by Tui T. Sutherland
PRMS donation paperback 304 pages
genre: fantasy
I read this (not sure where it came from) because one of the YAC books is #5 in this series and none of my kids wants to read that without reading 1-4. Not sure I want to buy all the books in the series (since my budget for the year is almost gone) . . . but I enjoyed this. It reminded me a lot of the Warriors books, but with dragons instead of cats. Lots of "clans" - SkyWing, MudWing, NightWing, etc. Lots of fighting, the young trying to find their place in the world.
Clay
Sunny
Glory
Starflight
Tsunami
Clay is the clear focus of this first book. I'm going to booktalk this to my 8th grade book club first and then see if there is interest in the series.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
A Clockwork Orange
by Anthony Burgess
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Tom Hollander
At first, listening to the author's note, I was really intrigued. Why had the American publishers (back in 1962) agreed to publish Burgess' book, but without the final chapter? He purposely wrote it with three parts, seven chapters each . . . and allowed it to be published in the U.S. without the final chapter. Stanley Kubrick's film was based on this shorter version. The rest of the world knows the original UK version (even the international translations were based on the full work). This is another of those titles that I've heard of for decades, but never read or watched.
Oh my. I kept having to pause the story because it was / is so awful. I was aware that it was a work filled with violence, but it was too horrible to listen to. My curiosity kept me going and I'm glad that I've "read" the whole thing, but I will definitely never see the movie!
I was intrigued by Burgess' choice to use a made-up language. I am fascinated by language and found myself doing two things: one, "translating" as I listened and two, having some of the words like "malenky" crop up in my mind. Words like "ultraviolence" and "horrorshow" were used throughout, as well as:
cancer = cigarette / rot = mouth / lunar = moon / viddy = see / sluishy? = hear / smeck = laugh . . . I should just find a website with a glossary. I'm sure one exists. This playing with the language fascinated me. It was horrifying too . . . "the old in-out, in-out" referring to sex was awful when I knew he was raping someone (especially when he drugged the two ten-year old girls). The cruelty - downright evil - of these amoral marauding teenagers was really, really hard to read.
On 11/19/14, I made a note at a stoplight while listening in my car. This was part two when he went to prison. He was fifteen years old!!! I cannot fathom a group of young teens doing this kind of destruction. When he's in prison, he "befriends" the chaplain and spends time playing music for the services and reading the Bible. He is mostly doing this to avoid some of the nastier parts of prison, but also because the adults see his "reform" and he hopes to get out earlier than his sentence of 18 years. As he reads the Bible, he prefers the Old Testament with all it's fighting and smiting. When he is finally talked into reading the New Testament, he fantasizes about helping to torture Christ.
In part two, he agrees to a treatment that involves conditioning him to feel sick at the mere thought of violence. In part three, he is adjusting to life outside of prison and is taken in by revolutionaries who are protesting the government. I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't read it and wishes to . . . but it is truly fascinating in many regards. But horrible, too. And pretty darn depressing if this is what Burgess thought the world was coming to . . .
I'll probably add more to this entry later. I got the print version because I need to return the audiobook. It took me a long time and a lot of renewals to get through it! The narrator's voice was excellent! He really captured the essence of the story and communicated very effectively. Alex's concern that his "droogs" were looking to usurp him as leader, his realization of whose house he was at for recovery after a beating, . . . so much happening in this fairly short book.
22 December 2014
I've had the "restored" print version for over three weeks and I am not eager to re-visit this work. I read the editor's introduction and am again fascinated by what Burgess has done with this book. The use of Nadsat as a created language is fascinating. Burgess' drug references and culture were apparently *not* adopted by Kubrick into the screen version. The number of artists (musicians especially) who reference A Clockwork Orange is astonishing.
I love the quotation from Shakespeare which opens the book. "I would that there were no age between ten and three-and-twenty, or that youth would sleep out the rest; for there is nothing in the between but getting wenches with child, wronging the ancientry, stealing, fighting . . . "(from The Winter's Tale, act III scene 3)
The only known chapter of a non-fiction work on the use of brainwashing written by Burgess was found in 2012 and is included in this book. I didn't take the time to read it . . . too much to do and I'm ready to move on. At least now I better understand allusions to this novel.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Tom Hollander
At first, listening to the author's note, I was really intrigued. Why had the American publishers (back in 1962) agreed to publish Burgess' book, but without the final chapter? He purposely wrote it with three parts, seven chapters each . . . and allowed it to be published in the U.S. without the final chapter. Stanley Kubrick's film was based on this shorter version. The rest of the world knows the original UK version (even the international translations were based on the full work). This is another of those titles that I've heard of for decades, but never read or watched.
Oh my. I kept having to pause the story because it was / is so awful. I was aware that it was a work filled with violence, but it was too horrible to listen to. My curiosity kept me going and I'm glad that I've "read" the whole thing, but I will definitely never see the movie!
I was intrigued by Burgess' choice to use a made-up language. I am fascinated by language and found myself doing two things: one, "translating" as I listened and two, having some of the words like "malenky" crop up in my mind. Words like "ultraviolence" and "horrorshow" were used throughout, as well as:
cancer = cigarette / rot = mouth / lunar = moon / viddy = see / sluishy? = hear / smeck = laugh . . . I should just find a website with a glossary. I'm sure one exists. This playing with the language fascinated me. It was horrifying too . . . "the old in-out, in-out" referring to sex was awful when I knew he was raping someone (especially when he drugged the two ten-year old girls). The cruelty - downright evil - of these amoral marauding teenagers was really, really hard to read.
On 11/19/14, I made a note at a stoplight while listening in my car. This was part two when he went to prison. He was fifteen years old!!! I cannot fathom a group of young teens doing this kind of destruction. When he's in prison, he "befriends" the chaplain and spends time playing music for the services and reading the Bible. He is mostly doing this to avoid some of the nastier parts of prison, but also because the adults see his "reform" and he hopes to get out earlier than his sentence of 18 years. As he reads the Bible, he prefers the Old Testament with all it's fighting and smiting. When he is finally talked into reading the New Testament, he fantasizes about helping to torture Christ.
