by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Hennepin County Library hardcover 308 pages
genre: realistic fiction
***There are definite spoiler alerts after the first paragraph!
Painful, beautiful, moving. I loved this book! Look on Amazon for a synopsis. I just want to jot a few notes before I get this back to the library. The author does a wonderful job of creating the story and weaving the past and present together. Sometimes it was a little confusing jumping back and forth, but for the most part, it was obvious if it was Victoria's childhood or adulthood.
page 29 - Victoria throws away the spoon after licking the peanut butter off it. This caught my attention - the sort of thing that frustrates me! Even though I know that kids who are neglected don't care about things like this . . . it still bugs me. Then on the next page, Elizabeth sends her back to the garden to retrieve it!
page 92 - Victoria says that Grant is "hard to forget." She has become so accustomed to isolating herself and needing no one that she is surprised that he has gotten under her skin. She can't help but think of him!
page 113 - As she is thinking of lying to her client Annemarie about the meaning of flowers, she realizes that she simply can't do it. "I had been loyal to nothing except the language of flowers. If I started lying about it, there would be nothing left in my life that was beautiful or true."
page 157 - When she drops the flowerpots on the ground and she and Grant kiss in the street. Mmm-hmm!
page 188 - It broke my heart when she went to Grant's house when he was gone and packed all her things. I wish she had confided in him and told him about her pregnancy!
page 195 - ". . . I wanted to believe in his vision of our life together. But over time we would both find my words meaningless. I would fail; it was the only possible outcome." Her brokenness and lack of self-worth was heart-breaking. And I know people who live like this, not believing in possibilities or having hope for the future.
page 213 - Her attitude about childbirth was amazing - "Women had given birth since the beginning of time." She seemed so matter-of-fact and accepting. And that's true, but it's also a major life event for most women!
page 225 - Marlena was so natural with the baby and cooking . . . I wish she had been better able to help Victoria learn to do the same. "Even though I wasn't doing anything but feeding and diapering and swaddling, there didn't seem to be space, mental or otherwise, for anything else."
page 234 - I wanted to be there for Victoria, to help her through her struggles with exhaustion, endless nursing, and hopelessness! Cina and Karen were horrified that she left a baby alone to go to the store. I think she absolutely had to go. She had to get away from the constant demands.
page 249 - "Every decision I'd ever made had led me here, and I wanted to take it all back, the hatred and the blame and the violence. I wanted to have lunch with my angry ten-year-old self, to warn her of this morning and give her the flowers to point her in a different direction."
page 297 - The moment when Victoria realizes that Catherine loved Grant, and the respect she has for Catherine's choice to raise him alone, and Grant's acknowledgement that whatever else his mother did or didn't do . . . she loved him. Powerful.
page 308 - The ending has so much hope and promise. " . . . I would learn to love her like a mother loves a daughter, imperfectly and without roots."
Author's Note - "Reading through the book more carefully (Dumont's The Floral Offering), I found no explanation for the discrepancy, so I went in search of additional dictionaries, hoping to determine the "correct" definition of the yellow rose. Instead I found that the problem was not specific to the yellow rose; nearly every flower had multiple meanings, listed in hundreds of books, in dozens of languages, and on countless websites."
I think that's part of the reason I'm such a skeptic about the "meanings" of flowers . . . who says what they mean? Why can't we just enjoy their beauty?
Added 3/26/14 - someone at book club told me that Judy Schalow had recommended this title. I need to thank her for the suggestion! She is such a wonderful lady.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Reckless
by Cornelia Funke
PRMS paperback 394 pages
genre: fantasy
I read this yesterday for today's 8th grade book club discussion. I am not a huge fan of Funke's writing style. The basic story is fine - Jacob Reckless travels through a mirror in his missing father's study and goes into another world filled with magical beings and items. But her storytelling is so choppy and the character development is minimal. We go from a prolog where Jacob is a twelve year old who finds the mirror to travel between worlds to chapter one where his adult younger brother is injured in that world and 24-year-old Jacob is trying to save him.
I will try really hard to keep quiet so the kids can talk about the book. It just didn't work very well for me. I think I liked best the romantic tension between Jacob and Will's girlfriend Clara. I also liked the descriptions of some of the magical items, especially the ones from familiar fairy tales.
Oh! The ending - why Jacob listened to the Dark Fairy and how Will was released from the curse . . . I could list a lot of questions about the basic logic of the premise here . . . .
PRMS paperback 394 pages
genre: fantasy
I read this yesterday for today's 8th grade book club discussion. I am not a huge fan of Funke's writing style. The basic story is fine - Jacob Reckless travels through a mirror in his missing father's study and goes into another world filled with magical beings and items. But her storytelling is so choppy and the character development is minimal. We go from a prolog where Jacob is a twelve year old who finds the mirror to travel between worlds to chapter one where his adult younger brother is injured in that world and 24-year-old Jacob is trying to save him.
I will try really hard to keep quiet so the kids can talk about the book. It just didn't work very well for me. I think I liked best the romantic tension between Jacob and Will's girlfriend Clara. I also liked the descriptions of some of the magical items, especially the ones from familiar fairy tales.
Oh! The ending - why Jacob listened to the Dark Fairy and how Will was released from the curse . . . I could list a lot of questions about the basic logic of the premise here . . . .
The Discovery
by Dan Walsh
Hennepin County Library paperback 346 pages
genre: Christian fiction, realistic and historical
This is a novel-within-a-novel starting with Michael's inheritance of his grandfather's home. Grandfather was a famous novelist who never shared much about his past or his personal history. But Michael finds an unpublished manuscript that tells all (and is also the bulk of the story).
The manuscript tells the story of Ben Campbell (alias Gerhard Kuhlmann) who has come back to the United States on a German U-boat as a spy during WWII. Only his true motivation is to ditch the Nazis and simply live his own life back in the country where he was born and raised until his parents returned to the Fatherland with their teenage son. Ben meets Claire and the love story / adventure is off and running.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to the book club discussion in a few weeks!
(Added 3/26/14) Found this note in my purse:
page 64-65 - Grandfather's thoughts as he approaches death.
page 77 - the lack of red & the Nazi flag . . . sometimes we don't notice things that are "everywhere" until we experience the absence of those things (for good or for bad)
page 99 - moms who interfere! I love her Gary Cooper observation. Makes me want to use GoogleImages to refresh my memory.
page 143 - LOVE the priest!!! His attitude and his faith are so very wonderful. So many priests of that era were narrowminded and more like Pharisees than like Christ.
page 163 - prayer - just talking to God
page 165 - Love this part, too! God knows our hearts. We don't have to tell him, but it helps us to pour out what we are dealing with. He knows us and we cannot pretend with him.
page 169 - This was great! When the priest gave Ben the Bible with Psalms marked, I was so surprised! I thought the item he had placed in a pew was a recording device and Ben was going to be turned over to the authorities. Good for the priest!!!
Hennepin County Library paperback 346 pages
genre: Christian fiction, realistic and historical
This is a novel-within-a-novel starting with Michael's inheritance of his grandfather's home. Grandfather was a famous novelist who never shared much about his past or his personal history. But Michael finds an unpublished manuscript that tells all (and is also the bulk of the story).
The manuscript tells the story of Ben Campbell (alias Gerhard Kuhlmann) who has come back to the United States on a German U-boat as a spy during WWII. Only his true motivation is to ditch the Nazis and simply live his own life back in the country where he was born and raised until his parents returned to the Fatherland with their teenage son. Ben meets Claire and the love story / adventure is off and running.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to the book club discussion in a few weeks!
(Added 3/26/14) Found this note in my purse:
page 64-65 - Grandfather's thoughts as he approaches death.
page 77 - the lack of red & the Nazi flag . . . sometimes we don't notice things that are "everywhere" until we experience the absence of those things (for good or for bad)
page 99 - moms who interfere! I love her Gary Cooper observation. Makes me want to use GoogleImages to refresh my memory.
page 143 - LOVE the priest!!! His attitude and his faith are so very wonderful. So many priests of that era were narrowminded and more like Pharisees than like Christ.
page 163 - prayer - just talking to God
page 165 - Love this part, too! God knows our hearts. We don't have to tell him, but it helps us to pour out what we are dealing with. He knows us and we cannot pretend with him.
page 169 - This was great! When the priest gave Ben the Bible with Psalms marked, I was so surprised! I thought the item he had placed in a pew was a recording device and Ben was going to be turned over to the authorities. Good for the priest!!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
by Neil Gaiman
Hennepin County Library audiobook 5 discs
genre: ? metaphysical fiction?
read by the author
This is a very unusual book, which is not surprising to anyone who is familiar with Gaiman's writing style. I enjoyed it, but hope to get a print copy of the book before book club discusses this in April. The audio experience was wonderful (I love it when the author reads it!) but I really enjoy seeing the text as I read.
From the Harper Collins website:
"Sussex, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy. Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what. A groundbreaking work from a master, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. It is a stirring, terrifying, and elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfly's wing and as menacing as a knife in the dark"
I am really looking forward to our discussion! I didn't love the metaphysical aspect - the ponderings of this child on the nature of the universe and the Hempstock women. But I love Gaiman's prose! I could picture the fairy ring, Ursula, and the little yellow washbasin perfectly . . .
Hennepin County Library audiobook 5 discs
genre: ? metaphysical fiction?
read by the author
This is a very unusual book, which is not surprising to anyone who is familiar with Gaiman's writing style. I enjoyed it, but hope to get a print copy of the book before book club discusses this in April. The audio experience was wonderful (I love it when the author reads it!) but I really enjoy seeing the text as I read.
From the Harper Collins website:
"Sussex, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy. Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what. A groundbreaking work from a master, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. It is a stirring, terrifying, and elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfly's wing and as menacing as a knife in the dark"
I am really looking forward to our discussion! I didn't love the metaphysical aspect - the ponderings of this child on the nature of the universe and the Hempstock women. But I love Gaiman's prose! I could picture the fairy ring, Ursula, and the little yellow washbasin perfectly . . .
Monday, March 10, 2014
Witch & Wizard
by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
PRMS hardcover 307 pages
genre: YA fantasy, dystopian
Wisteria (Wisty) and Whitford (Whit) are siblings of 14ish & 17 who do not realize that they are actually a witch and a wizard. I have heard people rave about these books and I was curious . . .
Likes - quick read / action-packed / unique
Dislikes - lack of character or story development / 103 chapters . . . short and not much to them / role of witchcraft / parents never really helped their children understand their immense powers
At least now I "get" the appeal for so many people.
PRMS hardcover 307 pages
genre: YA fantasy, dystopian
Wisteria (Wisty) and Whitford (Whit) are siblings of 14ish & 17 who do not realize that they are actually a witch and a wizard. I have heard people rave about these books and I was curious . . .
Likes - quick read / action-packed / unique
Dislikes - lack of character or story development / 103 chapters . . . short and not much to them / role of witchcraft / parents never really helped their children understand their immense powers
At least now I "get" the appeal for so many people.
Friday, March 07, 2014
T4: A Novel
by Ann Clare LeZotte
PRMS hardcover 105 pages
genre: historical fiction told in prose poetry
This caught my eye when I was pulling poetry books for a teacher. T4 is the name for the Nazi program of extermination of people with handicaps. One of our eighth graders did her History Day project on T4 (inspired by a handicapped brother). The history seems to be quite accurate, and the author's notes at the end are interesting. The poetry itself isn't as gripping to me as that found in "Learning to Swim," but it definitely communicates effectively.
PRMS hardcover 105 pages
genre: historical fiction told in prose poetry
This caught my eye when I was pulling poetry books for a teacher. T4 is the name for the Nazi program of extermination of people with handicaps. One of our eighth graders did her History Day project on T4 (inspired by a handicapped brother). The history seems to be quite accurate, and the author's notes at the end are interesting. The poetry itself isn't as gripping to me as that found in "Learning to Swim," but it definitely communicates effectively.
Friday, February 28, 2014
The Trouble Begins
by Linda Himelblau
Hennepin County Library hardcover 200 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, immigrant
A student told me about this book and I'm really glad I followed through on getting a copy to read! Du has just come to the United States with his grandmother after eight years in the Philippines, where they were refugees. The rest of the family (Dad, Mom, two sisters, and a brother) have all been in the U.S. for many years and are very achievement-oriented. Du hates it in the U.S. and he hates school and there is so much he doesn't understand.
The author died in 2005 (same year this was published) and that makes me wonder about her . . . did she know she was dying? Did she know her book was being published? I may need to do a little research to find out more! She taught for 13 years in San Diego with many children with many different languages. I hope I can find some copies of this book for PRMS!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 200 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, immigrant
A student told me about this book and I'm really glad I followed through on getting a copy to read! Du has just come to the United States with his grandmother after eight years in the Philippines, where they were refugees. The rest of the family (Dad, Mom, two sisters, and a brother) have all been in the U.S. for many years and are very achievement-oriented. Du hates it in the U.S. and he hates school and there is so much he doesn't understand.
The author died in 2005 (same year this was published) and that makes me wonder about her . . . did she know she was dying? Did she know her book was being published? I may need to do a little research to find out more! She taught for 13 years in San Diego with many children with many different languages. I hope I can find some copies of this book for PRMS!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Outcast
subtitled "A modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter"
by Jolina Petersheim
Hennepin County Library paperback 384 pages
genre: Christian fiction
We had a great discussion of this Monday night at book club! Secrets, sibling relationships, cancer, . . . this book has so much more going on than just the adultery issue. "Who was the father" is a question easily answered. The deeper layers of why Rachel won't identify him (to protect her sister Leah) and how the tryst came about take us into people's motivations and vanities.
I liked Ida Mae and Russell and that storyline a lot. I also liked Judah!
page 158 - Leah and Rachel talking about their dad. Each of them thought that the other had a close, special bond while in reality, neither one of them felt a true connection to their father.
page 184 - Rachel is thinking that maybe she should have accepted Judah's offer of marriage. "But would it be out of convenience - simply to make hardships like this one easier to bear - rather than out of love?"
page 220 - Leah sees the scene in the kitchen with the broken beet jar. Why can't these people just talk to one another!?
page 350 - Amos talking to Tobias. Loved this scene! My favorite in the whole book!
Some people didn't like Amos' role (Tobias and Judah's dad, talking from eternity.) I thought that was a wonderful element and brought a depth to the story.
by Jolina Petersheim
Hennepin County Library paperback 384 pages
genre: Christian fiction
We had a great discussion of this Monday night at book club! Secrets, sibling relationships, cancer, . . . this book has so much more going on than just the adultery issue. "Who was the father" is a question easily answered. The deeper layers of why Rachel won't identify him (to protect her sister Leah) and how the tryst came about take us into people's motivations and vanities.
I liked Ida Mae and Russell and that storyline a lot. I also liked Judah!
page 158 - Leah and Rachel talking about their dad. Each of them thought that the other had a close, special bond while in reality, neither one of them felt a true connection to their father.
page 184 - Rachel is thinking that maybe she should have accepted Judah's offer of marriage. "But would it be out of convenience - simply to make hardships like this one easier to bear - rather than out of love?"
page 220 - Leah sees the scene in the kitchen with the broken beet jar. Why can't these people just talk to one another!?
page 350 - Amos talking to Tobias. Loved this scene! My favorite in the whole book!
Some people didn't like Amos' role (Tobias and Judah's dad, talking from eternity.) I thought that was a wonderful element and brought a depth to the story.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The Loser List
By H.N. Kowitt
PRMS paperback 213 pages
genre: YA humor, realistic fiction
Kind of a goofy little book, but with a good sense of middle school peer pressure, friendship, identity issues. Danny Shine is put on the "loser list" in the girls' bathroom by nasty bully Chantal. He and his best friend (major geek) Jasper try to remove it, but Danny ends up in detention with the hardened middle school crowd. One bad choice leads to another and Danny has to figure out how to make it end. I'll use this for sixth grade book club. (Danny is a seventh grader, but a lot of the issues are elementary-school mature.) Lots of comics, graphic novels, and other geek themes.
PRMS paperback 213 pages
genre: YA humor, realistic fiction
Kind of a goofy little book, but with a good sense of middle school peer pressure, friendship, identity issues. Danny Shine is put on the "loser list" in the girls' bathroom by nasty bully Chantal. He and his best friend (major geek) Jasper try to remove it, but Danny ends up in detention with the hardened middle school crowd. One bad choice leads to another and Danny has to figure out how to make it end. I'll use this for sixth grade book club. (Danny is a seventh grader, but a lot of the issues are elementary-school mature.) Lots of comics, graphic novels, and other geek themes.
The Burgess Boys
by Elizabeth Strout
PRMS hardcover 320 pages
genre: realistic fiction, relationships
I read this book a few weeks ago and we discussed it at book club on 2/18/14. Sadly, I pulled out some of my post-it notes while we discussed and I'm too lazy to figure out what I tagged. I'm tired, too, so these are random notes and observations.
