I recently reread “Charlotte’s Web” and I love this classic more now than I did back when I was younger! It was easy to get comfortable in the world o...moreI recently reread “Charlotte’s Web” and I love this classic more now than I did back when I was younger! It was easy to get comfortable in the world of E.B. White. Things seemed much simpler and innocent back then even though life and death were always present. Then there were the characters- Wilbur, who was such a pig, in the best sense of the word, and matter-of-fact Charlotte who was a mother and friend anyone would be lucky to have. This book, as she would say, is “terrific.”(less)
Sherman Alexie and "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" has been recommended to me for quite awhile now. I wanted to continue reading boo...moreSherman Alexie and "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" has been recommended to me for quite awhile now. I wanted to continue reading books that dealt with identity- in January I read "The Girl Who Fell from the Sky" and in February, I read "Monstress"- so I picked this book up. Unlike "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Wonder", which I liked very much and basically followed the same storyline of the main character persevering through whatever challenges came their way and ended up being better for them, this was somehow different. It was more relatable.
With it's strong but honest language and a lot of the subjects covered, I can see why certain groups may be offended with the book and may want it banned. But I think that's what a great story does. It makes us uncomfortable in its ability to mirror our lives and ourselves in its pages.
This is a great introduction to Sherman Alexie's works as I'm sure I'll be reading more of his books!(less)
While I may not have had perfect recall of “The Phantom Tollbooth” from reading it when I was a kid, it left enough of an impression that I liked it f...moreWhile I may not have had perfect recall of “The Phantom Tollbooth” from reading it when I was a kid, it left enough of an impression that I liked it for me to want to read it again as an adult.
Immediately, I indentified with Milo “who didn’t know what to do with himself- not just sometimes, but always.” And when a mysterious tollbooth arrives and he’s suddenly in a new land, I’m there with him. As one does in Oz or Wonderland, readers have to accept the fact that anything goes and it’s best to just enjoy the ride.
There are so many memorable characters and scenes that it’s almost a shame to talk about it. While there’s plenty of hilarity and Monty Phyton-esque humor, there are also pearls of wisdom peppered throughout- observations about life only an adult can make presented to kids. It may go over their heads but it might stick- or if they end up rereading it at a later stage of their lives, they’ll come to appreciate it.
I can’t believe it’ll be fifty years since this book was just first published. Classics are like that- ahead of their time while transcending it. I was definitely sad when the book ended but that’s the thing with books- we can always go back to them.
“What you can do is often simply a matter of what you will do.”
This would make a beautiful addition to any library. I can't believe this didn't win the Newbery!(less)
"I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!" is one of my go to gifts to young children just learning how to read. This has a great rhyme scheme and fun vocabulary...more"I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!" is one of my go to gifts to young children just learning how to read. This has a great rhyme scheme and fun vocabulary with colorful pictures. Highly recommended! (less)
I didn’t have to plow through any required reading lists in high school. “The Crucible” was apparently on a lot of people’s. I probably wouldn’t have...moreI didn’t have to plow through any required reading lists in high school. “The Crucible” was apparently on a lot of people’s. I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much back then if it was something I had to read. But it IS really good. I’ve been describing it as “juicy”- full of wicked characters and powerful, dramatic scenes.
As I learned from “If You Want to Write,” for a story to be good, at its most basic level, it should move a person. If it manages to have hidden meanings and additional layers, that’s gravy.
Even though this was based on the Salem witch trials and symbolically about McCarthyism, the scary thing is that this kind of “hysteria” is still pretty much alive today taking on many forms.(less)
Some books you ravish like a lover you hadn’t seen for awhile. Some books you savor, morsel by morsel.
You take in everything, a marathon of senses, em...moreSome books you ravish like a lover you hadn’t seen for awhile. Some books you savor, morsel by morsel.
You take in everything, a marathon of senses, emotions.
You let the words sink in, marinate, let the words permeate your soul.
You forget everything else because that’s all that matters in this moment.
You become the words. They become part of you. They’re forever etched in your mind.