In part two, he agrees to a treatment that involves conditioning him to feel sick at the mere thought of violence. In part three, he is adjusting to life outside of prison and is taken in by revolutionaries who are protesting the government. I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't read it and wishes to . . . but it is truly fascinating in many regards. But horrible, too. And pretty darn depressing if this is what Burgess thought the world was coming to . . .
I'll probably add more to this entry later. I got the print version because I need to return the audiobook. It took me a long time and a lot of renewals to get through it! The narrator's voice was excellent! He really captured the essence of the story and communicated very effectively. Alex's concern that his "droogs" were looking to usurp him as leader, his realization of whose house he was at for recovery after a beating, . . . so much happening in this fairly short book.
22 December 2014
I've had the "restored" print version for over three weeks and I am not eager to re-visit this work. I read the editor's introduction and am again fascinated by what Burgess has done with this book. The use of Nadsat as a created language is fascinating. Burgess' drug references and culture were apparently *not* adopted by Kubrick into the screen version. The number of artists (musicians especially) who reference A Clockwork Orange is astonishing.
I love the quotation from Shakespeare which opens the book. "I would that there were no age between ten and three-and-twenty, or that youth would sleep out the rest; for there is nothing in the between but getting wenches with child, wronging the ancientry, stealing, fighting . . . "(from The Winter's Tale, act III scene 3)
The only known chapter of a non-fiction work on the use of brainwashing written by Burgess was found in 2012 and is included in this book. I didn't take the time to read it . . . too much to do and I'm ready to move on. At least now I better understand allusions to this novel.
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know
by Sonya Sones
PRMS paperback 291 pages
genre: YA prose poetry, romance, realistic fiction
I often recommend Sones' books to my students, but this is only the second one I've read. Told from the boy's point of view, this is a "response" of sort to the Sophie story What My Mother Doesn't Know. Robin Murphy can't believe he is dating Sophie Stein and he worries that she will dump him. When their romance continues, but her former friends start being cruel toward her, he wonders what he should do. He is a talented artist and making friends with other artists at Harvard (he's a high school freshman). That was my favorite part of the story . . . his artwork and the cartooning that he and Sophie did together.
page 168
And Even if I Did Tell Them
They'd probably just say something like,
"We trust you implicitly."
And you know what's really annoying about that?
They actually do trust me.
And, frankly, that pisses me off.
Because, I mean, I'm a teenager.
They aren't supposed
to trust me.
But it's like they think I'm such a loser
that I'd never do anything wrong.
Which sort of makes me feel
like doing something wrong.
Just to show them.
Ah, teenagers. This book reminds me of where they're at developmentally and emotionally. It was a quick read. I removed it from the collection because it's too tattered. I think I have another copy on the shelf. Prose poetry really works well for some readers. Mostly because there's less text on the page . . .
PRMS paperback 291 pages
genre: YA prose poetry, romance, realistic fiction
I often recommend Sones' books to my students, but this is only the second one I've read. Told from the boy's point of view, this is a "response" of sort to the Sophie story What My Mother Doesn't Know. Robin Murphy can't believe he is dating Sophie Stein and he worries that she will dump him. When their romance continues, but her former friends start being cruel toward her, he wonders what he should do. He is a talented artist and making friends with other artists at Harvard (he's a high school freshman). That was my favorite part of the story . . . his artwork and the cartooning that he and Sophie did together.
page 168
And Even if I Did Tell Them
They'd probably just say something like,
"We trust you implicitly."
And you know what's really annoying about that?
They actually do trust me.
And, frankly, that pisses me off.
Because, I mean, I'm a teenager.
They aren't supposed
to trust me.
But it's like they think I'm such a loser
that I'd never do anything wrong.
Which sort of makes me feel
like doing something wrong.
Just to show them.
Ah, teenagers. This book reminds me of where they're at developmentally and emotionally. It was a quick read. I removed it from the collection because it's too tattered. I think I have another copy on the shelf. Prose poetry really works well for some readers. Mostly because there's less text on the page . . .
Greetings from the Flipside
by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay
Hennepin County Library paperback 307 pages
genre: Christian fiction, realistic
This was a much lighter read than usual. Hope Landon is finally getting married and OUT of Poughkeepsie, NY. But when her fiance' stands her up on her wedding day, she runs out to the parking lot in a soaking rain . . . and the story diverges. In one thread, she is comatose in a hospital. In the other, she is living the life she dreamed of, going to New York City and getting a job at a greeting card company.
I like the background info on Poughkeepsie, especially the part about the game Scrabble and its literal meaning.
I laughed that the honeymoon trip gift from her mom was a trip to Idaho - especially after we had talked about what Idaho does and does NOT offer for visitors. (Makes me think of Stacie J and smile.)
page 47 - I'm struck by the description of her mother's run-down house. The "garage door hasn't worked since 1992" . . . some of us can relate! I love her observation that "I guess everyone needs their mothers when they're in a crisis." Yep. Miss my mom.
". . . give the ComicCon guys a shot, because you and I both know that Nerd is super-hot right now."
page 65, while talking to her pregnant friend Becca, "her belly is swollen with new life growing inside, which changes the chemistry in women's brains to believe they have insight into all life, in any form, in any predicament, regardless of their own life experience. It doesn't say that in What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I'm certain a lot of men can confirm my suspicions."
There were a lot of great laugh lines. Page 248 when her mother shows up in the NYC (coma) work place and grabs hands with all the employees . . . "'Lord!' Everyone but me ducks because nobody ever expects someone's first word in a prayer to sound like the shriek of a vulture."