Characters:
Jim Burgess - high profile lawyer, a jerk
Helen - his wife, loves her kids, a bit of a snob
Bob Burgess - also a lawyer, but does pro bono work and has a different life philosophy than Jim
Susan - Bob's twin, kind of a sad sack
Zach - Susan's son, threw a pig's head into a Muslim place of worship
Abdikarim - Somali elder who is angry, frightened, and then compassionate
Bob's ex-wife who is still his friend
Some of the people in Litwits 2013 panned this book, saying it was too slow. It definitely wouldn't be called "fast-paced," but there's enough going on to keep it interesting. Strout is known for her characters and she delivers! These characters are well-developed and interesting. New York City and Maine are important characters, too.
page 283 - Margaret Estaver (Episcopalian ? pastor) is talking with Haweeya (Abdi's niece?) and the sense of entitlement that American kids feel. Haweeya is concerned about her own children becoming this way - rude to their elders, saying what they think, and the adults allowing it as self-expression. Interesting, too, that Margaret says that this isn't entirely true of American families.
page 290 - Bob is thinking about Jim's rejection of him. "But Bob was not a young man, and he knew about loss." This scene is poignant; to me, it signifies a shift in Bob's character from being pathetic and needy to standing up for himself.
page 311 - Jim has finally broken down and is sharing his fears with Bob. When he says he has no family, Bob replies, "You have a family. You have a wife who hates you. Kids who are furious with you. A brother and sister who make you insane. And a nephew who used to be kind of a drip but apparently is not so much of a drip now. That's called family."
page 318 - The siblings have just sent Jim to apologize to Helen. "He understood they would probably never again discuss the death of their father. The facts didn't matter. Their stories mattered, and each of their stories belonged to each of them alone."
Another part I noted earlier was when Susan told Bob that Zach was mad at him for not being more of a part of his life. Bob asked how Zach felt about his own dad removing himself from Zach's life for so many years. Good for you, Bob!
Worthwhile book to read and discuss. The family relationships are haunting and believable.
PRMS hardcover 320 pages
genre: realistic fiction, relationships
I read this book a few weeks ago and we discussed it at book club on 2/18/14. Sadly, I pulled out some of my post-it notes while we discussed and I'm too lazy to figure out what I tagged. I'm tired, too, so these are random notes and observations.
Characters:
Jim Burgess - high profile lawyer, a jerk
Helen - his wife, loves her kids, a bit of a snob
Bob Burgess - also a lawyer, but does pro bono work and has a different life philosophy than Jim
Susan - Bob's twin, kind of a sad sack
Zach - Susan's son, threw a pig's head into a Muslim place of worship
Abdikarim - Somali elder who is angry, frightened, and then compassionate
Bob's ex-wife who is still his friend
Some of the people in Litwits 2013 panned this book, saying it was too slow. It definitely wouldn't be called "fast-paced," but there's enough going on to keep it interesting. Strout is known for her characters and she delivers! These characters are well-developed and interesting. New York City and Maine are important characters, too.
page 283 - Margaret Estaver (Episcopalian ? pastor) is talking with Haweeya (Abdi's niece?) and the sense of entitlement that American kids feel. Haweeya is concerned about her own children becoming this way - rude to their elders, saying what they think, and the adults allowing it as self-expression. Interesting, too, that Margaret says that this isn't entirely true of American families.
page 290 - Bob is thinking about Jim's rejection of him. "But Bob was not a young man, and he knew about loss." This scene is poignant; to me, it signifies a shift in Bob's character from being pathetic and needy to standing up for himself.
page 311 - Jim has finally broken down and is sharing his fears with Bob. When he says he has no family, Bob replies, "You have a family. You have a wife who hates you. Kids who are furious with you. A brother and sister who make you insane. And a nephew who used to be kind of a drip but apparently is not so much of a drip now. That's called family."
page 318 - The siblings have just sent Jim to apologize to Helen. "He understood they would probably never again discuss the death of their father. The facts didn't matter. Their stories mattered, and each of their stories belonged to each of them alone."
Another part I noted earlier was when Susan told Bob that Zach was mad at him for not being more of a part of his life. Bob asked how Zach felt about his own dad removing himself from Zach's life for so many years. Good for you, Bob!
Worthwhile book to read and discuss. The family relationships are haunting and believable.
Wintergirls
by Laurie Halse Anderson
PRMS hardcover 278 pages
genre: realistic fiction, dealing with eating disorders
There is so much I'd like to say about this book! It stunned me with its beauty and pain. Lia is a believable character, struggling with so many different things. Already hospitalized twice, she finds ways to deflect her dad's and stepmom's concern about her weight. Her love for her stepsister is powerful. This is an amazing book. I have already shared it with a student and have it on hold for a counselor. Meeting the author last month "sold" me on this book! She has angered the pro-ani and pro-mia groups who want women to believe that anorexia and bulimia are merely lifestyle choices.
PRMS hardcover 278 pages
genre: realistic fiction, dealing with eating disorders
There is so much I'd like to say about this book! It stunned me with its beauty and pain. Lia is a believable character, struggling with so many different things. Already hospitalized twice, she finds ways to deflect her dad's and stepmom's concern about her weight. Her love for her stepsister is powerful. This is an amazing book. I have already shared it with a student and have it on hold for a counselor. Meeting the author last month "sold" me on this book! She has angered the pro-ani and pro-mia groups who want women to believe that anorexia and bulimia are merely lifestyle choices.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Witch & Wizard: Battle for Shadowland
by James Patterson & Dara Naraghi
Victor Santos, artist
PRMS hardcover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy
I read this to see if I should use it with 6th grade book club. I was also curious about the novel & the graphic novel . . . since I've heard rave reviews about the book. A student wanted the book, so I just read the first 40 pages (after reading this graphic novel). Here's what I found: this graphic is definitely NOT the same as the first book in the series. (In fact, it says, "An original graphic novel adventure" on the front cover.) I wish I had had time to read the entire novel to see how it fits . . . but I'd rather get it to the student and read it later.
In this book, siblings Wisteria (Wisty) and Whitlock (Whit) are part of a group of kids who live in "Freeland" - a kind of wasted futuristic landscape. They are fighting against the "One who is the One." Sigh. I'm out of time to blog. Interesting graphic novel, but I don't think I'll use it for book club.
Victor Santos, artist
PRMS hardcover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy
I read this to see if I should use it with 6th grade book club. I was also curious about the novel & the graphic novel . . . since I've heard rave reviews about the book. A student wanted the book, so I just read the first 40 pages (after reading this graphic novel). Here's what I found: this graphic is definitely NOT the same as the first book in the series. (In fact, it says, "An original graphic novel adventure" on the front cover.) I wish I had had time to read the entire novel to see how it fits . . . but I'd rather get it to the student and read it later.
In this book, siblings Wisteria (Wisty) and Whitlock (Whit) are part of a group of kids who live in "Freeland" - a kind of wasted futuristic landscape. They are fighting against the "One who is the One." Sigh. I'm out of time to blog. Interesting graphic novel, but I don't think I'll use it for book club.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: the graphic novel
story by Ransom Riggs, art by Cassandra Bean
PRMS hardcover unpaged
genre: YA fantasy
I'm still somewhat torn about buying graphic novels of really good books, but in this case I'm glad I did! The story renders well in visual form, mixing Bean's artwork with the eerie photos from the original novel. Jacob is a relatable (though somewhat dark) teenager grappling with his grandfather's stories, reality, and mental health.
One of my readers loved this book a lot! She's going to try tackling the novel now. I love it when kids are engaged in what they're reading!
PRMS hardcover unpaged
genre: YA fantasy
I'm still somewhat torn about buying graphic novels of really good books, but in this case I'm glad I did! The story renders well in visual form, mixing Bean's artwork with the eerie photos from the original novel. Jacob is a relatable (though somewhat dark) teenager grappling with his grandfather's stories, reality, and mental health.
One of my readers loved this book a lot! She's going to try tackling the novel now. I love it when kids are engaged in what they're reading!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Riordan
PRMS
genre: YA mythology, fantasy fiction
I'm re-reading while on the elliptical at work. Don't want to blog each one . . . but making a note. Finished The Titan's Curse (book 3 - Artemis & the Hunters / appearance of Bianca & Nico DeAngelo / San Francisco / The General = Atlas). These are just plain fun books. Started The Battle of the Labyrinth . . . not sure why I didn't do a re-read of #1 and #2.
PRMS
genre: YA mythology, fantasy fiction
I'm re-reading while on the elliptical at work. Don't want to blog each one . . . but making a note. Finished The Titan's Curse (book 3 - Artemis & the Hunters / appearance of Bianca & Nico DeAngelo / San Francisco / The General = Atlas). These are just plain fun books. Started The Battle of the Labyrinth . . . not sure why I didn't do a re-read of #1 and #2.
Friday, February 07, 2014
The Big, Bad Book of Beasts
by Michael Largo
Hennepin County Library paperback 427 pages
genre: non-fiction and fantasy creatures
I got this book based on a review in the BookPages magazine. I was curious to see if I should buy it for PRMS . . .
It is a very interesting and well-written book, but I don't think I'll buy it. The illustrations are black & white and the alphabetical entries are written in such a way that it's almost difficult to know which creatures are real, historical, or mythical. Some of my students would be absolutely baffled by this book. If my boys were younger or I had grandchildren in elementary school, I would definitely buy it.
I've already returned it to the library, but I'll quote part of the review that initially piqued my interest:
"Michael Largo puts the 'best' into this 'bestiary' - the medieval bookish art of gathering encyclopedic information about unusual animals into a beautifully illustrated volume. The Big, Bad Book of Beasts: The World's Most Curious Creatures remains faithful to its alliterative title through its fun alphabetical juxtapositions of creatures as diverse in their size and actual existence as the badger, the bagworm and the banshee, or the caladrius, the camel, and the capybara. You've never heard of a caladrius or a capybara? Well, once you've seen the gloriously old-fashioned illustrations of these critters - from sources ranging from ancient Egyptian sculpture to a Victorian science manual - and once you've read the delightfully definitive descriptions, you'll never forget them, nor will it matter to you that the capybara is real (it's the world's largest rodent!), while teh caladrius is a creature of Roman myth (a bird who could tell you how close to dying a person was by the way it would sit on that person's deathbed)."
Lovely!
Hennepin County Library paperback 427 pages
genre: non-fiction and fantasy creatures
I got this book based on a review in the BookPages magazine. I was curious to see if I should buy it for PRMS . . .
It is a very interesting and well-written book, but I don't think I'll buy it. The illustrations are black & white and the alphabetical entries are written in such a way that it's almost difficult to know which creatures are real, historical, or mythical. Some of my students would be absolutely baffled by this book. If my boys were younger or I had grandchildren in elementary school, I would definitely buy it.
I've already returned it to the library, but I'll quote part of the review that initially piqued my interest:
"Michael Largo puts the 'best' into this 'bestiary' - the medieval bookish art of gathering encyclopedic information about unusual animals into a beautifully illustrated volume. The Big, Bad Book of Beasts: The World's Most Curious Creatures remains faithful to its alliterative title through its fun alphabetical juxtapositions of creatures as diverse in their size and actual existence as the badger, the bagworm and the banshee, or the caladrius, the camel, and the capybara. You've never heard of a caladrius or a capybara? Well, once you've seen the gloriously old-fashioned illustrations of these critters - from sources ranging from ancient Egyptian sculpture to a Victorian science manual - and once you've read the delightfully definitive descriptions, you'll never forget them, nor will it matter to you that the capybara is real (it's the world's largest rodent!), while teh caladrius is a creature of Roman myth (a bird who could tell you how close to dying a person was by the way it would sit on that person's deathbed)."
Lovely!
Orwell's Luck
by Richard Jennings
PRMS paperback 146 pages
genre: YA fantasy
I meant to blog about this before my sixth grade book club discussed it, but that didn't happen . . . and as we were discussing, I realized that we never learn the protagonist's name! In fact, some of the readers assumed it was a guy and others (including me) assumed it was a girl. We decided that there are NO named characters other than the rabbit Orwell. (Stubborn me wants to re-read it and make SURE no other humans are named. There is grandma, mom, dad, the tousle-haired boy, the people across the street, etc. And there is Orwell.
Orwell is a special rabbit who shows up on top of the morning paper one day. Unable to move his hind quarters, our protagonist brings him indoors and tends to him. Unusual messages start showing up in the horoscope . . . is Orwell trying to tell her something? Is he bringing her luck?
My favorite passage is on pages 89-92 titled "The meaning of money." The protagonist is trying to see things in a "different light" per instructions from Orwell. She thinks about what she has rather than just what she wishes she had. My book club liked this book, so we'll probably keep it in the 6th grade rotation.
PRMS paperback 146 pages
genre: YA fantasy
I meant to blog about this before my sixth grade book club discussed it, but that didn't happen . . . and as we were discussing, I realized that we never learn the protagonist's name! In fact, some of the readers assumed it was a guy and others (including me) assumed it was a girl. We decided that there are NO named characters other than the rabbit Orwell. (Stubborn me wants to re-read it and make SURE no other humans are named. There is grandma, mom, dad, the tousle-haired boy, the people across the street, etc. And there is Orwell.
Orwell is a special rabbit who shows up on top of the morning paper one day. Unable to move his hind quarters, our protagonist brings him indoors and tends to him. Unusual messages start showing up in the horoscope . . . is Orwell trying to tell her something? Is he bringing her luck?
My favorite passage is on pages 89-92 titled "The meaning of money." The protagonist is trying to see things in a "different light" per instructions from Orwell. She thinks about what she has rather than just what she wishes she had. My book club liked this book, so we'll probably keep it in the 6th grade rotation.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Chasing Lincoln's Killer
by James L. Swanson
PRMS hardcover 194 pages & PRMS audioCDs 4 discs
read by Will Patton
genre: non-fiction, history
I have heard raves about this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the book rather than listened to the audio version. Patton over-dramatized the telling, making it seem almost silly. It was informative and interesting, but not as gripping a tale as the narrator's inflection implied. The book also had great photographs and reprints of broadsides. I learned about John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators. I was pretty shocked at the lack of security for a president.
PRMS hardcover 194 pages & PRMS audioCDs 4 discs
read by Will Patton
genre: non-fiction, history
I have heard raves about this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the book rather than listened to the audio version. Patton over-dramatized the telling, making it seem almost silly. It was informative and interesting, but not as gripping a tale as the narrator's inflection implied. The book also had great photographs and reprints of broadsides. I learned about John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators. I was pretty shocked at the lack of security for a president.
Fatherless
by James Dobson and Kurt Bruner
Hennepin County Library hardcover 431 pages
genre: Christian fiction, dystopian future
I am not a huge fan of Dr. Dobson (gasp! What kind of Christian doesn't *adore* him?) so I wasn't really eager to read this book club title. But when I heard a couple of people talking about it and got the gist of the idea (oh? Dystopian fiction? That seems to be all I read these days.), I was ready to tackle this. So much to dig into here!
From the front flap: "The year is 2042, and the long-predicted tipping point has arrived. For the first time in human history, the economic pyramid has flipped: The feeble old now outnumber the vigorous young, and this untenable situation is intensifying a battle between competing cultural agendas. Reporter Julia Davidson - a formerly award-wining journalist seeking to revive a flagging career - is investigating the growing crisis, unaware that her activity makes her a pawn in an ominous conspiracy. Plagued by nightmares about her absent father, Julia finds herself drawn to the quiet strength of a man she meets at a friend's church. . . . Julia faces choices that pit professional success against personal survival in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world."
One interesting thread of our book club conversation dealt with how likely it is that this future could happen. What parts of it are already happening? Certainly, we have already read reports about the falling birth rate in America and Europe (except among immigrant and hispanic populations). And the aging baby boomers and crisis in the cost of medical care are already issues. It will be very interesting to see what the future brings and how our politicians deal with it.
Chapter 29 and its discussion of changes in worship interested me. What is "normal" to us now that will seem passe' in the future? Are we changing for the sake of change? Would the new testament church even recognize what we do as worship?
On page 155, how interesting that Julia observes that "1. Angie embodied everything Julia scorned. 2. Angie had everything Julia wanted." Isn't it true that the grass is always greener . . .
On page 205, I found it interesting that Matthew thought "He should not have sought the advice of Father Richard Tomberlin." It's so true that we only "seek advice" from people we are confident will tell us what we want to hear. In his case, Matthew wanted confirmation that it was okay to encourage his mother to "volunteer" to "transition" so that he could have any remaining money to go to college.
On page 237, Julia is reciting the feminist perspective that she has so thoroughly recited. "The days of patriarchal dominance are dead. Our generation of women can see an endless horizon because we stand on the shoulders of our courageous grandmothers. Show me a home with more than two kids and I'll show you an oppressed woman." It never seems to end well when people adopt an extremist perspective, no matter which end of the spectrum (of any issue) they're on.
I love it (next page) when Troy says "Imagine a world of people trying to out-serve, out-love, out-sacrifice, and out-honor one another. Sure beats a world of people trying to outdo and outsmart one another."
And a little later when Julia is trying to challenge Kevin on his perspective (in regard to Angie squandering her potential by raising children), he replies, "A lot of people consider bearing and rearing children a noble and highly meaningful calling." I love that! A noble calling. I wish more parents felt that way.
I didn't like page 314 when Matthew was so deceptive in talking to his mom about "transitioning" (aka volunteering to suicide) not being a sin and having talked to Father Tomberline about it.
I was so glad that Julia quit her job! After that nasty stunt her boss did, publishing her story with the other reporter's edits and hatchet job (and sleezy photos) . . . that was the only good choice for her.