Some books find their reader at the most perfect time. “Writing Down the Bones” has been the most welcome companion. It speaks so much truth! I don’t think I would have been so receptive and appreciative to it as I was when I read this.(less)
I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! I’ve watched the musical how many times? I loved Gregory Maguire’s ada...moreI can’t believe I’ve gone this long without reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! I’ve watched the musical how many times? I loved Gregory Maguire’s adaptation “Wicked”- both the book and musical. But this is the one that started it all and it was truly a great reading experience. Even the book’s design with the colored text was really thought out and added to the wonderment of the story.(less)
It may sound strange but I actually like Leaving Microsoft to Change the World more than Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. While both inspired me to...moreIt may sound strange but I actually like Leaving Microsoft to Change the World more than Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. While both inspired me to reach for the stars, this one kept me grounded. It offered a glimpse how it was like to run a non-profit, how much it takes a business mindset to keep it going.
Some of the notes I took: Make a difference Contribute my time/money to organizations that will fulfill my goals Co-investment Community partnerships Invest in people rather than give them charity Help people help themselves(less)
"Love is difficult." That was part of the quote uttered in one scene of a "Brothers & Sisters" episode. It was enough for me to seek it out and "L...more"Love is difficult." That was part of the quote uttered in one scene of a "Brothers & Sisters" episode. It was enough for me to seek it out and "Letters to a Young Poet" has become one of my most favorite books to give to people. I'm familiar with the Stephen Mitchell translation and that's what I recommend.(less)
Death narrates "The Book Thief" about a girl living in World War II. One of the thing that made this stand out for me was knowing how it was going to...moreDeath narrates "The Book Thief" about a girl living in World War II. One of the thing that made this stand out for me was knowing how it was going to end (or at least how one character was going to fare out) and yet still be caught by surprise. Emotional and powerful- and this is a kid's book(!) which just proves how truly wonderful literature crosses barriers.(less)
Sometimes I give schools a hard time for forcing books upon students. Their approach seems to suck any possible enjoyment that can be gotten from the...moreSometimes I give schools a hard time for forcing books upon students. Their approach seems to suck any possible enjoyment that can be gotten from the piece of literature no matter how good it is. With that being said, I'm glad that schools expose the students to things they normally wouldn't go after- and they'd miss out on something great. That's basically what happened with "A Raisin in the Sun". In Drama class, we watched the film adaptation (starring Sidney Poitier) of the play and I was thoroughly enthralled by the performances. Even reading it, the impact wasn't lost.(less)
"Flowers for Algernon" is another instance when the film version (starring Matthew Modine) was so good that I ended up reading the book. A great and h...more"Flowers for Algernon" is another instance when the film version (starring Matthew Modine) was so good that I ended up reading the book. A great and heartbreaking story of staggering genius.(less)
What can be said "To Kill a Mockingbird" that hasn't been said already? There's a reason why this hs become a classic of American literature. The char...moreWhat can be said "To Kill a Mockingbird" that hasn't been said already? There's a reason why this hs become a classic of American literature. The characters. The story. OK, that's two- and I didn't even go into details! Just read it. I would also recommend the film starring Gregory Peck.(less)
"Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" is a hefty book- the hardcover coming in at about 800 pages. But you're instantly swept up in another world of wo...more"Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" is a hefty book- the hardcover coming in at about 800 pages. But you're instantly swept up in another world of wonder and dueling magicians. There's a richness in the descriptions and the history. And I love any book that has fun with footnotes!(less)
What was surprising about "The Alchemist" was that it wasn't written that long ago- 1988, in fact. It just seemed like a classic that's been around fo...moreWhat was surprising about "The Alchemist" was that it wasn't written that long ago- 1988, in fact. It just seemed like a classic that's been around forever. Maybe it was the simplicity of the story or the message of hope in believing in your dreams that made it seem like it.(less)
"The Thirteenth Tale" is a must read for book and word lovers. Totally engrossing. I remember just being awestruck by how wonderfully and cleverly wri...more"The Thirteenth Tale" is a must read for book and word lovers. Totally engrossing. I remember just being awestruck by how wonderfully and cleverly written this was. (less)
I was in seventh grade and our English teacher showed us the movie version of "Anne of Green Gables" starring Megan Follows and I was instantly taken...moreI was in seventh grade and our English teacher showed us the movie version of "Anne of Green Gables" starring Megan Follows and I was instantly taken by the character. I read the book and loved Anne Shirley even more. I even read the other books in the series even though the later ones featured her less and less. Although, I just couldn't finish "Rilla of Ingleside" since I wanted to read about Anne Shirley and not about her children.(less)
It still catches me by surprise sometimes how a good book can lift one’s spirits! I couldn’t put the book down. “The View from Saturday” is a fast pac...moreIt still catches me by surprise sometimes how a good book can lift one’s spirits! I couldn’t put the book down. “The View from Saturday” is a fast paced story about four students with four very distinct personalities. The pages flew by. I didn’t want to say goodbye to them because there was so much potential with these interesting characters, so many of their adventures I wanted to read about. That’s how real they were portrayed!
