bookshelves: currently-reading
]]>
An historical novel which traces the real life relationship between Mamah Borthwick and Frank Lloyd Wright. They abandoned their families and lived together from 1907 to 1914, partly in Europe. To me one irony in their story is Mamah's role as translator for a prominent feminist, while she herself was very dominated by Frank. This book would be a good choice for a reading group; comments and questions geared to this are included, and it would be interesting to explore Wright's life further as well as his architecture. ]]>
In this novel Sue Miller draws another detailed picture of a woman and the layers of her life. The story unfolded and wove back and forth in time, leaving the reader to wonder whether the characters will ever escape their pasts. I found this to be quite riveting, and even shared the essence of the story with my middle school reading students. I continue my "author's study" of Miller's novels, and am currently reading For Love. ]]>
by John Grogan
I too found this book (and the movie) funny and heartwarming. Like you, I think our dog is more interesting, smarter, and better company. I have had many dogs, but never before one who recognizes the mail truck and makes the connection between that and the nice human who gives her friendly greetings and almost always a treat! Marley's destructiveness definitely adds to the interest level of the book and movie....fortunately our dog is far better behaved!! ]]>
This was a spare, internal look at marriage and relationships in marriage and friendships between women and across generations. There were several points in the story when the plot takes a surprising twist, one almost at the very end. I had not read any of Miller's books since The Good Mother, which left a lasting impression on me, and I've been motivated to check out two more of her other novels: While I Was Gone and For Love.
I have been enjoying my recent return to adult fiction; as a reading teacher, there are so many YA books that I need to read that it's easy for me to fall into the habit of reading magazines in my "spare" time. ]]>
"While I Was Gone by Sue Miller, Young Reader's Edition of Three Cups of Tea, The Good Dog by Avi"
]]>
by Rebecca Miller
Your organized examination of new novels with young female protagonists is a great idea! I'm so glad that you have rediscovered the enjoyment of reading and are using our town library to the fullest! Love, Mom ]]>
by Kwame Dawes
I do a biography unit with my 7th and 8th grade students. Do you think this biography would be appropriate for those ages--both in terms of reading level and appropriateness of content? ]]>
A bittersweet story of loss and rebirth; the main character, Jim Delaney, is heartbreakingly strong and the love he discovers on his doorstep with his grandson is very touching. My husband never reads novels and I passed this to him on a trip--he loved it too. ]]>