And despite her mom's habit of praying in a somewhat crazy, super-loud manner, page 304 has a great observation. "Maybe I just saw what my life might have been if I hadn't had a mom who prayed so much for me."
Hennepin County Library paperback 307 pages
genre: Christian fiction, realistic
This was a much lighter read than usual. Hope Landon is finally getting married and OUT of Poughkeepsie, NY. But when her fiance' stands her up on her wedding day, she runs out to the parking lot in a soaking rain . . . and the story diverges. In one thread, she is comatose in a hospital. In the other, she is living the life she dreamed of, going to New York City and getting a job at a greeting card company.
I like the background info on Poughkeepsie, especially the part about the game Scrabble and its literal meaning.
I laughed that the honeymoon trip gift from her mom was a trip to Idaho - especially after we had talked about what Idaho does and does NOT offer for visitors. (Makes me think of Stacie J and smile.)
page 47 - I'm struck by the description of her mother's run-down house. The "garage door hasn't worked since 1992" . . . some of us can relate! I love her observation that "I guess everyone needs their mothers when they're in a crisis." Yep. Miss my mom.
". . . give the ComicCon guys a shot, because you and I both know that Nerd is super-hot right now."
page 65, while talking to her pregnant friend Becca, "her belly is swollen with new life growing inside, which changes the chemistry in women's brains to believe they have insight into all life, in any form, in any predicament, regardless of their own life experience. It doesn't say that in What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I'm certain a lot of men can confirm my suspicions."
There were a lot of great laugh lines. Page 248 when her mother shows up in the NYC (coma) work place and grabs hands with all the employees . . . "'Lord!' Everyone but me ducks because nobody ever expects someone's first word in a prayer to sound like the shriek of a vulture."
And despite her mom's habit of praying in a somewhat crazy, super-loud manner, page 304 has a great observation. "Maybe I just saw what my life might have been if I hadn't had a mom who prayed so much for me."
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Hundred-Year House
by Rebecca Makkai
Hennepin County Library hardcover 335 pages
genre: hard to place - realistic, historical, . . .
I read a review of this book that intrigued me, was on the waiting list for a long time, and had to read it within the three weeks alloted by the public library because there are 37 people still waiting for it!
"In this brilliantly conceived, ambitious, and deeply rewarding novel, Rebecca Makkai unfolds a generational saga in reverse, leading the reader back in time on a literary scavenger hunt as we seek to uncover the truth about these strange people and this mysterious house."
Beginning in 1999, the story focuses on Zee, her husband Doug, her mother Gracie and husband Bruce, and the "Texans" who show up - Cole (Bruce's son) and wife Miriam.
Part II is set in 1955 and focuses on Grace, George, "Max," and Amy. I can't really write what I want to because that would be incredible spoiler material. Actually, my brain is still having a tough time untangling all the threads.
Part III is set in 1929 and focuses on the artists' colony and all the artists themselves. Gamaliel Devohr plans to shut it down and they are determined to keep it open.
Part IV is set in 1900 and is quite short. The house is being planned and we finally, briefly, meet Violet.
I almost feel like re-reading the entire book to have the pieces fit better in my mind! It is an intriguing story. I marked page 172 where Grace is thinking about why she loves the attic so much. "She figured she loved it for the reason we always love attics, for the reason they figure in our dreams: because they are the hidden rooms where we store our pasts. Where we stick the things we can't bear to throw away but hope we never have to see again."
I also marked page 331 - "What is the opposite of memory? What is the inverse of an echo?"
I love how the house is the main character throughout the story. I love the mystery of who's who and what's what. I would have liked to know even more about Violet and many of the other characters.
Spoiler:
(I have to make note of this!)
The poet, Edwin "Eddie" Parfitt faked his suicide by drowning in Wisconsin. He actually came back to Laurelfield (the house) and took on the persona of Max, the caretaker. When Amy had George's baby (I presume) - they named her Zee after Zilla - and they raised her as though they were George and Grace Grant. So Doug trying so hard to learn more about the poet Edwin Parfitt was futile . . . his own wife had been raised by him! And Gracie could have given him first-person perspective on his life and work.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 335 pages
genre: hard to place - realistic, historical, . . .
I read a review of this book that intrigued me, was on the waiting list for a long time, and had to read it within the three weeks alloted by the public library because there are 37 people still waiting for it!
"In this brilliantly conceived, ambitious, and deeply rewarding novel, Rebecca Makkai unfolds a generational saga in reverse, leading the reader back in time on a literary scavenger hunt as we seek to uncover the truth about these strange people and this mysterious house."
Beginning in 1999, the story focuses on Zee, her husband Doug, her mother Gracie and husband Bruce, and the "Texans" who show up - Cole (Bruce's son) and wife Miriam.
Part II is set in 1955 and focuses on Grace, George, "Max," and Amy. I can't really write what I want to because that would be incredible spoiler material. Actually, my brain is still having a tough time untangling all the threads.
Part III is set in 1929 and focuses on the artists' colony and all the artists themselves. Gamaliel Devohr plans to shut it down and they are determined to keep it open.
Part IV is set in 1900 and is quite short. The house is being planned and we finally, briefly, meet Violet.
I almost feel like re-reading the entire book to have the pieces fit better in my mind! It is an intriguing story. I marked page 172 where Grace is thinking about why she loves the attic so much. "She figured she loved it for the reason we always love attics, for the reason they figure in our dreams: because they are the hidden rooms where we store our pasts. Where we stick the things we can't bear to throw away but hope we never have to see again."
I also marked page 331 - "What is the opposite of memory? What is the inverse of an echo?"
I love how the house is the main character throughout the story. I love the mystery of who's who and what's what. I would have liked to know even more about Violet and many of the other characters.
Spoiler:
(I have to make note of this!)