I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the second one, Childless. I just have so many books piled up already! I need to kick through more of them more quickly.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 431 pages
genre: Christian fiction, dystopian future
I am not a huge fan of Dr. Dobson (gasp! What kind of Christian doesn't *adore* him?) so I wasn't really eager to read this book club title. But when I heard a couple of people talking about it and got the gist of the idea (oh? Dystopian fiction? That seems to be all I read these days.), I was ready to tackle this. So much to dig into here!
From the front flap: "The year is 2042, and the long-predicted tipping point has arrived. For the first time in human history, the economic pyramid has flipped: The feeble old now outnumber the vigorous young, and this untenable situation is intensifying a battle between competing cultural agendas. Reporter Julia Davidson - a formerly award-wining journalist seeking to revive a flagging career - is investigating the growing crisis, unaware that her activity makes her a pawn in an ominous conspiracy. Plagued by nightmares about her absent father, Julia finds herself drawn to the quiet strength of a man she meets at a friend's church. . . . Julia faces choices that pit professional success against personal survival in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world."
One interesting thread of our book club conversation dealt with how likely it is that this future could happen. What parts of it are already happening? Certainly, we have already read reports about the falling birth rate in America and Europe (except among immigrant and hispanic populations). And the aging baby boomers and crisis in the cost of medical care are already issues. It will be very interesting to see what the future brings and how our politicians deal with it.
Chapter 29 and its discussion of changes in worship interested me. What is "normal" to us now that will seem passe' in the future? Are we changing for the sake of change? Would the new testament church even recognize what we do as worship?
On page 155, how interesting that Julia observes that "1. Angie embodied everything Julia scorned. 2. Angie had everything Julia wanted." Isn't it true that the grass is always greener . . .
On page 205, I found it interesting that Matthew thought "He should not have sought the advice of Father Richard Tomberlin." It's so true that we only "seek advice" from people we are confident will tell us what we want to hear. In his case, Matthew wanted confirmation that it was okay to encourage his mother to "volunteer" to "transition" so that he could have any remaining money to go to college.
On page 237, Julia is reciting the feminist perspective that she has so thoroughly recited. "The days of patriarchal dominance are dead. Our generation of women can see an endless horizon because we stand on the shoulders of our courageous grandmothers. Show me a home with more than two kids and I'll show you an oppressed woman." It never seems to end well when people adopt an extremist perspective, no matter which end of the spectrum (of any issue) they're on.
I love it (next page) when Troy says "Imagine a world of people trying to out-serve, out-love, out-sacrifice, and out-honor one another. Sure beats a world of people trying to outdo and outsmart one another."
And a little later when Julia is trying to challenge Kevin on his perspective (in regard to Angie squandering her potential by raising children), he replies, "A lot of people consider bearing and rearing children a noble and highly meaningful calling." I love that! A noble calling. I wish more parents felt that way.
I didn't like page 314 when Matthew was so deceptive in talking to his mom about "transitioning" (aka volunteering to suicide) not being a sin and having talked to Father Tomberline about it.
I was so glad that Julia quit her job! After that nasty stunt her boss did, publishing her story with the other reporter's edits and hatchet job (and sleezy photos) . . . that was the only good choice for her.
I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the second one, Childless. I just have so many books piled up already! I need to kick through more of them more quickly.
Water
an Eyewitness Book
by John Woodward
PRMS hardcover 71 pages
genre: non-fiction
I always thought of these Eyewitness books as "easy" high-interest reads. It has taken me a long time to read through this book! I think part of it for me was the way the factoids had my brain going in so many different directions. Although the theme (water) was unifying, there was information from scientific, historical, and geographical perspectives. A lot of it was information I already knew, but I struggled to keep my brain focused. The layout of paragraphs, pictures, captions, etc. isn't conducive to prolonged, focused reading. Interesting info, but not what I would highly recommend for nonfiction reading. A good reminder for me as I work with middle school students!
It was fascinating to look at in light of the current severe drought in California as well as the historic flooding in other areas. We are spoiled in Minnesota to have an abundance of fresh water.
by John Woodward
PRMS hardcover 71 pages
genre: non-fiction
I always thought of these Eyewitness books as "easy" high-interest reads. It has taken me a long time to read through this book! I think part of it for me was the way the factoids had my brain going in so many different directions. Although the theme (water) was unifying, there was information from scientific, historical, and geographical perspectives. A lot of it was information I already knew, but I struggled to keep my brain focused. The layout of paragraphs, pictures, captions, etc. isn't conducive to prolonged, focused reading. Interesting info, but not what I would highly recommend for nonfiction reading. A good reminder for me as I work with middle school students!
It was fascinating to look at in light of the current severe drought in California as well as the historic flooding in other areas. We are spoiled in Minnesota to have an abundance of fresh water.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Having Our Say: the Delany Sisters' First 100 Years
by Sarah Louise (Sadie) Delaney, A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany, and Amy Hill Hearth
my personal copy & a Hennepin County Library copy
genre: memoir
I love this book! These women were amazing and I am so very glad that Amy Hill Hearth got their stories while they were still able to tell them. This book is a treasury of living history. It is powerful and moving. I always have to remind myself - Sadie was a teacher, older than Bessie, and considered very sweet. She looks a bit lighter and larger than Bessie. Bessie was a dentist, darker, and much feistier! These two women were among the ten children of Henry and Nanny Delany.
I read this before, but it was at least ten years ago, so it's not in my blog and it's not even in my old Excel reading record (which I keep meaning to put in this blog . . . ). So even though it's a re-read, here's what I tagged with post-its this time:
page 66 (in chapter 10) - they talk about the Jim Crow laws and their impact on daily life. They say, "So, this Jim Crow mess was started to keep the races apart, and keep the Negroes down. Now, Mama and Papa knew these laws were coming, of course, but they didn't prepare us. I guess our parents could not find the words to explain it.. They did not want to fill us with hatred." Wow. If only some of the people trying to enforce those laws could have done the same for their children - wanting them to not be filled with hatred.
page 129 (chapter 19) - talking about going to the opera and their father's concern with people's perceptions of him. "So we not only lived a clean life, we wanted to be sure people knew that we did. This is a burden that white people do not have, I think. It always seemed to me that white people were judged as individual. But if a Negro did something stupid or wrong, it was held against all of us. Negroes were always representing the whole race." The truth and the unfairness of this bother me. Why are we so willing to generalize someone else's behavior and so adamant about defending our own individualism and identity? I love Bessie's straightforward way of calling things out.
page 141 (chapter 21) - Bessie is referring to her struggle between fighting for women's rights and for equal rights ' "I was torn between two issues - colored, and Women's rights. But it seemed to me that no matter how much I had to put up with as a woman, the bigger problem was being colored. People looked at me and the first thing they saw was Negro, not woman. So racial equality, as a cause, won in my heart."
page 145 (chapter 22) - Sadie is talking about how she helped her cousin Daisy with vitamins and nutrition planning. "It's only now that I'm telling anyone about how I helped Cousin Daisy. I never told anyone at the time, except Bessie. The way we were brought up, it was only natural for Bessie and me to help other people. It wasn't something you did so that people thought well of you. No, you did it because that was what was expected of you. It was the example that was set by the Good Lord, Jesus. It was also the example set by Mama and Papa." I love this! I wish that I were more like this and that others in the world wanted to just help others because it is the right thing to do.
page 158 (chapter 25) - Bessie is talking about the stock market crash and "rich white men" committing suicide by jumping out of office buildings. "I can't imagine having so little faith in the Lord, and so much faith in money, that you would end your life over a little thing like losing your fortune. The Lord says money is Evil, and He is right! Money is the root of every mess you can think of, including slavery. Greed! Profiting off the backs of others!"
page 179 (chapter 28) - Bessie is talking about her mother at the end of her life, feeling bad about the fact that her own parents had never married (Martha Logan was mulatto and James Miliam was white; it wasn't legal for them to marry in Virginia until 1967 - long after their deaths!). "But I don't think Mama was so ashamed anymore, once she got very old. I understand this now. When you get real old, honey, you realize there are certain things that just don't matter anymore. You lay it all on the table. There's a saying: Only little children and old folks tell the truth."
page 199 (chapter 30) - Bessie (again) after telling about the civil rights movement and presidents she liked says three funny / interesting things.
"I'll tell you something, honey: I would have made a very good president. That's right! Me! I would have done well. I'm honest and I'm tough and I could get the job done, yes, sir! The first thing I would do if I was president would be to say that people over one hundred years of age no longer have to pay taxes! Ha ha! Lord knows I've paid my share."
"Seriously, the first thing I would do if I was president would be to get rid of this old deficit. That funny little white guy, Ross Perot, he is right about the deficit. We are a foolish, foolish people. That deficit is a disgrace. I heard on the radio that every two seconds, our debt increases a million dollars. When I heard that, it got me so upset I could not sleep that night. It just about worried me to death."
"I guess it will be a thousand years - probably never - before a colored person is elected president of the United States. Sadie disagrees with me. She says, 'There will be a Negro president someday.'"
Bessie Delany died in 1995 at age 104.
Sadie Delany died 1999, at age 109.
Barack Obama was elected president of the United States of America in January 2009.
There are so many incredible stories and so much vitality in these women's voices. They still lived together at their home (with no telephone) as centenarians! I am glad I own a copy of this book and can re-read it. What inspiration!
my personal copy & a Hennepin County Library copy
genre: memoir
I love this book! These women were amazing and I am so very glad that Amy Hill Hearth got their stories while they were still able to tell them. This book is a treasury of living history. It is powerful and moving. I always have to remind myself - Sadie was a teacher, older than Bessie, and considered very sweet. She looks a bit lighter and larger than Bessie. Bessie was a dentist, darker, and much feistier! These two women were among the ten children of Henry and Nanny Delany.
I read this before, but it was at least ten years ago, so it's not in my blog and it's not even in my old Excel reading record (which I keep meaning to put in this blog . . . ). So even though it's a re-read, here's what I tagged with post-its this time:
page 66 (in chapter 10) - they talk about the Jim Crow laws and their impact on daily life. They say, "So, this Jim Crow mess was started to keep the races apart, and keep the Negroes down. Now, Mama and Papa knew these laws were coming, of course, but they didn't prepare us. I guess our parents could not find the words to explain it.. They did not want to fill us with hatred." Wow. If only some of the people trying to enforce those laws could have done the same for their children - wanting them to not be filled with hatred.
page 129 (chapter 19) - talking about going to the opera and their father's concern with people's perceptions of him. "So we not only lived a clean life, we wanted to be sure people knew that we did. This is a burden that white people do not have, I think. It always seemed to me that white people were judged as individual. But if a Negro did something stupid or wrong, it was held against all of us. Negroes were always representing the whole race." The truth and the unfairness of this bother me. Why are we so willing to generalize someone else's behavior and so adamant about defending our own individualism and identity? I love Bessie's straightforward way of calling things out.
page 141 (chapter 21) - Bessie is referring to her struggle between fighting for women's rights and for equal rights ' "I was torn between two issues - colored, and Women's rights. But it seemed to me that no matter how much I had to put up with as a woman, the bigger problem was being colored. People looked at me and the first thing they saw was Negro, not woman. So racial equality, as a cause, won in my heart."
page 145 (chapter 22) - Sadie is talking about how she helped her cousin Daisy with vitamins and nutrition planning. "It's only now that I'm telling anyone about how I helped Cousin Daisy. I never told anyone at the time, except Bessie. The way we were brought up, it was only natural for Bessie and me to help other people. It wasn't something you did so that people thought well of you. No, you did it because that was what was expected of you. It was the example that was set by the Good Lord, Jesus. It was also the example set by Mama and Papa." I love this! I wish that I were more like this and that others in the world wanted to just help others because it is the right thing to do.
page 158 (chapter 25) - Bessie is talking about the stock market crash and "rich white men" committing suicide by jumping out of office buildings. "I can't imagine having so little faith in the Lord, and so much faith in money, that you would end your life over a little thing like losing your fortune. The Lord says money is Evil, and He is right! Money is the root of every mess you can think of, including slavery. Greed! Profiting off the backs of others!"
page 179 (chapter 28) - Bessie is talking about her mother at the end of her life, feeling bad about the fact that her own parents had never married (Martha Logan was mulatto and James Miliam was white; it wasn't legal for them to marry in Virginia until 1967 - long after their deaths!). "But I don't think Mama was so ashamed anymore, once she got very old. I understand this now. When you get real old, honey, you realize there are certain things that just don't matter anymore. You lay it all on the table. There's a saying: Only little children and old folks tell the truth."
page 199 (chapter 30) - Bessie (again) after telling about the civil rights movement and presidents she liked says three funny / interesting things.
"I'll tell you something, honey: I would have made a very good president. That's right! Me! I would have done well. I'm honest and I'm tough and I could get the job done, yes, sir! The first thing I would do if I was president would be to say that people over one hundred years of age no longer have to pay taxes! Ha ha! Lord knows I've paid my share."
"Seriously, the first thing I would do if I was president would be to get rid of this old deficit. That funny little white guy, Ross Perot, he is right about the deficit. We are a foolish, foolish people. That deficit is a disgrace. I heard on the radio that every two seconds, our debt increases a million dollars. When I heard that, it got me so upset I could not sleep that night. It just about worried me to death."
"I guess it will be a thousand years - probably never - before a colored person is elected president of the United States. Sadie disagrees with me. She says, 'There will be a Negro president someday.'"
Bessie Delany died in 1995 at age 104.
Sadie Delany died 1999, at age 109.
Barack Obama was elected president of the United States of America in January 2009.
There are so many incredible stories and so much vitality in these women's voices. They still lived together at their home (with no telephone) as centenarians! I am glad I own a copy of this book and can re-read it. What inspiration!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Half Broke Horses: a True-Life Novel
by Jeannette Walls
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 8 discs
genre: realistic fiction based on truth . . . family relationships
Walls, the author of Glass Castles, has chosen to tell her grandmother's story as though her grandmother is telling it herself. Interesting choices . . . it would be even more interesting to know how accurate her view is. Certainly, the details are believable and engaging. Lily's perspective on life and parenting (and education) are frank and a little abrasive. This is a well-written, engaging story. It almost makes me want to go back and re-read Glass Castles. I remember being horrified by her parents and their destructive choices. It's interesting to learn about Rosemary's childhood and where she came from as well as her courtship with Rex.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 8 discs
genre: realistic fiction based on truth . . . family relationships
Walls, the author of Glass Castles, has chosen to tell her grandmother's story as though her grandmother is telling it herself. Interesting choices . . . it would be even more interesting to know how accurate her view is. Certainly, the details are believable and engaging. Lily's perspective on life and parenting (and education) are frank and a little abrasive. This is a well-written, engaging story. It almost makes me want to go back and re-read Glass Castles. I remember being horrified by her parents and their destructive choices. It's interesting to learn about Rosemary's childhood and where she came from as well as her courtship with Rex.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution
by Ji Li Jiang
PRMS hardcover 272 pages
genre: memoir, non-fiction
What a riveting, first-person account of China's drastic change during Chairman Mao's leadership. Her innocent, childlike trust in Mao and the changes for the good of everyone are downright chilling. This makes me curious to learn more about the era and the loss of "fourolds" art, furniture, literature, and other things that were done away with. This is well-written and very appropriate for middle school (it covers her life from ages 12-14). This is a great way to learn some history! I hope this author writes more books, whether autobiographical or fiction. She has a wonderful voice.
PRMS hardcover 272 pages
genre: memoir, non-fiction
What a riveting, first-person account of China's drastic change during Chairman Mao's leadership. Her innocent, childlike trust in Mao and the changes for the good of everyone are downright chilling. This makes me curious to learn more about the era and the loss of "fourolds" art, furniture, literature, and other things that were done away with. This is well-written and very appropriate for middle school (it covers her life from ages 12-14). This is a great way to learn some history! I hope this author writes more books, whether autobiographical or fiction. She has a wonderful voice.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Ship Breaker
by Paolo Bacigalupi
PRMS paperback 326 pages
genre: dystopian fiction, adventure
I didn't realize I hadn't blogged about this until I just blogged about the sequel! I really enjoyed this book a lot. It's dark, but powerfully written. I find it interesting that Cina really likes The Maze Runner (I don't) and she really dislikes this book . . . I wonder if there's an underlying political perspective that I'm not seeing. Or if the characters just "speak" differently to us. I was drawn to the protagonist - Nailer Lopez - and his struggles to avoid his father's dangerous wrath. I also liked how Nailer wanted more out of life than just surviving. His friend Pima and Pima's mother Sadna are wonderful characters. This is just such a wonderful book!
added 23 Jan 2014:
I marked this passage and wanted to record it here:
I'm not sure exactly why this resonated so much for me. Partly because he is remembering a time of desperation, a time when his life hung in the balance and he was so desperate for salvation. Perhaps because of his realization that "some people" cannot "see any farther than themselves." I worry sometimes about being selfish and self-centered. I wonder, too, about finding the "lever" for some of my students in terms of getting them to care about their future and their education.
I had marked another passage, but the post-it flag got lost. This one could be a re-read someday, so I'll probably mark more then!
