A Separate Peace

Knowles, J. (1959). A Separate Peace. New York:  Secker and Warbug.

This year, I decided that I wanted to teach something new to my advanced sophomore class. I still taught Lord of the Flies, but I wanted something different. As I was looking at the book list, I realized that A Separate Peace is also on the AP list. So I thought, "Why not?  If I don't like it, I won't teach it again."  I am so glad that I decided to give Knowles's novel a chance.

Catching Fire

Collins, S. (2009). Catching Fire. New York:  Scholastic.

Yes, I am a fan of The Hunger Games trio.  Yes, I get very excited about the movies.  I did see the recent movie.  It was good.  But of the three novels, Catching Fire is my favorite.  I teach The Hunger Games to my sophomore English class every year.  And every time I finish, I have the urge to read the subsequent novels.  Since the new movie was releasing soon, I decided to read Catching Fire, again.

Catching Fire is my favorite of the three novels.  The novel begins several months after the events of the seventy-fourth Hunger Games.  Katniss and Peeta have returned to life and made it as normal as possible.  But the Capitol is angry with the events that took place.  Now to save her own skin, Katniss must pretend to be in love with Peeta for the rest of her life.

Collins second novel is a great midpoint in the trilogy.  While The Hunger Games is used to introduce the world of Panem and the character of Katniss, Catching Fire is used to bring in the political undertones of the novel.  Katniss just wants to lead a normal life, but that isn't possible.  I would argue that the beginning of the novel moves pretty slowly.  The suspense of the games doesn't occur until much later in the novel.  Quite often, the reader is left confused along with Katniss as to the motives of other characters.  Collins uses present tense first person narration, just like The Hunger Games.  So the reader feels Katniss's emotions.

If you enjoy The Hunger Games, you MUST read Catching Fire.  And always read the novel before watching the move.  ALWAYS.  Or else the odds will never be in your favor.

The Poisonwood Bible

Kingsolver, B. (1998). The Poisonwood Bible. New York:  Harper Perennial.

Sometimes I get very tired of reading the mundane and overdone love stories.  I always enjoy a novel with a different perspective.  When two of my colleagues recommended Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible, I decided to give it a chance.  Since Kingsolver is a Kentucky native whom I have never read before, I felt even more pressure.  And once in a while the novel appears on the Literature and Composition Advanced Placement exam.  I always want to find novels to recommend to my students that may assist them for the exam.  So, based on the above criteria, I just had to read The Poisonwood Bible.  And Even though it took several months to read (because of my very busy schedule), I'm so very glad that I read Barbara Kingsolver's amazing novel.

Book Signing with Jolina Petersheim

This weekend was homecoming at my former university.  My good friend Jolina Petersheim had a book signing during the day and a reading last night.  Sadly, I was unable to attend the reading, but I was able to go to the signing and finally purchase a copy of The Outcast.  I even got a personalized signed copy to add to my small collection of signed books!  It was great to catch up with Jolina and talk to her about her writings.  It seems so unreal that I sat through the same classes with a published author, and an excellent author at that.  I know I have other friends who write and are waiting to be published.  I can't wait to read their work too.  It also makes me feel a little jealous that I'm not writing like I want to.  Maybe one day.

Read my review of Jolina's debut novel, The Outcast, here.

Frankenstein

Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein. London.

When the name Frankenstein is mentioned everyone immediately thinks of a large green, stiff, grumbling monster with bolts sticking out of his neck. Everyone knows the quote, "It's alive!" made famous by films. 

But Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is quite different. In fact, Frankenstein isn't a monster at all. Frankenstein is a college student majoring in science. Victor Frankenstin creates a creature in his dorm room. Surprisingly, the creature isn't a bumbling fool either. He's actually very eloquent in his language. I love that Shelley creates a section to allow the creature to narrate his own story. 

Banning Books?

I have been so busy with school lately that I rarely get a chance to read, let alone post about my reading.  So for my faithful three readers, I apologize.

Today is the last day in National Banned Book Week.  I thought I would post my own thoughts on the topic.  After seeing lists of challenged books over the years, I am shocked at the desire to forbid others from reading.  I see literature as an art form.  Last time I checked, The Louvre doesn't place a blanket over Venus de Milo and Michelangelo's David doesn't wear running shorts.  In fact, both of the those sculptures are regarded as beautiful pieces of artwork--which they are.  I agree that not all books are wonderful; in fact, I have read a great deal that would have served better as a coaster for my drink rather than literature, but to forbid anyone from reading what they enjoy is just wrong.  It would be as if I stood outside a movie theatre and forced people away instead of letting them watch a rated R, B-list horror movie just because I didn't approve of the violence or sexual content.