The poet, Edwin "Eddie" Parfitt faked his suicide by drowning in Wisconsin. He actually came back to Laurelfield (the house) and took on the persona of Max, the caretaker. When Amy had George's baby (I presume) - they named her Zee after Zilla - and they raised her as though they were George and Grace Grant. So Doug trying so hard to learn more about the poet Edwin Parfitt was futile . . . his own wife had been raised by him! And Gracie could have given him first-person perspective on his life and work.
Friday, November 14, 2014
My Friend Dahmer
by Derf Backderf
CMSE paperback 214 pages
genre: graphic novel, non-fiction
Told through the author's memories, interviews with others who knew Dahmer in the 1970s, and with research, Backderf tells the story of the Jeff Dahmer he knew as a teenager growing up in Ohio. It isn't as horrid as I had expected, but it is disturbing that Dahmer didn't seem to make strong positive connections to any human beings as a young man. Neither of his parents seemed to know what was going on with their son. Enlightening and sad, this isn't a book that I will get for my collection, but it isn't sensationalistic . . . it would actually be a really good one for teachers to read. We are already aware of kids who struggle to fit in or have unusual interests, but this is a wake-up call to what can happen when no one intervenes.
CMSE paperback 214 pages
genre: graphic novel, non-fiction
Told through the author's memories, interviews with others who knew Dahmer in the 1970s, and with research, Backderf tells the story of the Jeff Dahmer he knew as a teenager growing up in Ohio. It isn't as horrid as I had expected, but it is disturbing that Dahmer didn't seem to make strong positive connections to any human beings as a young man. Neither of his parents seemed to know what was going on with their son. Enlightening and sad, this isn't a book that I will get for my collection, but it isn't sensationalistic . . . it would actually be a really good one for teachers to read. We are already aware of kids who struggle to fit in or have unusual interests, but this is a wake-up call to what can happen when no one intervenes.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Mexican Whiteboy
by Matt de la Pena
PRMS hardcover 247 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age, baseball
Liked:
Overall, this is an amazing story. It follows Danny as he goes to spend the summer with his relatives. His white mom is in San Francisco with her new boyfriend and her daughter. His Mexican dad . . . well, that's part of the story. Danny is a wonderful, complex character.
PRMS hardcover 247 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age, baseball
Liked:
- Danny as a character, struggling with his identity (not "white" enough at his school, not "Mexican" enough with his relatives)
- the baseball! Great descriptions of his pitching and hitting and competition
- his cousin Sofie and how tuned in she was to him
- so many different characters . . . hard to keep them all straight! Ray, Tommy, Cecilia, Raul, Lolo, Liberty, Randy, Carmen, Raquel, Angela, Bee, Juanita, Flaca, Guita, Uno, Chico, Manny, etc. AND many of them have multiple nicknames, too
- more drug and alcohol references than I'm comfortable with . . .
- somewhat confusing story line. Not sure how this works for middle schoolers, but there were times it made me go back to figure out what was going on
Overall, this is an amazing story. It follows Danny as he goes to spend the summer with his relatives. His white mom is in San Francisco with her new boyfriend and her daughter. His Mexican dad . . . well, that's part of the story. Danny is a wonderful, complex character.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Shades of Blue
by Karen Kingsbury
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Roxanne Hernandez
genre: Christian realistic fiction
I read this over a month ago, but found notes on it by my computer area. Apparently, I never blogged it. I think the reader's voice was fine, but the story bugged me. It dragged on too long and had too much navel-gazing. Brad Cutler, the main character, is ready to marry the girl of his dreams (coincidentally the daughter of his boss) but he is stuck. Memories from his past are causing him to reflect on what it means to do the right thing. His first love, Emma, was deeply hurt by Brad and he never apologized. Laura, the fiancee', does most of the navel-gazing that bugged me, but both Brad and Emma chew up their tortured thoughts for many pages as well.
My notes:
- repetitive. THREE TIMES (at least), the author writes of Brad something to the tune of "He wanted to turn back time, but he couldn't." (Repeat.)
- text or reader? (I was trying to figure out which was bugging me most.)
- irritating
- Mega-anti-abortion / I can think of people who would love this book simply for that reason!
- Very positive on Scripture and the power of prayer. Emma's students and their situations were my favorite parts of this book.
- Excellent as an anti-abortion "manifesto" - I actually wrote that. Hmmm.
- WAY too introspective
- foot washing - I love this act of love, even though Laura and her attitude were bugging me.
- I love Gavin as a character (along with Frankie and Kristin)
- the author's "forever in fiction" program is neat. Love that!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Roxanne Hernandez
genre: Christian realistic fiction
I read this over a month ago, but found notes on it by my computer area. Apparently, I never blogged it. I think the reader's voice was fine, but the story bugged me. It dragged on too long and had too much navel-gazing. Brad Cutler, the main character, is ready to marry the girl of his dreams (coincidentally the daughter of his boss) but he is stuck. Memories from his past are causing him to reflect on what it means to do the right thing. His first love, Emma, was deeply hurt by Brad and he never apologized. Laura, the fiancee', does most of the navel-gazing that bugged me, but both Brad and Emma chew up their tortured thoughts for many pages as well.
My notes:
- repetitive. THREE TIMES (at least), the author writes of Brad something to the tune of "He wanted to turn back time, but he couldn't." (Repeat.)
- text or reader? (I was trying to figure out which was bugging me most.)
- irritating
- Mega-anti-abortion / I can think of people who would love this book simply for that reason!
- Very positive on Scripture and the power of prayer. Emma's students and their situations were my favorite parts of this book.
- Excellent as an anti-abortion "manifesto" - I actually wrote that. Hmmm.
- WAY too introspective
- foot washing - I love this act of love, even though Laura and her attitude were bugging me.
- I love Gavin as a character (along with Frankie and Kristin)
- the author's "forever in fiction" program is neat. Love that!