PRMS paperback 326 pages
genre: dystopian fiction, adventure
I didn't realize I hadn't blogged about this until I just blogged about the sequel! I really enjoyed this book a lot. It's dark, but powerfully written. I find it interesting that Cina really likes The Maze Runner (I don't) and she really dislikes this book . . . I wonder if there's an underlying political perspective that I'm not seeing. Or if the characters just "speak" differently to us. I was drawn to the protagonist - Nailer Lopez - and his struggles to avoid his father's dangerous wrath. I also liked how Nailer wanted more out of life than just surviving. His friend Pima and Pima's mother Sadna are wonderful characters. This is just such a wonderful book!
added 23 Jan 2014:
I marked this passage and wanted to record it here:
(from chapter 9, page 99)
Now though, the dark reek of the oil room filled his mind - the memory of being up to his neck in warm death staring up at Sloth high above him, her little LED paint mark glowing - salvation if only he could convince her, if only he could reach out and touch that part of her that cared for something other than herself, knowing that there was a lever inside her somewhere, and if only he could pull it, she would go for help and he would be saved and everything would be fine.
He'd been so desperate to get Sloth to care.
But he hadn't been able to find the lever. Or maybe the lever hadn't been there after all. Some people couldn't see any farther than themselves.
I'm not sure exactly why this resonated so much for me. Partly because he is remembering a time of desperation, a time when his life hung in the balance and he was so desperate for salvation. Perhaps because of his realization that "some people" cannot "see any farther than themselves." I worry sometimes about being selfish and self-centered. I wonder, too, about finding the "lever" for some of my students in terms of getting them to care about their future and their education.
I had marked another passage, but the post-it flag got lost. This one could be a re-read someday, so I'll probably mark more then!
The Drowned Cities
by Paolo Bacigalupi
sequel to The Ship Breakers
PRMS paperback 434 pages
genre: dystopian fiction, adventure
Although this future Earth is extremely depressing and brutal, it's frighteningly believable. The disparity between rich and poor, the deterioration of society, and the desperation for power and survival all ring eerily true. His follow-up to Ship Breaker, I am eager to see what his next book will bring. This one opens with Tool escaping a cruel captivity. Out in the land outside the drowned cities, Mahlia and Mouse live with Doctor Mahfouz since no one else wants to associate with them. Mahlia is half Chinese (because of her peacekeeper father) and half drowned cities. Her right hand has been cut off by one of the paramilitary groups but she escaped them with Mouse's help. Mouse's family has all been executed by another group and Mahlia has helped him survive. The boy soldiers in this story remind me of the child soldiers written about in other books (based on events actually happening in various African countries).
sequel to The Ship Breakers
PRMS paperback 434 pages
genre: dystopian fiction, adventure
Although this future Earth is extremely depressing and brutal, it's frighteningly believable. The disparity between rich and poor, the deterioration of society, and the desperation for power and survival all ring eerily true. His follow-up to Ship Breaker, I am eager to see what his next book will bring. This one opens with Tool escaping a cruel captivity. Out in the land outside the drowned cities, Mahlia and Mouse live with Doctor Mahfouz since no one else wants to associate with them. Mahlia is half Chinese (because of her peacekeeper father) and half drowned cities. Her right hand has been cut off by one of the paramilitary groups but she escaped them with Mouse's help. Mouse's family has all been executed by another group and Mahlia has helped him survive. The boy soldiers in this story remind me of the child soldiers written about in other books (based on events actually happening in various African countries).
Sunday, December 29, 2013
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
Hennepin County Library hardcover 327 pages
genre: non-fiction, biography
This is a fascinating book. It seems hard for me to believe that just over a year ago, this teenager was shot in the head and not killed. Her love for Swat valley in Pakistan is eye-opening to me. She grew up there and loves her homeland (and wishes she could go back), but to me, the presence of the Taliban and the dangers to people who live there is just too scary. This is a wonderful book, but the difficulty of helping people who have such unique challenges (military, Taliban, cultural differences, etc.) is daunting. What a unique girl (and what an amazing dad she has!). I wonder if she'll ever be able to go back to Pakistan.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 327 pages
genre: non-fiction, biography
This is a fascinating book. It seems hard for me to believe that just over a year ago, this teenager was shot in the head and not killed. Her love for Swat valley in Pakistan is eye-opening to me. She grew up there and loves her homeland (and wishes she could go back), but to me, the presence of the Taliban and the dangers to people who live there is just too scary. This is a wonderful book, but the difficulty of helping people who have such unique challenges (military, Taliban, cultural differences, etc.) is daunting. What a unique girl (and what an amazing dad she has!). I wonder if she'll ever be able to go back to Pakistan.
Friday, December 20, 2013
The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child
by Donalyn Miller
Hennepin County Library paperback 211 pages
I read this over a year ago, but found hand-written notes while cleaning up and realized I had never blogged about it. Here goes:
pg. 86 - Bucking the Sarge (Curtis) / read-alouds / Tripping Over the Lunch Lady (stories?) / The Sixth Grade Nickname Game (Korman) . . . I think I wanted to read / buy these titles for PRMS . . .
pg. 93 Genres - Poetry, traditional literature (better name than "classics"), fantasy, science fiction, realistic, historical fiction, mystery, biography / autobiography, informational, true crime . . . then I added a post-it note that says "humor," "romance," "paranormal," "dystopian"
pg. 114 - Why you should read children's books as an adult (book by Jen Robinson) - blog by her???
pg. 116 - websites! sources - Books That Don't Bore 'Em (Blasingame) / www.goodreads.com / http://jkrbooks.typepad.com / teenreads * link on my page!
pg. 137 - do book commercials
pg 165 - Notion that one teacher cannot tell another what to do / not do
I recall being really excited by this book. She promotes reading and kids respond. Too often, teachers' efforts serve more to dampen students' enthusiasm for reading. It's so exciting to see kids "get it" and get excited about books. I wish all language arts teachers would read this!
Hennepin County Library paperback 211 pages
I read this over a year ago, but found hand-written notes while cleaning up and realized I had never blogged about it. Here goes:
pg. 86 - Bucking the Sarge (Curtis) / read-alouds / Tripping Over the Lunch Lady (stories?) / The Sixth Grade Nickname Game (Korman) . . . I think I wanted to read / buy these titles for PRMS . . .
pg. 93 Genres - Poetry, traditional literature (better name than "classics"), fantasy, science fiction, realistic, historical fiction, mystery, biography / autobiography, informational, true crime . . . then I added a post-it note that says "humor," "romance," "paranormal," "dystopian"
pg. 114 - Why you should read children's books as an adult (book by Jen Robinson) - blog by her???
pg. 116 - websites! sources - Books That Don't Bore 'Em (Blasingame) / www.goodreads.com / http://jkrbooks.typepad.com / teenreads * link on my page!
pg. 137 - do book commercials
pg 165 - Notion that one teacher cannot tell another what to do / not do
I recall being really excited by this book. She promotes reading and kids respond. Too often, teachers' efforts serve more to dampen students' enthusiasm for reading. It's so exciting to see kids "get it" and get excited about books. I wish all language arts teachers would read this!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Shrimp
by Rachel Cohn
PRMS hardcover 272 pages
genre: teen realistic fiction, coming-of-age
This book is the follow-up to Gingerbread. Cyd Charisse is determined to be near her "true love," Shrimp (surfer and artist). Like the first installment, I don't feel that drawn to this challenging teenager who defies her mother and pushes boundaries in so many different ways. It's pretty mature. (She has had an abortion after making mistakes with Justin and is sexually active with Shrimp. She also swears like a sailor and has a fairly negative attitude about most things in life.) I'm wondering if I even want to keep it in the middle school collection or if I should send it to the high school . . .
PRMS hardcover 272 pages
genre: teen realistic fiction, coming-of-age
This book is the follow-up to Gingerbread. Cyd Charisse is determined to be near her "true love," Shrimp (surfer and artist). Like the first installment, I don't feel that drawn to this challenging teenager who defies her mother and pushes boundaries in so many different ways. It's pretty mature. (She has had an abortion after making mistakes with Justin and is sexually active with Shrimp. She also swears like a sailor and has a fairly negative attitude about most things in life.) I'm wondering if I even want to keep it in the middle school collection or if I should send it to the high school . . .
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Mistakes Were Made
Timmy Failure (book one?)
by Stephan Pastis
Hennepin County Library hardcover 294 pages
genre: YA humor
I generally enjoy Pastis' sense of humor (in Pearls Before Swine, his comic) but this book seemed to drag on. There's an endorsement from Jeff Kinney, but I'm not sure the fans of the Wimpy Kid books would enjoy this book much more than I did.
Timmy Failure has a detective agency and a pet polar bear who is his business partner. He's really bad at noticing things, making logical connections, and following up on information. Besides being a terrible detective, he's fairly rude and self-centered (fits with Greg Heffley there!). It was mildly amusing, but I don't think I'll buy a copy for my collection.
by Stephan Pastis
Hennepin County Library hardcover 294 pages
genre: YA humor
I generally enjoy Pastis' sense of humor (in Pearls Before Swine, his comic) but this book seemed to drag on. There's an endorsement from Jeff Kinney, but I'm not sure the fans of the Wimpy Kid books would enjoy this book much more than I did.
Timmy Failure has a detective agency and a pet polar bear who is his business partner. He's really bad at noticing things, making logical connections, and following up on information. Besides being a terrible detective, he's fairly rude and self-centered (fits with Greg Heffley there!). It was mildly amusing, but I don't think I'll buy a copy for my collection.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Resistance (book 1)
by Carla Jablonski & Leland Purvis
PRMS paperback 121 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, history
Set in WWII France, Paul and his sister Marie are both friends with Henri, a Jewish boy. When Henri's parents are taken by the Nazis, the kids scheme to find them. Well-written, I would love to read book 2 (if it exists). The artwork is unusual, but it works with the story. History is brought to life in the sneers and smiles of the different characters. Paul's affinity for drawing plays a cool role in the story. This is one of five graphic novels for my sixth grade book club.
PRMS paperback 121 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, history
Set in WWII France, Paul and his sister Marie are both friends with Henri, a Jewish boy. When Henri's parents are taken by the Nazis, the kids scheme to find them. Well-written, I would love to read book 2 (if it exists). The artwork is unusual, but it works with the story. History is brought to life in the sneers and smiles of the different characters. Paul's affinity for drawing plays a cool role in the story. This is one of five graphic novels for my sixth grade book club.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Heaven
by Angela Johnson
PRMS paperback 138 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age, relationships
Marley lives with her parents and brother Butchy in Heaven, OH. Her best friend, Shoogy, comes from a perfect family but cuts herself. Bobby asks Marley to watch his baby, Feather. Marley has spent her life wiring money to her uncle Jack and receiving letters from him. Then a letter comes on behalf of Monna Floyd and everything Marley thought she knew comes into question.
I read this because it came back to the media center damaged. I wanted to know if it was worth replacing. Johnson is a wonderful author and this won a Coretta Scott King award . . . but I don't think it will "sell" well to my readers. Published in 1998, it's a bit on the old side, too. It's beautiful, but I probably won't replace it.
PRMS paperback 138 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age, relationships
Marley lives with her parents and brother Butchy in Heaven, OH. Her best friend, Shoogy, comes from a perfect family but cuts herself. Bobby asks Marley to watch his baby, Feather. Marley has spent her life wiring money to her uncle Jack and receiving letters from him. Then a letter comes on behalf of Monna Floyd and everything Marley thought she knew comes into question.
I read this because it came back to the media center damaged. I wanted to know if it was worth replacing. Johnson is a wonderful author and this won a Coretta Scott King award . . . but I don't think it will "sell" well to my readers. Published in 1998, it's a bit on the old side, too. It's beautiful, but I probably won't replace it.
Obsidian
a Lux novel
by Jennifer L Armentrout
Hennepin County Library paperback 335 pages
genre: paranormal romance
This was highly recommended by a ninth grader who is near & dear to my heart. I requested it from the library, got it, and had to hurry and read it because there's a waiting list for it. It was cleaner than I anticipated (lots and lots of sexual tension and attraction, but not much activity). I'm glad that I didn't read the back before reading the book . . . and I don't want to spoil it here. Obviously, the incredibly gorgeous neighbor, Daemon, is not an ordinary person. But Katy's introduction to this supermodel hottie is a rude one. He is insulting and condescending. She throws his rudeness right back at him and decides she is better off not making friends in this new town in West Virginia. Until she meets Daemon's sister Dee. This was an exciting page-turner. I can see why my student recommended it ("Jennifer Armentrout is my *favorite* author!!!) but I don't plan to read more. Although it is less cloying than other books in this genre, it is basically a teen hormone book. One I would consider adding to my collection if I had a bigger budget . . . it has the sex appeal without the actual sex!
by Jennifer L Armentrout
Hennepin County Library paperback 335 pages
genre: paranormal romance
This was highly recommended by a ninth grader who is near & dear to my heart. I requested it from the library, got it, and had to hurry and read it because there's a waiting list for it. It was cleaner than I anticipated (lots and lots of sexual tension and attraction, but not much activity). I'm glad that I didn't read the back before reading the book . . . and I don't want to spoil it here. Obviously, the incredibly gorgeous neighbor, Daemon, is not an ordinary person. But Katy's introduction to this supermodel hottie is a rude one. He is insulting and condescending. She throws his rudeness right back at him and decides she is better off not making friends in this new town in West Virginia. Until she meets Daemon's sister Dee. This was an exciting page-turner. I can see why my student recommended it ("Jennifer Armentrout is my *favorite* author!!!) but I don't plan to read more. Although it is less cloying than other books in this genre, it is basically a teen hormone book. One I would consider adding to my collection if I had a bigger budget . . . it has the sex appeal without the actual sex!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Snow Day
by Billy Coffey
Hennepin County Library hardcover 195 pages
genre: Christian fiction
Sweet, cute little book that made me frustrated by halfway through . . . it's more a collection of vignettes with morals than an actual novel. Thirty-something Peter Boyd takes a snow day when his kids have one. A day away from his factory job (that may not exist much longer) gives him a chance to reflect upon his life . . . and go to the Super Mart. For bread and milk and stocking stuffers and the first of many, many, many encounters with people who help him realize some deep truth about life.
I liked it okay. Some of the stories were cute (like the kid sledding down the hill despite his mother's concern). But it was too episodic and moralistic for me. Yes, the morals were good ones. And some of them even felt genuinely meaningful. But it just didn't work as a piece of fiction for me. More chicken soup for the soul, anyone?
Hennepin County Library hardcover 195 pages
genre: Christian fiction
Sweet, cute little book that made me frustrated by halfway through . . . it's more a collection of vignettes with morals than an actual novel. Thirty-something Peter Boyd takes a snow day when his kids have one. A day away from his factory job (that may not exist much longer) gives him a chance to reflect upon his life . . . and go to the Super Mart. For bread and milk and stocking stuffers and the first of many, many, many encounters with people who help him realize some deep truth about life.
I liked it okay. Some of the stories were cute (like the kid sledding down the hill despite his mother's concern). But it was too episodic and moralistic for me. Yes, the morals were good ones. And some of them even felt genuinely meaningful. But it just didn't work as a piece of fiction for me. More chicken soup for the soul, anyone?
Friday, November 22, 2013
Bone: Quest for the Spark
Book 2
by Tom Sniegoski
PRMS paperback 234 pages
genre: YA adventure
I'm not sure where I originally got this, but it's not as much fun as the graphic novels. I read it to see if I wanted to buy book one and continue it as a collection. No, I don't. I had to force myself to read it. It actually "feels" like the tone and mood of the graphic novels, but the cast of characters just didn't do it for me.
Tom Elm (young hero, identified by the Dreaming to lead the quest)
Percival Bone (flies the Queen of the Sky ship and tinkers with things)
Randolf Clearmeadow (Veni Yan who has lost his confidence and is helping with the quest)
Abbey & Barclay (twins, obnoxious, Percival's niece and nephew)
Roderick the raccoon
Stinky & Smelly - the two stupid rat creatures
Lorimar - tree spirit
Nacht (sheer evil being, determined to destroy the Dreaming)
the Constable (a human, taken over by an evil spirit to do the Nacht's bidding)
King Agak - leader of the rat creatures
Bears - Al, Bobby, & ?
by Tom Sniegoski
PRMS paperback 234 pages
genre: YA adventure
I'm not sure where I originally got this, but it's not as much fun as the graphic novels. I read it to see if I wanted to buy book one and continue it as a collection. No, I don't. I had to force myself to read it. It actually "feels" like the tone and mood of the graphic novels, but the cast of characters just didn't do it for me.
Tom Elm (young hero, identified by the Dreaming to lead the quest)
Percival Bone (flies the Queen of the Sky ship and tinkers with things)
Randolf Clearmeadow (Veni Yan who has lost his confidence and is helping with the quest)
Abbey & Barclay (twins, obnoxious, Percival's niece and nephew)
Roderick the raccoon
Stinky & Smelly - the two stupid rat creatures
Lorimar - tree spirit
Nacht (sheer evil being, determined to destroy the Dreaming)
the Constable (a human, taken over by an evil spirit to do the Nacht's bidding)
King Agak - leader of the rat creatures
Bears - Al, Bobby, & ?
If You Don't Feed the Teachers, They Eat the Students!
subtitled "Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers"
by Neila A. Connors
PRMS paperback 143 pages
genre: professional / morale
This was a re-read for me, and once again I was struck by how much it is geared toward *administrators* and makes me think of Sue Kreuser and all the amazing things she did as our building leader at PRMS. I miss her so much! It doesn't help much that my own morale is low - tiredness and stress can be overwhelming. There are many, many great ideas in this book.
