My Head Is Full of Books

Juxtaposition

2012-02-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is defined as an instance of placing close together or side by side, for the purpose of comparison or contrast.

I can't help it. I find myself doing it all the time. If I read two books in close time proximity one often suffers due to its juxtaposition to the other. That is what happened to the Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. It is a good book with a strong message of the importance of family and not "going it alone." But the books suffers in comparison to other books I've recently completed, The Fault in Our Stars (John Green), and Why We Broke Up (Daniel Handler.) These books are so good, the characters so flushed out, the setting so realistic, and the writing so spectacular that almost any other book would not compare favorably.

So what is a book blogger to do? What do you do? Is there any way to avoid making comparisons between books when writing reviews? Or do comparisons actually help make the reviews more helpful? All three of the books that I mentioned above deal with teenagers in crisis, trying to make sense of their lives, and all of the teens show growth along the way. Though the stories are vastly different, they do have quite a bit in common, too. If you were to ask me which is my favorite, or if I would rank them 1-2-3, I could tell you easily.

Share your thoughts.

Sunday Salon...Feb 5

2012-02-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

Family doings: Daughter #1, her fiance, his mother, and I have been wedding cake testing the past two weeks. The final decision was made Friday. They will have two choices..1. Pink/marble champagne cake with white butter cream frosting for the tiered and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for the sheet cakes. Yum!

Daughter #2 attended the Tour de Nerdfighting event in Seattle with her nerdfighter friends. If you don't know about John Green, Nerdfighting, and Vlogbrothers this is a very good article about this author and his following. Tour de Nerdfighting in Austin.

Movie of the week: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close created from the book by Jonathan Safran Foer. Wonderful (but very sad.) I think it was very close to book and well worth the money to see it.

Audiobook I'm listening to: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. This is my second Dessen book and I like it but think it is too long for this format.

Book finished this week: The Notorious Benedict Arnold: a True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery by Steve Sheinkin. A middle-grade biography of America's most infamous traitor.

I'm reading: Henry Tilney's Diary by Amanda Grange. A Jane Austen retelling of Northanger Abbey.

Lists I am making: Things I need to do in preparation for Jane Austen Week in my library Games, trivia, which DVD to show, prizes, and treats. I have developed quite a following for this week among the students over the years. I hope I am creating new Austen fans, but I actually think they like it because I allow them to eat their lunch in the library! Ha!

Scripture lesson in church: Luke 4:1-4 ¹ Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. ³ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

I'm praying for: a friend's son and his wife. They are struggling to learn how to use their money and talents wisely.

Around the house: I had to "dehair" the vacuum yesterday before I could get to the floors. I will put out a few Valentine decorations today while the hubby is watching the Super Bowl.

From the kitchen: Super Bowl menu (it's just the two of us): Crab! We bought several pounds of crab legs last year and it has been languishing in our freezer. Our kids won't eat it, so, since they aren't home, this is a perfect time to finish it off. Want to join us?

On the Web: Stephen Colbert---Defense Against Planned Parenthood. Very funny in light of all that happened this week with Planned Parenthood and Susan G. Koman.

A favorite quote this week: Allen: You learned to dance like that sarcastically? Terry: Yeah, I guess.---Will Ferrell in the movie The Other Guys.

Book Review: The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

2012-02-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

As Americans we all know that Benedict Arnold is one of our more famous traitors from the Revolutionary War period of our history. But how much do you actually know about the man and his treachery? After reading The Notorious Benedict Arnold: a True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery by Steve Sheinkin I came to realize that I knew basically nothing except that he was a traitor. I didn't even know that before he was a turn-coat he was considered an American hero. I love it when I read a book that is not too textbookish and learn something along the way.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: a True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery just won the 2012 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. I read it as part of my own challenge to read all the 2012 ALA YA Award books. Without that challenge it is doubtful that I would have read this excellent biography because YA/Middle Grade biographies aren't my go-to books to read for enjoyment. But I am awfully glad I did. I learned a lot about, not only about Benedict Arnold and his motivations, but also about the beginning years of our nation. I was amazed to learn that it really was a series of near-misses that led to Arnold's downfall and this possibly led to a renewed vigor among American's to fight for their freedom. It read like an action/adventure novel not a stuffy biography. Holy cow, fascinating stuff.

This said, I won't be purchasing this book for my high school library. Why? I think this book is more geared toward the bottom end of YA students or what I consider Middle Grade students (Grades 5-8) and our US History classes start right after the Civil War. But I will definitely hold it in mind as an excellent biography of a notorious/infamous American.

Join me in reading the 2012 ALA Award Winners Challenge
(Read books highlighted in yellow.)

YA Titles

1. Michael L. Printz Award

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

2. Schneider Family Book Award (Living with disability)

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

3. Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences (Pick one of ten, see full list here:)

The Lover's Dictionary, by David Levithan (1/8/11)

4. Margaret A. Edwards Award (Read one by winning author:)

Susan Cooper

5. Mildred L. Batchelder Award (Translation)

Soldier Bear by Bibi Dumon Tak, translated from Dutch

6. Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award (GLBT)

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright

7. William C. Morris Award

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

8. YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery, by Steve Sheinkin (2/4/12)

9. Odyssey Award (audiobook)

Rotters by Daniel Kraus, read by Kirby Heyborne

10. Pura Belpre Author Award (Latino author)

Under the Mesquite, by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Friday blogs...

2012-02-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read

Feature and Follow Friday, February 2, 2012

Featured Blogs: Omnom Books. Congratulations to my new friend Down Under! Nice blog!
and Progress and Procrastination which hadn't updated her page by the time I looked at it.

Question of the Week: Define what characteristics your favorite books share.

I look for books that are well-written with lots of descriptions and realistic/strong dialogue. (Think: Shipping News by Annie Proulx; Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns.)
I tend to lean toward YA books that deal with Teen Angst issues. If this book has a bit of romance, then I will be pleased. (Think: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, or Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handley.)
For me to really enjoy an adult book, I must learn something or be swept up in the story and the language within. (Think: Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery; Fragile Beasts by Tawni O'Dell.)
I attempt to avoid, at all costs, books that are formulaic and trite.

Top Ten Book Club Selections

2012-01-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Tuesday asks: "What books would make good book Club selections?

Every year I put out a list of my book club selections from the past year. Check out my 2010 and 2011 lists.
Here are a few books that worked really well in my book clubs over the past few years in terms of the level of discussion that the book generated:

Historical Fiction
1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett---Civil rights, 1960s
2. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan---the late 1940s in the deep South, racial tension
3. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese---set in Ethiopia during its civil war in the late 1960s.
4. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See---during the 1800s in China, about the lives of women and foot-binding.
5. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Annie Burrows---set on the island of Guernsey which was occupied by the Nazis during WWII.
6. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan---Frank Lloyd Wright and his affair with Maima Bostwick
7. Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks---A village beset by the plague in Derbyshire.
8. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant---The story of women during Biblical times.
9. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen---A traveling circus and its cast of characters.

Nonfiction
1. The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan--- the beginning of the Forest Service and National Forests and a fire that nearly brought it all down.
2. Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand---The great American race horse.
3. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson---The Chicago Worlds Fair at the turn of the century juxtaposed to a mass-murderer in the same area.
4. The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan---The American Dust Bowl during the Great Depression.
5. American Nightingale by Bob Welsh---about the first American nurse to die in Europe after D-Day

YA/Children's Books (for Adult Book Groups!)
1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak---WWII inside Germany.
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie---the divided life of an Indian on and off the reservation. Very funny and poignant.
3. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan---set during the Great Depression about the plight of Mexican laborers.

It's Monday, January 30 and I'm reading...

2012-01-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Sheila at Book Journey

I'm Reading:

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin---a middle-grade biography of American's most famous traitor. This book won the YALSA Nonfiction Prize this year.

A Death at Pemberley by P.D. James---Elizabeth Bennett Darcy involved in a murder mystery? Why not?

I recently finished:

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler--- another award-winning YA novel that is both funny and poignant; anyone who has ever had their heart broken should read this wonderful book.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green---this book may very well end up on my all-time-favorites list. I love it.

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann---I listened to this YA mystery/horror novel on audiobooks and thought it was really well done.

Fragile Beasts by Tawni O'Dell--- can't wait to discuss this book with my club. This is a wonderful story of love, loss, and redemption.

I'm listening to:

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen--- this is my second Dessen book and it is shaping up fine.

What's Up Next:

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater---I am very excited to get started on this award-winning love story.

Henry Tilney's Diary By Amanda Grange---next week is Austen Week in my library. I'd like to get to this book before then!

Review: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

2012-01-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.

Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped. ---Goodreads

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler is the book that anyone who has ever been dumped and had their heart broken wishes that they could write. It is the last letter and the exclamation point at the end of that letter. It says what the heartbroken one always wants to say but never has the chance. It is a rant, a prayer, a song, a final goodbye. It contains the tears and the laughter and a "how-could-you" all wrapped up in one document. It is a powerful reminder that all of us, no matter how artsy, or creative, or different we are, want to be loved and to feel special.

Last week Why We Broke Up won a Printz Honor for excellence in YA lit and, in my opinion, deserved it. The first thing I noticed about the book is that it is heavy. It looks like a typical YA novel until you actually pick it up and the thing weighs a ton. Okay, so I am exaggerating, but it really is quite heavy because it has all of the special paper required for all the creative art work. As Min writes her letter to Ed of why they broke up, there is a corresponding drawing of the item she is also returning. Maira Kalman is the artist and I loved her whimsical and colorful paintings. Handler writes like a teenager speaks so there are often long, run-on sentences and odd phrasings that would make me pause and go back for a re-read. A few times I wasn't sure what Min was talking about or what just happened, which would also cause me to back up and try again. But instead of being put-off by this, I was charmed. The book was fresh and creative. It was poignant and funny in turn. I am so glad that I read it and I hope you find your way to it, too.

The back cover is filled with little quips from other YA authors about a time they had their heart broken like this one by Holly Black:

"The first boy I fell in love with didn't know I loved him, but he managed to break my heart anyway."

Ed and Min's story of heartbreak may remind you of your own heartbreak stories, it did for me. Here is mine:

My college boyfriend broke up with me at the end of a college term but then had to drive me the 30 miles to my parents home. I cried all the way. When he dropped me off and drove off to return to Portland I knew I would never see him again. The next day I left for Europe. From there I wrote him the most pathetic letter. If I could I wouldn't do anything different except the pathetic letter. I'd spare myself that embarrassment.

Got a heartbreak story you are willing to share? Do so in the comment section. Thanks.

Top Ten Historical Novels

2012-01-23T23:08:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Historical Novels (in random order):

1. Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally---Based on the true WWII story of the holocaust hero Oskar Schindler.

2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys---Stalin's reign of terror with the relocation of thousands of people from the Baltic States to Siberia. (YA)

3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett---set in the deep South during the Civil Rights era. This book should be required reading for all Americans.

4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak---WWII in Germany. This book is powerful. (YA)

5. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith---Set in the early 1900s about an Irish-American-immigrant story. Exquisite.

6. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly---at least the French Revolution parts of the book were fascinating. (YA)

7. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay---Set in South Africa prior to the dissolution of apartheid.

8. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh--- Set in the decadent 1920s in Britain.

9. Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns---I know I always put this book on just about every list I can. This one is set in the early 1900s in a small town in America.

10. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell--- Civil War and the old South.

As usual, I feel like I am missing some good ones. I'll sleep on it and amend my list tomorrow.Ah, a good sleep and I've thought of some others...

11. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant---set in Biblical times about the lives of women during those times.
12. The Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks---set in Britain during the middle ages about a community beset with the bubonic plague. It is based on an actual historical event.
13. The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland---Artemisia Gentileschi was a post-Rennaissance artist that gained fame during her lifetime. This is her amazing story.
14. The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig---set in the American West in the early 1900s. the story centers around a one-room school house.
15. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides--- an immigrant family from Armenia living in the Detroit area during the late 1960s.

