Bibliography
Lookadoo, Justin. 97: Random Thoughts about Life, Love & Relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2007.
Plot Summary
This is a non-fiction book, so there's not a plot summary. The content is just exactly what the title offers: 97 random thoughts by Justin, his wife Emily and their friend Brooke (with a quest random thought by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns).
My Thoughts
I want every teenager to read this book! I picked this up because Justin and I went to college together. WOW! I am glad I did. As I read, I tried not to laugh too loud, as I was reading during Sustained Silent Reading (an assignment I give my students weekly). His very witty and clever writing style (not to mention the illustrations) appealed to me, and I know it would appeal to teenagers. It definitely is NOT a textbook! I had to turn the book every which way to read, which I found fun to do. I struggled to read thought #52 (hint: use a mirror!).
The book is based on scripture, but I'm hesitant to tell my students that for fear some won't even open the book. I've made personal suggestions to a few of my kids that I felt like needed to read the book and hope that I am living up to thought # 10. I've also suggested to other students to read it because I know they want to grow in their spiritual journey.
Thought #29 made me think the most. I'm not sure what I would do. I know what I want to say I would do, but if I actually were faced with the decision, I just don't know.
Thanks, Justin for listening and writing and being my Facebook friend. I wouldn't be able to share your thoughts in "My Thoughts" otherwise.
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Help
Bibliography
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2009.
Plot Summary
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2009.
Plot Summary
Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter live in Mississippi in the 1960s. This is a story of how their lives intertwined and how the "help" helped to create a change in this racist community. Skeeter wants to write more than anything, but her job at the local newspaper is not what she had in mind, until this housekeeping tips column leads to an expose on Southern dynamics.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like I was transported back in time to a place that I did not know. The writer does a great job creating believable characters and situations. I did not like how the book ended, though, because I wanted to know what happened to these women next.
I felt that Skeeter was so courageous, even though she was also very naive about her world. After I finished the book, I read some book club discussion questions. The first question asked, "Who is your favorite character?" I thought my answer would be Skeeter because she was brave. However, after I thought a bit more, Aibileen became my answer. She was so matter of fact and true. I could just picture how she loved the babies and grew weary of how she was forced to live.
I enjoyed the time nuances that Stockett included (the introduction of the zip code p. 249) as well as the literary references (Catcher in the Rye p. 70 and To Kill a Mockingbird p. 351).
As Skeeter's knowledge grew, the depth of her character grew. She was able to dispel the cloud of rosiness about her life as she truly began to understand what the reality of living in Mississippi was.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Chains
Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. Simon & Schuster, 2008.
Plot Summary
Sal is a slave that instead of being freed upon her master's death, is sold to Mr. and Mrs. Lockton, British Loyalists during the American Revolution. Sal and her sister Ruth are house servants until Madam Lockton decides to sell Ruth. This drives Sal to try an escape which leads to a branding on her face. Sal ends up helping both the British and the Americans be becoming a messenger. She is now looking out for herself.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the story but felt that some of the situations Sal found herself in were possibly revisionist history. Would a Captain actually pass a top secret note to a slave girl? Would a slave be able to walk through the city without questions? Would the dying Lady Seymour really agree to Sal's plan? However, the questions of accuracy do not overshadow the narrative.
I liked that Anderson created an historical fiction book that takes place during the American Revolution. As I've visited some of the places mentioned, I felt the realness of the war. Anderson also included a "Q & A" section at the end of the book. I'm not sure who is asking these questions.
By reading this book, I was able to step back in time to shatter some misconceptions that many have about the issue of slavery and the dividing lines between the North and South that would surface in a war almost one hundred years later.
I was a little mad at the ending of the book, though. I don't want to spoil it here. I will just read more of Laurie Halse Anderson's works.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. Simon & Schuster, 2008.
Plot Summary
Sal is a slave that instead of being freed upon her master's death, is sold to Mr. and Mrs. Lockton, British Loyalists during the American Revolution. Sal and her sister Ruth are house servants until Madam Lockton decides to sell Ruth. This drives Sal to try an escape which leads to a branding on her face. Sal ends up helping both the British and the Americans be becoming a messenger. She is now looking out for herself.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the story but felt that some of the situations Sal found herself in were possibly revisionist history. Would a Captain actually pass a top secret note to a slave girl? Would a slave be able to walk through the city without questions? Would the dying Lady Seymour really agree to Sal's plan? However, the questions of accuracy do not overshadow the narrative.
I liked that Anderson created an historical fiction book that takes place during the American Revolution. As I've visited some of the places mentioned, I felt the realness of the war. Anderson also included a "Q & A" section at the end of the book. I'm not sure who is asking these questions.
By reading this book, I was able to step back in time to shatter some misconceptions that many have about the issue of slavery and the dividing lines between the North and South that would surface in a war almost one hundred years later.