These are the 14 strategies for S.A.N.E. (Self-disciplined And Nurturing Enthusiasts) people. I scanned them here to refer back to, though perhaps I should make cards and display them on my desktop as constant reminders. I certainly don't feel very sane these days . . .
At the end of the book, she lists 150 Fat-free D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S. (Defining Experiences Structured to Support, Encourage, and Reward Teachers' Spirit). I don't want to violate copyright law, but I wanted to make note of some of the ideas here (where I'll look at them again):
1. Faculty Birthday Party Celebrations
2. Secret Pal for the Year and/or Holidays
3. "You Need a Laugh" Awards
4. "Another Great Week" Get-Togethers with Coffee and Snacks
5. Organize Discussion Groups to Look for Solutions to Challenges
6. Suggestions / Questions / Concerns Box
7. T.G.I.T. Refreshments and Luncheons (Thank Goodness It's Today)
8. Spruce Up and Maintain a Pleasing Teachers' Lounge.
9. Monthly Wellness Sessions and Updates
10. "Take a Teacher to Lunch," "No Bus Duty," and "Release Time" Coupons
11. Swap Classrooms and/or Assignments for a Day or a Week
12. Shadow a Colleague for a Day
These titles don't include the blurbs of info. I'm too tired to do anything else with this. The book is on my Professional shelf at 371.2 Con.
From reviews on GoogleBooks:
(these made me laugh . . . )
by Neila A. Connors
PRMS paperback 143 pages
genre: professional / morale
This was a re-read for me, and once again I was struck by how much it is geared toward *administrators* and makes me think of Sue Kreuser and all the amazing things she did as our building leader at PRMS. I miss her so much! It doesn't help much that my own morale is low - tiredness and stress can be overwhelming. There are many, many great ideas in this book.
These are the 14 strategies for S.A.N.E. (Self-disciplined And Nurturing Enthusiasts) people. I scanned them here to refer back to, though perhaps I should make cards and display them on my desktop as constant reminders. I certainly don't feel very sane these days . . .
At the end of the book, she lists 150 Fat-free D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S. (Defining Experiences Structured to Support, Encourage, and Reward Teachers' Spirit). I don't want to violate copyright law, but I wanted to make note of some of the ideas here (where I'll look at them again):
1. Faculty Birthday Party Celebrations
2. Secret Pal for the Year and/or Holidays
3. "You Need a Laugh" Awards
4. "Another Great Week" Get-Togethers with Coffee and Snacks
5. Organize Discussion Groups to Look for Solutions to Challenges
6. Suggestions / Questions / Concerns Box
7. T.G.I.T. Refreshments and Luncheons (Thank Goodness It's Today)
8. Spruce Up and Maintain a Pleasing Teachers' Lounge.
9. Monthly Wellness Sessions and Updates
10. "Take a Teacher to Lunch," "No Bus Duty," and "Release Time" Coupons
11. Swap Classrooms and/or Assignments for a Day or a Week
12. Shadow a Colleague for a Day
These titles don't include the blurbs of info. I'm too tired to do anything else with this. The book is on my Professional shelf at 371.2 Con.
From reviews on GoogleBooks:
(these made me laugh . . . )
Review: If You Don't Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students!: Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers
User Review - Goodreads
Great ideas and advice for administrators and teachers!
I just wish it was research based.
Review: If You Don't Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students!: Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers
User Review - Goodreads
I can't even finish this book. There is absolutely no
substance. And for the record, I did read all the way up to the desserts so I'm
not basing my dislike of the book on just a chapter. It was so repetitive and
made me feel brain-dead.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 CDs
read by Paul Boehmer, Susan Duerden, Roselyn Landor, John Lee, and Juliet Mills
genre: Historical fiction
This was a re-read for me, as I enjoyed the story so much the first time I encountered it. The cast does a marvelous job of bringing the many characters to life. This is one I could own and enjoy over and over again.
Set in 1946, author Juliet Ashton is ready to start a new book and move past the war. Receiving a letter from a stranger on the island of Guernsey, she begins corresponding with members of the literary society. But this group of readers is like no other she has ever encountered! What a delightful story of books, reading, and people. It is an amazing and beautiful story.
<Above posted 11.17.2013. Below posted 2009.>
by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (her niece)
hardcover, mine, 278 pages
I'll have to blog later. I'm running out of time! Excellent book. Swept me up.
Later:
Told
entirely in letters, this story of a young woman dealing with post-WWII
emotions captivated me. Juliet Ashton is the central character who is
drawn to the island of Guernsey, which was occupied by German forces
during the war. Just a lovely, lovely book! There were times I almost
made a "cheat sheet" of all the different characters, but I read it
quickly enough (on the beach in Naples, Florida) that I was able to keep
it all straight. The romance, the history, the characters - all made it
a delightful read! This is our CMSW book club title for March. I look
forward to the discussion!
<This below added 6.2.2023.>
I love this story so much! I think it's a love letter to books and reading as much as it is a love story between Juliet and Dawsey or between many of the characters and the island itself. I did a re-listen to the audio version on the Libby app.
I recently made the connection between Izzy Bickerstaff (Juliet's nom de plume during the war) and the fictitious Mrs. Miniver of British WWII morale building.
I should go back and check my print copy, but I'm pretty sure that we only read letters TO Sophie (Sidney's sister and Juliet's dear friend) but none FROM her. Interesting.
I noticed some of the book / movie differences rather glaringly. The movie came out in 2018 and I've watched it twice. (I really like this story!) I thought it was pretty faithful to the book, but there are things that are quite different. (Like the crabby and self-righteous Adelaide Addison. In the movie, Juliet initially stays in her house and she has a different name - I think. I like the letters / book version better, even though she remains a completely awful person either way.)
It was driving me crazy when they mentioned the "Todt workers" throughout. I tried googling "toad workers" and "tote workers" with the book title and go nowhere. I'm glad I had my print copy to check! They were basically forced labor who the Nazis used to further their engineering projects. They starved and beat them and used them until they died. They were typically men and boys taken from conquered lands.
The Secrets of Mary Bowser
by Lois Leveen
Carver County Library paperback 450 pages
genre: historical fiction
Great book club discussion Monday after school! We all liked the book. The author did a lot of research based on the real Mary Bowser (and Bet Van Lew). The story starts with young Mary as a slave girl in the Van Lew household and follows her through her education in Philadelphia, her return to Richmond to spy for the North, and into her later years. It's still so hard for me to think about people who felt justified in treating other human beings as possessions. Hard issues, but an excellent book!
Carver County Library paperback 450 pages
genre: historical fiction
Great book club discussion Monday after school! We all liked the book. The author did a lot of research based on the real Mary Bowser (and Bet Van Lew). The story starts with young Mary as a slave girl in the Van Lew household and follows her through her education in Philadelphia, her return to Richmond to spy for the North, and into her later years. It's still so hard for me to think about people who felt justified in treating other human beings as possessions. Hard issues, but an excellent book!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
by David Allen
Hennepin County Library
AudioCDs 7 discs
read by the author
genre: Non-fiction, organization, time management
This was worth waiting for! Not sure where I first heard about it, but I've been on the waiting list for over three months. His system makes a lot of sense to me, but I'm a little intimidated about getting going. I've blocked off the two days after Thanksgiving to "collect" all my "open loops" and do the collecting and processing at home to get my clutter (mental and physical) under control. I have already started on little pieces - like having an errands list and a projects list. The "next action" concept is something I'll have to practice more. I love the point he makes about to-do lists and calendar items. I'm excited to try this and I hope to make progress! I think for now, I'm only going to implement it at home. I really ought to try it at work, too, but I'm just not ready to go there yet.
Hennepin County Library
AudioCDs 7 discs
read by the author
genre: Non-fiction, organization, time management
This was worth waiting for! Not sure where I first heard about it, but I've been on the waiting list for over three months. His system makes a lot of sense to me, but I'm a little intimidated about getting going. I've blocked off the two days after Thanksgiving to "collect" all my "open loops" and do the collecting and processing at home to get my clutter (mental and physical) under control. I have already started on little pieces - like having an errands list and a projects list. The "next action" concept is something I'll have to practice more. I love the point he makes about to-do lists and calendar items. I'm excited to try this and I hope to make progress! I think for now, I'm only going to implement it at home. I really ought to try it at work, too, but I'm just not ready to go there yet.
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
Scaredy Squirrel & Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend
by Melanie Watt
PRMS hardcover picture books
genre: children's books
One of my colleagues uses Scaredy Squirrel in her classroom and I wondered what it was about. So I took these home yesterday to find out! Scaredy likes to stay in his tree, safe and in his predictable routine. Unexpected situations cause him to make some changes. Very cute books.
PRMS hardcover picture books
genre: children's books
One of my colleagues uses Scaredy Squirrel in her classroom and I wondered what it was about. So I took these home yesterday to find out! Scaredy likes to stay in his tree, safe and in his predictable routine. Unexpected situations cause him to make some changes. Very cute books.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Gingerbread
by Rachel Cohn
PRMS hardcover 172 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
Cyd Charisse is an edgy teenager who is living with her mom and stepdad. They get tired of her "hellion" behavior and her time spent with "that boy" (aka Shrimp, her surfer boyfriend) so they send her to New York to spend three weeks with her bio-dad Frank. She has only met Frank once when she was five years old. He gave her a rag doll and some gingerbread, so she named the doll Gingerbread. She confides in her doll and still carries it around as a sixteen year old girl.
Cyd is a believable character with a painful secret. This is an odd, but engaging story. It is definitely for my more mature readers.
PRMS hardcover 172 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
Cyd Charisse is an edgy teenager who is living with her mom and stepdad. They get tired of her "hellion" behavior and her time spent with "that boy" (aka Shrimp, her surfer boyfriend) so they send her to New York to spend three weeks with her bio-dad Frank. She has only met Frank once when she was five years old. He gave her a rag doll and some gingerbread, so she named the doll Gingerbread. She confides in her doll and still carries it around as a sixteen year old girl.
Cyd is a believable character with a painful secret. This is an odd, but engaging story. It is definitely for my more mature readers.
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Mansfield Park
by Jane Austen
PRMS hardcover 408 pages
genre: historical fiction, romance
I forced myself to finish this book. It was the only Austen I had not read. I shall not read it again. Fanny is sent from her overcrowded home to live with her aunt and uncle at Mansfield Park. They are wealthy and egocentric. Fanny is a navel-gazer who can barely function with anyone other than her cousin Edmund. It takes these people forever and five conversations to say one sentiment.
Can you tell I hated it? I'm so glad I'm finally done reading this. It helped that it was on my iPad and I could finish on the drive home from Iowa. I have re-read Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, but I do not think I will ever open this book again. Goodbye, Fanny! Goodbye Crawfords! Goodbye, most awful Aunt Norris! (Not the aunt of Mansfield Park; just an odious sister of hers.)
PRMS hardcover 408 pages
genre: historical fiction, romance
I forced myself to finish this book. It was the only Austen I had not read. I shall not read it again. Fanny is sent from her overcrowded home to live with her aunt and uncle at Mansfield Park. They are wealthy and egocentric. Fanny is a navel-gazer who can barely function with anyone other than her cousin Edmund. It takes these people forever and five conversations to say one sentiment.
Can you tell I hated it? I'm so glad I'm finally done reading this. It helped that it was on my iPad and I could finish on the drive home from Iowa. I have re-read Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, but I do not think I will ever open this book again. Goodbye, Fanny! Goodbye Crawfords! Goodbye, most awful Aunt Norris! (Not the aunt of Mansfield Park; just an odious sister of hers.)
Dakota Dream
by James Bennett
PRMS paperback 182 pages
genre: realistic fiction, coming-of-age
Floyd has been in foster homes, group homes, and left "hanging" while waiting for a new place to live. He wants a place to belong and sees himself as a Dakota Indian. He refers to it as his Destiny. Calling himself Charley Black Crow, he takes off one day to go to an Indian Reservation. This is where the story begins, then his back story is told while he is on a vision quest.
I read this to see if I should keep it in the collection or weed it. I don't think it has much "kid appeal" since it gets off to a very slow start. I thought about keeping it for the cultural aspect . . . except that he is a white kid who has a tremendous amount of respect for and knowledge about American Indians. I am glad I read it, but I'm not sure it will appeal to my readers.
PRMS paperback 182 pages
genre: realistic fiction, coming-of-age
Floyd has been in foster homes, group homes, and left "hanging" while waiting for a new place to live. He wants a place to belong and sees himself as a Dakota Indian. He refers to it as his Destiny. Calling himself Charley Black Crow, he takes off one day to go to an Indian Reservation. This is where the story begins, then his back story is told while he is on a vision quest.
I read this to see if I should keep it in the collection or weed it. I don't think it has much "kid appeal" since it gets off to a very slow start. I thought about keeping it for the cultural aspect . . . except that he is a white kid who has a tremendous amount of respect for and knowledge about American Indians. I am glad I read it, but I'm not sure it will appeal to my readers.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Rules of Murder
by Julianna Deering
Hennepin County Library paperback 328 pages
genre: Christian historical mystery fiction
This was fun, but not terribly gripping. Drew Farthering is a dashing 1930s man of wealth who loves to read and solve mysteries. Two bodies are found at his family estate and the detective work begins. There's also a little romance with Madeline Parker.
We read this for book club and as usual - I enjoyed the discussion! My favorite thing was Jodi saying she could picture the book's events happening as though in an old black and white film from this era.
I actually found the solution of the mystery a bit confusing. I won't do a spoiler here, but the pieces came together at the end in a way that I don't think the author had dropped enough clues about.
Parts I marked:
page 118 - contemplating one's life in light of eternity / also, Madeline's peace and certain hope
page 176 - hypocrites in the church and where they need to be - "It's not the healthy people who need the hospital, you know."
page 292 - Drew saying "God, what does she want from me?" and then turning it into an actual prayer of seeking to God.
Hennepin County Library paperback 328 pages
genre: Christian historical mystery fiction
This was fun, but not terribly gripping. Drew Farthering is a dashing 1930s man of wealth who loves to read and solve mysteries. Two bodies are found at his family estate and the detective work begins. There's also a little romance with Madeline Parker.
We read this for book club and as usual - I enjoyed the discussion! My favorite thing was Jodi saying she could picture the book's events happening as though in an old black and white film from this era.
I actually found the solution of the mystery a bit confusing. I won't do a spoiler here, but the pieces came together at the end in a way that I don't think the author had dropped enough clues about.
Parts I marked:
page 118 - contemplating one's life in light of eternity / also, Madeline's peace and certain hope
page 176 - hypocrites in the church and where they need to be - "It's not the healthy people who need the hospital, you know."
page 292 - Drew saying "God, what does she want from me?" and then turning it into an actual prayer of seeking to God.
Friday, October 25, 2013
The End Is Just the Beginning: How I Survived the Death of My Only Child
by Michela Duplechain
friend's copy paperback 111 pages
genre: memoir, Christian encouragement
I don't think the friend who wholeheartedly recommended this book has actually read it. Although it is definitely a faith-focused book filled with encouragement from Scripture, I didn't find it compelling. The spelling and grammar errors were very distracting; I'm not sure if anyone actually edited this before it went to press. The author's primary audience is women who have had a child die; her secondary audience is women suffering from domestic abuse. Neither of these "spoke" to me. As she relates her own experience, the storytelling is disjointed, vague, and confusing. Did her son's father actually parent with her? Or was he also an abuser like her second husband (who killed her son Anthony). There are so many unanswered questions (in my mind). It is a great testimony of her faith and what God did in her life. My favorite part was her grandma coming over to her house and banging on the door. I would rather read the Bible than the time I spent reading this book, though.
friend's copy paperback 111 pages
genre: memoir, Christian encouragement
I don't think the friend who wholeheartedly recommended this book has actually read it. Although it is definitely a faith-focused book filled with encouragement from Scripture, I didn't find it compelling. The spelling and grammar errors were very distracting; I'm not sure if anyone actually edited this before it went to press. The author's primary audience is women who have had a child die; her secondary audience is women suffering from domestic abuse. Neither of these "spoke" to me. As she relates her own experience, the storytelling is disjointed, vague, and confusing. Did her son's father actually parent with her? Or was he also an abuser like her second husband (who killed her son Anthony). There are so many unanswered questions (in my mind). It is a great testimony of her faith and what God did in her life. My favorite part was her grandma coming over to her house and banging on the door. I would rather read the Bible than the time I spent reading this book, though.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Thief of Time
by Terry Pratchett
PRMS paperback 357 pages
genre: fantasy
This Discworld novel has been sitting at my house for over two years. I had enough time on the flight home from New York to read almost the entire thing. There were parts of it that I found extremely clever and enjoyable. There were times I just thought it was silly and pointless. I think I would have loved this book as a teenager . . . in some ways, it made me think of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Lu-Tze is a sweeper. Jeremy a clockmaker. Lobsang a gifted foundling. Susan a teacher. The nature of time and humanity are questioned. Odd, but good. I'm not going to continue reading this series, but at least now I have a sense of what it's like.
