Bennett's comments (member since Jan 27, 2009)

Bennett's comments from the The Newbery Award Book Club group.

There were a great many things about this book that I just loved. So many of the characters were unique and memorable. The beginning of the book quite literally grabs the reader in an icy grip that is both compelling and frightening. There were other elements of the book that for me were unrealized. At times it felt like I was reading a collection of short stories revolving around Bod and the Graveyard. There were episodes that were intriquing but at times seemed a bit disjointed from one another. Other parts of the story didn't develop as completely as I would have liked. The Jack character was great until the end and then I couldn't make sense of the why and the how in the climatic scene. O well, still enjoyed it for the most part, but would give it a ho-hum recommendation.

I was captivated by the cover of the book to begin with. As I started to to read I felt that I had come across a real gem. I loved the concept of the Savvy and the inner conflict it created within each of the different Beaumonts. Unfortunately my enthusiasm and interest in the book slowly waned as the plot moved on. While fantasy is one of my favorite genres, I had a hard time accepting much of the way things developed through the book. Ranae mentioned it having a feel of a tall tale, and I felt it was trying to be a believable fantasy. Sadly for me it fell somewhere in between and lost it's ability to hold me very close. I did however like the heartfelt ending, (not the hospital scene) but the touching moment on the porch in the swing. I can see how many will love the story and the characters, but it just fell a little short for me.

An interesting read. The characters were enjoyable, the situations at times quite humorous and the overall plot a bit too far fetched. Despite experiencing the "oh, come on!" reaction more than a couple of times, I still liked the book generally and wouldn't discourage someone from reading it. The bully vs. brains plot line was the glue that held the weaker improbable save the owls story together.

Myers has a tremendous gift for language. His characters are so very well realized. I have read a few other books by Meyers and none have been disappointing. Scorpions was more poignant and thought provoking than anything else. Certainly not a "pleasure read." My heart really ached for both of the main characters. So naive and so tragically caught up in the dark side of their culture. Reading with young adolescents will certainly foster some deep discussion.

Rory wrote: "My name is Rory & I am a middle grades teacher of language arts in Florida. I'm currently teaching 8th grade but I've taught 6th and 7th grades as well as math. I love that this group exists beca..."

Rory, welcome to the group. As you can see we have set a pattern for reading two common books a month and sharing thoughts, insights and feelings about them. We certainly welcome thoughts about other than the two books highlighted each month. So far the books that we have chosen have been honor books. Any suggestions for upcoming reads are always welcome. Megan is our group leader. I taught 4th through 6th grades for 23 years. 8th grade! You are a champion!

Share your thoughts as your read our March pick, Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers

By the By, my favorite passage,
"Sir Geoffrey, where's Christopher?" she demanded.
"Gone," said Sir Geoffrey.
"Gone where?"
"Away. He left very early this morning, as soon as it was light."
"But he couldn't have - he can't be -" Kate protested. "Why, why should he go away now?"
"Because I sent him."
"But you can't have! Not now! Surely not now, after all he's - you haven't forgiven him? Even now?"
Sir Geoffrey stood regarding her.
"No, I haven't forgiven him," he replied gravely. "But I asked him to forgive me."

There were a number of things that I liked very much about this book. The fantasy element of the Fairy Folk was well done. Like the underground world that they inhabit, they never quite emerge from the shadows into what the reader can easily define. From the time we first see the Lady as an indistinct shadow in the Elvenwood until her final appearance hiding in the shadows of the castle the folk are just out of reach. Gwynhyfara almost becomes someone with emotion and feeling as she spends time teaching Kate the Fairy way, but not quite.
The main characters were equally well done. Kate so believable. The sadness and grief and damaged relationship of Sir Geoffrey and Christopher. And poor addled Randal. Do you think with the Fairy Folk now gone that Randal remains the simpleton or does he get his wits back?
Overall, I liked the book very much. It wasn't one that I would rave over or be anxious about until I recommended it to everyone, but still a satisfying read.

May I suggest "suggestions," from all involved and then leave it to our esteemed group moderator/director/leader/czar (that's you, Megan) to make the unilateral final decision. For my suggestions, Carl Hiaasen's Hoot and Wlater Dean Myers Scorpions. My choices because I haven't read either book and would like to.

What a pleasure to be numbered among this austere and eclectic group. By way of introduction I am known as Dad by a few, Sweetie by one and I can only begin to guess what else by others. I contracted book fever as a skinny teenager when I found a collection of Isaace Asimov short stories in the bookmobile that rolled through my little home town in the summer of 69. (Oh, those were the days!) My reading interests since have shifted, changed, been stuck in a rut, changed again and more than a few times come back again full circle. I am somewhat broad in my interests, but never stray very far from children's lit. 23 years as an elementary school teacher has helped fuel that interest and has provided great opportunities for sharing. Every now and then I find a gem that is absolutely "list worthy", but here are just a couple of my tried and trues that will forever be on the shelf of "must reads"

The Chronicles of Prydain and anything else by Lloyd Alexander
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Walden by Henry David Thoreau

A small beginning to a lengthy list. I am looking forward to this opportunity to share some really "Good Reads!"