The most challenged books of 2012 include Fifty Shades of Grey, And Tango Makes Three, Captain Underpants, The Kite Runner, Thirteen Reasons Why, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian.  From that list, I have only read two:  Fifty Shades of Grey and Thirteen Reasons Why.  My husband has read (shockingly, he rarely reads) The Absolutely…. I do know that And Tango Makes Three is a picture book about two male penguins raising a child.  While I don't think everything should be open for children, or even all age groups for that matter, I don't think it is our right to tell others what they can and cannot read.  I very much agree that even my high school students should not read Fifty Shades of Grey, but I am not their mother.  It is a parent's responsibility to censor what children read.  That is one of the main reasons parents should read.

**Side note:  Fifty Shades of Grey is one of my least favorite books of all time.  My feelings have nothing to do with the content of the book.  I did not enjoy the characters at all.  And I feel as though the writing style was horrendous.**

I have reviewed Thirteen Reasons Why on this site before.  I thoroughly enjoyed the young adult novel.  Again, I wouldn't hand the book over to a twelve-year-old, but that is not the intended audience.  The novel is a wonderful commentary on teen suicide and its affects on others.  The writing style is creative and unique.  I would, and often do, recommend Asher's book.  It is gripping, heart-wrenching and realistic.

I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower as a teenager.  At that time, it was a very controversial book.  But after I read the book, I did not involve myself in any of the acts that the characters encountered in the book.  After reading Harry Potter and the seven things he faced as a teenager, I did not search out a dark wizard or attempt to find Hogwarts.  Even as an adult, I didn't enter into a relationship similar to center plot of Fifty Shades of Grey.  Literature, like all art forms, is a way to escape the present world.  Through books, I have been able to see the world, the past, the present and the future.  It is no one's right to take that away from me or anyone for that matter.

I guess I am lucky in my reading selections.  My parents were very sheltering in many areas, but not with books.  I was encouraged to read.  I would not be the person I am today without many of the books I have read.  I would not be an independent thinker if it weren't for Scarlett O'Hara, Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Bennett.  I would not be compassionate and aware if it weren't for Elie Weisel and Anne Frank.  I would be idealistic and imaginative if it weren't for Harry Potter, Lucy Penvensie and Frodo Baggins.  While neither of my parents are big readers, they allowed me to travel to places I have never and will never visit.  And I did come in contact with "unsuitable for age group" topics and subjects, but so what?  Maybe if I hadn't read about those things, in my real life I wouldn't have known how to react to uncomfortable situations if I hadn't seen them on the pages of books.

Jane Austen Ruined My Life

Pattillo, B. (2009). Jane Austen ruined my life. New York:  Guideposts. 

I love Pride and Prejudice. I have loved it from the moment I read it in my feminist literature course in college. I have watched several movies based on Austen's books. Yet I am no expect in the world of Austen. But now I want to be.

Jane Austen Ruined my Life is a modern novel about a woman, appropriately named Emma, who is a Jane Austen scholar. After the failure of her marriage, she travels to London in hopes to discover the lost Austen letters. Emma discovers a lot about Austen and herself. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It isn't the most thought-provoking piece of literature, but it is fun and lighthearted. I enjoyed seeing the references to Austen's novels and to places I have visited in London. Trying to identify Emma's Mr. Darcy was fun too. But Emma isn't like her Austen counterparts. Although Austen's characters are revolutionary for her time, the idea of true love is overdone in today's society. Emma is a modern woman who does differ from her idol's creations. 

Essentially Jane Austen Ruined my Life made me want to be knowledgable in Austen's work. So I'm currently reading an old copy of Emma. Next will be Sense and Sensibility and I plan to finish with Pride and Prejudice. I have never read multiple novels by an author consecutively other than serial writings. With me luck that I can stick with my plan!

The Paris Wife

McLain, P. (2011). The Paris wife.  New York:  Ballentine.

Ernest Hemingway is a name known worldwide for many different reasons.  Hemingway was a known alcoholic and notorious play boy.  He was part of the Lost Generation, which included voices such as Fitzgerald, Stein, Pound, Eliot, during the 1920's.  It was a time of breaking the rules to find oneself.  Hemingway was a love 'em and leave 'em kind of man.  But the first woman who trapped his heart was a woman named Hadley Richardson.  Together, the opposites lived a whirlwind life and tried to find consistency in a world full of chaos.