Monday, November 03, 2014
This One Summer
by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki (cousins)
YAC book paperback 319 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, coming-of-age
Rose and her parents are heading to Awago Beach for the summer, just like they always do. Only things feel different this summer. There's a tension that Rose doesn't know how to deal with. She and her younger friend Windy are in that painful gap between childhood and adulthood. As they check out horror movies at the convenience store and listen in on the older teenagers' dramas, they are both drawn toward and horrified by some of the messages they see and hear. This has some swearing and mature content, but is very appropriate for a serious-minded teen.
Added 8.11.15
I re-read this for Litwits 2015. I concur with my earlier (11.3.14) comments. The "F" word was used more than I remembered, and the artwork is sometimes confusing but overall this is a solid coming-of-age graphic novel. A bit edgy for some of my middle schoolers, but realistic as Rose's parents deal with marital issues and Rose isn't sure how to handle it all.
YAC book paperback 319 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, coming-of-age
Rose and her parents are heading to Awago Beach for the summer, just like they always do. Only things feel different this summer. There's a tension that Rose doesn't know how to deal with. She and her younger friend Windy are in that painful gap between childhood and adulthood. As they check out horror movies at the convenience store and listen in on the older teenagers' dramas, they are both drawn toward and horrified by some of the messages they see and hear. This has some swearing and mature content, but is very appropriate for a serious-minded teen.
Added 8.11.15
I re-read this for Litwits 2015. I concur with my earlier (11.3.14) comments. The "F" word was used more than I remembered, and the artwork is sometimes confusing but overall this is a solid coming-of-age graphic novel. A bit edgy for some of my middle schoolers, but realistic as Rose's parents deal with marital issues and Rose isn't sure how to handle it all.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Mindset: the New Psychology of Success
also subtitled: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential
by Carol Dweck, PhD
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by ??? I don't remember and the jacket doesn't list her name!
genre: non-fiction
I am still on the last disc, but need to get this back to the library. I requested this in June or July and just got it three weeks ago. There's still a long waiting list!
Interesting . . . I won't go back and re-listen to the first part of disc one, but I know the author is not the reader. I even made a note in my car. "Reader voices - Dweck yuk." She did her own intro and it was almost painful to listen to her! I was/am so glad that the professional reader did the rest of the book. I'm kind of surprised that her name isn't listed on the jacket!
I loved the first quarter of this! People who read it over the summer said it was dull and not worth the time to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the power of having a growth mindset vs. a fixed mind set (something I'm too often guilty of). There were times when I thought I should get this audiobook for my dad . . . would he "get" it? The characteristics of a classic fixed mindset - blaming, perfectionism, etc. . . . SO him! (And me, too often, I admit.)
I made a note on bullies vs. victims. I had a bit of a problem with this section. It seemed to me that Dweck overgeneralized. The examples that she gave about Columbine almost made it sound as though Klebold and Harris were taunted mercilessly and their tormentors were never reprimanded. That contradicts what I've read about the situation. I don't think of those two teens as "victims."
When she did the section on athletes, I thought "Enough!" She went on and on and on . . . it wasn't only a long section; it was repetitive. This was definitely overkill. I wonder if it's because she found it the most interesting, or she thought her readers would.
The section on teaching (this is the problem with not having a print copy - I don't remember the chapter titles and don't have time now to look them up) was mostly on parenting and coaching (more athletics!). There was a little on teachers like me, but not nearly as much as I'd have liked. I can take the basic ideas and try to foster the growth mindset (or actively teach my students about it) but she didn't do as much here as I'd have liked.
Some of her generalizations and extrapolations (especially in the section on relationships) were pretty wild. I know she's done a lot of research, but humans are complex (not just Bobby Knight being "complicated") and have many factors playing on their decisions and actions.
Overall, I'm really glad I "read" it. It made me realize how much of a fixed mindset I tend to have and how limiting that is.
by Carol Dweck, PhD
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by ??? I don't remember and the jacket doesn't list her name!
genre: non-fiction
I am still on the last disc, but need to get this back to the library. I requested this in June or July and just got it three weeks ago. There's still a long waiting list!
Interesting . . . I won't go back and re-listen to the first part of disc one, but I know the author is not the reader. I even made a note in my car. "Reader voices - Dweck yuk." She did her own intro and it was almost painful to listen to her! I was/am so glad that the professional reader did the rest of the book. I'm kind of surprised that her name isn't listed on the jacket!
I loved the first quarter of this! People who read it over the summer said it was dull and not worth the time to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the power of having a growth mindset vs. a fixed mind set (something I'm too often guilty of). There were times when I thought I should get this audiobook for my dad . . . would he "get" it? The characteristics of a classic fixed mindset - blaming, perfectionism, etc. . . . SO him! (And me, too often, I admit.)
I made a note on bullies vs. victims. I had a bit of a problem with this section. It seemed to me that Dweck overgeneralized. The examples that she gave about Columbine almost made it sound as though Klebold and Harris were taunted mercilessly and their tormentors were never reprimanded. That contradicts what I've read about the situation. I don't think of those two teens as "victims."
When she did the section on athletes, I thought "Enough!" She went on and on and on . . . it wasn't only a long section; it was repetitive. This was definitely overkill. I wonder if it's because she found it the most interesting, or she thought her readers would.
The section on teaching (this is the problem with not having a print copy - I don't remember the chapter titles and don't have time now to look them up) was mostly on parenting and coaching (more athletics!). There was a little on teachers like me, but not nearly as much as I'd have liked. I can take the basic ideas and try to foster the growth mindset (or actively teach my students about it) but she didn't do as much here as I'd have liked.
Some of her generalizations and extrapolations (especially in the section on relationships) were pretty wild. I know she's done a lot of research, but humans are complex (not just Bobby Knight being "complicated") and have many factors playing on their decisions and actions.
Overall, I'm really glad I "read" it. It made me realize how much of a fixed mindset I tend to have and how limiting that is.