2012 Mock Printz Results

2012-01-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

Mock Printz 2012 Results

You may be wondering why I am reporting the results of my Mock Printz Workshop on the very day that the American Library Association reported the results of the actual Printz Award winners.

Here's why...

My Mock Printz Workshop was scheduled for last Thursday, January 19th but school was canceled for three days due to snow and ice. When I got back to school today I had to make contact with all 50 of the student participants and tell them that the workshop would be after school today. Amazingly around 25 kids were able to attend on such short notice. For two hours we debated, voted, and came up with this list as our

Mock Printz slate:

GKHS Mock Printz Award:

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Honor Books:

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

After we discussed, debated, and finally decided on our slate we went on-line to check the actual Printz award list of books. It had a chilling effect on us since there was only one book on the that list that we had even read. It was like all the air went out of our balloon. Out of 15 books on our original list we only read one of the winners. Ugh.

Here is the link to the Press Release from the ALA about their awards:

Sunday Salon...Jan. 22

2012-01-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Japanese Maple covered in ice

This willow was so covered with ice that is fell over, only the deck saved it from breaking.

The Weather: This week has been all about the weather and none of it was good. It snowed several times (Sunday through Wednesday) and then freezing rain fell on top of the snow and covered everything with about a half inch of ice (Wednesday and Thursday.) We went into a deep freeze. We lost electric power for over a day. We were cold and had to hunker down in the dark.

Family doings: We did what we needed to do to stay warm and create light. The storm ended yesterday and it started to warm up but our power wasn't restored until last night. Today my husband went out to survey the storm damage. Almost all of our trees sustained damage with limbs that fell off due to the heavy weight of the ice. Five of the trees lost the crown branch but will survive, one tree lost all of it's branches and we will have to replace it. It has been a day of mourning. We love our yard and our trees.

I'm listening to: Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Book finished this week: 1. His Dark Endeavors by Kenneth Oppel; 2. The Future of Us by Asher and Mackler; 3. Fragile Beasts by Tawni O'Dell

I'm reading: 1. Dancing with Mr. Darcy: Stories Inspired by Jane Austen; 2. Death Comes to Pemberley by PD. James. (Guess it is winter since I am reading Austen retellings!)

One good thing about storms: I got lots of reading done. With no power, I was not tempted and couldn't watch TV or spend time on the computer. My husband and I also finished two jigsaw puzzles and we played lots of dominoes as a family. (We did get cabin fever, though.)

Scripture lesson in church: Matthew 2:13 ^"When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

I'm praying for: Myself. That I can have a more encouraging spirit.

Around the house: I cleaned out the pantry cupboard where I store candles today as I was putting them away. I threw away one garbage bag of old junk. That feels good.

From the kitchen: Anything that could be heated on the stove top by gas because our oven requires electricity. I figured out how to steam the pesto fish I planned on baking. It was OK that way.

On the Web: Clever Household Storage Ideas...you have got to take a look. This is so clever. If you didn't look at it last week, look now!

A favorite quote this week: "Seattlites are snow wimps." Kim Murphy, LA Times. Oh, yeah, Ms. Murphy. You try living in this ugly storm and see if you think we are such wimps!

Icemaggedon...Day Two of Weird Weather in the Northwest

2012-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I reported on Snowmaggedon in the Northwest, weird weather that paralyzes our whole area. Well, today, day two, is worse. I am calling it Icemaggedon. Freezing rain is falling on the snow causing sheets of ice on everything. The snow looks like it has a pretty sheen on it until you get close and realize that it is a layer of ice about a 1/4 inch thick. If you look closely at my photos you see ice on every little branch/twig of the trees. The tree in the first picture is bent over with the weight of the ice. News reports today are of cars in ditches, accidents everywhere, and the SEA-TAC airport is closed. My whole family is staying home from work and school today. Now we keep our fingers crossed that the power stays on!

PS...Soon after I posted these pictures on Thursday we lost power and didn't get it back until late on Friday. In the meantime the ice was wreaking havoc on our poor trees. We would step outside and you could just hear snaps and pops as tree branches were breaking under the weight of all the ice. All of our trees are damaged, hopefully all will survive though I'm not sure they will look good.

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

2012-01-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!!!!

Before I even finished the novel I turned to my daughter and said, "I think that this is quite possibly my favorite book...ever." "But Mom, you haven't finished the book yet and you've cried throughout." Pish-posh. I can use up a box of tissues and still love a story. And, boy, there is a lot of story to love.

No spoilers, I promise.

First, this book is so John Green. If you are a Nerdfighter or have watched John on Vlogbrothers with his brother, Hank, you know that he makes up words and then uses them over and over. He also makes fun of words and the way they are misused, like the oft misuse of the word literally. It is one of his very endearing qualities. In this novel his characters do the same thing. Here is a quote that touches on this:

'That is why I like you. Do you realize how rare it is to come across a hot girl who creates an adjectival version of the word pedophile? You are so busy being you that you no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.' -p.123

In a lot of ways this beautiful love story is about life and death is also about the power of literature, both prose and poetry. I love that! I love it when characters recite poems to each other or quote from great works of literature, even if one of those great works doesn't exist. After Hazel recited a portion of a poem, Augustus says:

"I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you." p.153

Lastly, among the many, many things I like about this story, both Hazel and Augustus have wonderful and attentive parents. So many YA books are full of absent, awful or ignorant adults. My college daughter was also reading The Fault in Our Stars at the exact same time as me. When I asked if she had used as many tissues as me she thought not. "I think it is a Mother thing," she told me. Maybe so, but I doubt it. I bet other readers will be as profoundly touched by this book as me.

Check out John Green reading the first chapter of The Fault in Our Stars here: Enjoy.

I don't normally buy copies of books for myself, preferring to check them out from libraries. While reading this library copy I decided to buy my own The Fault in Our Stars.

Snowmaggedon in the Northwest

2012-01-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

For those of you in other parts of the world you may not understand how crippling snow events are in the Northwest. Schools are canceled, government agencies are closed, people are encouraged to stay off the roads...for good reason, I might add. We have so many hills around here anyone driving has a good chance of ending up in a ditch. In fact, I saw a news account of five cars in a ditch just this morning. It becomes like "snowmaggedon" around here. In order to celebrate my own snow day I am staying in, reading The Fault in Our Stars, drinking coffee, and finally writing those Christmas "Thank You" letters. I LOVE SNOW DAYS!

Top Ten Books I Recommend to People Who Don't Usually Read YA Lit

2012-01-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hosted by The Broke and Bookish

Here are ten Young Adult books that I often recommend to people who don't usually read them:

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak...Set during WWII in Germany. This book is clutch-the-book-to-chest good. I have yet to meet a person who hasn't liked it.

2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie...considered to be semi-autobiographical, Alexie let's us in on the what life is like on the reservation and how difficult it is to leave. The book is both funny and poignant. Kids love it and so do all the adults I know who have read it.

3. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork...adults who work with kids can really appreciate this novel about a boy who has some form of autism and how difficult it is for him to cope in the "real world." I also like Stork's other book, The Last Summer of the Death Warriors, but I think Marcelo has more crossover appeal.

4. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow...adults who have read this book about terrorism and technology have really appreciated the modern day threats they pose to our society.

5. Tamar by Mal Peet...also set during WWII with flash-forward scenes to today. This one is about the Dutch Resistance.

6. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly...part historical fiction, part murder mystery this book is very well written. My adult book group read this book a few years ago and the women really liked it a lot.

7. Looking for Alaska or Paper Towns by John Green...I know that John Green is not for everyone but for adults who want to understand a bit more about the teen psyche there is no better writer out there than Green. I actually love all of his books, these two just happen to be my favorites.

8. Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins...most adults want to know what teens are reading and they are reading dystopian novels right now thanks for Collins and her Hunger Games series. All the teachers at my school who have read at least the first book tell me how much they liked it.

9. Nothing by Janne Teller...there is something so disturbing about this book and it's message. I think all adults should read it and then talk to kids about it.

10. Going Bovine by Libba Bray...I actually haven't recommended this book to many adults but I think that English teachers should read it since it is so many literary allusions in it and it crammed full of symbolism. If I was a College professor, I'd make my students read it just so that I could talk about it over and over again. Besides the fact, the book is flat out genius.

It's Monday, January 16 and I'm reading...

2012-01-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Sheila at Book Journey

I'm Reading:

Fragile Beasts by Tauni O'Dell...this is one of my book club selections for this month. I am madly trying to finish up by tomorrow. The writing is superior and the plot line is unique and captivating.

I recently finished:

The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan...a nonfiction book. I like the author and find his writing very accessible. I also enjoyed listening to Patrick Lawlor, the reader for this audiobook. The events behind the book are so depressing. How could people survive with what they had to go through?

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler...Very cute. The storyline is that two friends download an AOL disc onto the new computer and Facebook pops up. Only problem, Facebook hasn't been invented yet.

I'm listening to:

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel...the prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It is definitely dark and brooding but I am enjoying it.

What's Up Next?

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green...It arrived Friday and I can't wait to get started.

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann...next up in audiobooks. The cover makes it sound like a scary mystery.

Sunday Salon...Jan. 15

2012-01-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

Sunday Salon---January 15, 2012

Muffy in the snow. It's not that deep, she's got short legs.

It's snowing in the Northwest...a rarity.

Family doings: Daughter #1 is with her fiance playing in the snow near Mt. Rainier. Daughter #2 is in Seattle where it isn't snowing much. Don and I took the dog for a short walk in the snow, otherwise we are hunkering down indoors. We did get all the Christmas decorations completely put away. Yea!

I'm listening to: His Dark Endeavors by Kenneth Oppel. It is the "prequel" to the Frankenstein story. My daughter and husband have finished with it and now it is my turn!

Book finished this week: 1. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. 2. The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan about the Dust Bowl in the 1930s.

I'm reading: Fragile Beasts by Tawni O'Dell. Loving it!

Lists I am making: Not really a list but I am already planning how I am going to spend the day tomorrow which is a school holiday and I'll be home alone.

Scripture lesson in church: Micah 5:4: "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth."

I'm praying for: My nephew.

Around the house: As mentioned above, we have finally de-Christmased the house and put out a few decorations celebrating snow.

From the kitchen: We socialized with several couples for dinner last night and made Lava Cakes for dessert. They were a big hit. Yum.

On the Web: Clever Household Storage Ideas...you have got to take a look.

A favorite quote this week: from the I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.:
" I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today." Read more here

2011 Best Book Club Discussion Books

2012-01-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am in two book clubs. Out of the 24 books I read here are my favorites. I am basing my decision on these criteria: readability, value to me (did I learn something new?), and the discussion that the book generated. Please let me know the titles and authors of books you have used in your book clubs that meet these criteria. We are always looking for good discussion books. Thank you.

1. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese...set in Ethiopia starting in the 1960s this book had me from page one. It looks daunting at over 500 pages but it was pure pleasure to both read and discuss. We discussed this book last January and I knew at that time that this would be my favorite book of the year, and I was right. I think it was the favorite of all gals in my club, too.

2. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan...set in Mississippi in the 1940s, post WWII, when heroes of the war come home they had to face racism and discrimination. This book gave us a lot to discuss and to think about. We were all so disturbed by the truth behind the story.

3. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson...Memories define us. What if every time you went to sleep you would wake with no memory of the previous day? That was Christine's reality. The book, which is a bit of an un-funny 50 First Dates, has a very sinister side and a compelling mystery. We all enjoyed the book and had a lively discussion.

4. Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali by Kris Halloway...a nonfiction account of Ms. Halloway's Peace Corp experience working with a midwife in a village in Mali. The story was both revealing and heart-breaking. Our club had much to discuss and digest as we learned life in rural Africa and the hardships that most women face in their culture.

5. The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan...another nonfiction selection this book was about a huge forest fire in the early 1900s, the beginning of the Forest Service and the progressive politics of Teddy Roosevelt. We all learned a lot and had fun comparing notes of what we knew about the events prior to reading the book. I almost overdosed on the book, though. I attended three book club discussions on it and a special event with the author.

6. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan...events from the lives of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney and their clandestine affair. The book beautifully mingles facts and fiction. We were all captivated by the story and had lots to discuss and debate. Many felt little sympathy for Mamah because she left her children to be with Frank. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend it.

7. Evidence of Things Unseen by Marianne Wiggins...The love story of Ray and Opal set against happenings of the first part of the 20th Century. I loved and hated this book in equal measure. The story was interesting and compelling. The writing, however, really frustrated me as Wiggins did not use typical literary conventions like quotations marks for dialogue. I would find myself having to read the book slower and reread sections to follow along. Others in my club liked this book better than I did. We all fell in love with the lovers in the tale, however.

8. Lottery by Patricia Wood...a young man, Perry, who has an IQ of 76, wins the lottery. This is the story of how his life changed and all the disreputable characters who wanted to get their hands on the money. The book was an easy, simplistic read but we had a spirited discussion that was just downright fun.

9. Faith by Jennifer Haugh...both a mystery and indictment of the Catholic Church scandal this book gave us plenty to contemplate and discuss. It certainly gave us a chance to stop and realize that for every headline about the Catholic priests and their scandals we probably never heard both sides of the story.

!0. Crashing Through: A Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See by Robert Kurston... Mike May was blinded at age three and then at age 40 had an operation to restore his eyesight. This book recounts his journey both before and after that surgery. I don't think anyone particularly liked the book but the scientific information in the book was fascinating about vision especially related to the ability to recognize faces and other items in our environment. The gal who was to led the discussion asked, "What did you think of the book?" That was the only question she had to ask. We all had so much to say. This was by far the best discussion we had on a book this year.

2011 Most popular books in GKHS library list...with notes

2012-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

2011 Most Popular Books in the GKHS Library

	Title	Genre
	1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho	Allegory (Summer read-12th)
	2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins	Dystopian (2^nd book in series)
	3. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins	Dystopian (1^st book in series) (Summer read- 11th)
	4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins	Dystopian (3^rd book in series)
	5. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher	Realism
	6. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld	Dystopian (1st book in series) (Summer read -10th)
	7. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys	Historical Fiction (Mock Printz list)
	8. The Maze Runner by James Dashner	Dystopian (1^st book in series)
	9. Blink and Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones	Mystery (Mock Printz list)
	10. Stolen by Lucy Christopher	Realism
	11. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness	Magical realism (Mock Printz list)
	12. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld	Dystopian (2^nd book in series)
	13. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater	Paranormal Romance (1^st book in series)
	14. Graceling by Kristin Cashore	Fantasy (1^st book in series)
	15. Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol	Graphic Novel (Mock Printz list)
	16. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto	Paranormal romance
	17. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick	Paranormal Romance
	18. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld	Steam Punk (1^st book in series)
	19. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson	Romance
	20. Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld	Steam Punk (2^nd book in series)
	21. Queen of Water by Laura Resau	Historical/Cultural fiction (Mock Printz list)
	22. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater	Paranormal Romance (2^nd book in series)
	23. Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard	Realism (Mock Printz list)
	24. Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow	Historical fiction (Mock Printz list)
	25. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor	Fantasy (Mock Printz list)
	26. Divergent by Veronica Roth	Dystopian

Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

2012-01-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

Authors I wish could write more books/plays...

1. Jane Austen...I love all of her novels and her book fragments. Oh, what I'd give to have even a few more of her books to read and place in my Jane Austen book rotation.

2. Harper Lee...I realize that To Kill a Mockingbird is just about the perfect novel. Wouldn't it be lovely if she gave us another one?

3. Shakespeare...I have this funny little fantasy about being the person who locates a previously unknown Shakespeare play. Wouldn't that be awesome?

4. Olive Ann Burns...You may not have heard of her, Ms. Burns only wrote one book before she died but it was a good one...Cold Sassy Tree. She wrote part of the sequel before she died and it just whet my whistle for more. Alas it is not to be.

5. Emily Bronte...The author of Wuthering Heights died before she had a chance to write another masterful, Gothic novel. I actually like the book written by her sister Charlotte better. Jane Eyre is one of my favorites but I don't feel like I have any room to complain about not having enough from Charlotte when I haven't read any of her other novels.

6. JK Rowling...she is such a fabulous author, surely she has more books in her. We want more. We want more. We want more!

Hmmm. Can't think of any others right now. I hope to be inspired by others' lists!

2011 Cybils Finalists for Young Adult Fiction are...

2012-01-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Cybils: Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Awards have announced their 2011 finalists.

I am really delighted with this list and will include reviews if I have read the book.

Cybils for Young Adult Fiction, the finalists are:

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins---a debut author with a touching romance/coming-of-age story set in Paris. Read my review here.

Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys---historical fiction set in Stalin's Russia about a family deported from Lithuania to Siberia. This book is absolutely riveting. Read my review here.

Bunheads by Stephanie Flack---I've only recently become aware of this novel about the lives of ballerinas who have to give up nearly everything else to pursue a career in dance.

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King--- I really like this quirky book about a bullied boy, his dysfunctional family, and dreams of his grandfather who was MIA in Vietnam. This book gave me a lot to think about and the ending is hopeful. My review is here.

Frost by Marianna Baer---this is the first I have heard of this psychological and paranormal suspenseful book. Since my students are often looking for "scarey" books I will look in to purchasing it for my library.

Leverage by Joshua Cohen---"Told in two distinct, believable voices, this story about an unlikely friendship between a mouthy gymnast and a quiet football player wowed panelists in every possible way: muscle, heart and mind. It deals with bullying and abuse." We decided to not include this book in our Mock Printz list of books this year because of the explicit rape scene, but in sounds like we should have. Several boys have told me that they think the book is very good. It's time for me to read it and see for my self.

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach---This one has been on my list of books to read for a while now. I've ordered it for the library but it hasn't arrived. It sounds like just the type of book that boys like to read. "Both funny and heartbreaking, Stupid Fast drops readers into 15-year-old Felton's mind as he replays the events of the summer that changed his life."

Click on the links for the 2011 Finalists in all the categories:
Book Apps
Easy Readers & Early Chapter Books
Fantasy & Science Fiction (Middle Grade)
Fantasy & Science Fiction (Young Adult)
Fiction Picture Books
Graphic Novels
Middle Grade Fiction
Nonfiction for Middle Grade & Young Adult
Nonfiction Picture Books
Poetry
Young Adult Fiction

Winners will be announced on February 14th.

Time to get reading!

Sunday Salon...Jan.8

2012-01-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday Salon---January 8, 2012

Happy New Year!

Family doings: My family helped my father-in-law celebrate his 80th birthday yesterday. We drove down to Portland, Don's brother and sister-in-law drove up from Grants Pass, and several other family members came from as far away as Texas. It was a very special day.

I'm listening to: Two different books on CD, obviously not at the same time: The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan about the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. It is very interesting but also depressing. My family and I listened to half of His Dark Endeavors by Kenneth Oppel last night. It is the "prequel" to the Frankenstein story. We didn't finish the CDs on our tip home so now we are all going to have to take turns listening to the last few CDs as we drive to and from work this week.

Book finished this week: The Death Cure by James Dashner, the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy.

I'm reading: The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler.

Lists I am making: Books I read for book clubs last year and which ones were my favorites. I hope to sort that out and make a blog post on that soon.

Scripture lesson in church: Mark 14:28 "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

I'm praying for: The family of the park ranger who was murdered on Mr. Rainier this week. She had two children ages two and four.

Around the house: The house is still in a "state" as Christmas is only half undone. Ugh.

From the kitchen: My youngest daughter was home so I taught her how to make Eggplant Parmesan. We used lowfat cheese which wasn't as good as the regular fat kind but otherwise it was yummy as usual.

On the Web: Banished Words for 2012.

A favorite quote this week: When we were telling stories family stories at Chet's 80th birthday He said that he always told his sons that he didn't want to hear about them playing in the mines around their house. To which my husband replied, "That's right, dad, you never did hear about us playing in the mines." (They lived in an old gold-mining community.)

Snapshot Saturday...Jan. 7

2012-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by At Home with Books.

In honor of the University of Oregon Ducks, who won the Rose Bowl against University of Wisconsin earlier this week, I am posting a photo taken at a Duck game earlier in the season by my cousin. The photo is of me and my husband at Autzen Stadium waiting for the game to begin. My parents have season tickets and we sit with them and my cousin and his wife. It is a lot of fun to socialize and be part of the college football experience.

Review: The Death Cure

2012-01-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

My. My. My.

The Death Cure by James Dashner is the final book in the Maze Runner trilogy and, as I said in an earlier blog post, I had a really tough time getting any traction reading it. After devouring both of its predecessors I could barely make myself read more than a few pages per sitting. That is until I reached the last 50 pages and then I tore through it at break-neck speed. Right up to the epilogue I had no idea how things were going to work out. And there was that pesky book title: "The Death Cure." Did it mean what I thought it meant? I was pondering this question all the way up to the last chapter. Talk about stringing the reader along. Ha!

Hmmm.m.m.m.m.

So overall, what did I think of The Death Cure? In a lot of ways I think this book suffered in comparison to the first two books in the trilogy, like Mockingjay wasn't as good as the first two Hunger Games books. It had moments of brilliance and the ending was powerful but the majority of the book didn't live up to the hype. But that doesn't mean that overall I didn't like it. In fact, I think the flavorful taste I have in my mouth from the last bite of this book will stay with me longer than my memory of the slowness I experienced at the beginning. If you have read Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials, by all means grab this book and find out how it all works out.

And. And. And.....

The prequel to this series, The Kill Order, is due out in August. You had better believe that I will be one of the first in line to get it.

Happy reading!

Review: Cloaked by Alex Flinn

2012-01-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

My family and I listened to the audiobook of Cloaked by Alex Flinn on a recent holiday car trip and it was a joy to share the experience together. My husband was a bit skeptical that he wouldn't like the book since it a YA book and a fairy tale to boot. But the story sucked us all in and soon we were all laughing together and guessing what would happen next as we merrily drove along. In fact, at one point in the trip I was in another car, so my husband and daughters listened without me. When I rejoined them everyone was very excited to tell me what I had missed.

Alex Flinn, the author of the very popular book Beastly, said that he wanted to create a story using more obscure fairy tales, ones that didn't have a movie about them. Cloaked is set in modern times but it is also a mash-up of over five fairy tales, many I'd never even heard of before. What fun! It did make for zany scenes and magical events. But that just increased the charm of this very family-friendly book. I think this book will appeal to preteens through adults.

Check out the trailer and I think you'll get the idea of what a fun, different book Cloaked is:

Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012

2012-01-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Here is my list of books I am looking forward to reading in 2012. Some have not been published, but most are just books I am eager to read and I haven't gotten to yet. (The list is in random order.)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green---I'm on the countdown for this book which is set to come out next week.
Insurgent by Veronica Roth---sequel to Divergent a very good, exciting dystopian novel by a debut author. Due out May 1st.
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini---I am on the list at the public library for the audio version of this book. I checked yesterday. I am currently 46th in line. It will be months before I get a chance to listen to this one.
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore--- the third book in the Graceling series. I was enthralled by Graceling and its prequel, Fire. This is due out in May.
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler---I have this book in my hot little hands and won't let go until I read it.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson---Amy and Roger's Epic Detour was one of my favorite reads from last summer. It is now one of the most popular books in my library with older girls. Is this a sequel or a story that stands on its own? I don't know but I hope to find out in May.
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake---one of my colleagues raves about this book so I must check it out.
Stick by Andrew Smith---students who have read this return it with glowing reports.
Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James---This was the only book I asked for Christmas. As an unashamed Jane Austen fan I am looking forward to this book more than any others on my list.
???---The great unknown book. Every year there is some book that I absolutely love that I stumble upon. What book will it be this year?

It's Monday, January 2 and I'm reading...

2012-01-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm Reading:

The Death Cure by James Dashner...the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy. For some reason I can't seem to get any traction on this book. I really, really like its two predecessors, so I must bear down and I'm sure I will find my rhythm.

