Bibliography
Ackerman, Diane. The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story. New York: W.W. Norton, 2007.
Plot Summary
As this is non-fiction, there's not really a plot. Ackerman tells the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski (Warsaw zookeepers) that aided the Underground and managed to save many people during the German occupation of Poland. Ackerman uses Antonina's diary as a primary source.
My Thoughts
I thought I would enjoy this book much more than I did. reading the book jacket piqued my interest. Ackerman includes historically accurate details, and at times I felt like I could hear the bombs dropping on my own house. However, the book seemed to drag on and included little "side stories" that I didn't think needed to be there. I do feel like I have a better understanding of what happened in Warsaw during WWII. I also enjoyed learning about what happened to zoo animals when bombs destroyed their homes. I've never really thought about it before now. I've read about cities being destroyed, but Ackerman relates more details than I've ever learned with a history text.
I was disappointed in Chapter 35 entitled "Aftermath" because there was no transition from Chapter 34 to 35. Ackerman tells us what happened after German troops left Warsaw, but this chapter seems to stand alone. Chapter 35 relates how the author came to gather information for the book, but the information is rushed. Chapter 36 begins by describing Bialowieza, the "awe-inspiring landscape" that "inspired many European fairy tales and myths" (Ackerman 318). After reading almost 300 pages, I expected something different at the end.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Barack Obama: We Are One People
Bibliography
Schuman, Michael A. Barack Obama: We Are One People. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2008.
Plot Summary
This is a brief biography of Barack Obama. There are only nine chapters in the book, and it includes many illustrations.
My Thoughts
Two things: this is definitely a juvenile fiction book and the author apparently favors Obama. This was a quick read of Obama's life, which is what I wanted. Since he is our current president, I wanted to know more about him. I didn't follow all of the media blurbs and campaigns smears during the election, so I hoped by reading this book, I would get an unbiased, objective look at who this man is. At several times, I felt like the author was a cheerleader for Obama or the facts of the anecdote were a bit slanted.
Overall, I did learn about our new president, which was the goal of reading this book.
Schuman, Michael A. Barack Obama: We Are One People. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2008.
Plot Summary
This is a brief biography of Barack Obama. There are only nine chapters in the book, and it includes many illustrations.
My Thoughts
Two things: this is definitely a juvenile fiction book and the author apparently favors Obama. This was a quick read of Obama's life, which is what I wanted. Since he is our current president, I wanted to know more about him. I didn't follow all of the media blurbs and campaigns smears during the election, so I hoped by reading this book, I would get an unbiased, objective look at who this man is. At several times, I felt like the author was a cheerleader for Obama or the facts of the anecdote were a bit slanted.
Overall, I did learn about our new president, which was the goal of reading this book.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Year in the South
Bibliography
Ash, Stephen. A Year in the South: Four Lives in 1865. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.
Plot Summary
This book, beginning on January 1, 1865, follows the lives of four people for the course of the entire year.
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It coincided with what I was teaching at the time, so it offered four insights to that pivotal year. The portraits Ash created helped me understand things that a history book has yet to teach me.
Ash, Stephen. A Year in the South: Four Lives in 1865. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.
Plot Summary
This book, beginning on January 1, 1865, follows the lives of four people for the course of the entire year.
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It coincided with what I was teaching at the time, so it offered four insights to that pivotal year. The portraits Ash created helped me understand things that a history book has yet to teach me.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Same Kind of Different as Me
Bibliography
Hall, Ron, and Denver Moore. Same Kind of Different As Me. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is a story of two men who come from different worlds (one is an international art dealer, the other is an illiterate, homeless man) to become the greatest of friends. This is a story of love and reflection.
My Thoughts:
Sometimes, you are just meant to read a book. I first heard about this book when my minister referred to it in a sermon. I looked it up on Amazon.com to buy it, but I thought about the many other books that I already own that I haven't read, so I didn't order it. Several months later in a hospital waiting room, I saw a woman reading this book. I recognized the cover. Ten months pass. When my school library received a shipment of new books, this title was there, and I saw it on the "New Books" display. I checked it out and left it on my desk for another two weeks.