Love and Other Perishable Items
by Laura Buzo
Hennepin County Library hardcover 243 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, romance
Told through the writings of 15-year-old Amelia and 21-year-old Chris, this story is set in Sydney, Australia. Amelia gets a job cashiering at a grocery store. She feels like an odd duck - she doesn't smoke (hates it, in fact) and is too young to go to the pub. She loves chatting with Chris. He is interesting, charismatic, and smart. Over the course of time, she falls in love with him but is held back by the gap between their ages and her social awkwardness.
Lovely story, but a little too alcohol-focused for me. I don't think I'll buy it for PRMS, but it is a nice coming-of-age story that kept my attention.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 243 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, romance
Told through the writings of 15-year-old Amelia and 21-year-old Chris, this story is set in Sydney, Australia. Amelia gets a job cashiering at a grocery store. She feels like an odd duck - she doesn't smoke (hates it, in fact) and is too young to go to the pub. She loves chatting with Chris. He is interesting, charismatic, and smart. Over the course of time, she falls in love with him but is held back by the gap between their ages and her social awkwardness.
Lovely story, but a little too alcohol-focused for me. I don't think I'll buy it for PRMS, but it is a nice coming-of-age story that kept my attention.
Coaltown Jesus
by Ron Koertge
Hennepin County Library hardcover 122 pages
genre: YA prose poetry, realistic fiction
Walker's brother Noah is dead and neither Walker nor his mother have really come to terms with it. When Walker cries out a prayer, Jesus shows up and talks with him. This Jesus is much more earthy than Walker anticipates, but their conversations and interactions effect change in Walker's life.
This is a super quick read (122 pages of prose poetry!) yet there is a lot going on. Still contemplating a purchase of it for PRMS.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 122 pages
genre: YA prose poetry, realistic fiction
Walker's brother Noah is dead and neither Walker nor his mother have really come to terms with it. When Walker cries out a prayer, Jesus shows up and talks with him. This Jesus is much more earthy than Walker anticipates, but their conversations and interactions effect change in Walker's life.
This is a super quick read (122 pages of prose poetry!) yet there is a lot going on. Still contemplating a purchase of it for PRMS.
Monday, October 27, 2014
I Lived on Butterfly Hill
by Marjorie Agosin
YAC book hardcover 454 pages
genre: YA historical fiction
What I liked about this book: the cultural aspect (set primarily in Chile during Pinochet's revolution, though he is not named), the relationships (friends, family, neighbors), some of the lovely details (the pelicans, the houses, etc.)
I tried really hard to like the book as a whole, but it took me longer than normal to read it due to its slow pacing and contemplative tone. Celeste Marconi is a very young protagonist (eleven years old at the start, but even later as a fourteen-year-old, she comes across as very young) and she has a childlike reaction to so many things that she encounters. There were some nice moments in the book, but I can't enthusiastically recommend it to other readers.
YAC book hardcover 454 pages
genre: YA historical fiction
What I liked about this book: the cultural aspect (set primarily in Chile during Pinochet's revolution, though he is not named), the relationships (friends, family, neighbors), some of the lovely details (the pelicans, the houses, etc.)
I tried really hard to like the book as a whole, but it took me longer than normal to read it due to its slow pacing and contemplative tone. Celeste Marconi is a very young protagonist (eleven years old at the start, but even later as a fourteen-year-old, she comes across as very young) and she has a childlike reaction to so many things that she encounters. There were some nice moments in the book, but I can't enthusiastically recommend it to other readers.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Testing
by Joelle Charbonneau
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Elizabeth Morton
genre: YA dystopian
I thought this story was okay. The premise seems a bit of a stretch . . . seven wars have devastated the earth, poisoning the water, land, and creatures. The people who survived are trying to revitalize the land. So . . . each colony's best and brightest students are sent to Tosu City for the testing. The testing is barbaric and weeds out young people who err by letting them die horrible, violent deaths.
It's kind of like a Hunger Games with more strategy and lying. I have more notes out in my car. I'll probably update this entry, but it's not worth a lot of effort. It kept my attention and now I know how to booktalk it. I may or may not read books 2 and 3 . . .
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 discs
read by Elizabeth Morton
genre: YA dystopian
I thought this story was okay. The premise seems a bit of a stretch . . . seven wars have devastated the earth, poisoning the water, land, and creatures. The people who survived are trying to revitalize the land. So . . . each colony's best and brightest students are sent to Tosu City for the testing. The testing is barbaric and weeds out young people who err by letting them die horrible, violent deaths.
It's kind of like a Hunger Games with more strategy and lying. I have more notes out in my car. I'll probably update this entry, but it's not worth a lot of effort. It kept my attention and now I know how to booktalk it. I may or may not read books 2 and 3 . . .
Thief of Glory
by Sigmund Brouwer
Hennepin County Library paperback 319 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
I loved this! I can hardly wait until Monday for our book club discussion! And I cannot believe that I've never heard of this author before. I need to get more of his books!
I don't want to spoil this for those who haven't read the book, so I'll be brief here. Set in the Dutch East Indies (now called Indonesia), a young boy named Jeremiah has his world turned upside down in a day. He meets and falls instantly in love with Laura Jansen. He also meets and instantly loathes Georgie Smith. Soon after, the Japanese take over the island and put all the Dutch men into work camps. The Dutch women and children are held in a small, barbed wire-enclosed camp guarded by Japanese soldiers with guns. This story is told with such vivid language - the sights, sounds, experiences, and emotions are powerful. The scene with the python - incredible! I was holding my breath!
The things I did NOT like:
- The author uses so much foreshadowing that there were times I felt that I already knew where the book would end. Enough already! Just tell the story.
- The cover image . . . is that woman supposed to be Laura? Elspeth? What is she symbolizing there?