I'm listening to:

I recently finished:

Cloaked by Alex Flinn...a very cute, family-friendly, modern fairy tale. This one had me smiling, laughing, and hanging on the edge of my seat.

What's Up Next?

Fragile Beasts by Tauni O'Dell...this is one of my book club selections for this month. I have heard wonderful things about this book and can't wait to get started.
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler...My youngest daughter read this over the holiday break and she really liked it. I think I will read it myself before I make it available to my students. (One of the perks of the job!)

Best books for teens 2011

2012-01-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

The Kirkus Reviews just posted their top 30 best books for teens. Talk about a freak out for me. I try so hard to stay on top of the best of the best when it comes to YA Lit, yet I've only read 9 of the books on the list while I've never even heard of 17 books of them. Here is the first 12 on the list. Go to Kirkus Reviews for the other 18.

ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD

by Kendare Blake

ANYA'S GHOST

by Vera Brosgol

ASHFALL

by Mike Mullin

BEAUTY QUEENS

by Libba Bray

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY

by Sepetys Ruta

BLACK & WHITE

by Larry Dane Brimner

BLINK AND CAUTION

by Tim Wynne-Jones

BOOTLEG

by Karen Blumenthal

BROOKLYN BURNING

by Steve Brezenoff

BUNHEADS

by Sophie Flack

CHIME

by Franny Billingsley

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE

by Laini Taylor

This is the first 12 books on their list. Hop over to the Kirkus Reviews Website for the full list.

My Favorite 2011 YA Novels

2012-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

My favorite YA novels of 2011

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglass Adams
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
Jane by April Lindner
Blink and Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King
Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Cathrynne M. Valente
Cloaked by Alix Flinn
Boom! by Mark Haddon
Swim the Fly by Don Calone

2011 End of Year Survey

2011-12-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

The Perpetual Page-Turner

1. Best Book You Read In 2011?

Adult Fiction: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
YA Fiction: Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey; A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness; Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Nonfiction: The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan
Audiobook: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglass Adams, read by Stephen Fry

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman---The story was all over the place and not enough about the actual cookbooks!
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen---This was my first Dessen novel and I liked the book OK but wanted to be blown away.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster---Yes, I know everyone read this in Elementary school except me. But honestly this book is so fabulous everyone should reread it with some regularity.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (YA)
Stolen by Lucy Christopher (YA)
Blink and Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

Tiffany Aching (Discworld) by Terry Pratchett---I read Hat Full of Sky and want to read the whole series now.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss)
Lucy Christopher (Stolen)
Blythe Woolston (Freak Observer)
Terry Pratchett (Discworld series)

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

My comfort zone must be enlarging because I can't really identify any book I read that was too far outside it.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness---I am a big Ness fan and I was very eager for this book. It is fabulous, too!

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

11. Most memorable character in 2011?

Karou in Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
Charlie Bucklin and Jeffrey Lu in Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
Zaphod Beeblebrox in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Adams
Tiffany Aching in Hat Full of Sky by Pratchett
Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?

Professionally: Brain Rules by John Medina; Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Literature: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan; The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Making by Cathrynne M. Valente

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?

Anne of Green Gables
The Phantom Tollbooth
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Giver
The Lord of the Flies

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." ---Douglass Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
"For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen. " ---Douglass Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
“You must never feel badly about making mistakes ... as long as you take the trouble to learn from them. For you often learn more by being wrong for the right reasons than you do by being right for the wrong reasons.” -Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?

The Phantom Tollbooth. I am going to reread this every five years! (For sure!)

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling /Dying To Talk To Somebody About It?

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

18. Favorite review that you wrote in 2011?

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

19. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

The All-Pierce County Reads Book Event for The Big Burn by Timothy Egan. Hosted by the Pierce County Library system, Timothy Egan spoke about writing The Big Burn and what he learned along the way. I attended this with my husband and his excitement really rubbed off on me.

20. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My review of the book Stolen
Favorite Holiday Books, a Top Ten posting.

21. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

I always hope that my book reviews will draw more attention than they seem to but sometimes I am shocked when I only get a comment or two on a review like the one I wrote for for Jane by April Lindner.

22. How did you do on reading challenges or goals?

I had a successful year with my reading challenges. Take a look at my update here.

Looking Ahead...
23. Books You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
Stick by Andrew Smith
Blood Red Road by Moira Young
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

24. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (#3 in The Seven Kingdoms series) [May]
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green [January]

25. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

I am making a commitment to writing my book reviews within 24 hours of finishing the book.
Complete my challenges, whatever they are. (I haven't signed up for any of them yet!)

Snapshot Saturday... Dec. 31

2011-12-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by At Home with Books.

Last day of 2011.

For your viewing enjoyment here is a picture of me with Bookman,

a sculpture made out of books located on the Washington State University campus. My daughter attended college there. This picture was taken after a UO/WSU football game a few years back. Notice my spirit gear.

Top Books of 2011

2011-12-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

Hosted at The Broke and Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday:

The favorite books I read in 2011 (in alphabetical order)

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson---the best romance/travel book of the year. (YA)
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery---Everyone told me that I would love this classic and they were right. (YA)
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys---I will be shocked if this book doesn't win some YA Book award this year it is that good. (YA)
The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan---of all the books I read this year I had more activities around this book which included three book club discussions and attending a program where the author spoke about the book. This was my husbands favorite book of the year. (Nonfiction)
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese---this is the book I tell my friends to read if they ask me for a recommendation.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor---this is clutch-the-book-to-chest good. (YA)
A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett---this is the first book I have read in the Discworld series and my first by this amazing author. (YA)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglass Adams---this book is seriously one of the funniest books I have ever read in my life; a natural for a cult following. I am now in that cult!
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot---this book and the topic of immortal cells is fascinating. (Nonfiction)
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey---this coming-of-age, mystery, historical, romance has it all. Not an easy book to read but so rewarding.
The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan---written in the style of a dictionary I was captivated by it's style and sparseness.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness---this book defies categorization. Just read it and you'll see why it is n my list of top books for the year.
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan---similar to the very popular The Help, this book looked racism square in the eyes. It was an excellent book club selection.
Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster---I know the target audience for this book is a lot younger than me, but I am seriously in love with this book and think everyone should read every five years or so for life. (Junior)
Stolen by Lucy Christopher---this was a Printz Honor book winner. Something about this book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. (YA)

What were your favorite books of 2011?
Sign up for my challenge: Read the 2012 ALA YA Award Books.

2012 ALA YA Award Books Challenge

2011-12-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

A. Read the 2012 ALA YA Book Award Winners
(List of books will be announced January 21, 2012 during the ALA Midwinter meeting. I will post a copy of the winners here at that time.)

B. Copy the list(s) below to your own blog, indicate which books you've read and post links to your reviews as you read them or one final summary at the end of the year.

C. Deadline: December 31, 2012.

D. Levels:
Beginner---Read one book for each category= 10 books
Learner---Read more than one book in each category (the award book + at least one honor book)= 11-19
Expert--- Read as many books as you can in each category= 20-?

For the full list go to the American Library Association. See the award winners below.

YA Award Titles

1. Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

2. Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience. The teen (ages 13-18) award winner is:

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

3. Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author for significant and lasting contribution to YA Lit
(Pick one book by this author)

Susan Cooper

4. Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding YA book translated from a language other than English and subsequently published in the United States.

Soldier Bear by Bibi Dumon Tak, translated from Dutch

5. Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award -young adult book of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered experience

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright

6. William C. Morris Award for a debut book by a first-time author writing for teens

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley (or choose one of the honor books: Girl of Fire and Thorns; Paper Covers Rock; Under the Mesquite; Between Shades of Gray)

7. YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery, by Steve Sheinkin

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/23/4208101/american-library-association-announces.html#storylink=cpy

8. Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults:

Rotters by Daniel Kraus, read by Kirby Heyborne

9. Pura Belpre Author Award honoring a Latino writer whose children's/young adult book best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience

Under the Mesquite, by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/23/4208101/american-library-association-announces.html#storylink=cpy

10. Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences (Pick one)

Big Girl Small, by Rachel DeWoskin;
In Zanesville, by Jo Ann Beard
The Lover's Dictionary, by David Levithan
The New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens, by Brooke Hauser
The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern
Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline
Robopocalypse: A Novel, by Daniel H. Wilson
Salvage the Bones, by Jesmyn Ward
The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures, by Caroline Preston
The Talk-Funny Girl, by Roland Merullo

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/23/4208101/american-library-association-announces.html#storylink=cpy

Have fun reading great books! Send me links to your reviews. I'd love to read them.

2011 Year in Review

2011-12-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

It is time for a My Head is Full of Books year-end review. How did I do on all my reading challenges in 2011?

2011 ALA Award Winners Challenge: There are nine American Library Association YA book awards given each year. I completed this challenge with the reading of Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John this month. This is the challenge that I started last year and as far as I know no one joined me. I want to put out this challenge again in 2012, however, because I think it is really important to be familiar with award books.
Chris Crutcher Challenge: An open-ended challenge that I started to read all of Chris Crutcher's books. So far I have read six of his books, two of them in 2011. Please join me in this challenge.
Michael J. Printz Award and Honor Books Challenge: Another on-going challenge, this one to read all the Printz Award and Honor books ever selected. I read all the 2011 books in this category plus an additional two books from previous years. I want to stay current in this challenge but found myself reluctant to go back and read past winners. To date I have read 41 of 58 books in this category.
Audiobook Challenge: I went for the Obsessed Level of this challenge. I stopped recording my progress on this challenge in October when I hit 35 audiobooks. This challenge is practically a give-me as I listen to audiobooks all the time. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this challenge because it caused me to focus a bit more attention on the readers of these books not just the authors. Favorites of this category this year were: The Hitchhikers Gide to the Galaxy by Douglass Adams, read by Stephen Fry; A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs; The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, read by David Hyde Pierce.
The Books I should have Read in School...but Didn't Challenge. I went for the Graduate Level on this challenge, which was six books and I just made it. This may have been my favorite challenge this year as it forced me to read books I've always wanted to read, or books I have thought I "should" read. Now I had a good excuse to do so. I enjoyed all six of the books I chose: Beloved (Morrison); The Bell Jar (Plath); Phantom Tollbooth (Juster); Hitchhiker's Guide (Adams); Lord of the Flies (Golding); and A Brave New World (Huxley.) Notice I did double-dip several times with the audiobook challenge.
Books from My Own Shelf Challenge: I read thirteen books for this challenge. A minimum of twelve was the goal, so I just made it. I purchase very few books, so most of the books that I have around the house are books I was given as gifts. This was very challenging because I often find myself overlooking books I own in favor of books from the library.
A Personal Challenge: I tried to finish ten books started but not completed in 2010. I only finished five of them. Apparently I didn't really want to read them in the first place. There is no shame in that but I will be more cautious in the future to give myself a challenge that I really don't want to do.
Read 101 books in the year: Done! In fact, I read a personal record of 124 books in 2011 and I still have a week of reading left. I'm sure I will reach over 125, my new goal for book volume after I achieved the 101 mark.

See my Challenge page for specific titles here. So far I haven't signed up for any 2012 reading challenges yet, but I'm sure I will. Challenges help me to read a variety of books and put some structure into my reading.

Sunday Salon---Christmas Day

2011-12-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday Salon---2011 Christmas Edition

Merry Christmas!

I'm thankful for: My family. I have such a generous, caring husband and thoughtful, intelligent daughters. Both my parents are still living---they are caring and supportive. My husband's father is healthy and happy. My three siblings are happily married with wonderful families. We enjoy our chances to get together, which we will do in a few days from now when we gather for our "second" Christmas.

Favorites: Christmas related things that are my "favorites":

Christmas carol: "Silent Night" or "Joy to the World". But I do love singing almost all of the old Christmas hymns.
Book: It is a toss-up between The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson and The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry. I guess that The Best Xmas Pageant wins out for longevity. I've been reading it every Christmas since I was a kid. Both are poignant AND funny.
Traditions: a) kids not allowed downstairs on Christmas morning until they hear the Halleluiah Chorus; b) Christmas breakfast of crepes.
Treat: (Several favorites): Almond Roca; coconut bon-bons; shortbread cookies.
Holiday movie: It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart.