PRMS paperback 357 pages
genre: fantasy
This Discworld novel has been sitting at my house for over two years. I had enough time on the flight home from New York to read almost the entire thing. There were parts of it that I found extremely clever and enjoyable. There were times I just thought it was silly and pointless. I think I would have loved this book as a teenager . . . in some ways, it made me think of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Lu-Tze is a sweeper. Jeremy a clockmaker. Lobsang a gifted foundling. Susan a teacher. The nature of time and humanity are questioned. Odd, but good. I'm not going to continue reading this series, but at least now I have a sense of what it's like.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Light Between Oceans
by M.L. Stedman
personal hardcover 343 pages
genre: historical fiction, relationships
Where to begin? This was beautiful and painful. Tom Sherbourne has fought in WWI and come back alive to Australia. He becomes the lighthouse keeper out at remote Janus, a small island off the southwest coast. He falls in love with and marries Isabel, who suffers with three miscarriages. Then a boat comes to Janus with a dead man and a live baby. Tom wants to dutifully report it, but Izzy begs him to wait a day. The man is already dead and the baby needs to be cared for. Once the deception has begun, it leads places neither of them anticipate.
Jenifer gave this to me. I spilled coffee all over it. It dried, though it is brown and wrinkly. I cannot bear to get rid of it. It will live at the lake and be shared and re-read.
page 174 - After receiving a letter from his long-estranged father:
"It seemed a lifetime since Tom had spoken to this man. How it must have cost him, to write such a letter. That his father had made an attempt to contact him after their bitter separation was not just a surprise but a shock. Nothing seemed certain any more. Tom wondered whether his father's coldness protected a wound all along." The phrase "nothing seemed certain any more" really resonated for me. Those of us who make up our minds too quickly sometimes have to stop and consider possibilities we've not allowed into our minds.
page 225 - When Tom is put in prison:
"He cannot reconcile the grief he feels at what he has done and the profound relief that runs through him. Two opposing physical forces, they create an inexplicable reaction . . . " The mix of grief and relief seems so artistic yet very, very real. Beautiful.
page 253 - After Bluey visits Tom in the prison and he thinks about Isabel and Lucy:
"Then he remembered Ralph's words - 'no point in fighting your war over and over until you get it right.' Instead, he sought comfort in perspective: in his mind's eye, he mapped out on the ceiling the exact position the stars would be in that night, starting with Sirius, always the brightest . . . The precision of it, the quiet orderliness of the stars, gave him a sense of freedom. There was nothing he was going through that the stars had not seen before, somewhere, some time on this earth." I think this struck me because I find it so easy to get caught up in life's dramas, yet there really isn't anything new under the stars. For me as a Christian, trusting that God is in charge and I just need to have faith makes the cares of this world fade away.
page 323 - Hannah remembers a conversation with Frank:
"You only have to forgive once. To resent, you have to do it all day, every day. You have to keep remembering all the bad things." What a great perspective!
personal hardcover 343 pages
genre: historical fiction, relationships
Where to begin? This was beautiful and painful. Tom Sherbourne has fought in WWI and come back alive to Australia. He becomes the lighthouse keeper out at remote Janus, a small island off the southwest coast. He falls in love with and marries Isabel, who suffers with three miscarriages. Then a boat comes to Janus with a dead man and a live baby. Tom wants to dutifully report it, but Izzy begs him to wait a day. The man is already dead and the baby needs to be cared for. Once the deception has begun, it leads places neither of them anticipate.
Jenifer gave this to me. I spilled coffee all over it. It dried, though it is brown and wrinkly. I cannot bear to get rid of it. It will live at the lake and be shared and re-read.
page 174 - After receiving a letter from his long-estranged father:
"It seemed a lifetime since Tom had spoken to this man. How it must have cost him, to write such a letter. That his father had made an attempt to contact him after their bitter separation was not just a surprise but a shock. Nothing seemed certain any more. Tom wondered whether his father's coldness protected a wound all along." The phrase "nothing seemed certain any more" really resonated for me. Those of us who make up our minds too quickly sometimes have to stop and consider possibilities we've not allowed into our minds.
page 225 - When Tom is put in prison:
"He cannot reconcile the grief he feels at what he has done and the profound relief that runs through him. Two opposing physical forces, they create an inexplicable reaction . . . " The mix of grief and relief seems so artistic yet very, very real. Beautiful.
page 253 - After Bluey visits Tom in the prison and he thinks about Isabel and Lucy:
"Then he remembered Ralph's words - 'no point in fighting your war over and over until you get it right.' Instead, he sought comfort in perspective: in his mind's eye, he mapped out on the ceiling the exact position the stars would be in that night, starting with Sirius, always the brightest . . . The precision of it, the quiet orderliness of the stars, gave him a sense of freedom. There was nothing he was going through that the stars had not seen before, somewhere, some time on this earth." I think this struck me because I find it so easy to get caught up in life's dramas, yet there really isn't anything new under the stars. For me as a Christian, trusting that God is in charge and I just need to have faith makes the cares of this world fade away.
page 323 - Hannah remembers a conversation with Frank:
"You only have to forgive once. To resent, you have to do it all day, every day. You have to keep remembering all the bad things." What a great perspective!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Pop Princess
by Rachel Cohn
PRMS hardcover 311 pages
genre: YA romance, coming-of-age
I tried to get a middle schooler to read this and give me her opinion. She couldn't do more than a few chapters, deeming it "too girly." So I started it at lunch yesterday and finished it last night. Wonder Blake is 15 and working at Dairy Queen when her older sister's manager "discovers" her singing and dancing with a mop. Since Lucky was killed by a drunk driver two years earlier, the entire Blake family has been sleepwalking through life. Wonder's journey through life, including sudden pop princess stardom, is actually an interesting one. There are some romance readers who would definitely enjoy the relationships Wonder has in this book . . .
PRMS hardcover 311 pages
genre: YA romance, coming-of-age
I tried to get a middle schooler to read this and give me her opinion. She couldn't do more than a few chapters, deeming it "too girly." So I started it at lunch yesterday and finished it last night. Wonder Blake is 15 and working at Dairy Queen when her older sister's manager "discovers" her singing and dancing with a mop. Since Lucky was killed by a drunk driver two years earlier, the entire Blake family has been sleepwalking through life. Wonder's journey through life, including sudden pop princess stardom, is actually an interesting one. There are some romance readers who would definitely enjoy the relationships Wonder has in this book . . .
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Love, Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli
Hennepin County Library audioCDs, 6:20
read by Mandy Siegfried
This book bugged me . . . and I'm not sure why. Dootsie was a little brat, Stargirl was irritating, Perry was such a delinquent (though we finally find out what's up with him toward the end of the book). Spinelli definitely creates memorable characters, though. I found myself wanting to meet Arnold, Betty Lou, Alvina, and Charlie. The storyline of Stargirl writing a book-long letter to Leo back in Arizona just didn't work for me, though. I am not sure what kind of reader would most enjoy this book . . . and I kind of want to re-read Stargirl. I loved that book! Siegfried's voice work was nice, so I'm really not sure why this story bugged me so much.
Sigh. No idea when I wrote this . . . I probably read it at LEAST three years ago. I'm not very good at keeping track of things. That was the purpose of this blog. To keep track of the books I'm reading. That's why I don't want to use GoodReads. I want everything in one place so I can find it!
Hennepin County Library audioCDs, 6:20
read by Mandy Siegfried
This book bugged me . . . and I'm not sure why. Dootsie was a little brat, Stargirl was irritating, Perry was such a delinquent (though we finally find out what's up with him toward the end of the book). Spinelli definitely creates memorable characters, though. I found myself wanting to meet Arnold, Betty Lou, Alvina, and Charlie. The storyline of Stargirl writing a book-long letter to Leo back in Arizona just didn't work for me, though. I am not sure what kind of reader would most enjoy this book . . . and I kind of want to re-read Stargirl. I loved that book! Siegfried's voice work was nice, so I'm really not sure why this story bugged me so much.
Sigh. No idea when I wrote this . . . I probably read it at LEAST three years ago. I'm not very good at keeping track of things. That was the purpose of this blog. To keep track of the books I'm reading. That's why I don't want to use GoodReads. I want everything in one place so I can find it!
Banned Books Week
I read about this on: http://melissasbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/09/banned-books-week-meme.html and thought I'd try it.
Look through this list of most banned books. If you have read the whole book, bold it. If you have read part of the book, italicize it. If you own it but haven't gotten around to reading it yet, *** it.
-->The fact that some of those books were banned surprises me - others, not so much :)
Jeanne's note: Here's another blog entry that I started a long, long, long time ago, but didn't publish. Not sure when/why I thought I would make note of it.
1. The Bible
2. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
4. The Koran
5. Arabian Nights
6. Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
7. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
8. Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
9. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
10. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
11. The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
12. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe ***
13. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
14. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert ***
15. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
16. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
17. Dracula by Bram Stoker ***
18. Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin
19. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
20. Essays by Michel de Montaigne
21. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
22. History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
23. Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
24. Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
25. Ulysses by James Joyce
26. Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
27. Animal Farm by George Orwell
28. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
29. Candide by Voltaire
30. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
31. Analects by Confucius
32. Dubliners by James Joyce
33. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
34. Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
35. Red and the Black by Stendhal
36. Das Capital by Karl Marx
37. Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire
38. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
39. Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
40. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
41. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
42. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
43. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair ***
44. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque ***
45. Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx
46. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
47. Diary by Samuel Pepys
48. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway ***
49. Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
50. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
51. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak ***
52. Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
53. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
54. Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
55. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller ***
56. Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
57. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
58. Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
59. Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke
60. Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
61. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
62. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
63. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
64. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison ***
65. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
66. Confessions by Jean Jacques Rousseau
67. Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais
68. Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
69. The Talmud
70. Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau
71. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
72. Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence
73. American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
74. Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
75. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
76. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
77. Red Pony by John Steinbeck
78. Popol Vuh
79. Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith
80. Satyricon by Petronius
81. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
82. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
83. Black Boy by Richard Wright
84. Spirit of the Laws by Charles de Secondat Baron de Montesquieu
85. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
86. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
87. Metaphysics by Aristotle
88. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
89. Institutes of the Christian Religion by Jean Calvin
90. Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
91. Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
92. Sanctuary by William Faulkner
93. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
94. Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
95. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
96. Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
97. General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud
98. Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
99. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Alexander Brown ***
100. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
101. Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines
102. Émile Jean by Jacques Rousseau
103. Nana by Émile Zola
104. Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
105. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
106. Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
107. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
108. Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck
109. Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
110. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
111. Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
112. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
113. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
114. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
115. The Witches of Worm by Zilpha Keatly Snyder
Look through this list of most banned books. If you have read the whole book, bold it. If you have read part of the book, italicize it. If you own it but haven't gotten around to reading it yet, *** it.
Jeanne's note: Here's another blog entry that I started a long, long, long time ago, but didn't publish. Not sure when/why I thought I would make note of it.
1. The Bible
2. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
4. The Koran
5. Arabian Nights
6. Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
7. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
8. Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
9. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
10. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
11. The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
12. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe ***
13. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
14. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert ***
15. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
16. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
17. Dracula by Bram Stoker ***
18. Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin
19. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
20. Essays by Michel de Montaigne
21. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
22. History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
23. Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
24. Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
25. Ulysses by James Joyce
26. Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
27. Animal Farm by George Orwell
28. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
29. Candide by Voltaire
30. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
31. Analects by Confucius
32. Dubliners by James Joyce
33. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
34. Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
35. Red and the Black by Stendhal
36. Das Capital by Karl Marx
37. Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire
38. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
39. Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
40. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
41. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
42. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
43. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair ***
44. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque ***
45. Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx
46. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
47. Diary by Samuel Pepys
48. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway ***
49. Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
50. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
51. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak ***
52. Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
53. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
54. Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
55. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller ***
56. Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
57. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
58. Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
59. Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke
60. Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
61. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
62. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
63. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
64. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison ***
65. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
66. Confessions by Jean Jacques Rousseau
67. Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais
68. Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
69. The Talmud
70. Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau
71. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
72. Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence
73. American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
74. Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
75. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
76. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
77. Red Pony by John Steinbeck
78. Popol Vuh
79. Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith
80. Satyricon by Petronius
81. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
82. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
83. Black Boy by Richard Wright
84. Spirit of the Laws by Charles de Secondat Baron de Montesquieu
85. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
86. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
87. Metaphysics by Aristotle
88. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
89. Institutes of the Christian Religion by Jean Calvin
90. Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
91. Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
92. Sanctuary by William Faulkner
93. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
94. Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
95. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
96. Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
97. General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud
98. Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
99. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Alexander Brown ***
100. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
101. Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines
102. Émile Jean by Jacques Rousseau
103. Nana by Émile Zola
104. Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
105. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
106. Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
107. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
108. Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck
109. Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
110. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
111. Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
112. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
113. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
114. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
115. The Witches of Worm by Zilpha Keatly Snyder
The Pact
by Walter J. Roers
PRMS paperback 180 pages
genre: realistic historical fiction
I can't believe it took me so long to read this book! Erica uses it with our 8th grade LAX kids. It reads like a memoir - detailed, painfully real, relationships and events recounted so powerfully. I was sobbing by the end, even though I knew from reading students' assignments what happened. Michael is an average Minnesota kid growing up in the 1940s. His older brother Ron is always coming up with schemes for them to try. His baby sister Katy often needs comforting or watching. The new kid, Ricky, soon becomes his best friend. But his dad's drinking and rage dominates their lives even more than their mother's love. Powerful book! The power and pain of secrets runs strong in this first novel.
Here's another "draft" that I started many months ago . . . and I'm not sure why I didn't publish it. We had Roers come to visit last spring. Erica Penn's students had read The Pact. It was very interesting to visit with him and hear about his experiences growing up and how they shaped this book.
PRMS paperback 180 pages
genre: realistic historical fiction
I can't believe it took me so long to read this book! Erica uses it with our 8th grade LAX kids. It reads like a memoir - detailed, painfully real, relationships and events recounted so powerfully. I was sobbing by the end, even though I knew from reading students' assignments what happened. Michael is an average Minnesota kid growing up in the 1940s. His older brother Ron is always coming up with schemes for them to try. His baby sister Katy often needs comforting or watching. The new kid, Ricky, soon becomes his best friend. But his dad's drinking and rage dominates their lives even more than their mother's love. Powerful book! The power and pain of secrets runs strong in this first novel.
Here's another "draft" that I started many months ago . . . and I'm not sure why I didn't publish it. We had Roers come to visit last spring. Erica Penn's students had read The Pact. It was very interesting to visit with him and hear about his experiences growing up and how they shaped this book.
Pearl Buck in China
by Hilary Spurling
Hennepin County Library audioCds 9 discs
read by the author
genre: biography
Fascinating and enlightening. I have not read The Good Earth, but definitely want to now. I am amazed at how prolific Buck was as an author! Her personal story is interesting and sad to me. The author did a wonderful job of crafting a biography that is neither fawning nor overly critical. Her voice was odd, but it fit the story of Pearl Buck's life. I am interested in reading the stories she wrote about her parents - The Exile and ??? I don't remember. she had such an unusual childhood growing up in China and having a missionary father who seemed to care very little for his own family. Her divorce and marriage to her editor in the 1930s must have been very sensational indeed.
I started writing this many months ago and didn't realize I hadn't published it . . . on 10/13/13, I mostly remember this being very interesting while also quite sad. She was a very interesting person whose books had a huge impact on her audiences. I believe she truly loved China and wanted others to know what it was really like.
Hennepin County Library audioCds 9 discs
read by the author
genre: biography
Fascinating and enlightening. I have not read The Good Earth, but definitely want to now. I am amazed at how prolific Buck was as an author! Her personal story is interesting and sad to me. The author did a wonderful job of crafting a biography that is neither fawning nor overly critical. Her voice was odd, but it fit the story of Pearl Buck's life. I am interested in reading the stories she wrote about her parents - The Exile and ??? I don't remember. she had such an unusual childhood growing up in China and having a missionary father who seemed to care very little for his own family. Her divorce and marriage to her editor in the 1930s must have been very sensational indeed.
I started writing this many months ago and didn't realize I hadn't published it . . . on 10/13/13, I mostly remember this being very interesting while also quite sad. She was a very interesting person whose books had a huge impact on her audiences. I believe she truly loved China and wanted others to know what it was really like.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand
PRMS hardcover 406 pages plus notes
genre: biography
I have heard people rave about this book, but wasn't sure I'd really enjoy it that much. I did. I started listening to it as an audiobook, but had to return that to the public library. I checked out the print copy from my collection, but wasn't going to put it on the top of my reading pile. But I wanted to maintain the thread of the story I had been listening to, so I started reading a little bit before bed. Within a few days, I had finished the entire book. Amazing.
At the outset, I thought Louie Zamperini was a horrible miscreant. He was so naughty with stealing things, mouthing off, etc. Then as a runner, he had such incredible success! From his natural talent to his brother Pete's "training" him to push himself, what a great story. It's hard to think of what he could have become (as an athlete) if the war hadn't happened . . . but then, so many lives (millions of them!) were dramatically changed because of WWII. His experiences early in the war bugged me too - the cavalier way the men had toward safety boggles my mind. (Their behavior would NOT go over well in today's military, I think.)
His experiences as a Prisoner of War in Japan . . . sobering. I've never really known what that was like for our servicemen. It gives me a very different understanding of the Pacific Theatre and what our military was facing. It still doesn't make the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki "okay" in my mind, but I better understand the reasons.
Zamperini's personal story goes even beyond the incredible experiences through the end of the war. I am so glad that his wife convinced him to go! Praise God for getting his attention! What a cool and amazing book!