Possible spoilers:
page 228-9 - I love the way that Sophie responded to young Jeremiah's doubts, questions, and frustrations with God and faith. "I understand," she said. "It is sometimes difficult, with evil around, to believe in what is good."
page 238 - "Our bodies are the carriers of our souls. Too often we get lost in the physical world when our souls should focus elsewhere. Just as often, we get lost in the darkness of our souls when our bodies can so easily provide escape and distraction."
page 263 - "To be human is to tell story, and to tell story is what makes us human. Our lives are unfolding stories, and when we lose our stories, we lose ourselves."
page 281 - Finally! I finally find out (almost at the end of the book) why he didn't meet her! Grrr. This was an "aha" moment that made a huge difference in the storyline!
page 296 - "What a gift given to me, that at my age, I still felt that little catch in my heart at an unexpected glimpse of her." Sweet.
page 302 - I love when Laura says, "Unless there is more to life on earth than this life on earth. Like my grandmother, I believe there is, that we have a soul and another destination. That's what gave her courage in the Jappenkamp. Now I need to find that same courage."
page 304 - "This was a new sensation for me, the feeling of being able to trust the help of someone. I was proud of my daughter and, more importantly, was able to tell her that by leaning in and whispering. My reward was a radiant smile from her."
page 310 - "It would be wonderful if we could always see that what we have in common as humans outweighs our differences."
page 318 - Hooray! "Thus, in solitude one night all these decades later, while still cognizant of the words I spoke, I found the strength and courage to fold my hands together and bow my head and finally ask His mercy."
Another thing that bothered me . . . he spent SIXTY years of his life with a woman he didn't love, and then a daughter with whom he shared almost no affection or real communication. Such a sad waste of a lifetime! I'm glad most of the story focused on the year he was ten.
added 10/28/14
Book club discussion was enjoyable last night. No surprise, since this was such a good book. I added a marker to pages 44-45 where Jeremiah's dad sits down to talk with him and prepare him for the future. That is a remarkable scene. This is a book I would actually re-read . . .
Hennepin County Library paperback 319 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
I loved this! I can hardly wait until Monday for our book club discussion! And I cannot believe that I've never heard of this author before. I need to get more of his books!
I don't want to spoil this for those who haven't read the book, so I'll be brief here. Set in the Dutch East Indies (now called Indonesia), a young boy named Jeremiah has his world turned upside down in a day. He meets and falls instantly in love with Laura Jansen. He also meets and instantly loathes Georgie Smith. Soon after, the Japanese take over the island and put all the Dutch men into work camps. The Dutch women and children are held in a small, barbed wire-enclosed camp guarded by Japanese soldiers with guns. This story is told with such vivid language - the sights, sounds, experiences, and emotions are powerful. The scene with the python - incredible! I was holding my breath!
The things I did NOT like:
- The author uses so much foreshadowing that there were times I felt that I already knew where the book would end. Enough already! Just tell the story.
- The cover image . . . is that woman supposed to be Laura? Elspeth? What is she symbolizing there?
Possible spoilers:
page 228-9 - I love the way that Sophie responded to young Jeremiah's doubts, questions, and frustrations with God and faith. "I understand," she said. "It is sometimes difficult, with evil around, to believe in what is good."
page 238 - "Our bodies are the carriers of our souls. Too often we get lost in the physical world when our souls should focus elsewhere. Just as often, we get lost in the darkness of our souls when our bodies can so easily provide escape and distraction."
page 263 - "To be human is to tell story, and to tell story is what makes us human. Our lives are unfolding stories, and when we lose our stories, we lose ourselves."
page 281 - Finally! I finally find out (almost at the end of the book) why he didn't meet her! Grrr. This was an "aha" moment that made a huge difference in the storyline!
page 296 - "What a gift given to me, that at my age, I still felt that little catch in my heart at an unexpected glimpse of her." Sweet.
page 302 - I love when Laura says, "Unless there is more to life on earth than this life on earth. Like my grandmother, I believe there is, that we have a soul and another destination. That's what gave her courage in the Jappenkamp. Now I need to find that same courage."
page 304 - "This was a new sensation for me, the feeling of being able to trust the help of someone. I was proud of my daughter and, more importantly, was able to tell her that by leaning in and whispering. My reward was a radiant smile from her."
page 310 - "It would be wonderful if we could always see that what we have in common as humans outweighs our differences."
page 318 - Hooray! "Thus, in solitude one night all these decades later, while still cognizant of the words I spoke, I found the strength and courage to fold my hands together and bow my head and finally ask His mercy."
Another thing that bothered me . . . he spent SIXTY years of his life with a woman he didn't love, and then a daughter with whom he shared almost no affection or real communication. Such a sad waste of a lifetime! I'm glad most of the story focused on the year he was ten.
added 10/28/14
Book club discussion was enjoyable last night. No surprise, since this was such a good book. I added a marker to pages 44-45 where Jeremiah's dad sits down to talk with him and prepare him for the future. That is a remarkable scene. This is a book I would actually re-read . . .
The Golden Day
by Ursula Dubosarsky
Hennepin County Library hardcover 149 pages
genre: YA ??? realistic fiction, historical
I don't remember what it was in a booklist that piqued my interest on this title . . . but I'm really glad I got it from the library rather than just buying it for my collection. It's weird. Eleven girls in an Australian school have Miss Renshaw as their teacher. She takes them to the park where she chats with "Morgan," the groundskeeper. One day, . . . things happen and Miss Renshaw is gone. The girls are questioned, but remain quiet about the day's events.
Set primarily in 1967, the last few chapters occur in 1975. I didn't see the ending coming. And it wasn't entirely satisfactory, as endings go.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 149 pages
genre: YA ??? realistic fiction, historical
I don't remember what it was in a booklist that piqued my interest on this title . . . but I'm really glad I got it from the library rather than just buying it for my collection. It's weird. Eleven girls in an Australian school have Miss Renshaw as their teacher. She takes them to the park where she chats with "Morgan," the groundskeeper. One day, . . . things happen and Miss Renshaw is gone. The girls are questioned, but remain quiet about the day's events.