I'm listening to: No books on CD now, but I have been listening to a lot of holiday music. I don't get tired of it ever.

I'm reading: The Death Cure by James Dashner, the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy.

Book finished this week: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, and several holiday books.

Lists I am making: You'd think I was done with lists for a while, but now I am making lists of things I want to take to Oregon when we go for the family reunion in a few days..

Scripture lesson in church: Isaiah 12:2---"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; and has become my salvation."

I'm praying for: Peace in our world.

Around the house: The living room is still a mess with all the trappings of Christmas presents. Guests arrive in a few hours. Time to make this place look presentable.

From the kitchen: Homemade apple pie with crumb topping; savory turkey, cranberry salad, green bean bake, rolls with homemade raspberry jam, plus we are starting with shrimp cocktails for hors d'hoeuves. (My neighbor is bringing potatoes, gravy, and another dessert.)

A favorite quote this week: The day before before Christmas is "Christmas Adam." Get it? (Adam comes before Eve.)

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

2011-12-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a very schizophrenic book review. You'll see what I mean as you read on. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan is my first zombie (unconsecrated) novel. I've read a zombie graphic novel and a zombie short story but not a full length novel about these monsters. I, for one, am not a fan of zombie literature. That said, I did feel that the topic zombies was well-played in this book. There was not a lot of the blood and gore that I expected when I decided to read this book.

Mary, the novel's protagonist, believes that there is life beyond the walls of the fence that separate her village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth and the relentless Unconsecrated who constantly try to get through to attack the residents within. But few others believe that anyone else exists in the world. When a breech does occur and chaos rules the day, Mary, her betrothed, her brother, and a few friends, are forced to make a decision which could either save their lives or kill them. Mary is driven by dreams of life "beyond."

What I liked about the book is the tension that is written into the scenes of potential attacks, of what could possibly be around the next corner. I kept getting that horror-movie-feeling where I wanted to scream out, "Don't open that door!"

What I didn't like about the story was how I had a hard time connecting with the characters and their motivations. People sulked, were angry, professed love, disavowed friendship for unclear motives. The cover says that the book is a beautiful love story. But I had a hard time seeing the relationship as anything but passion or lust.

Even though I was critical of the book throughout, I do want to read the sequel, Dead Tossed Waves. Questions were raised right at the end of this book that I want to see resolved. (I told you that this review would be schizophrenic!) I should mention that I started listening to this on audiobooks. The gal who read it (Vane Millon) has a nice voice but she reads really, really slowly. It was almost torture listening to her. I had to switch to an actual book. Some novels are enhanced in the audio format. Others are made worse because of a poor reader. This book suffered in the audio format which probably tainted my opinion of the book.

To be fair, a lot of reviewers really liked this book and I found it very exciting, at times. It is worth the effort, especially if you like post-apocalyptic, zombie-type novels.

Snapshot Saturday... Dec. 24

2011-12-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by At Home with Books.

My husband is a member of the Governor's Cabinet for the State of Washington. Each year she hosts a holiday party for cabinet members and their spouses. It was a beautiful night and the mansion and capitol looked so lovely. (And the food and wine were scrumptious!)

I took this photo of my husband, Don, with Governor Chris Gregoire at the end of the evening. Don is wearing a holiday tie, a dress requirement for the event.

The Grand Staircase looks so lovely festooned with white poinsettias and swags.

The Capitol Building as viewed from the Governor's Mansion.

Goldfinches, the Washington State bird, decorate the Governor's Holiday tree.

Friday---Dec. 23

2011-12-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

Alison Can Read

Follow Friday Question of the Week: If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why?

Hm.m.m.m--- It is a toss up between Pride and Prejudice- living my days at Pemberley; Persuasion- living with faithful Captain Frederick Wentworth; or Emma- splitting my time between two estates with kind George Knightly. I thought about Jane Eyre but decided that Mr. Rochester is just a bit too brooding for me. And, of course, it would be a hoot to live on the spaceship in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and have hilarious adventures ever after. Hogwarts and Narnia would both be wonderful to visit. Ah, so many choices.

Congratulations to the featured blogger this week: From the Shadows I Review

TGIF from Greads question of the week: Dear Santa: Which books made it to your Christmas wish list this year?

I only asked Santa for one book this year (but it was a last minute request so I doubt he had time): Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James. Now that I read this intro to the book, I want it even more.

Review: The Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John

2011-12-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John was the Schneider Family Teen Book Award winner of 2011. This award goes to a book which does a good job dealing with the topic of persons living with disabilities. In Five Flavors of Dumb the main character, Piper, is a high school senior who is also Deaf. She not only has to deal with normal teenage issues but she has to navigate through it all as a Deaf person in a hearing person's world.

The story opens with Piper standing in front of her school watching their local Rock band. As other students drift away Piper stands transfixed by what she just saw but couldn't hear. In the end she becomes the band's manager with one goal in mind---to get the band a paying gig. In the background of this story is what is going on for Piper at home. Her younger sister, Grace, who is also Deaf, just received a cochlear implant. Her parents paid for the implant with money set aside for Piper's college fund. Jealousy, frustration, and anger simmer under the radar as Piper tries to deal with all the changes in the family life. As she becomes more involved with managing the band, however, she finds that she has more leadership skills than she ever imagined and she also finds friends and love.

The book was a very satisfying read once I set my mind to actually read it. Initially I read around 60 pages and then set the book aside for some other project. Every time I would think about picking it back up I would opt for a different book instead and the Five Flavors languished on my bedside table for over five weeks. The ridiculous thing with putting it off was Five Flavors was the last book that I needed to read for my own challenge, Read the 2011 ALA Book Award Challenge. I am happy to report that I have completed that challenge now. I also want to encourage everyone to take a look at all the award winners, especially this one. I think it is important to read books which teach us something about the way that other people live so that we can gain understanding and compassion.

I've Been Reading 'Classic' Children's Literature

2011-12-19T10:00:00.001-08:00

About a month ago the question at Top Ten Tuesday was: What books have been on your to-be-read-pile the longest? Among my list of ten books were Anne of Green Gables and The Giver. I took quite a bit of grief by my blogging friends that I hadn't read those two "classics" in children's literature. I decided right then and there to remedy that situation immediately and while I was at it I decided to add The Phantom Tollbooth to the list. It has been a delightful month of reading wonderful, creative, touching, thought-provoking stories.

The Giver by Lois Lowry was originally published in 1993. It won the 1994 Newbery Award and has been a mainstay in middle grades English classes ever since. It is one of the most highly banned books of the 1990s but I wonder what parents find so reprehensible in it. The dystopian society in which Jonas lives certainly is a cautionary tale of what might happen if we (society) try to control every aspect of citizen's lives. Perhaps that is what the book-banners don't want kids to hear.

One day as I was walking through the library holding The Giver in my hands a boy approached me to ask a question. When he spied the book he stopped what he was saying and said instead: "The Giver? That is a great book." I agree and I'm glad that it is still read by many middle-grade kids today.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Juster Norton. A delightful book that was originally published in 1961. Norton, who was a city planner and architect, was avoiding his assigned work on a book about those topics and found himself writing stories that could be described as modern fairy tales or adventure stories. When he realized that he had something special in these stories he collected them together, added Milo and the Phantom Tollbooth, the thread to draw them together. Milo, a bit of a slacker-boy, is able to enter the special land, where lessons are taught without preaching, through the phantom tollbooth that magically appears in his room one day.

My daughter Rita and I listened to The Phantom Tollbooth in the audiobook format. It was narrated by David Hyde Pierce, better known as the actor who played the Dr. Niles Crane in the sitcom Frasier. His narration was spot-on, his voices varied and funny, and his timing was impeccable. We both enjoyed the listening experience very much. Rita, an elementary teacher thought that it should be read in every 5th grade classroom. As a high school educator, I think that there is a lot in the book for older teens to appreciate. In fact, Juster indicated that he gets letters from the same kids who reread the book as they grow. These kids tell him how much they appreciate aspects of the book that they didn't notice when they were younger.* I think the book is truly timeless and can be appreciated by individuals of all ages. If you haven't read this book, or haven't read it for a long time, you are missing a rare treat. Get to it!

* I got these little tidbits of information from Juster's interview on the last disc of the audiobook.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was published in 1908. One would think that I, of all people, would have read this book before now since I am also an Anne with an e, like Anne Shirley. In fact when people ask me how I spell my name I usually say "Anne with an e like Queen Anne or Anne of Green Gables." My daughters tell me that they think I read the book to them when they were young, but I only recall certain scenes, which I probably saw on the Anne of Green Gables mini-series. So I consider this my first time reading it.

As much as I ~~liked it~~ loved it, one thought kept running through my head as I was reading it---I hope that elementary teachers don't read this aloud in their classes today. I fear that it would turn off each and every boy in the class. Am I alone in this estimation? Anne Shirley is a wonderful character, one of the best literary characters ever. But this is a girl book for sure. If you disagree with me, I'd love to hear from you. I just can't imagine it holding the attention of the boys I know, even those who like to read. Enough said on this topic. I did adore it and I am very happy that I finally read it.

Sunday Salon---Dec. 18

2011-12-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

Miracle 20: Today my youngest daughter turns 20 years old. We no longer have a teenager in the house. And I stepped on the scales and have lost 20 pounds. Yay!

On the web: It Only Takes a Girl. Please watch.

I'm thankful for: The holiday season. I always feel so close to my family and we do spend more time together playing games, reading, watching Xmas movies, and laughing together.

I'm listening to: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. Yes, it's a zombie story and, yes, I'm enjoying it.

I'm reading: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. A family tradition to read this aloud together.

Book finished this week: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai. This was the National Book Award winner in the Children/Teen division this year.

Lists I am making: Food I need to buy for our Christmas dinner and for book club earlier in the week. I just added light whipped cream to the list.

Scripture lesson in church: The Prayer of Mary found in Luke 1:46 "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he is mindful of the humble state of his servant."

I'm praying for: forgiveness for an unkindness on my part directed toward a coworker this past week and help to find a way to make retribution or make things right.

Around the house: We have decided to make a few batches of Christmas cookies even though we aren't eating these treats ourselves this year. I hope to have a few different selections for book club members who will be at my house Tuesday night. I think we will make Mint Meringues, Peanut Blossoms, and Angel Food Biscotti.

From the kitchen: My daughter made a Squash/Pasta casserole which had a lot of potential but it was a bust. No one liked it and we tossed half of it. Oh well, we can't always have perfect, delicious recipes without some trial and error.

A favorite quote this week: "If your dog is overweight, you don't get enough exercise." (Ha-ha! Isn't that the truth.)

Review: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

2011-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

In the recent National Book Award winning Inside Out and Back Again, Thanhha Lai chronicles her family's experience of immigrating to the United States from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975. It is told in verse and in present tense from the perspective of Hà, a ten-year old girl. The story begins on Feb. 11, the first day of the lunar new year, Tet, the year of the Cat, when food and work are becoming scarce and the family begins to consider leaving their home country. The story continues through their escape on a rickety ship where they are trapped for over a month with little food and water before being rescued. Eventually they relocate to the United States, finding a sponsor and a new beginning in Alabama. Here Hà struggles to learn English and is taunted by her classmates for being different and poor. At one point she understandably writes in her diary "At times I would choose wartime in Saigon over peacetime in Alabama."

As I read this sparse but delightful book I surprised myself by realizing how little I'd ever thought about the initial experiences that immigrant families have to endure as they begin the assimilation process into a new culture. The nuances of the English language are difficult for native-born speakers, imagine the difficulties of learning it in a crash-course in a 4th grade classroom. Also imagine what it would be like to be forced to eat a completely different diet, wear different clothes, and practice a foreign religion. If you can, then you will understand the struggles that Hà and her family experienced the first few months in the United States.

The library categorizes this as a "Junior" book, but I would say that it works for anyone age 9 and up, all the way to adults. I am glad that I read this book, as it opened my eyes and helped me see life from a different perspective. The 2011 National Book Award selection committee hit a home run when they selected Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai. It deserves the award and I challenge all of you to read it.