Paula McLain tells the story of the first of Hemingway's wives in her 2011 novel, The Paris Wife.  The novel is completely fiction but based on actual events of the Hemingways' life together.  McLain assumes Hadley's voice to tell the story through first person.  McLain truly and fully develops Hadley's character to the point that it seems that she's a dear friend telling a story.

Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem

Barnett, M. (2009). Billy Twitters and his blue whale problem.  New York:  Disney-Hyperion Books.

What happens when you don't listen to your mother?  She makes you take care of a blue whale!  Just ask Billy Twitters; he can tell you how horrible it is.  Max Barnett writes a very clever and interesting story about Billy Twitters and his pet blue whale.  Billy's mother constantly threatens buying her son a blue whale as punishment for disobeying the rules.  Billy doesn't believe his mother's outrageous alternative.  But one things for sure:  Billy's mother follows through.  And then hilarity ensues.

In the Night Kitchen

Sendak, M. (1970). In the night kitchen.  New York:  Harper

Since Brody LOVES Where the Wild Things Are, I thought we would try another book by Sendak, In the Night Kitchen.  I'm not sure that he feels the same about the two books.  In the Night Kitchen has been historically a very controversial book.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Dewdney, A. (2005). Llama Llama red pajama. New York:  Viking.

Lately I have seen Llama Llama everywhere!  So I had to see what the appeal is.  I'm still guessing at what attracts to young children to Dewdney's tales of Llama Llama.  Brody loves the picture book though.

The plot is simple.  Little Llama is going to bed and suddenly is terrified of being alone in the dark without his mother.  In the end, Llama's mother explains to him that even when she is not in the room, she will always be near to him.  It's a heartwarming bedtime story.

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns

Weisberger, L. (2013). Revenge wears Prada:  the devil returns.  New York: Simon.

I was extremely excited to read this book.  I immediately placed this book on hold at the library after I finished The Devil Wears Prada.  When the library called, I was every happy and rushed over to get it. I completed the book in less than twenty-four hours (something I can do, but haven't done in quite sometime); yet not for the reason that most probably expect.

Where the Wild Things Are

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are.  New York:  Harper and Row.

Where the Wild Things Are is considered one of the most powerful children's books.  It has been voted multiple years as the number one book for children and received the prestigious Caldecott Medal.   I must agree with the hype.  The story and illustrations by Sendak truly are inspiring for children, both boys and girls alike.  Sendak's picture book is one that I shared with my brother when we were children; it is one that I have recently shared with my own son.  Even at fifteen-months, he is able to sit and listen to Sendak's powerful language.  Fifty years after its first publication, Where the Wild Things Are still speaks strongly to its audience.

The Devil Wears Prada

Weisberger, L. (2003). The devil wears Prada. New York:  Broadway Books.

My goal every summer is to read as many books as I can.  Sometimes these books are thought-provoking and emotional--The Bluest Eye.  Sometimes they are longer than most--The Help.  Sometimes they are a fun summer read--The Outcast.  The Devil Wears Prada falls into the last category.  I have read Weisberger's modern novel a few times now.  I have to admit that I saw the movie first, several years ago.  But like most, the novel is a hundred times better.

The Devil Wears Prada follows the story of Andrea Sachs, an employee as a personal assistant at the fictional Runway magazine.  Andy is forced to endure some rather difficult and humiliating (to say the least) "tasks" as she hopes to climb her way up the literary world's ladder.  Andy must often make the choice of job or her personal life.  Some of the scenes have the reader dumbfounded at the ridiculousness of the Runway world.

The Book Thief

Zusak, M. (2005). The Book Thief. New York:  Knopf.

There have been many, many books written involving stories of children and adolescents during World War II.  Australian writer, Markus Zusak takes a different approach.  He chooses to write about a young German girl, rather than take a Jewish voice.  This fresh perspective is just what I needed for summer reading.

One of a Kind

Winter, A. (2012). One of a kind. New York:  Aladdin.

With an opening sentence like "Lysander Singleton was the only only child at Twin Oaks Elementary," how could anyone pass up this book?  One of a Kind is definitely a one of a kind read.  Ariel Winter tells the story of Lysander, who is the only child at his school who is not a twin.  Lysander fells very left out, because everyone knows that twins are best friends.  Annually, the school host an event known as Twindividuation, a program meant to foster individuality among the sets of twins.  Since Lysander is the odd man out, literally, he has to participate for both teams.  A surprise turn of events, makes Lysander the most popular boy in school.