I finally started reading it and read 17 chapters in the first sitting. One of the authors talked about places that I know, and he would have to know in order to talk about them. He mentions his grandparents' house in Barry, TX and a cemetery in Blooming Grove. Now, if you've never been there, you have no idea where these places are (unless you Yahoo map them). Well, it just so happens that I grew up with some kids whose grandparents lived in both Barry and Blooming Grove. So, tonight I was telling my dad about this book. He looked at the inside cover and asked if these were the men that were on the front page of today's paper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram 13 Dec. 2008: B1). Sometimes, you are just meant to read a book.
I finished this book in three days. I was compelled to read. I felt like Ron in many instances. Because I am familiar with Fort Worth, I could visualize where the men were talking and how I've thought about those areas of town. I also felt the connection between these two men and how much Ron's wife Debbie influenced their relationship.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Denver is talking about his relationship with God. He states, "Sometimes I talked to God, askin Him why. Even though I'd had a word or two from Him about His purposes, and even though I'd delivered them words to Mr. Ron like He asked me to, that didn't mean I had to like it. And I told Him I didn't like it. That's the good thing 'bout God. Since He can see right through your heart anyway, you can go on and tell Him what you really think" (Hall 193). I love the honesty Denver shares and how his relationship with God is not one of convenience. Denver is a believer.
The title reference (since I like to pick that out of books) is on page 235. Denver says, "We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us" (Hall 235).
I'm glad I read this book.
Addendum March 2012: I recommended this book to a coworker. She came back very upset with me that I didn't warn her about Debbie dying. I honestly didn't remember that part, so I thought I needed to re-read the book. WOW! There are about 100 pages discussing her cancer & death, and as I read, I remember feeling the power and sadness that I did the first time reading. How did I forget this part? What made me block out these many chapters? I don't know. I marked a quote from Denver to post here now. When I re-read my original post, I already had this quote. Sometimes you are just meant to read a book for a second time!
Hall, Ron, and Denver Moore. Same Kind of Different As Me. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is a story of two men who come from different worlds (one is an international art dealer, the other is an illiterate, homeless man) to become the greatest of friends. This is a story of love and reflection.
My Thoughts:
Sometimes, you are just meant to read a book. I first heard about this book when my minister referred to it in a sermon. I looked it up on Amazon.com to buy it, but I thought about the many other books that I already own that I haven't read, so I didn't order it. Several months later in a hospital waiting room, I saw a woman reading this book. I recognized the cover. Ten months pass. When my school library received a shipment of new books, this title was there, and I saw it on the "New Books" display. I checked it out and left it on my desk for another two weeks.
I finally started reading it and read 17 chapters in the first sitting. One of the authors talked about places that I know, and he would have to know in order to talk about them. He mentions his grandparents' house in Barry, TX and a cemetery in Blooming Grove. Now, if you've never been there, you have no idea where these places are (unless you Yahoo map them). Well, it just so happens that I grew up with some kids whose grandparents lived in both Barry and Blooming Grove. So, tonight I was telling my dad about this book. He looked at the inside cover and asked if these were the men that were on the front page of today's paper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram 13 Dec. 2008: B1). Sometimes, you are just meant to read a book.
I finished this book in three days. I was compelled to read. I felt like Ron in many instances. Because I am familiar with Fort Worth, I could visualize where the men were talking and how I've thought about those areas of town. I also felt the connection between these two men and how much Ron's wife Debbie influenced their relationship.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Denver is talking about his relationship with God. He states, "Sometimes I talked to God, askin Him why. Even though I'd had a word or two from Him about His purposes, and even though I'd delivered them words to Mr. Ron like He asked me to, that didn't mean I had to like it. And I told Him I didn't like it. That's the good thing 'bout God. Since He can see right through your heart anyway, you can go on and tell Him what you really think" (Hall 193). I love the honesty Denver shares and how his relationship with God is not one of convenience. Denver is a believer.
The title reference (since I like to pick that out of books) is on page 235. Denver says, "We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us" (Hall 235).
I'm glad I read this book.
Addendum March 2012: I recommended this book to a coworker. She came back very upset with me that I didn't warn her about Debbie dying. I honestly didn't remember that part, so I thought I needed to re-read the book. WOW! There are about 100 pages discussing her cancer & death, and as I read, I remember feeling the power and sadness that I did the first time reading. How did I forget this part? What made me block out these many chapters? I don't know. I marked a quote from Denver to post here now. When I re-read my original post, I already had this quote. Sometimes you are just meant to read a book for a second time!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
New Moon
Bibliography
Meyer, Stephenie. New Moon. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2006.