A bookish survey. Play along...

2011-12-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this quick, little bookish survey on Jenni Elyse's blog and she saw it at The Broke and the Bookish I decided thought it’d be fun to participate. Play along by answering the questions in the comment section or on your blog and link back so I see your answers!

The book I’m currently reading: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai. This was the National Book Award winner this year for their Children/Teen division. It is written in verse making it a quick read.

The Last book I finished: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I know. I know. I can't believe it has taken me over 50 years to read this book either.

The next book I want to read: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. Actually I am listening to this on audiobooks right now and I can't listen fast enough to suit my interest. I must get my hands on the actual book so I can read faster.

The last book I bought: Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. I bought it as a gift so I hope the recipient isn't reading my blog right now. :)

The last book I was given: I was given a pile of books by another librarian of new, donated books that were too "adult" for her school library and she said I could just take them home if I wanted them. They are: The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean; Dancing with Mr. Darcy: the best of Jane Austen Short Story Competition; and The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie. I hope they get read before they get too dusty. One never knows with me when I will finally get around to a book that is on my own book shelf.

Sunday Salon... Dec. 11

2011-12-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

On the web: This amazing video Cello Star Wars.

I'm thankful for: the wonderful ordination service for a friend who is just starting out in ministry.

I'm listening to: Nothing. I actually have no audiobook going right now, a rarity.

I'm reading: After a four week hiatus from this book I am back to reading: Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John.

Book finished this week: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I have finally read this wonderful children's classic.

Lists I am making: Family news I want to include in the Christmas letter and lists of last minute items for stocking-stuffers, etc.

Scripture lesson in church: Luke 2:4--- "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) ."

I'm praying for: The homeless in our society who have to live outside in such terrible weather and for those who are jobless during this Recession..

Around the house: Christmas decorating is done except decorating a wreath for the door. The packages are ready to take to the post office for mailing. I'm ahead of schedule for me.

From the kitchen: I cooked no creative or delicious dishes this week but I did have some yummy Chicken Romano at a restaurant tonight.

A favorite quote this week: "Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"
- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Snapshot Saturday --- Dec. 10

2011-12-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by At Home with Books.

Today's snapshot theme: Nativity Sets

The first nativity set that I acquired after marriage. All the characters are painted on wood blocks by an artisan that had a booth at a crafts fair.

Lizzie High nativity set. My mother gave me Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus as a gift. Over the years I added the angel, a shepherd, and a wise man. Made of wood, cloth, and wool.

My most precious nativity set was crafted by my sister, who is very creative, out of dough art. Each piece has to be shaped out of dough, dried, baked, and then painted. They are so special to our family not only because they are one-of-a kind but because of all the love that went into making it. When the girls were little they would fight over who got to arrange them.

Rita, my oldest daughter, collects Lucy Riggs figurines. Every Christmas she decorates the top of the piano with her collection. In the center of her display is this small nativity scene.

By far my oddest nativity set was purchased at a Fair Trade market, the artisan lives in Africa and is able to make a living wage by creating such interesting gifts. The characters are made from gourds. This unique set makes me smile each year when I set it out.

Believe it or not, I actually have one more set (not pictured here), a small nativity set made in Mexico that I have on display in my library case at school. I highlight different winter holidays such as Feliz Navidad/Posadas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Yule, and Diwali.

If you want to read a very funny book which includes several scenes involving nativity sets, try Dave Barry's, The Angel, the Shepherd, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog.

I'd love to hear about our nativity sets, if you have any.

Friday--- Dec. 9

2011-12-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

TGIFriday, Dec. 9th - Book to Movie: Which book turned into a movie do you feel did the best adaptation? What about the worst?

BEST

Holes by Louis Sachar

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

WORST

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

The Golden Compass by Pullman

Follow Friday at Alison Can Read : Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

Adult: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

YA: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Review--- Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting by Jim Murphy

2011-12-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

Back in 1914 when WWI (The Great War) was still young, when political and military leaders thought the war would be won any day, soldiers fighting for both sides lived in trenches along the Western Front. Their existence was completely miserable and extremely precarious. Even one inch of head showing above the trench could mean getting it blown off by an enemy sniper. Soldiers on both sides despaired of their living conditions and came to realize that they had been lied to by their leaders. As Christmas approached packages from home began to arrive with special treats and, in the case of the German soldiers, so did small Christmas trees decorated with candles.

Christmas Eve 1914 dawned clear, snowy, and cold. Few soldiers had a taste for the bitter fighting they were engaged in and most just hoped for a bit of rest. As the day wore on "something remarkable took place. Soldiers from both sides got out of their trenches and cautiously walked into No Man's Land. Meeting in the middle, they would shake hands, exchange cigars or tins of food, and chat. Despite obvious language barriers, a number of these meetings produced promised to continue the peace on Christmas Day" (61).

Up and down the line of the whole Western Front from Belgium to Switzerland truces were struck that day and soldiers came together on Christmas in the land between their two trenches to enjoy singing, food, and even take pictures together. It really was remarkable. In the midst of a bitter war, the soldiers said "enough" for two days of peace. Many afterwards never returned to their same level of fighting, though the war continued on for four more years.

Even in the midst of strife we can take this message to heart today. The true message of Christmas is PEACE.

***I read the book in under an hour. Jim Murphy is a master of historic writing and making it accessible to younger, middle-grade readers. Since I am no scholar of WWI, I found the book to be both interesting and informative.

Rereading old favorites

2011-12-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you sat down with a favorite book, maybe one you have enjoyed many times, and gave yourself over to that book for a good re-read? I did and the results were very satisfying.

I just finished rereading an old favorite, A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute. Published in 1950, this book was really made famous in 1981 by a TV mini-series. I watched every minute of that mini-series, watched it again when it re-aired, then went searching for the book. I think this is the third, maybe fourth time I've read it and I still enjoy this war-survival-love-story. As I read it this time I kept asking myself why I like the story so much and feel compelled to reread the book every few years? I am suspicious that it has more to do with my memories and events that were happening in my life when I first saw the mini-series that set me up to be a lifelong fan. You see, in 1981 I was falling in love with my husband-to-be.

Rarely do I reread books. In fact it is so rare that I can probably list most of those books here. As a librarian, I want to read the "latest and greatest" to help me find material to recommend to my readers. As a book club member I am always having to read the "book of the month", leaving little time for reading books I have already read. But occasionally I do, especially if I am in the mood for "an old friend." Here are a few books that I find myself rereading with some regularity:

Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion by Jane Austen. Both of these books are so important to me I can't abandon them for more than a year. I like reading "retellings" of these books, too.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I actually enjoy listening to this on audiobooks. It is a tale so well told I never tire of it.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I first read this series when I was in 5th or 6th grade. I am still completely charmed by its magical land and animals. It is full of symbolism and find new treasures in it with each rereading.
Shipping News by Annie Proulx. There is something so quirky about this book I find myself drawn to it, sometimes just reading the chapter headings or small portions of it.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I have a huge Potter fan in my family so I find myself rereading portions of this marvelous series because she is.

Surprisingly, most of my favorite books and authors I've never reread. Guess I don't want to mess with my positive memories of the books.

What about you? What are your favorite books to reread?

Favorite Books from my Childhood

2011-12-05T22:47:00.000-08:00


Hosted by The Broke and Bookish

Favorite books from my childhood:

1. Little Bear by Maurice Sendak

2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

3. The Borrowers by Mary Norton

4. Henner's Lydia by Marguerite de Angeli

5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

6. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

7. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

8. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

9. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

10. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

I have a feeling that I am forgetting some real gems.

What are some of your childhood favorite books?

Favorite Holiday Books and Stories

2011-12-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

My husband and daughters in 1992 reading Jingle Bugs by David Carter. It was a favorite when they were young.

Favorite Christmas Books and Stories, along with first line(s).

1. The Bible, Luke 2:1-20

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world...And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem..."

2. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world."

3. The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry

"My name's Doug Barnes, and this stuff happened on Christmas Eve in my town, which is Asquont, New York. According to Mr. Purcell, who's my Social Studies teacher, Asquont is an Indian name that means some Indian thing like 'Hunting Place in the Green Forest,' but sometimes I think it was just a joke by the Indians to get white people to say 'Asquont'."

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

"Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot...But the Grinch, Who lived just north of Whoville, did not."

5. A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd

"Duel in the Snow, or Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid"

DISARM THE TOY INDUSTRY

Printed in angry block letter the slogan gleamed out from the large white button like a neon sign. I carefully reread it to make sure that I had not made a mistake

6. "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", by Francis P. Church (New York Sun, September 21, 1897)

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

7. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

"On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound- a sound a friend told me I'd never hear- the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh."

8. Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myacle

"It was the night before Christmas. Well, to be more precise, it was the afternoon before Christmas."

9. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

"Imagine this: You are in your favorite bookstore, scanning the shelves. You get to the section where a favorite author's books reside, and there, nestled in comfortably between the incredibly familiar spines, sits a red notebook."

10. The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

"'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

11. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

"Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning more than twenty years ago."

12. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

"Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that."

13. Seven Stories of Christmas Love by Leo Buscalia

"Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Holy Child of Bethlehem, nearly two thousand years ago. But whatever your religious belief, the spirit of Christmas is love, and love is universal."

14. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

"One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents if it was in pennies."

15. Lousia May Alcott's Christmas Treasury...The Complete Christmas Collection

"A Merry Christmas" found within Little Woman

"Jo was the first to wake in the grey dawn of Christmas morning."

Honorable Mention (I don't have copies of them for their first lines!):
-A Cup of Christmas Tea by Thomas Hegg

-Kirsten's Surprise: a Christmas Story (An American Girl Book) by Janet Beeler Shaw

Most of these books/stories are favorites because I have enjoyed reading them aloud with my family sometime during the holiday season. Many of them were favorites of my children when they were young and they carry such fond memories for me. Yet many remain family staples today even though the girls are grown. Many we read aloud to each other every year.

What are/were your favorite holiday books/stories?

This was originally posted on Nov. 23, 2010 for Top Ten Tuesday at Broke and Bookish

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

2011-12-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

Let me say this at the outset-I am a huge John Green fan. So it is rather shocking that I've had Let It Snow in my library for two years without reading it. It also explains why, when I finally did decide to read it, I would just naturally start with John Green's story, A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, the middle story of the three. Big mistake! Though it says it right on the cover I somehow missed the memo that this isn't a book of three separate Christmas short stories. Rather, it is a book of three interconnected stories that build on the information and characters from the story before. Ha! Don't make my mistake. Read this book like any other book from beginning to end.

The stories in Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances are all set in a small town in North Carolina on Christmas Eve. The town has been hit by a huge blizzard which causes all kinds of transportation problems: a stranded train, cars driven into snowbanks, and people being forced to walk in freezing temperatures. Every story somehow weaves common threads -- the Waffle House, Starbucks, cheerleaders (named Amber and Madison) -- into the storyline. Each main character finds love and kisses, together with quite a bit of hilarity along the way, making for fun and poignant Christmas memories.

I liked each of the stories, but I think I liked each one for different reasons. The Jubilee Express, by Maureen Johnson, was the story that probably touched me the most and I enjoyed the author's gentle humor and writing style. The Patron Saints of Pigs by Lauren Myracle reminded me a bit of the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, with its talk of angels and the need for emotional growth and acceptance. John Green's A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle featured my least favorite characters including a bunch of stranded cheerleaders and a romance that didn't seem to work quite as well as in the other two. But, hey, I read it out of order and it was full of John Green humor, which I adore.

High literature? No. Fun, YA lit? Yes. Will I recommend this book to my students this holiday season? You bet. In fact, I already have.

(This blog post was originally submitted on Dec. 2, 2010)

Letters from Father Christams by J,R.R. Tolkien

2011-12-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Finally. Now I can face this holiday season with a sense of awe and wonder. Why? Three reasons:

1. The Seattle University Christmas Choir concert Friday night was remarkable. My favorite songs were those that were sung in the round, or from remote locations from around the cathedral. Christmas carols are running through my head. My daughter had a short solo on the song Silent Night, so that was my obvious favorite.