Once Upon MacDonald's Farm

Gammell, S. (1981). Once Upon MacDonald's Farm. New York:  Simon & Schuster.

Everyone knows the story of Old MacDonald's Farm with the cows and the chickens. But what about MacDonald before his farm had cows and chickens? He had an elephant, lion and baboon; believe it or not.

The Book at Eats People

Perry, J. (2009). The book that eats people. Berkeley:  Tricycle Press.

I have seen these kind of books before, the books that tell a story about the book itself. This particular book is very cute in a strange sort of way. The Book that Eats People shares the story of the book and how it has a ravenous appetite for its readers. People have tried to retain it in libraries, prison, and even a zoo. But somehow the book keeps fulfilling its desire for flesh and succumbs to such tactics as disguising itself in order to be checked out the library.

Ivan the Terrier

Catalanotto, P. (2007). Ivan the Terrier. New York:  Atheneum Books.

Peter Catalanotto's picture book, Ivan the Terrier is a play on the viking by the similar name "Ivan the Terrible."  However, Catalanotto's Ivan is not a viking; he is a small dog.  Yet, like his namesake, Ivan likes to cause trouble and wreak havoc.

The Outcast

Petersheim, J. (2013). The Outcast. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers. 

I have the pleasure of personally knowing the author of the debut novel The Outcast. I had many, many classes with Jolina Petersheim, before she married and become a published author. Once upon a time I was an editor of my college newspaper and Jolina was a writer. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about editing such a talented writer's work.

All joking aside, The Outcast is a wonderful first novel for Jolina. It is subtitled "A modern reselling of The Scarlet Letter."  Yet, while Jolina's novel has a basis and allusions to the American classic, The Outcast stands on its own without the endorsement. 

Mister Seahorse

Carle, E. (2004). Mister Seahorse. New York:  Philomel Books.

Eric Carle's beautiful book art has done it again.  This time Carle takes his readers under the sea to explore the world of marine fathers.  Most know that the father seahorse cares for the eggs before they hatch. Carle educates his audience on other sea animals that are similar to the seahorse in that respect, such as the tilapia, pipefish, bullhead catfish, etc.

The Help

Stockett, K. (2009). The Help.  New York:    Putnam.

I have to admit, I'm a very bad reader sometimes. Sometimes I watch a movie then read a book, and sometimes I take a long time to read a book. Both of these confessions are true with The Help. I first watched the movie, which I love, then I bought the book on my e-reader, two years ago.  I was never able to read past the first 100 pages or so. I was determined to finally actually read the novel. And since I'm at a training without TV or real responsibilities, I did. And I'm so glad I did. 

The Bluest Eye

Morrison, T. (1970). The Bluest Eye.  New York:  Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

The Bluest Eye has been on my reading list for a while. I read Beloved back in college and enjoyed Morrison's writing then. I'm currently preparing for my AP summer training. I received a list of books that the trainer wants us tone familiar with (one was The Great Gatsby! Surprise). The Bluest Eye happened to be on the list. So I thought, "Why not?"  

The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald, F. (1925). The Great Gatsby. New York:  Scribner.

I first read The Great Gatsby when I was a junior in high school.  I enjoyed it then.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to read some books multiple times.  But since I mainly teach British literature, I haven't had Fitzgerald shoved down my throat.  I actually had only read Gatsby once until I decided to re-read it before the movie.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Carle, E. (1969) The very hungry caterpillar. New York:  Scholastic.

The public library in my county gives a new book to children on their birthday.  Brody received The Very Hungry Caterpillar for his first birthday.  Honestly, I'm not sure if I ever read this book before.  I know it is very popular for early elementary classrooms.  In fact, the caterpillar is EVERYWHERE!

Still Reading

I promise that I haven't quit reading or writing.  Life is just very busy at the moment.  I finished my first year of graduate school!  Yay!  The school year ends this week! Yay!  We are currently moving, so I haven't had much time to update this blog.  I'm not really sure if anyone reads this anyway.

The Monsters' Monster

McDonnell, P. (2012). The monsters' monster.  New York:  Little Brown Books.

Partrick McDonnell has received a Caldecott Honor for his work with the picture book Me...Jane.  McDonnell should receive the Caldecott for his work on The Monster's Monster.  His artwork is beautiful and simple to accompany such a simple, yet heartwarming story.

Romeo and Juliet

Coville, B. (1999). William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. New York:  Dial Books.