Plot Summary
Second in the Twilight series, this book does not disappoint. The main story is what happens between Bella and Jacob after Edward and the entire Cullen clan decide it is too dangerous to stay in Forks. So I don't spoil the excitement and mystery, that's all I'm going to say.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the story and learning more about Jacob's interest in Bella and the Cullens'. I was not surprised by what happened, yet I was surprised towards the end when Bella must make a quick trip to Italy. As I have students reading the Twilight books for SSR, I've been privy to much of the story before I even picked up the book. Most of my students are trying not to divulge too much, but it is hard. These books are addictive and the writing is compelling. I want to keep reading more and more.
Meyer, Stephenie. New Moon. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2006.
Plot Summary
Second in the Twilight series, this book does not disappoint. The main story is what happens between Bella and Jacob after Edward and the entire Cullen clan decide it is too dangerous to stay in Forks. So I don't spoil the excitement and mystery, that's all I'm going to say.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the story and learning more about Jacob's interest in Bella and the Cullens'. I was not surprised by what happened, yet I was surprised towards the end when Bella must make a quick trip to Italy. As I have students reading the Twilight books for SSR, I've been privy to much of the story before I even picked up the book. Most of my students are trying not to divulge too much, but it is hard. These books are addictive and the writing is compelling. I want to keep reading more and more.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Jake, Reinvented
Bibliography
Korman, Gordon. Jake, Reinvented. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks, 2003.
Plot Summary
This is a revised version of The Great Gatsby. It is set in the midwest at F. Scott Fitzgerald High School. The five main characters represent the five of Fitzgerald's famous novel. Jake Garrett (Jay) throws fantastic parties in hopes to impress his love Didi (Daisy).
Critical Analysis
I enjoyed reading the "new" version of Jay Gatz and picking out the similarities between this book and Gatsby. Rick (Nick) is the kicker for the team. Since he is now considered Jake's best friend (after only knowing him two weeks), Rick decides he'll take the popularity. As he states, "We kickers don't get a lot of headlines" (Korman 93).
Once Jake (Jay) and Didi (Daisy) begin their re-acquaintance, the parties become more crowded. Didi's boyfriend Todd (Tom), the star quarterback, picks up on the magnetism between the two, he begins rumors about Jake. "Actually it made perfect sense. Our great and exalted quarterback had soured on Jake. Therefore it was only a matter of time before everyone else fell into line. I love high school. It's a place for individuality to flourish" (Korman 128).
Another line that caught me was when Didi tells Jake, "'Why do you always have to spoil everything? Isn't it enough that I'm with you now?'" I remember that line from Gatsby, so I looked it up and sure enough, Daisy says to Jay, "'Oh, you want too much! I love you now--isn't that enough?'" (Fitzgerald 140).
The title of the book is referenced on page 168.
As Fitzgerald wrote about Daisy, so too does Korman create Didi. An incident occurs and Didi holds true to form: she does not right a wrong that she created. At the pivital moment of Jake's life, only Rick and Dipsy show up. Where are all of his "friends" now?
I feel like I've reread the plot of Gatsby without the complication of reading Fitzgerald. This book was worth spending the day reading.
Korman, Gordon. Jake, Reinvented. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks, 2003.
Plot Summary
This is a revised version of The Great Gatsby. It is set in the midwest at F. Scott Fitzgerald High School. The five main characters represent the five of Fitzgerald's famous novel. Jake Garrett (Jay) throws fantastic parties in hopes to impress his love Didi (Daisy).
Critical Analysis
I enjoyed reading the "new" version of Jay Gatz and picking out the similarities between this book and Gatsby. Rick (Nick) is the kicker for the team. Since he is now considered Jake's best friend (after only knowing him two weeks), Rick decides he'll take the popularity. As he states, "We kickers don't get a lot of headlines" (Korman 93).
Once Jake (Jay) and Didi (Daisy) begin their re-acquaintance, the parties become more crowded. Didi's boyfriend Todd (Tom), the star quarterback, picks up on the magnetism between the two, he begins rumors about Jake. "Actually it made perfect sense. Our great and exalted quarterback had soured on Jake. Therefore it was only a matter of time before everyone else fell into line. I love high school. It's a place for individuality to flourish" (Korman 128).