2. I bought a beautiful poinsettia and then stumbled upon a few reindeer unexpectedly. I would like to report that Santa's reindeer are looking very healthy as they build up their reserves in preparation for their Christmas deliveries.

3. I've just finished reading and looking at the drawings in Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien. Between the years of 1920 to 1942, Tolkien wrote a letter to his children as Father Christmas. He also sent them original drawings. He regaled his children with fun tales from the North Pole that included the antics of his pet polar bear, wars with goblins, and other delights. The illustrations had me awestruck. They were so detailed and matched the action mentioned in the letter. If you can get your hands on this book, set aside a bit of time to marvel at the precious gift that this famous author gave to his children.

Christmas 1920

Snapshot Saturday...Dec. 3

2011-12-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Rita, is getting married to Dan this summer. On Thanksgiving we joined his family for dinner. Prior to dinner we visited the house where Dan currently lives and where he and Rita will live when they get married. The house is very cute and spacious and Dan keeps it neat, not what we expected from a bachelor. However, he does have one very "bachelorish corner"... his gaming set up. Two computer screens and an easy chair in which to lounge in while he plays computer games. My husband and I laughed and laughed about this set up. Dan told me that one of his fraternity brothers did something similar and he thought it was a good idea so he copied it. I think that is even funnier. Lest you think I am being a mean soon-to-be mother-in-law, Dan took this picture for me and knows that I am posting it here. He agrees that it looks funny but "it is comfortable." Wonder how long this will last after they get married?

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by At Home with Books.

Friday... Dec. 2

2011-12-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

AlisonCanRead and Parajunkee

Follow Friday Question: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books?

I admit that I have a few pet peeves when it comes to books and writing.

Really whiny/angry characters, unless, of course, the anger is justified. I think it is a fad right now in YA Lit to show growth in characters by having them start out as super angry and obnoxiously whiny and then come to some revelation which brings them back to a regular level of emotions.. Enough already!
Authors who purposely don't use correct literary conventions, like not using quotation marks for dialogue or writing all text in lower case. Ugh.
Books where every ambiguity is tied up in the conclusion, especially those where everything is neat and tidy. I want to have some ambiguity remaining so that my brain can work out how I think things will resolve.

What are your pet peeves when it comes to books?

Congratulations to Fiction Book Reviews for being the featured bloggers of the week.

GReads.

TGIF Question: Writing Reviews 101: What's your process for writing book reviews? Any tips or suggestions you would recommend to other bloggers?

Oh boy. I am looking forward to reading your answers. I have a lot to learn when it comes to writing book reviews. Here are a few things that I do, or try to do, when I write a book review.

Provide a VERY short summary with a teaser but no spoilers. Long summaries drive me crazy and I won't read them, so I won't write them. I want to know what the reviewer thinks rather than a detailed summary of the book.
Review books that I liked or loved, avoid reviewing books that I don't. I really struggled with this decision when I first started blogging but I feel good about it now. My goal in starting my blog was to provide reviews for my students and I don't want to bias them against a book before they give it a try.
I try to share some interesting insight about the author, the writing style, the story line, and if I feel moved, a quote or two. I want to review to be from me, but I want to enhanced if I've done a bit of research. I like learning new information and sharing what I've learned.

Sunday Salon... Nov. 27

2011-11-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

On the web: The Ellen Show videos of Sophia Grace and Rosie. If you haven't seen these two darling girls, take the time now: Ellen Show

I'm thankful for: the days off work to spend at home with my family and for the Adams family who hosted us for Thanksgiving dinner. We had a lovely time with our daughter's soon-to-be in-laws.

I'm listening to: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. The 50th anniversary edition. What a funny, delightful tale.

I'm reading: Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John--- it seems like I am in a reading funk right now just slowly reading the same book for weeks, or just barely reading it.

Book finished this week: The Giver by Lois Lowry. I was shamed into reading this dystopian classic and I'm glad I was.

Lists I am making: Christmas gifts. Argh! I cannot believe that we are only four weeks out. I have made a little bit of progress but not much.

Scripture lesson in church: Matthew 2:1-12 "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."

I'm praying for: The homeless in our society who have to live outside in such terrible weather and for those who are jobless during this Recession..

Around the house: Christmas decorating this week? I hope so but we haven't done anything yet.

From the kitchen: Split Pea soup made from a leftover ham bone. A family favorite on cold days.

A favorite quote I laughed about this week: "Expectations is the place you must always go to before you get to where you're going. Of course, some people never go beyond Expectations, but my job is to hurry them along whether they like it or not." -Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Snapshot Saturday... Nov. 26

2011-11-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

My poor yard looks so desolate at this time of year. The weather is so grey and depressing. Among all the dead plants and dry leaves is a splash of color...our little apple tree. I think it is funny that the tree hangs on to the apples but drops its leaves.

My husband made a comment when I told him I was going to take a picture of the tree. "The tree we grow for the bugs." We really should spray the tree so we would actually want to eat the apples. Oh well, they look festive.

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by At Home with Books.

TGIF and Follow Friday...Books For Which I am Thankful

2011-11-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Books For Which I am Thankful...
(TGIF from Greads and Follow Friday from Alison Can Read)

During my childhood:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle--- This book was my favorite and most important book of my childhood. I read it over and over and used it repeatedly for reports, etc.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis--- This series rocked my world as a child. All of the symbolism, creativity, and wonderful characters opened my brain to a whole new world. I still love this series and reread it often.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Rawles--- I went through a phase where I only read animal stories. This was my favorite and it still holds a special place in my heart. I can cry just thinking about it.

During early adulthood:

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns--- This is the book that brought me back to reading after a long hiatus. It was after reading this book that I helped form a book club and started reading great literature.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen--- Though I have read many classics, this remains my favorite and it reminds me why great literature is important in my life. It is still one of my all-time favorite books and I reread it every few years.

Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver--- This was my first Kingsolver book (read out of order) and my introduction to a favorite author. All of her books speak to my better self.

Audiobooks that are especially delightful:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, read by Roses Pritchard. I didn't read this book as a child. This audiobook was my introduction to this classic. It remains my favorite book and favorite audiobook of all times.

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, read by Jim Dale. If you haven't listened to a book read by Jim Dale, you are missing one of the highlights of life. My family listened to this audiobook when we took the favorite family car-trip vacation. We were all enraptured by it.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie, read by the author. This semi-autobiographical story is both funny and poignant. The experience was heightened by Alexie's unique reading.

Recent reads for which I'm especially grateful:

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese--- This is my favorite book of 2011. I liked EVERYTHING about it.

The Giver by Lois Lowry--- I finally read this classic piece of children's lit. Now I know what all the fuss is about.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett--- I think this book is very transformational. I want to encourage everyone to read it.

YA Books that are a cut above:

Looking for Alaska by John Green--- I am a John Green fan, so I like everything this author writes. But if I can talk students into reading his books, it seems to change the way they look at literature, too. His books are all excellent. Looking for Alaska was his first book.

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak--- This historical fiction is so well-written, it just blows readers away.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray--- Funny, symbolic, and poignant. This book represents the best of the best of recent YA lit.

As a librarian I am very thankful for these series:

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling--- these books have done more for children's/YA literature than any other series, ever!

Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer--- a whole new genre was spawned by this series, Paranormal Romance. Many, many students found the joy of reading because of this series and have continued reading after finishing it.

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins--- just when it seemed that reading was going to slip back into an unpopular past-time along came the Hunger Games. Kids love it and now can't get enough of Dystopian lit.

What books are you especially thankful for?

*TGIF followers, forgive me for not following the question of the day. I wanted to express my thankfulness this week for books, so I actually am answering last week's question now.

Authors I Would Like to Host for Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

Broke and Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I'd like to host this Thanksgiving. Since all live authors have families and friends where they'd rather be, I decided to focus my list on the dead ones. :)

Jane Austen---I love her books and I know she'd be a delightful guest, where I would no doubt be able to talk her into finishing her novels, The Watsons and Sanditon. Every Janite in the world would be glad that she came to my house for dinner.
Wallace Stegner---His book Crossing for Safety was one of my early favorites and I liked it even better when I learned what an environmentalist this guy was.
Siobhan Dowd---It makes me sad to think of how Ms. Dowd died so young from cancer, yet she still inspires me.
Robert Cormier---I'd love to have a long "chin-wag" with this author about what it is like to be such a commonly banned author.
William Shakespeare---Hey, why not ask him to dinner and then grill him about all the controversy around his authorship?
Dr. Seuss--- Do you love him? I sure do. I grew up on the Cat in the Hat and Sam-I-Am, too!
Mark Twain--- I would just sit and listen as he spins a yarn.
Madeline L'Engle---I'd finally have the chance to tell her how thankful I am for her books.

It's Monday, Nov. 21 and I'm reading...

2011-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Sheila at Book Journey is the host of this meme.

What I am reading-

Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John---A deaf girl is the manager for a Rock Band. She has to get people interested in the band that she herself has never heard. This is the last book in the 2011 Read the ALA Winners Challenge for me. This book won the Schneider Family Teen Book Award which honors novels that deal with the topic of people living with disabilities.

What I recently completed-

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things by Carolyn Mackler--- A Printz Honor book in 2004. A delightful, funny, poignant coming-of-age story about a girl trying to find her way through adolescence with a weight problem and a family that seems perfect. But all is not as it seems.
My Abandonment by Peter Rock--- "Inspired by a true story and told through the startlingly sincere voice of its young narrator, Caroline, My Abandonment is a riveting journey into life at the margins and a mesmerizing tale of survival and hope." (Goodreads) Listened to the audio version of this book. This is my book club selection of the month.
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater---The third book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I feel sad that I have to say good-bye to my friends: Sam, Grace, Cole, and Isabel, now that I am finished with this wonderful trilogy.

What I'm listening to-

The Giver by Lois Lowry---I was shamed in to finally getting started on this book which has been on my TBR pile for years. So far, so good. I am actually liking this dystopian novel. Does something sad happen, though?

What is up next- I am actually starting to mentally make a list of books to checkout for the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are a few I'm hoping to get to:

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery---another source of shame that I haven't read this book yet.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa---The first book in the Iron Fey series is already on my bedside table.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster--- another childhood classic that I missed in my childhood. This book is celebrating 50 years of publication this year. It is time that I read it, don't you think?
Some teen romance story. I have more girls than ever that are looking for a good romance book this year and I a keep running out of suggestions. Many are not interested in paranormal romances. Any ideas or suggestions?

What are you reading this week?

2011 National Book Award-Young Peoples Lit

2011-11-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

Since my last blog post was on Award books I thought it would be timely to note the winner of the 2011 National Book Award-Young People's Literature category is:

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Read all about it at The National Book Association website. I think the book sounds fabulous. Onto my TBR pile it goes!

To read old award books or not?

2011-11-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I decided to read all the past Printz Award and Honor books. At the time I had read none of them and started down the list with great zeal. Now, six years later, that zeal for reading the past winners has waned, though, over the years, I have completed 41 out of 57 of them. So I've done pretty well. When I began I was a "beginning" librarian and eager to read as many good YA books as I could to make recommendations to my students. I still am, and I read all the current winners, but I must admit to souring a bit on past books because kids want to read the latest and greatest. And I want to stay current and do my best to be familiar with what is available for teen now.

It sounds like I am talking myself out of completing my goal to read ALL Printz award books. In fact I was darn near that decision until I picked up Carolyn Mackler's book The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things this week and consumed it in two sittings. (Yes, I was reading at work. And yes, I had other things I was supposed to be doing. But, hey, don't you think reading should be part of a librarian's job description?)

Feeling like she does not fit in with the other members of her family, who are all thin, brilliant, and good-looking, fifteen-year-old Virginia tries to deal with her self-image, her first physical relationship, and her disillusionment with some of the people closest to her.-Book summary in library catalog.