I was a little mad at the ending of the book, though. I don't want to spoil it here. I will just read more of Laurie Halse Anderson's works.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Madonnas of Leningrad
Bibliography
Dean, Debra. The Madonnas of Leningrad. New York: Harper, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is a poignant story about a woman who suffers from Alzheimer's. She doesn't remember why she's at a wedding, but she remembers in great detail surviving the German occupation of her beloved hometown. Marina was a docent at the Hermitage Museum. Before the Germans moved into Russia, Marina and her co-workers carefully stored away priceless art for safe-keeping. The memories of the art is what helps Marina survive--not only through the war but also in the present day.
My Thoughts
This was a great narrative and wonderful love story. I liked how Dean switched the time; it was not confusing to keep up with what was happening and it gave me a sense of what living with Alzheimer's must be like. The love is not only apparent between the characters, but it is apparent between Marina and the art.
Marina creates a "memory palace" of the art in the museum (Dean 68). Keeping the tour running in her head created a survival technique that allowed Marina to endure the many heartbreaking situations of the war. I liked hearing the concept of the memory palace. Sometimes I consciously take "pictures" with my mind to capture moments. Where are they stored in my brain? How do I recall these "pictures"?
Marina met Dmitri and promises herself to him. Later, by chance, they reunite and immigrate to America. When they start a family, they don't share their war experiences. Their children have no true idea of what their parents endured during the war.
Marina and Dmitri's daughter Helen doesn't realize that her love of art really comes from her mother. It made me think of how generations don't always share with the next their own "memory palaces." It made me want to hear stories from my grandparents. It made me want to listen better to the stories my parents are willing to share. It made me want to ask more questions. Would I get accurate answers or filtered responses? Will I share with my daughter the truth or a version of the truth?
I also enjoyed all of the art references in the book. I did take some time to look up the pieces of art to see if I recognized any of them. The way Dean describes them, though, creates a vivid picture in my head, especially at the end of the book when Marina is giving a private tour of the museum to a group of cadets. I felt like I was seeing the art with them.
I'm glad I read this book! One of my favorite lines from it is, "it is a terrible thing to have loved ones...make(s) their pain yours" (Dean 148). I felt pain reading this book, but it was not painful to read.
Dean, Debra. The Madonnas of Leningrad. New York: Harper, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is a poignant story about a woman who suffers from Alzheimer's. She doesn't remember why she's at a wedding, but she remembers in great detail surviving the German occupation of her beloved hometown. Marina was a docent at the Hermitage Museum. Before the Germans moved into Russia, Marina and her co-workers carefully stored away priceless art for safe-keeping. The memories of the art is what helps Marina survive--not only through the war but also in the present day.
My Thoughts
This was a great narrative and wonderful love story. I liked how Dean switched the time; it was not confusing to keep up with what was happening and it gave me a sense of what living with Alzheimer's must be like. The love is not only apparent between the characters, but it is apparent between Marina and the art.
Marina creates a "memory palace" of the art in the museum (Dean 68). Keeping the tour running in her head created a survival technique that allowed Marina to endure the many heartbreaking situations of the war. I liked hearing the concept of the memory palace. Sometimes I consciously take "pictures" with my mind to capture moments. Where are they stored in my brain? How do I recall these "pictures"?
Marina met Dmitri and promises herself to him. Later, by chance, they reunite and immigrate to America. When they start a family, they don't share their war experiences. Their children have no true idea of what their parents endured during the war.
Marina and Dmitri's daughter Helen doesn't realize that her love of art really comes from her mother. It made me think of how generations don't always share with the next their own "memory palaces." It made me want to hear stories from my grandparents. It made me want to listen better to the stories my parents are willing to share. It made me want to ask more questions. Would I get accurate answers or filtered responses? Will I share with my daughter the truth or a version of the truth?
I also enjoyed all of the art references in the book. I did take some time to look up the pieces of art to see if I recognized any of them. The way Dean describes them, though, creates a vivid picture in my head, especially at the end of the book when Marina is giving a private tour of the museum to a group of cadets. I felt like I was seeing the art with them.
I'm glad I read this book! One of my favorite lines from it is, "it is a terrible thing to have loved ones...make(s) their pain yours" (Dean 148). I felt pain reading this book, but it was not painful to read.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Breaking Dawn
Bibliography
Meyer, Stephenie. Breaking Dawn. New York: Little, Brown & Co., 2008.
Plot Summary
This book is the fourth of the Twilight series. We follow Bella, Edward and Jacob through another phase of their lives. In this book, though, a new character emerges who puts quite a spin on each of their lives.
My Thoughts
Even though the suspense and action and love story are here, this is probably my least favorite of the series. I didn't find myself reading this one as fast as the other books. Perhaps it is because I knew it was the last book, and I didn't want the story to end.
There are several twists in the story that are logical, but I found myself questioning the believability. Could this really be the course of events if these items were possible? How did Meyer create the idea? Why didn't I realize that Jacob was really only a shape shifter (probably because I don't read too much about the supernatural)?
I think I've been clear that I really like Jacob, so when he says, "this was the problem with hanging out with vampires--you got used to them. They started messing up the way you saw the world" (Meyer 284), I found myself feeling messed with by the story like Jacob felt with the vampires. I can see these characters. I can feel what they feel. I think Meyer does a fantastic job creating a saga. I feel like I understand vampires more and even question my personal beliefs about the possibility of them existing. Maybe...