Another line that caught me was when Didi tells Jake, "'Why do you always have to spoil everything? Isn't it enough that I'm with you now?'" I remember that line from Gatsby, so I looked it up and sure enough, Daisy says to Jay, "'Oh, you want too much! I love you now--isn't that enough?'" (Fitzgerald 140).
The title of the book is referenced on page 168.
As Fitzgerald wrote about Daisy, so too does Korman create Didi. An incident occurs and Didi holds true to form: she does not right a wrong that she created. At the pivital moment of Jake's life, only Rick and Dipsy show up. Where are all of his "friends" now?
I feel like I've reread the plot of Gatsby without the complication of reading Fitzgerald. This book was worth spending the day reading.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
Bibliography
Wrobleswski, David. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. New York: Harper Collins, 2008.
Plot Summary
This is a story of a mute boy who grows up raising dogs. Through a series of events, he must flee his home and survive on his own. He realizes that he must return home to the memory of his father, confront the evil uncle and make amends with his beloved companion, Almondine.
Critical Analysis
This book is a whopping 562 pages. About 200 or more pages could be eliminated. The author throws out many possible story lines, as if he's not sure himself where the story is going. It took Wroblewski ten years to write this book. Why didn't the editor take some time to pare down the book? Or maybe the editor did (thank goodness because I can't imagine reading 500 more pages!).
I liked the basic story. It shows depth of human compassion and the relationships between humans and dogs. I like many of the descriptions the author used throughout the book. One of my favorites is when Louisa Wilkes enters the story. "Something about the prim way she walked and folded her hands when she sat made Trudy think she was a southerner, though she had no accent" (Wroblewski 39). The characters are memorable. "Ida Paine looked at her from her perch. She wore oversize glasses that magnified her eyes, and behind the lenses those eyes blinked and blinked again" (Wroblewski 37). We as readers get to see the story from all perspectives, including the dogs. This helps complete the story for us.
I didn't read the prologue before reading the book, and I actually think I was more surprised by the ending because I didn't have South Korea in my head. I did, however, have knowledge from a colleague that the last thirty pages were emotional. That tidbit kept me plugging through the book to see what would happen in the last thirty pages.
Like many books, after having read the entire thing for plot content, I could see the clues that Wroblewski dropped throughout the story. One of my favorite parts of the book is what I would call the "life lesson" of the book. "Life was a swarm of accidents waiting in the treetops, descending upon any living thing that passed, ready to eat them alive. You swam in a river of chance or coincidence" (Wroblewski 457).
Great story, just too lengthy!
Wrobleswski, David. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. New York: Harper Collins, 2008.
Plot Summary
This is a story of a mute boy who grows up raising dogs. Through a series of events, he must flee his home and survive on his own. He realizes that he must return home to the memory of his father, confront the evil uncle and make amends with his beloved companion, Almondine.
Critical Analysis
This book is a whopping 562 pages. About 200 or more pages could be eliminated. The author throws out many possible story lines, as if he's not sure himself where the story is going. It took Wroblewski ten years to write this book. Why didn't the editor take some time to pare down the book? Or maybe the editor did (thank goodness because I can't imagine reading 500 more pages!).
I liked the basic story. It shows depth of human compassion and the relationships between humans and dogs. I like many of the descriptions the author used throughout the book. One of my favorites is when Louisa Wilkes enters the story. "Something about the prim way she walked and folded her hands when she sat made Trudy think she was a southerner, though she had no accent" (Wroblewski 39). The characters are memorable. "Ida Paine looked at her from her perch. She wore oversize glasses that magnified her eyes, and behind the lenses those eyes blinked and blinked again" (Wroblewski 37). We as readers get to see the story from all perspectives, including the dogs. This helps complete the story for us.
I didn't read the prologue before reading the book, and I actually think I was more surprised by the ending because I didn't have South Korea in my head. I did, however, have knowledge from a colleague that the last thirty pages were emotional. That tidbit kept me plugging through the book to see what would happen in the last thirty pages.
Like many books, after having read the entire thing for plot content, I could see the clues that Wroblewski dropped throughout the story. One of my favorite parts of the book is what I would call the "life lesson" of the book. "Life was a swarm of accidents waiting in the treetops, descending upon any living thing that passed, ready to eat them alive. You swam in a river of chance or coincidence" (Wroblewski 457).
Great story, just too lengthy!
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