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things was a Printz Honor book in 2004. Even though there are dated examples of computer usage in the story they aren't distracting enough to wreck the plot. The story is as fresh, funny, poignant, original, relevant, and encouraging in 2011 as I'm sure it was in 2004. This book deserves the award that it won and it deserves to be read and appreciated by teens today. Fortunately for this book the title is an invitation to kids looking for a funny, lighthearted read and it is often checked out. But what about older award books without clever titles? Hmm...I think I will still continue with my quest to attempt to read all the Printz books. I have found very few that I didn't think were worth the effort.

P.S. For my high school librarian, blogging friends: I created a lesson plan for an English teacher where the kids were required to read an award book. Their graded assignment related not only to the book but to the award. The teacher dropped in a few days ago and exclaimed that the kids were really responding positively to it. If you want a copy of my lesson to try at your school, email me at work: abennett(AT)bethelsd(dot)org.

Top Ten Books TBR on the pile the longest

2011-11-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hosted by The Broke and Bookish

(It seems like I have created a similar list previously so I hope this list of longstanding books on my TBR pile isn't boring to you, dear reader!)

*With updates! I have been shamed in to action today by the comments on the blog. See the remarks in red.

Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John. If I read finish this book before January (I just started it) it won't be quite a year on the list and it will complete my Read the Award Books Challenge. I currently have this book checked out from the library and I've read the first few pages. It's a start.
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. This book was so popular in my library the minute it arrived that I had to stand in line behind the students. After a year I still haven't had that turn yet.
Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. My hubby gave me this book for Christmas in 2009 because he knows I am a Kingsolver fan.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. I watched the PBS Masterpiece Theater in January of 2009 and bought the book at the time with the resolve to read it. I still want to but... 2+ years.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett has been on my TBR pile for at least 5 years. I worked with a teacher who was crazy for the book and highly recommended it.
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler---This book has been on my TBR pile for 6+ years and I just finished it today! Finally!!!! I cheated and added a book that I had actually finished. It wasn't anything like I expected but I did enjoy it a lot.
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky---I'm in two book clubs and I still haven't read this novel by the famous author who was killed in the Nazi holocaust. I want a good excuse to set aside the needed time to do so. 6+ years.
The Giver by Lois Lowry---I think kids must read this book in late elementary school because everyone but me seems to have read it. I've owned a copy for at least ten years and I still haven't cracked it. But I am determined to read it soon. I placed a hold on the audio version of this book at the public library. A copy was available so I should have this book "in the bag" by this time next week.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry---this book was published in 1995 and has been on my list since at least 2000, so that means it's been on my TBR pile for, um..m..., over 11 years. I think its length is a deterrent to starting.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery---this book shows up on all my "guilt-ridden" lists. It's been on my list for over 20 years. Gasp! This book was also available in the audio format at my public library so I will listen to it when I am finished with The Giver. I did place a hold on it to insure that I do this...after 20 years one cannot be too careful!

Sunday Salon, Nov. 13, 2011

2011-11-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

I'm reading on the web: articles about Occupy Wall Street. What a mess. Portland, Oregon tried to be open to the protesters message but had to close down their Occupy Portland because of all the illegal activity and drug overdoses. Ugh.

I'm thinking about: Where we will be for Thanksgiving this year. Usually we have plans all hammered down well before this time but for some reason no one in my family is willing to make a specific plan this year which leaves us in a quandry.

I'm listening to: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. This is the third book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I love the audiobook version because it has multiple readers, a different for each part.

I'm reading: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. I confess to being a bit stalled out on this one.

Book reviewed this week: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Habibi by Craig Thompson, and Chime by Franny Billingsley.

Lists I am making: Gifts I want to get wrapped up before I see my family next week-end so that I can avoid mailing all the Christmas presents this year. I purchased most of my gifts this year at the Global/Fair Trade market we held at my church last week-end..

Scripture lesson in church: John 21. "Simon Peter, do you love me?" "You know I do, Lord." "Then feed my sheep."

I'm praying for: My friend Cindy whose elderly mother and sick brother have moved in with her.

Around the house: My daughter decided on her wedding dress and has ordered it. The whole family drove to Seattle Friday afternoon for a late afternoon appointment, so all of us got to see the dress and weigh in with our thoughts. Don cried when the decision was finally made, just overcome by emotions. It is becoming very real for us that our baby is getting married.

From the kitchen: Stir fried vegetables and beef, Thai style. Quite spicy and tasty.

A favorite quote I laughed about this week: "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."
Douglas Adams

Divergent by Veronica Roth

2011-11-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

I predict that Divergent by Veronica Roth will be the next dystopian novel to draw the attention and devotion of teens. There. I said it.

Synopsis:
When Beatrice (Tris) Pryor turns sixteen she has to decide which faction to choose: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, or Erudite. Her choice will determine where she lives and by which virtues her life will be guided. A test will help with the decision but Tris doesn't have to follow the results, which is good since her test is inconclusive. However once she does decide her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of the group, and it also threatens to expose a personal secret that places her in extreme danger and threatens to dismantle the whole society. "Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances." (Goodreads)

Review:
While Twilight spawned a whole genre of paranormal romances, Hunger Games has ushered in a resurgence of the dystopian novel. Divergent is one of those dystopian spin-offs. Is it a good story? Yes. Is it a completely new and unique tale? No. Divergent reminded me a lot of both the Hunger Games trilogy (Collins) and The Uglies series (Westerfeld). Did I like it? Yes. I liked the story quite a bit and found it to be quite exciting and frustrating in turns. I always think that dystopian novels are frustrating. So that is a good sign that Roth was on to something in this story which is set in a futuristic Chicago. Will I recommend this book to my students? You bet I will. In fact, I recommended this book on the strength of it's plot long before I had a chance to read it. All the kids who have talked to me about it really like the book and are eager for the sequel. Come to think of it, so am I.

Snapshot Saturday

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sunrise, the shadow of Mt. Rainier, in Washington State, as viewed from Graham-Kapowsin High School one day in October 2011. This is my seventh year teaching at this school and I have never seen this before. The mountain cast a huge shadow at sunrise. Lots of students and staff ran out of their classes to take a picture. It was such a rare phenomenon. Very cool.

Snapshot Saturday is hosted by Alyce over at At Home with Books.

Follow Friday...Veterans Day Edition

2011-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Alison Can Read and Parajunkee

(Congratulations to Book Nympho and Mother Lode on being the featured bloggers of the day for Follow Friday.)

Q: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

A: Donald Bennett, my husband!

Colonel Don Bennett, State Judge Advocate for the Washington Army National Guard.

Served in Iraq from 2004-05.

33+ years of service to our country.

He is my hero!

Don is devoted to our country and to justice, not only for our soldiers but also for the citizens of countries where our military serves. As a JAG officer he is in the position of advising commanders and making sure that standards are upheld and laws governing conduct are enforced.

Runner-up: First Lieutenant Gordon Parr, my uncle

Served in the Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater.

His unit, the 96th Infantry Division (belatedly in 2007) received its Presidential Unit Citation for its "esprit, heroism, and continuing demonstrations of raw courage" in the decisive Battle of Okinawa.

Gordon died this year at age 87.

He -- and a whole generation of men and women -- fought for our freedom against incredible odds. We are here today because of their courage and valor. Thank you for your service.

A great big word of thanks to all soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, and coast guardsmen who have answered the call of duty to our country. I appreciate your service and recognize that freedom isn't free. Thank you! Also, thank you to all military families who have sacrificed so much for us.

A librarian's dilemma

2011-11-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

The definition of dilemma: a situation requiring a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives.

That is where this librarian is right now, making a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives. The question---whether to put Habibi by Craig Thompson into circulation in my school library. What are the two equally undesirable alternatives, you ask? Let me explain, but first let me tell you about the book.

Sprawling across an epic landscape of deserts, harems, and modern industrial clutter, HABIBI tells the tale of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves bound to each other by chance, by circumstance, and by the love that grows between them.

At once contemporary and timeless, HABIBI gives us a love story of astounding resonance: a parable about our relationship to the natural world, the cultural divide between the first and third worlds, the common heritage of Christianity and Islam, and, most potently, the magic of storytelling. -Craig Thompson's Habibi webpage

S.I. Rosenbaum, a reviewer for the Boston Phoenix, said this about Thompson and Habibi:

“Craig Thompson's new graphic novel, Habibi, is a masterpiece. This isn't an opinion. This book is a gorgeous object; to make it, Thompson apparently covered himself in honey and rolled around in a thousand years of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic art, and the result is breathtaking.”

I know. It sounds lovely. It is lovely. Craig Thompson is a master at illustrations and his graphic novels are amazing. This book is no exception. 600+ pages in length with amazing illustrations and a dramatic story line, this seems like the perfect book for a high school library. It would be a perfect book for us EXCEPT for one rather large-ish problem. SEX. There is lots of it in the book and when there is sex in a graphic novel, well, er-r-r, the results are graphic.

Last Tuesday the Top Ten Tuesday meme asked the question "What are the titles of books that made you feel uncomfortable?" This book would have made the list. I was very uncomfortable while reading it. I couldn't get comfortable with the volume of graphic sex acts in the book. And I'm pretty sure that parents of my high school students wouldn't be comfortable with it, either. Therein lies the dilemma. To return a book that has a fantastic storyline and wonderful illustrations by a very talented author/illustrator (bad choice) or keep it even though it really is too graphic for the population (another bad choice.) As a public school librarian I am charged with selecting books for our collection which match the curriculum and the values of the community, but I am also a believer in the anti-censorship aspect of the 1st amendment.

What to do, what to do? It is a dilemma. Whatever I choose, it will be a bad choice.

Your thoughts?

PS. Go to Craig Thompson's webpage and take a look at the art, the reviews, the process of making Habibi. Of particular interest to me is that none of the example illustrations on his page include sex scenes. Hmmmmm....

My Head Is Full of Books

Juxtaposition

Sunday Salon...Feb 5

Book Review: The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

Friday blogs...

Top Ten Book Club Selections

It's Monday, January 30 and I'm reading...

Review: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

Top Ten Historical Novels

2012 Mock Printz Results

Sunday Salon...Jan. 22

Icemaggedon...Day Two of Weird Weather in the Northwest

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Snowmaggedon in the Northwest

Top Ten Books I Recommend to People Who Don't Usually Read YA Lit

It's Monday, January 16 and I'm reading...

Sunday Salon...Jan. 15

2011 Best Book Club Discussion Books

2011 Most popular books in GKHS library list...with notes

Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

2011 Cybils Finalists for Young Adult Fiction are...

Sunday Salon...Jan.8

Snapshot Saturday...Jan. 7

Review: The Death Cure

Review: Cloaked by Alex Flinn

Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012

It's Monday, January 2 and I'm reading...

Best books for teens 2011

My Favorite 2011 YA Novels

2011 End of Year Survey

Snapshot Saturday... Dec. 31

Top Books of 2011

2012 ALA YA Award Books Challenge

2011 Year in Review

Sunday Salon---Christmas Day

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Snapshot Saturday... Dec. 24

Friday---Dec. 23

Follow Friday Question of the Week: If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why?

Review: The Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John

I've Been Reading 'Classic' Children's Literature

Sunday Salon---Dec. 18

Review: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

A bookish survey. Play along...

Sunday Salon... Dec. 11

Snapshot Saturday --- Dec. 10

Friday--- Dec. 9

Adult: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Review--- Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting by Jim Murphy

Rereading old favorites

Favorite Books from my Childhood

Favorite Holiday Books and Stories

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Letters from Father Christams by J,R.R. Tolkien

Snapshot Saturday...Dec. 3

Friday... Dec. 2

Top Ten TBR books for winter reading

Sunday Salon... Nov. 27

Snapshot Saturday... Nov. 26

TGIF and Follow Friday...Books For Which I am Thankful

Authors I Would Like to Host for Thanksgiving Dinner

It's Monday, Nov. 21 and I'm reading...

2011 National Book Award-Young Peoples Lit

To read old award books or not?

Top Ten Books TBR on the pile the longest

Sunday Salon, Nov. 13, 2011

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Snapshot Saturday

Follow Friday...Veterans Day Edition

(Congratulations to Book Nympho and Mother Lode on being the featured bloggers of the day for Follow Friday.)

Q: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

A librarian's dilemma