PRMS hardcover 406 pages plus notes
genre: biography
I have heard people rave about this book, but wasn't sure I'd really enjoy it that much. I did. I started listening to it as an audiobook, but had to return that to the public library. I checked out the print copy from my collection, but wasn't going to put it on the top of my reading pile. But I wanted to maintain the thread of the story I had been listening to, so I started reading a little bit before bed. Within a few days, I had finished the entire book. Amazing.
At the outset, I thought Louie Zamperini was a horrible miscreant. He was so naughty with stealing things, mouthing off, etc. Then as a runner, he had such incredible success! From his natural talent to his brother Pete's "training" him to push himself, what a great story. It's hard to think of what he could have become (as an athlete) if the war hadn't happened . . . but then, so many lives (millions of them!) were dramatically changed because of WWII. His experiences early in the war bugged me too - the cavalier way the men had toward safety boggles my mind. (Their behavior would NOT go over well in today's military, I think.)
His experiences as a Prisoner of War in Japan . . . sobering. I've never really known what that was like for our servicemen. It gives me a very different understanding of the Pacific Theatre and what our military was facing. It still doesn't make the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki "okay" in my mind, but I better understand the reasons.
Zamperini's personal story goes even beyond the incredible experiences through the end of the war. I am so glad that his wife convinced him to go! Praise God for getting his attention! What a cool and amazing book!
Friday, October 11, 2013
An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Jeff Woodman
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
This was not what I expected, but Green has again crafted a memorable story. Colin Singleton, child prodigy, has just been dumped by K-19 (the 19th girl named Katherine that he has dated) and he is pondering whether or not he matters. He and best friend (only friend, actually) Hassan Harbish convince their parents to let them take a road trip to help Colin through his anguish. They end up in Gutshot, Tennessee and get to know Lindsey Lee Wells. Colin's quirkiness (anagramming names and words on the fly) and Hassan's determination to be lazy make for an interesting friendship as Colin tries to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability. This probably won't appeal to my most ardent Green fans . . . but it's good for those bright kids who like something different.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Jeff Woodman
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
This was not what I expected, but Green has again crafted a memorable story. Colin Singleton, child prodigy, has just been dumped by K-19 (the 19th girl named Katherine that he has dated) and he is pondering whether or not he matters. He and best friend (only friend, actually) Hassan Harbish convince their parents to let them take a road trip to help Colin through his anguish. They end up in Gutshot, Tennessee and get to know Lindsey Lee Wells. Colin's quirkiness (anagramming names and words on the fly) and Hassan's determination to be lazy make for an interesting friendship as Colin tries to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability. This probably won't appeal to my most ardent Green fans . . . but it's good for those bright kids who like something different.
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Dinner with the Smileys: One Military Family, One Year of Heroes, and Lessons for a Lifetime
by Sarah Smiley
Hennepin County Library hardcover 359 pages
genre: Non-fiction memoir
What an amazing book! I had to mop up my tears more than once and the author was merely sharing honestly. It was not maudlin at all. She just shared her story of her husband being deployed for 13 months while she tried to maintain some normalcy for their three sons. The idea of inviting someone over for dinner each week to "sit in Dad's chair" while he was away started as almost a joke. But when it really came to fruition, it helped the family to mark the time with more focus on the here and now. The photos add so much to the story; it is only at the end of the book that we learn that her friend came to most of the dinners and took pictures. This is a wonderful read. I especially appreciate it as someone who doesn't have anyone near and dear to me in the military. What a difficult life! Her husband sounds like an amazing guy, and Sarah Smiley did an amazing job with her boys in his absence.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 359 pages
genre: Non-fiction memoir
What an amazing book! I had to mop up my tears more than once and the author was merely sharing honestly. It was not maudlin at all. She just shared her story of her husband being deployed for 13 months while she tried to maintain some normalcy for their three sons. The idea of inviting someone over for dinner each week to "sit in Dad's chair" while he was away started as almost a joke. But when it really came to fruition, it helped the family to mark the time with more focus on the here and now. The photos add so much to the story; it is only at the end of the book that we learn that her friend came to most of the dinners and took pictures. This is a wonderful read. I especially appreciate it as someone who doesn't have anyone near and dear to me in the military. What a difficult life! Her husband sounds like an amazing guy, and Sarah Smiley did an amazing job with her boys in his absence.
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Racing the Past
by Sis Deans
PRMS hardcover 151 pages
genre: realistic fiction
Ricky Gordon is a wonderful character with strengths and struggles. His father died when he drove off a road while drunk, and most people (including Ricky) think it's the best thing he ever did for his family. Trying to recover from the abusive alcoholic's treatment of his family, Ricky tries to look out for his brother and baby sister.
I really like this book. There is a lot going on for Ricky and his family as well as within his community. His walking to and from school (to stay away from a bully and fights) turns into running. Running opens doors for him and his future. This will be a great one for me to booktalk to "edgy" sixth grade boys . . . it has some swearing and somewhat intense content, but is relatively positive and easy to read.
PRMS hardcover 151 pages
genre: realistic fiction
Ricky Gordon is a wonderful character with strengths and struggles. His father died when he drove off a road while drunk, and most people (including Ricky) think it's the best thing he ever did for his family. Trying to recover from the abusive alcoholic's treatment of his family, Ricky tries to look out for his brother and baby sister.
I really like this book. There is a lot going on for Ricky and his family as well as within his community. His walking to and from school (to stay away from a bully and fights) turns into running. Running opens doors for him and his future. This will be a great one for me to booktalk to "edgy" sixth grade boys . . . it has some swearing and somewhat intense content, but is relatively positive and easy to read.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
The Juvie Three
by Gordon Korman
Carver County Library audiobook 5 discs
read by Christopher Evan Welch
genre: YA realistic fiction
Gecko, RJ, and Terrence went to prison for different reasons, but Douglas Healy saw something in each of them worth redeeming. He fought for a special halfway house to help them get out of juvenile detention (and in RJ's case, adult prison). What happens to the "boys" when they are with Healy would give away the story. Suffice it to say, I really dislike Terrence and his propensity for selfish choices. Gecko was my favorite and I loved RJ! This was a thoroughly enjoyable story without being too goody-goody (yet doesn't have a lot of the ugliness that so many edgy YA books have). Delightful! Welch did excellent vocal work on this!
Carver County Library audiobook 5 discs
read by Christopher Evan Welch
genre: YA realistic fiction
Gecko, RJ, and Terrence went to prison for different reasons, but Douglas Healy saw something in each of them worth redeeming. He fought for a special halfway house to help them get out of juvenile detention (and in RJ's case, adult prison). What happens to the "boys" when they are with Healy would give away the story. Suffice it to say, I really dislike Terrence and his propensity for selfish choices. Gecko was my favorite and I loved RJ! This was a thoroughly enjoyable story without being too goody-goody (yet doesn't have a lot of the ugliness that so many edgy YA books have). Delightful! Welch did excellent vocal work on this!
Skullcrack
by Ben Bo
PRMS hardcover 159 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction w/supernatural elements
A parent called last year to complain about her son reading this book. I talked to the student and found a different book for him to read. So now I have FINALLY read this, and I'm not sure what she was objecting to . . . did she think it was about drugs?
Jonah loves to surf. It's how he escapes his problems, and especially his alcoholic father. He has some weird visions and kids at school think he's crazy (like his dad). Megan tries to befriend him while her brother Billy taunts. His dad takes the money Jonah has earned working for Fergus on his boat and spends it all on alcohol. Worse, he tears up the only photo of his mother that Jonah had.
Sally
twins
The Bone Man
prophesying
Gaelic words, expressions
hurricane Edwin in Florida
Interesting book. Not especially well-written, but not horrible.
PRMS hardcover 159 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction w/supernatural elements
A parent called last year to complain about her son reading this book. I talked to the student and found a different book for him to read. So now I have FINALLY read this, and I'm not sure what she was objecting to . . . did she think it was about drugs?
Jonah loves to surf. It's how he escapes his problems, and especially his alcoholic father. He has some weird visions and kids at school think he's crazy (like his dad). Megan tries to befriend him while her brother Billy taunts. His dad takes the money Jonah has earned working for Fergus on his boat and spends it all on alcohol. Worse, he tears up the only photo of his mother that Jonah had.
Sally
twins
The Bone Man
prophesying
Gaelic words, expressions
hurricane Edwin in Florida
Interesting book. Not especially well-written, but not horrible.
Sweet Mercy
by Ann Tatlock
Carver County Library paperback 311 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Set during the Great Depression, this is a story of a teenager who strives to be the "good girl" she thinks her parents want. Her older sister Cassandra was a wild child, drinking, partying, and hanging out with the boys.
Ugh. Can't write a synopsis. Loved the book! Tatlock is a wonderful writer. Even seemed almost too innocent and pure, but it was realistic for the era . . . and in response to trying to be unlike an older sibling who went astray. Eve's black and white view of everything was part of what made the lesson of mercy come home in this book.
Link, Marcus, Jones, Annie and Moses, bootlegging, bands, raids . . . It was very fun to go see The Belmont Hotel show right after reading this.
Added 4 Dec 2013:
I had made some notes on a card after our book club discussion. Not much came of it . . .
- Al Capone - end of life conversion to Christianity? I didn't find anything that indicated he had repented and turned to Jesus before he died. I am not willing to invest a lot of time and energy looking, but I spent some time searching online and didn't come up with anything. There was an interesting story about what happened with his body and publicity hounds, though.
- Five and Twenty Law? Doesn't seem as though this was a real phenomenon. In the book, it sounded completely legit, but I can't find evidence of a law like this anywhere. Again, I didn't search exhaustively, but it certainly doesn't show up in the many keyword searches I tried.
- MN History Center? They have a new exhibit on Prohibition and I really want to go! I wonder if I should try to get Louie to go with me, or get the book club ladies to go.
- Killer who repented to Chuck Colson? Again, couldn't find it. In his many years of prison ministry, he probably heard lots of criminals repent and turn their lives over to Jesus. But in my looking online, I couldn't find a story that stood out. I think someone at book club had mentioned this.
Carver County Library paperback 311 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Set during the Great Depression, this is a story of a teenager who strives to be the "good girl" she thinks her parents want. Her older sister Cassandra was a wild child, drinking, partying, and hanging out with the boys.
Ugh. Can't write a synopsis. Loved the book! Tatlock is a wonderful writer. Even seemed almost too innocent and pure, but it was realistic for the era . . . and in response to trying to be unlike an older sibling who went astray. Eve's black and white view of everything was part of what made the lesson of mercy come home in this book.
Link, Marcus, Jones, Annie and Moses, bootlegging, bands, raids . . . It was very fun to go see The Belmont Hotel show right after reading this.
Added 4 Dec 2013:
I had made some notes on a card after our book club discussion. Not much came of it . . .
- Al Capone - end of life conversion to Christianity? I didn't find anything that indicated he had repented and turned to Jesus before he died. I am not willing to invest a lot of time and energy looking, but I spent some time searching online and didn't come up with anything. There was an interesting story about what happened with his body and publicity hounds, though.
- Five and Twenty Law? Doesn't seem as though this was a real phenomenon. In the book, it sounded completely legit, but I can't find evidence of a law like this anywhere. Again, I didn't search exhaustively, but it certainly doesn't show up in the many keyword searches I tried.
- MN History Center? They have a new exhibit on Prohibition and I really want to go! I wonder if I should try to get Louie to go with me, or get the book club ladies to go.
- Killer who repented to Chuck Colson? Again, couldn't find it. In his many years of prison ministry, he probably heard lots of criminals repent and turn their lives over to Jesus. But in my looking online, I couldn't find a story that stood out. I think someone at book club had mentioned this.
Lockdown (Escape from Furnace #1)
by Alexander Gordon Smith
PRMS paperback 290 pages
genre: YA horror
Alex Sawyer - thief, bully . . . NOT a killer, tried & convicted for the murder of his best friend Toby
Donovan - his cell mate, been in Furnace five years (for killing abusive father figure to prevent his mother's death)
Zee - went in with Alex, helped him once, planning with him to escape
Montgomery - went in with Alex and Zee, picked on by the Skulls
Gary - new "fish" - cruel, takes over the Skulls
After the horrible "Summer of Slaughter" when so many teenagers ran rampant and killed innocent people for no apparent reason, Furnace was built deep underground. "An underground hellhole. A place of pure evil with walls soaked in blood." The horrors of Furnace are part the reality of a really horrible prison and part the imagined horrors of supernatural creation. This book is intense (and part of me wants to keep reading the series . . . ). My favorite parts were when the guys talked about the importance of having hope. And the author interview at the end. What a fun individual!
PRMS paperback 290 pages
genre: YA horror
Alex Sawyer - thief, bully . . . NOT a killer, tried & convicted for the murder of his best friend Toby
Donovan - his cell mate, been in Furnace five years (for killing abusive father figure to prevent his mother's death)
Zee - went in with Alex, helped him once, planning with him to escape
Montgomery - went in with Alex and Zee, picked on by the Skulls
Gary - new "fish" - cruel, takes over the Skulls
After the horrible "Summer of Slaughter" when so many teenagers ran rampant and killed innocent people for no apparent reason, Furnace was built deep underground. "An underground hellhole. A place of pure evil with walls soaked in blood." The horrors of Furnace are part the reality of a really horrible prison and part the imagined horrors of supernatural creation. This book is intense (and part of me wants to keep reading the series . . . ). My favorite parts were when the guys talked about the importance of having hope. And the author interview at the end. What a fun individual!
Friday, September 27, 2013
Cause: Reconstruction America, 1863-1877
by Tonya Bolden
PRMS hardcover 121 pages
genre: non-fiction, history
I feel so ignorant of history! This was an interesting book about the period just after the Civil War. It is a bit disconcerting to think of what the Republicans and Democrats stood for at that point in U.S. history. It was also a very stark reminder that our country had some very serious problems (and that our modern view of things getting really bad is perhaps a bit skewed). It makes me sad to read about some of the ugly things done and to imagine what it would have been like to live (especially in the south) during that era. "Andrew Johnson" has never been a very key president in my mind, but his leadership definitely impacted our country in a powerful way. I can't help but wonder how things would have been different had Lincoln remained in office.
PRMS hardcover 121 pages
genre: non-fiction, history
I feel so ignorant of history! This was an interesting book about the period just after the Civil War. It is a bit disconcerting to think of what the Republicans and Democrats stood for at that point in U.S. history. It was also a very stark reminder that our country had some very serious problems (and that our modern view of things getting really bad is perhaps a bit skewed). It makes me sad to read about some of the ugly things done and to imagine what it would have been like to live (especially in the south) during that era. "Andrew Johnson" has never been a very key president in my mind, but his leadership definitely impacted our country in a powerful way. I can't help but wonder how things would have been different had Lincoln remained in office.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Beastly
by Alex Flinn
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Chris Patton
genre: YA romance, fantasy
Basically, it's the Beauty and the Beast story in modern NYC.
Liked: interesting enough to listen to, great narrator, happy-ever-after, literary allusions and references
Disliked: the "chat room" stuff with other creatures who've had transformations, generally a shallow story, Kyle's jerk personality dominating so much of the book
Now I know what kind of reader to recommend it to!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 discs
read by Chris Patton
genre: YA romance, fantasy
Basically, it's the Beauty and the Beast story in modern NYC.
Liked: interesting enough to listen to, great narrator, happy-ever-after, literary allusions and references
Disliked: the "chat room" stuff with other creatures who've had transformations, generally a shallow story, Kyle's jerk personality dominating so much of the book
Now I know what kind of reader to recommend it to!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
by John Boyne
PRMS hardcover 212 pages
genre: YA Holocaust fiction
I'm glad I *finally* read this book! Kids seem to love it a lot. It's often gone from my shelves.
Bruno is a nine-year-old boy who really doesn't understand a lot of things. Mistaking "Fuhrer" for "Fury" and "Auschwitz" for "Out-with," he can only relate to the fact that he and his family have had to leave their lovely home in Berlin so that his father can wear a fancy new uniform and be a Commandant. He doesn't understand the large fence next to his new home or why all the people living inside the fence are so skinny and wearing striped pajamas.
I feel silly saying this, but the ending took me a bit by surprise. I wonder if kids reading this book understand the true horrors of the Holocaust, or if Bruno's naive view somehow softens the reality. This would be interesting to do for book club.
PRMS hardcover 212 pages
genre: YA Holocaust fiction
I'm glad I *finally* read this book! Kids seem to love it a lot. It's often gone from my shelves.
Bruno is a nine-year-old boy who really doesn't understand a lot of things. Mistaking "Fuhrer" for "Fury" and "Auschwitz" for "Out-with," he can only relate to the fact that he and his family have had to leave their lovely home in Berlin so that his father can wear a fancy new uniform and be a Commandant. He doesn't understand the large fence next to his new home or why all the people living inside the fence are so skinny and wearing striped pajamas.
I feel silly saying this, but the ending took me a bit by surprise. I wonder if kids reading this book understand the true horrors of the Holocaust, or if Bruno's naive view somehow softens the reality. This would be interesting to do for book club.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Smiles to Go
by Jerry Spinelli
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 discs
read by Conor Donovan
genre: YA realistic fiction, relationships, family
Although there were some things that were very likable about this book, the irritating behavior of five-year-old Tabby made me not able to appreciate them. She is absolutely horrid in her behavior and her parents are benign figures who just take everything in stride. Protagonist Will Tuppence is definitely a bit too rigid in how he deals with everything in his life (including his little sister), but this story fell flat for me. Will and his best friends Mi-Su and BT are navigating the waters of teenage life, but the friendship dynamic is an odd one with these personalities.