Set primarily in 1967, the last few chapters occur in 1975. I didn't see the ending coming. And it wasn't entirely satisfactory, as endings go.
A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl
by Tanya Lee Stone
gift paperback 223 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age, prose poetry
The bad boy is never mentioned by name, but we know that he is a handsome football player who is trying to have sex with as many girls as possible at his high school. At least he uses condoms.
The story is told through the perspectives of three of the girls he gets involved with - Josie, a freshman; Nicolette, a junior; and Aviva, a senior. Their strengths and weaknesses are shown in their struggles to be true to themselves as they get completely wrapped up in this gorgeous new boyfriend.
I like Josie's addition to Blume's book Seventeen . . . I wonder if teen girls will see this as a cautionary tale or an enticement to the pleasures of sexual experimentation. This won't be added to my middle school collection, but I am curious to hear a teen's response to it.
gift paperback 223 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age, prose poetry
The bad boy is never mentioned by name, but we know that he is a handsome football player who is trying to have sex with as many girls as possible at his high school. At least he uses condoms.
The story is told through the perspectives of three of the girls he gets involved with - Josie, a freshman; Nicolette, a junior; and Aviva, a senior. Their strengths and weaknesses are shown in their struggles to be true to themselves as they get completely wrapped up in this gorgeous new boyfriend.
I like Josie's addition to Blume's book Seventeen . . . I wonder if teen girls will see this as a cautionary tale or an enticement to the pleasures of sexual experimentation. This won't be added to my middle school collection, but I am curious to hear a teen's response to it.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Peer Gynt
by Henrik Ibsen
Hennepin County Library hardcover 153 pages
genre: play, realism? fantasy?
The copyright on the physical book I got from the library is 1906! The checkout sheet (see pic below) had dates from July 15, 1944 to June 16, 1947.
This was odd. I didn't really understand it. This is part of my desire to have a better handle on some of the cultural references I encounter (Citizen Kane, for example). I wanted to have a frame of reference when someone said "Peer Gynt." But I need to dig deeper than just reading the script for the play.
Peer comes across as a complete selfish jerk. Even his own mother is torn between wanting to protect him and wanting to hurt him in act one. He bedded someone else's bride, then the troll princess, then has Solveig wait for him for five decades or so. He was a slave trader and a liar. This was odd and confusing. I wonder if I'll ever go see it on stage.
From Wikipedia:
Ibsen wrote Peer Gynt in deliberate disregard of the limitations that the conventional stagecraft of the 19th century imposed on drama.[9] Its forty scenes move uninhibitedly in time and space and between consciousness and the unconscious, blending folkloric fantasy and unsentimental realism.[10]
Hennepin County Library hardcover 153 pages
genre: play, realism? fantasy?
The copyright on the physical book I got from the library is 1906! The checkout sheet (see pic below) had dates from July 15, 1944 to June 16, 1947.
This was odd. I didn't really understand it. This is part of my desire to have a better handle on some of the cultural references I encounter (Citizen Kane, for example). I wanted to have a frame of reference when someone said "Peer Gynt." But I need to dig deeper than just reading the script for the play.
Peer comes across as a complete selfish jerk. Even his own mother is torn between wanting to protect him and wanting to hurt him in act one. He bedded someone else's bride, then the troll princess, then has Solveig wait for him for five decades or so. He was a slave trader and a liar. This was odd and confusing. I wonder if I'll ever go see it on stage.
From Wikipedia:
Ibsen wrote Peer Gynt in deliberate disregard of the limitations that the conventional stagecraft of the 19th century imposed on drama.[9] Its forty scenes move uninhibitedly in time and space and between consciousness and the unconscious, blending folkloric fantasy and unsentimental realism.[10]
Ouran High School Host Club
by Bisco Hatori (story & art)
Hennepin County Library paperback upaged
genre: YA manga, romance
"In this screwball romantic comedy, a poor girl at a rich kids' school ends up working for the school's swankiest club - and gets mistaken for a boy!"
Sigh. A student requested this series. I really don't like manga. This is relatively clean (though I'm not quite sure if the "hosts" offer sex to their "guests" or if it's all just flirty). The characters are all stereotypical. The drawing style has the big eyes and "beautiful" people down. The focus is on money, family status, fitting in, etc.
I can honestly say that this wasn't repugnant. I can also honestly say that I'm spending enough of my budget on graphic novels and manga already. I'm not going to add another title to my collection unless my budget increases a lot.
Hennepin County Library paperback upaged
genre: YA manga, romance
"In this screwball romantic comedy, a poor girl at a rich kids' school ends up working for the school's swankiest club - and gets mistaken for a boy!"
Sigh. A student requested this series. I really don't like manga. This is relatively clean (though I'm not quite sure if the "hosts" offer sex to their "guests" or if it's all just flirty). The characters are all stereotypical. The drawing style has the big eyes and "beautiful" people down. The focus is on money, family status, fitting in, etc.
I can honestly say that this wasn't repugnant. I can also honestly say that I'm spending enough of my budget on graphic novels and manga already. I'm not going to add another title to my collection unless my budget increases a lot.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
by Avi
PRMS paperback 221 pages
genre: YA historical fiction, adventure
Spoiler alert!
It has been a long time since I read this and I wanted to see if it would work for book clubs. I still love this story - the adventure, the changes in Charlotte's perspective, the characters . . .
I had forgotten the ending. Her dad's fierce rejection of her experiences and perspective. Her decision to run away and re-join the ship's crew. I think it's a good choice for book club. It's a very accessible book.
PRMS paperback 221 pages
genre: YA historical fiction, adventure
Spoiler alert!
It has been a long time since I read this and I wanted to see if it would work for book clubs. I still love this story - the adventure, the changes in Charlotte's perspective, the characters . . .
I had forgotten the ending. Her dad's fierce rejection of her experiences and perspective. Her decision to run away and re-join the ship's crew. I think it's a good choice for book club. It's a very accessible book.
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