I'm sad that the series is done, and I will read Meyer's other book The Host which I understand is NOT the story of Bella, Edward and Jacob.
Thanks Ms. Meyer for four wonderful reads!
Meyer, Stephenie. Breaking Dawn. New York: Little, Brown & Co., 2008.
Plot Summary
This book is the fourth of the Twilight series. We follow Bella, Edward and Jacob through another phase of their lives. In this book, though, a new character emerges who puts quite a spin on each of their lives.
My Thoughts
Even though the suspense and action and love story are here, this is probably my least favorite of the series. I didn't find myself reading this one as fast as the other books. Perhaps it is because I knew it was the last book, and I didn't want the story to end.
There are several twists in the story that are logical, but I found myself questioning the believability. Could this really be the course of events if these items were possible? How did Meyer create the idea? Why didn't I realize that Jacob was really only a shape shifter (probably because I don't read too much about the supernatural)?
I think I've been clear that I really like Jacob, so when he says, "this was the problem with hanging out with vampires--you got used to them. They started messing up the way you saw the world" (Meyer 284), I found myself feeling messed with by the story like Jacob felt with the vampires. I can see these characters. I can feel what they feel. I think Meyer does a fantastic job creating a saga. I feel like I understand vampires more and even question my personal beliefs about the possibility of them existing. Maybe...
I'm sad that the series is done, and I will read Meyer's other book The Host which I understand is NOT the story of Bella, Edward and Jacob.
Thanks Ms. Meyer for four wonderful reads!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Eclipse
Bibliography
Meyer, Stephenie. Eclipse. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2007.
Plot Summary
Meyer, Stephenie. Eclipse. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2007.
Plot Summary
The saga continues with Bella, Edward and Jacob. This time, though, forces join together to fight a common enemy...someone from Bella's past that just won't let the past go.(I'm not writing too much about the plot because I don't want to spoil what happens).
My Thoughts
Again, Meyer weaves a wonderful story of these characters I've grown to know. I'm never certain what Bella will choose to do and how she will really live as a vampire. The suspense and tension of this triangle is believable, and we see just how much Jacob and Edward love Bella in their own way. I can't wait to read the fourth book!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Palace of Illusions
Bibliography
Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee. The Palace of Illusions. Anchor Books, New York: 2008.
Plot Summary
This is a story of an Indian woman named Panchaali. She desires to be envied by all, but she doesn't realize what her wish will actually bring to her life. In her quest to be admired and loved, she marries five brothers (at one time, alternating years of actually being with each of them), lives in a beautiful palace, loses everything, is forced to live in the forest for many years, and finally realizes what she most desires, she already has.
My Thoughts
This story gave me quite an insight into Indian culture. It was hard for me to keep up with some of the characters, as the names were similar (and hard for me to pronounce). I took all summer to read this book (in spurts), so I probably would have been better off to read it in fewer sittings. There was intrigue and mystery. I felt that Divakaruni did a good job explaining the significance certain aspects of the culture that I would not otherwise understand. Divakaruni also did a good job weaving the supernatural elements with the story. I believed what Panchallai said happened did happen exactly the way she explained.
There is a helpful family tree chart and list of major characters in the story that I referred to when I'd forget characters. Two things I marked in the book that I thought were important were: when the sage warns Panchaali "only a fool meddles in the great design" (Divakaruni 40) and almost at the end of the book when Panchaali states, "when I'd had the chance to appreciate them, I'd spent it venting my dissatisfaction" (Divakaruni 349). I think as humans, we often don't appreciate what or who we have until it/they are gone.
Another nugget of wisdom from this book is "a problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so" (Divakaruni 9). I think this is a mantra for the power of positive thinking.
Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee. The Palace of Illusions. Anchor Books, New York: 2008.
Plot Summary
This is a story of an Indian woman named Panchaali. She desires to be envied by all, but she doesn't realize what her wish will actually bring to her life. In her quest to be admired and loved, she marries five brothers (at one time, alternating years of actually being with each of them), lives in a beautiful palace, loses everything, is forced to live in the forest for many years, and finally realizes what she most desires, she already has.
My Thoughts
This story gave me quite an insight into Indian culture. It was hard for me to keep up with some of the characters, as the names were similar (and hard for me to pronounce). I took all summer to read this book (in spurts), so I probably would have been better off to read it in fewer sittings. There was intrigue and mystery. I felt that Divakaruni did a good job explaining the significance certain aspects of the culture that I would not otherwise understand. Divakaruni also did a good job weaving the supernatural elements with the story. I believed what Panchallai said happened did happen exactly the way she explained.
There is a helpful family tree chart and list of major characters in the story that I referred to when I'd forget characters. Two things I marked in the book that I thought were important were: when the sage warns Panchaali "only a fool meddles in the great design" (Divakaruni 40) and almost at the end of the book when Panchaali states, "when I'd had the chance to appreciate them, I'd spent it venting my dissatisfaction" (Divakaruni 349). I think as humans, we often don't appreciate what or who we have until it/they are gone.
Another nugget of wisdom from this book is "a problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so" (Divakaruni 9). I think this is a mantra for the power of positive thinking.
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