My favorite part: Will getting advice from five-year-old neighbor Korbet.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 discs
read by Conor Donovan
genre: YA realistic fiction, relationships, family
Although there were some things that were very likable about this book, the irritating behavior of five-year-old Tabby made me not able to appreciate them. She is absolutely horrid in her behavior and her parents are benign figures who just take everything in stride. Protagonist Will Tuppence is definitely a bit too rigid in how he deals with everything in his life (including his little sister), but this story fell flat for me. Will and his best friends Mi-Su and BT are navigating the waters of teenage life, but the friendship dynamic is an odd one with these personalities.
My favorite part: Will getting advice from five-year-old neighbor Korbet.
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Bigfoot Boy: Into the Woods
by J. Torres and Faith Erin Hicks
PRMS paperback 100 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy adventure
Quick. Fun. Rufus is left at his grandma's house, where he escapes her soap operas by following neighbor girl Penny into the woods. He finds a totem necklace and when he says the word on it, Sasquatch, he turns into one. A "younger" more innocent graphic novel.
PRMS paperback 100 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy adventure
Quick. Fun. Rufus is left at his grandma's house, where he escapes her soap operas by following neighbor girl Penny into the woods. He finds a totem necklace and when he says the word on it, Sasquatch, he turns into one. A "younger" more innocent graphic novel.
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Creed's Honor
by Linda Lael Miller
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 CDs
read by: Jack Garrett
genre: romance
Speaking of romance, WHY do I continue to sample them? The protagonist, Tricia McCall, is too wishy-washy. The relationship progression goes: attraction, first kiss, hot sex, first date. What?! Conner Creed is gorgeous, smart, etc. and yet is available. His twin brother Brody has recently returned home, but they have bad history between them.
Redeeming qualities? Not as trashy as some other romance writing. But I know why some people refer to romance novels as "pornography for women." The storytelling was weak. What happened between Brody & what's-her-face to make Conner think his brother betrayed him and caused the two to not talk for over a decade? Why did Tricia stay in a "relationship" for a year and a half with a guy she almost never communicated with? Because he's "safe"? Really? Her great-grandmother vacates her house within a few days once she has decided to move to Denver. Really?
This just didn't work for me. And the romance wasn't. Romantic, I mean. Tricia was just too pathetic for me.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 CDs
read by: Jack Garrett
genre: romance
Speaking of romance, WHY do I continue to sample them? The protagonist, Tricia McCall, is too wishy-washy. The relationship progression goes: attraction, first kiss, hot sex, first date. What?! Conner Creed is gorgeous, smart, etc. and yet is available. His twin brother Brody has recently returned home, but they have bad history between them.
Redeeming qualities? Not as trashy as some other romance writing. But I know why some people refer to romance novels as "pornography for women." The storytelling was weak. What happened between Brody & what's-her-face to make Conner think his brother betrayed him and caused the two to not talk for over a decade? Why did Tricia stay in a "relationship" for a year and a half with a guy she almost never communicated with? Because he's "safe"? Really? Her great-grandmother vacates her house within a few days once she has decided to move to Denver. Really?
This just didn't work for me. And the romance wasn't. Romantic, I mean. Tricia was just too pathetic for me.
The Moon and More
by Sara Dessen
Hennepin County Library hardcover 435 pages
genre: YA romance, coming-of-age
Better than the Colasanti stuff, but still not my cup of tea! Emaline has been dating the gorgeous Luke since the two were freshman. Ready to enjoy her last summer before college, Emaline gets caught up in a wave of emotions surrounding her relationship with her biological father, ambitious Theo, and her friends and family members.
My favorite parts involved Clyde, the mysterious artist about whom Theo and his obnoxious film-making boss are pursuing a story.
Predictable, but definitely a better story than other YA romances.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 435 pages
genre: YA romance, coming-of-age
Better than the Colasanti stuff, but still not my cup of tea! Emaline has been dating the gorgeous Luke since the two were freshman. Ready to enjoy her last summer before college, Emaline gets caught up in a wave of emotions surrounding her relationship with her biological father, ambitious Theo, and her friends and family members.
My favorite parts involved Clyde, the mysterious artist about whom Theo and his obnoxious film-making boss are pursuing a story.
Predictable, but definitely a better story than other YA romances.
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a man who would cure the world
by Tracy Kidder
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Paul Michael
genre: non-fiction
later!
I finished this a week ago, but the impact it left on me is strong. I had never heard of Dr. Paul Farmer before this story. He is undoubtedly an exceptional person who has not allowed barriers to stop his work in improving health care for Haitians and others. His methodology and philosophy are not acceptable to everyone, however. He can come across as arrogant and self-important. He certainly doesn't hesitate to criticize anyone who disagrees with him.
Yet . . . who of us has worked so tirelessly to help others? His compassion for the poor and frustration with the disparities of rich vs. poor access to health care is very real. He has truly made a difference.
I think this author did an amazing job of capturing and relating the different facets of Farmer's personality, philosophy, and work. I would love to read more of Kidder's work; I think he's a gifted author.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Paul Michael
genre: non-fiction
later!
I finished this a week ago, but the impact it left on me is strong. I had never heard of Dr. Paul Farmer before this story. He is undoubtedly an exceptional person who has not allowed barriers to stop his work in improving health care for Haitians and others. His methodology and philosophy are not acceptable to everyone, however. He can come across as arrogant and self-important. He certainly doesn't hesitate to criticize anyone who disagrees with him.
Yet . . . who of us has worked so tirelessly to help others? His compassion for the poor and frustration with the disparities of rich vs. poor access to health care is very real. He has truly made a difference.
I think this author did an amazing job of capturing and relating the different facets of Farmer's personality, philosophy, and work. I would love to read more of Kidder's work; I think he's a gifted author.
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
sub-sub titled "Supercharge your mental circuits to beat stress, sharpen your thinking, lift your mood, boost your memory and much more."
by John J. Ratey, M.D. with Eric Hagerman
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by ??? The author, I believe
genre: non-fiction self-help
Must blog later - just realized how late I am!
Later (8/30/13) - started several days ago . . . and am now finishing.
This book was very interesting. The author cited a lot of research that correlates aerobic exercise with mental wellness. He covered the impact of exercise on depression, dementia, addiction, stress, ADHD, etc. My favorite parts were the school-related findings and how exercise can decrease the negative impacts of stress. Now if only I could get it in gear and start moving!
by John J. Ratey, M.D. with Eric Hagerman
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by ??? The author, I believe
genre: non-fiction self-help
Must blog later - just realized how late I am!
Later (8/30/13) - started several days ago . . . and am now finishing.
This book was very interesting. The author cited a lot of research that correlates aerobic exercise with mental wellness. He covered the impact of exercise on depression, dementia, addiction, stress, ADHD, etc. My favorite parts were the school-related findings and how exercise can decrease the negative impacts of stress. Now if only I could get it in gear and start moving!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The Raft
by S.A. Bodeen
PRMS hardcover 231 pages
genre: YA survival story
This is a good one for kids who like quick reads. Robie is flying from her aunt's home in Honolulu to her parents on Midway Island when the plane goes down. A lot of the story is about this relatively shallow (IMO) teenager and how she reacts to situations. But there are some neat undercurrents that result in a fun ending. I enjoyed it and can easily recommend it to middle schoolers who like suspense. As Carol Scheffler said, "There are so few survival stories with female protagonists."
PRMS hardcover 231 pages
genre: YA survival story
This is a good one for kids who like quick reads. Robie is flying from her aunt's home in Honolulu to her parents on Midway Island when the plane goes down. A lot of the story is about this relatively shallow (IMO) teenager and how she reacts to situations. But there are some neat undercurrents that result in a fun ending. I enjoyed it and can easily recommend it to middle schoolers who like suspense. As Carol Scheffler said, "There are so few survival stories with female protagonists."
Eleanor and Park
by Rainbow Rowell
Hennepin County Library hardcover 325 pages
genre: YA relationships
Leslie Geissler told me "You HAVE to read this book!" I'm so glad she did. It was a bit hard to get past the use of the F-word (for me), but it was such an incredible story of two people who find friendship, then love, after being misfits for a long time. Eleanor is a very poor girl who wears strange clothing and has flaming red hair. She's not petite. Park is an Asian American who is quite attractive, but not typically masculine. They are wonderful characters to get to know. I need to buy this one for my collection.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 325 pages
genre: YA relationships
Leslie Geissler told me "You HAVE to read this book!" I'm so glad she did. It was a bit hard to get past the use of the F-word (for me), but it was such an incredible story of two people who find friendship, then love, after being misfits for a long time. Eleanor is a very poor girl who wears strange clothing and has flaming red hair. She's not petite. Park is an Asian American who is quite attractive, but not typically masculine. They are wonderful characters to get to know. I need to buy this one for my collection.
Blue Moon Bay
by Lisa Wingate
Hennepin County Library paperback 377 pages
genre: Christian fiction
"For Seattle architect Heather Hampton, a trip back to tiny Moses Lake, Texas, is hardly in the plan. Yet because a promotion hinges on the sale of the family farmland, Heather heads to the last place she ever watned to go. She's determined to return home, signed contract in hand, the next day."
This was a wonderful book! Maddening at times - I actually had to set it aside for a bit - the relationships and characters were engaging. I empathized with Heather while I thought she should work on her communication skills. There was some mystery at the end, and of course everything works out. Some of these people wasted 16 years not resolving issues, though.
I hadn't heard of this author before. Book Club should be fun!
9/1/13
Book club WAS fun! It's always a joy to hear other people's opinions. I already took my post-it flags out of the book, but I marked sections where Heather expressed her love for her brother Clay, where she compared Clay's attitude to having faith, where she remembers her father talking about accepting Jesus and the way he loved unconditionally . . . there were a lot of good parts in this book. I mostly didn't like how her family kept secrets from her. We also had a good conversation about parents being partial to one child over another. How can people do that?
Hennepin County Library paperback 377 pages
genre: Christian fiction
"For Seattle architect Heather Hampton, a trip back to tiny Moses Lake, Texas, is hardly in the plan. Yet because a promotion hinges on the sale of the family farmland, Heather heads to the last place she ever watned to go. She's determined to return home, signed contract in hand, the next day."
This was a wonderful book! Maddening at times - I actually had to set it aside for a bit - the relationships and characters were engaging. I empathized with Heather while I thought she should work on her communication skills. There was some mystery at the end, and of course everything works out. Some of these people wasted 16 years not resolving issues, though.
I hadn't heard of this author before. Book Club should be fun!
9/1/13
Book club WAS fun! It's always a joy to hear other people's opinions. I already took my post-it flags out of the book, but I marked sections where Heather expressed her love for her brother Clay, where she compared Clay's attitude to having faith, where she remembers her father talking about accepting Jesus and the way he loved unconditionally . . . there were a lot of good parts in this book. I mostly didn't like how her family kept secrets from her. We also had a good conversation about parents being partial to one child over another. How can people do that?
Spinal Cord Injury and the Family
by Dr. Michelle J. Alpert and Saul Wisnia
Hennepin County Library paperback 329 pages
genre: non-fiction
This is an amazing book - so much so that I'm ordering my own copy off Amazon. It is informative, positive, and has lots of examples from different people's lives. It covers an incredible range of issues for SCI individuals and their families.
I also liked (but not nearly as much) - Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury. I didn't read a lot of it, but it was definitely informative and had helpful graphics.
I absolutely could not get much out of a third book I got at the same time. I've already returned it and don't remember the title, but it was written by two doctors who are apparently unaware that lay people do not have their medical knowledge.
Added 2/6/14
I finished reading all of SCI and the Family. What an incredibly well-written book. The authors are compassionate, helpful, realistic, and encouraging. They talk about physical issues, parenting, sexuality, dating, and different types of relationships. I'm glad I read this. I hope that it reaches a large audience of people who have been affected by SCI.
Hennepin County Library paperback 329 pages
genre: non-fiction
This is an amazing book - so much so that I'm ordering my own copy off Amazon. It is informative, positive, and has lots of examples from different people's lives. It covers an incredible range of issues for SCI individuals and their families.
I also liked (but not nearly as much) - Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury. I didn't read a lot of it, but it was definitely informative and had helpful graphics.
I absolutely could not get much out of a third book I got at the same time. I've already returned it and don't remember the title, but it was written by two doctors who are apparently unaware that lay people do not have their medical knowledge.
Added 2/6/14
I finished reading all of SCI and the Family. What an incredibly well-written book. The authors are compassionate, helpful, realistic, and encouraging. They talk about physical issues, parenting, sexuality, dating, and different types of relationships. I'm glad I read this. I hope that it reaches a large audience of people who have been affected by SCI.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Deeply Odd
by Dean Koontz
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by David Aaron Baker
genre: paranormal adventure, mystery
This one actually had me wondering what would happen to Odd. It was so very dark in places . . . I still like the very first Odd Thomas book the best. This one was hard to listen to in places with the demons and the evil. I liked Edie Fischer, though thought her unusual addition to Odd's life to be a bit too coincidental. I liked the interactions with Alfred Hitchcock's ghost, though I still prefer Elvis Presley - again, the first story is best! This is a new release, but I'm already anticipating the next installment. I haven't ever read any other Koontz books, but I love this character. As always, Baker does an excellent job voicing it.
Bugged me: repetitions. I understand Koontz including info from other stories to "catch" readers up if they haven't read the other Odd Thomas books, but he repeated within this book. For example, Odd explaining Stormy's interpretation of the afterlife to Mrs. Fisher and then again to Alfred Hitchcock. It gets old! It was fun to read some of the reviews on Amazon. I should pay more attention to my writing! But as always, this blog is just my spot to record my reactions. I liked this book a lot.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by David Aaron Baker
genre: paranormal adventure, mystery
This one actually had me wondering what would happen to Odd. It was so very dark in places . . . I still like the very first Odd Thomas book the best. This one was hard to listen to in places with the demons and the evil. I liked Edie Fischer, though thought her unusual addition to Odd's life to be a bit too coincidental. I liked the interactions with Alfred Hitchcock's ghost, though I still prefer Elvis Presley - again, the first story is best! This is a new release, but I'm already anticipating the next installment. I haven't ever read any other Koontz books, but I love this character. As always, Baker does an excellent job voicing it.
Bugged me: repetitions. I understand Koontz including info from other stories to "catch" readers up if they haven't read the other Odd Thomas books, but he repeated within this book. For example, Odd explaining Stormy's interpretation of the afterlife to Mrs. Fisher and then again to Alfred Hitchcock. It gets old! It was fun to read some of the reviews on Amazon. I should pay more attention to my writing! But as always, this blog is just my spot to record my reactions. I liked this book a lot.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Ask the Passengers
by A.S. King
Hennepin County Library hardcover 293 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age, GLBTQ
Astrid Jones isn't sure of a lot of things. Feeling unloved (by her parents, friends, etc.), she sends her love to the airplanes that pass overhead as she lies on the picnic table in her back yard. Her "best friend" Kristina is popular and cute in the small town culture of Unity Valley. Her dad gets stoned. Her mom is a perfection / control freak. Her little sister Ellis just wants to fit in. Her co-worker Dee is sometimes too aggressive, but Astrid loves kissing her. Her philosophy class is really challenging her to think about truth, life, and her paradox: Nobody's perfect.
My favorite scene: when Astrid and Ellis finally talk to one another about life toward the end of the book.
I didn't like this one quite as much as Everybody Sees the Ants, but King is an amazing writer who captures the thoughts and moods of teenagers. The small-mindedness and gossip of this small town will resonate with lots of kids.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 293 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age, GLBTQ
Astrid Jones isn't sure of a lot of things. Feeling unloved (by her parents, friends, etc.), she sends her love to the airplanes that pass overhead as she lies on the picnic table in her back yard. Her "best friend" Kristina is popular and cute in the small town culture of Unity Valley. Her dad gets stoned. Her mom is a perfection / control freak. Her little sister Ellis just wants to fit in. Her co-worker Dee is sometimes too aggressive, but Astrid loves kissing her. Her philosophy class is really challenging her to think about truth, life, and her paradox: Nobody's perfect.
My favorite scene: when Astrid and Ellis finally talk to one another about life toward the end of the book.
I didn't like this one quite as much as Everybody Sees the Ants, but King is an amazing writer who captures the thoughts and moods of teenagers. The small-mindedness and gossip of this small town will resonate with lots of kids.
Friday, August 02, 2013
Pendragon: the Lost City of Faar
by D.J. MacHale
personal copy paperback 386 pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
Like: Cloral, Spader, Faar, reading it rather than listening to it as an audiobook
Dislike: ponderous storytelling style, Mark being a wuss about Andy Mitchell the bully and not telling Courtney about the problems with him and the journals until the end, the author's use of outdated slang terms . . .
I don't think I'll continue with this series. I just don't enjoy his writing style (especially compared with Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series which are super-quick and engaging reads).
personal copy paperback 386 pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
Like: Cloral, Spader, Faar, reading it rather than listening to it as an audiobook
Dislike: ponderous storytelling style, Mark being a wuss about Andy Mitchell the bully and not telling Courtney about the problems with him and the journals until the end, the author's use of outdated slang terms . . .
I don't think I'll continue with this series. I just don't enjoy his writing style (especially compared with Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series which are super-quick and engaging reads).
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