Things were getting kind of esoteric towards the end and I was expecting a reveal that the teacher was dead or the students were aliens. Of course, that could have just been the other genres of books I read seeping through. I’m still not sure I understood everything but I felt good while reading this.(less)
Books are destinations. I was toying with the idea of going to New York in the summer and someone recommended I read “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs....moreBooks are destinations. I was toying with the idea of going to New York in the summer and someone recommended I read “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” because the two main characters run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. So, while I didn’t actually go to New York, I lived vicariously through Claudia and James.
I pretty much fell in love with the book right away. Everyone can enjoy the story for its memorable characters, amusing dialogue, and the way it just takes you away for a short while- and takes you in. Despite being published in 1967, it still seems so fresh and timeless.(less)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a big book- around 2.5 pounds and over 500 pages. Hardcover, no less. Why would anyone- let alone a kid- want to lug t...moreThe Invention of Hugo Cabret is a big book- around 2.5 pounds and over 500 pages. Hardcover, no less. Why would anyone- let alone a kid- want to lug this around for reading material? That's partly why I picked it up in the first place- to find out.
The book mixes text and picture in a wonderfully imaginative way. Together they tell the story of an orphaned boy, a toymaker and his goddaughter, an automaton, and a mysterious drawing.
It's a totally fresh and refreshing storytelling that I think everyone needs to experience.(less)
Everyone seemed to be talking about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies when it first came out. A classic novel now with zombies? So, naturally, I wanted...moreEveryone seemed to be talking about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies when it first came out. A classic novel now with zombies? So, naturally, I wanted to read it. But, first, I decided to check out Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as I figured I'd be able to appreciate the mash-up more. I was hesitant to get into that book in the beginning but it has become one of my favorites. Austen's original had plenty enough humor to make the zombiefied version of it seem unnecessary.(less)
"promote peace one school at a time"- as the subtitle goes. David Oliver Relin helps tell Mortenson's struggles and adventures. This has definitely in...more"promote peace one school at a time"- as the subtitle goes. David Oliver Relin helps tell Mortenson's struggles and adventures. This has definitely inspired me to do my part in creating a much safer, more united world.
Because "Three Cups of Tea" has struck such a chord with everyone who's read the book, it's no surprise there is a Young Reader's Edition and picture book version. The latter (which I also read) is entitled "Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and 'Three Cups of Tea'"- told through the perspective of Korphe's school children. Susan L. Roth shares writing credits and did the collages using "found" materials in her studio- inspired herself by the resourcefulness of the people of that village. The Young Reader's Edition was adapted by Sarah Thomson with a foreword by Jane Goodall, a new introduction by Mortenson, and even an interview with his twelve-year-old daughter, Amira, who is apparently following in her father's footsteps. It also includes new maps and pictures, a timeline, glossary, who's who, and a reading group discussion guide. The audio book has the original song "Three Cups of Tea" sung by Jeni Fleming and Amira Mortenson. What I like about these versions of the original story is that it teaches kids they can contribute to and participate in bringing peace to the world.
I highly recommend "Three Cups of Tea" and encourage others to share it if they feel the same way.
The Celestine Prophecy presented some ideas and beliefs similar to mine but told as an adventure parable. I picked this as one of my "bookprint" on Sc...moreThe Celestine Prophecy presented some ideas and beliefs similar to mine but told as an adventure parable. I picked this as one of my "bookprint" on Scholastic's You Are What You Read website. http://youarewhatyouread.scholastic.c...
