.

Children and youth librarian Jane Horsham said young people liked the futurism theme but The Fault in Our Stars topped the list as the most reserved young adult fiction book.

"The kids were interested in the book before the film came out. It's a very well written book, kids like a bit of angst."

Another popular book adapted into film, was Gayle Forman's If I Stay.

"A movie can really create a huge interest," said Ms Horsham.

Mrs Green said many books with the best reviews were also the most reserved.

"There's a general following for the more popular literary fiction, the reviews do make a difference."

"The blockbusters still make it like Wilbur Smith and Nora Roberts."

Topping the most reserved non-fiction books was the NZ Road Code followed by "the diet stuff and the beauty stuff."

Mrs Green said the library would be refurbished next year. It will be closed for the last two weeks of February.

Top 5 Most Reserved Adult Fiction:
Divergent by Veronica Roth; The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton; The One Plus One: A Novel by Jojo Moyes; Allegiant by Veronica Roth; The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.

Top 5 Most Reserved Young Adult Fiction:
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green; Divergent by Veronica Roth; Allegiant by Veronica Roth; Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins; Insurgent by Veronica Roth.

Top 5 most Reserved Adult Non Fiction:
The official New Zealand Road Code; I Quit Sugar for Life by Sarah Wilson; Dr Libby's Beauty From the Inside Out by Libby Weaver; The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith; Dirty Politics by Nicky Hager.