I am a huge Shakespeare fan.  I even wanted to name my son William (my husband said no).  My love affair with Billy goes back to my freshman year of high school.  I was in a rather small English I class with students who should have been in an English II class.  I felt really out of place.  That teacher will always be an important person in my life, because she introduced me to Shakespeare.  We read both Romeo and Juliet and Midsummer Night's Dream.  I got to read for Juliet and Helena.  My teacher told me that I was a talented reader and truly understood Shakespeare; I'm not sure if she really meant it, but she gave me a lot of confidence.

The Runaway Bunny

Wise Brown, M. (1942) The runaway bunny. New York:  Harper.

I have posted on the relationship between father and son with Guess How Much I Love You, The Runaway Bunny is about the relationship between mother and son.  It is a conversation that a first makes the reader nervous--the young bunny wants to runaway.  But in the end, the bunny realizes that no matter where he goes, his mother will be with him.

Jane Eyre

Bronte, C. (1847). Jane Eyre. London:  Smith, Elder and Company.

Jane and I have a love/hate relationship.  I have read this novel numerous times in the past ten years.  I first read Jane Eyre in my AP English IV class in high school.  Since this is the first year I'm teaching the same course, I thought it was an appropriate novel.  This time, the novel must have spoke to me, because currently, Jane and I are kindred spirits.  Or maybe the fact that my students are actually enjoying the plot made me like the novel this time.

Frank X Walker

In honor of Frank X Walker recently being named the Kentucky Poet Laureate, I am providing a link to my review of his book of poetry, Buffalo Dance:  The Journey of York.    Enjoy!  And Congratulations to Frank X Walker for your achievement!

The Hobbit

Tolkien, J. (1937).  The Hobbit.  London:  George Allen & Unwin

I am a HUGE Tolkien fan. It all started when I watched The Fellowship of the Ring in a theater many years ago. I thought it was just going to be another movie. I was hooked from the start. And of course I had to read the books. I began with the trilogy then made my way through The Hobbit. I decided in honor of the new film (which is awesome), I would reread The Hobbit.

The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark

Pearson, R. (2005). The kingdom keepers: Disney after dark.  New York:  Disney Hyperion.

Have you ever wondered what happens at Disney World after the park closes? Well, I have. And apparently I'm not alone. Ridley Pearson has created an entire young adult series around the concept. The first book, Disney after Dark, follows the Kingdom Keepers--a group of five middle schoolers who have holograms created in their likenesses--as they try to save the Magic Kingdom from the Overtakers.

The Other Dog

L'Engle, M. (2006). The other dog.  San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Madeleine L'Engle is not known for this hilarious picture book.  L'Engle was awarded fame for A Wrinkle in Time.  However, The Other Dog is a far better read; at least it was for me.  And the basis for the story is great.

Goodnight Little One

Wise Brown, M. (2012). Goodnight little one. Bath, UK:  Parragon.

Margaret Wise Brown is a well-known children's author with her most noted work, Goodnight Moon.  I have read a few of Brown's books with (or rather to) my son.  I have to say that Goodnight Little One is probably my favorite.  It is a wonderful book to read at bedtime.

1984

Orwell, G. (1949). 1984.  London:  Secker and Warbug.

I don't consider myself a very politically aware person.  Sadly, I don't even stay up with current events as much as I should.  I am trying to change that aspect of myself; I need to be more aware of the world around me.  But for some reason, I love teaching 1984.

Guess How Much I Love You

McBrantey, S. (1995). Guess how much I love you. New York:  Candlewick P.

I received this book as a shower gift from a former college professor.  I had heard of the book and knew that it has been on several lists for best children books.  After reading it, I completely understand why.

Lord of the Flies

Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the flies. London: Faber and Faber.

I have taught Lord of the Flies with every English II class I have ever had.  Overall, they are not fans of the book, or at least they won't admit it.  I really think they just don't like anything unless it involves a sparkly vampire or a girl with a bow and arrow.  I have never quite understood why they love The Hunger Games but hate Lord of the Flies.  Maybe it's the lack of a love story.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen reasons why. New York:  Penguin.

I love when my students will read on their own. I love when we can discuss books that aren't required reading. I love when they recommend books. And once in a while, I'll actually get a chance to read them.

The Boss Baby

Frazee, M. (2010). The boss baby. New York: Simon & Schuster.

The Boss Baby is an excellent book! I bought for my son because it was just a few dollars and had colorful artwork. I had no idea what the story was. Frazee creates a larger metaphor for new parents by comparing an infant to a CEO of a company.