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. This is the first audio book I've listened to in its entirety and I definitely needed some time getting used to the format. It was weird when the narrator- in this case, Lou Diamond Phillips- changed his voice to be a different character. All the while, I kept imagining how the words looked like on the page. I probably would only listen to other audio books if I had already read the book (which I had with this one) because I get easily distracted. The book presented some ideas and beliefs similar to mine but told as an adventure parable. (2008)(less)
Brilliant! Wicked is definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read. This was such an interesting take on Frank Baum’s Oz series- and the movie adapt...moreBrilliant! Wicked is definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read. This was such an interesting take on Frank Baum’s Oz series- and the movie adaptation featuring Judy Garland- creating this rich history for new and familiar characters alike. Very smart. As unputdownable as it was, there were times when I just had to take a moment to marvel at what I just read either by the writing or the turn of events in the story. I am looking forward to reading the other books in Maguire’s series.(less)
Born on a Blue Day was recommended but it was when I saw it on display in the library that I picked it up even though it was a memoir. The language us...moreBorn on a Blue Day was recommended but it was when I saw it on display in the library that I picked it up even though it was a memoir. The language used was extremely beautiful portraying how he experiences words and numbers as "shapes, colors, textures, and motions".(less)
Review for both Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. Even though I knew that the characters made famous again through Disney were based on A....moreReview for both Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. Even though I knew that the characters made famous again through Disney were based on A.A. Milne’s creations, I’ve never read the original stories until recently- and only after reading some passages on a calendar at work. The writing was funny, silly, and just full of innocent charm that extended to the wonderful characters. My favorite parts were the explanations that didn’t really explain anything at all. I had the impression there were hundreds of stories that took place in the Hundred Acre Wood so I was surprised that there were only two such books. The ending was quite sad. These stories in which Pooh and company go off on their adventures should be required reading for adults just to be reminded of how much fun and wonder there is in life.(less)
Review for both Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. Even though I knew that the characters made famous again through Disney were based on A....moreReview for both Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. Even though I knew that the characters made famous again through Disney were based on A.A. Milne’s creations, I’ve never read the original stories until recently- and only after reading some passages on a calendar at work. The writing was funny, silly, and just full of innocent charm that extended to the wonderful characters. My favorite parts were the explanations that didn’t really explain anything at all. I had the impression there were hundreds of stories that took place in the Hundred Acre Wood so I was surprised that there were only two such books. The ending was quite sad. These stories in which Pooh and company go off on their adventures should be required reading for adults just to be reminded of how much fun and wonder there is in life.(less)
I always see Oh, the Places You'll Go! on display right before summer because it's a popular graduation gift. I've always been curious about it. Based...moreI always see Oh, the Places You'll Go! on display right before summer because it's a popular graduation gift. I've always been curious about it. Based on an actual speech, the story was uplifting and had a realistic approach and advice to life's challenges. The message is strong enough to motivate anyone regardless of how young or old they are.(less)
I had been wanting to read The Historian from all the praises I've been hearing about it since it's first publication. The size was intimidating at fi...moreI had been wanting to read The Historian from all the praises I've been hearing about it since it's first publication. The size was intimidating at first but once I got started, I had a hard time trying to put it down. The story was cleverly paced, unfolding in a way which you get to savor what you've just read and anticipate for the next situation. It read like a movie playing in my head. The 10 years she spent writing this wonderful novel with care and dedication to detail was evident and admirable. One of the best books I've read.(less)
After reading so many vampire novels, I finally decided to check out the "original". It was weird actually reading a book that I've heard so much abou...moreAfter reading so many vampire novels, I finally decided to check out the "original". It was weird actually reading a book that I've heard so much about through its many influences in the media. The old fashioned language did not bother me as much as I thought it would- and, in fact, I found some of the word and phrase usages amusing- although writing in dialect did- where the writer would spell words incorrectly to represent how a person spoke. The story revealed itself piecemeal through journal entries and letters which I think was brilliant because it helped set the mood. Also of great interest was how laced in sexual metaphors it was. All in all, I can see why this is considered a classic and it just reconfirmed how Elizabeth Kostova's "The Historian" is a worthy companion to Bram Stoker's "Dracula"(less)
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