Bibliography
Mortenson, Greg, and David Oliver Relin. Three Cups of Tea: Young Readers Edition. New York: Puffin Books, 2009.
Plot Summary (from the back cover)
In 1993, Greg Mortenson tried to climb K2 in honor of his younger sister, but when another member of his group got sick, they turned around, and Greg become lost in the mountains of Pakistan. He wandered into a poor village, where the village chief and his people took him in. Moved by their kindness, he promised to return and build a school for the children. Over the next decade, Mortenson built more than sixty schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has endured death threats, a kidnapping, and more to dedicate his life to building literacy and peace, one child at a time.
My Thoughts
The story is written in the third person, even though it is a memoir of sorts of what Greg did to change a region.
I enjoyed seeing the forward by Jane Goodall. Reading it reminded me of my personal expereince with Jane at Tarleton. She was a guest speaker, and I was in attendance. I actually spoke to her, and she was so gracious. I'm glad I went and became aware of what she's done. Her forward set the mood for me in reading Greg's story.
As I read the book, I was in "teacher mode" of what I could do with this story. I want to read the "adult" version to compare writing styles and what differences in details do the books have. I marked pages that I could use when teaching this book. It was an interesting read, and I am amazed at how a little idea can become a true world changing event! I'm also a little ashamed and guilty that I have not had (at least I don't feel like it) such a legacy.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Shadow of the Wind
Bibliography
Ruiz Zafon, Carlos. The Shadow of the Wind. Trans. Lucia Graves. New York: Penguin Press, 2004. Print.
Plot Summary
As a child, Daniel is taken to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. He selects his book and is forever changed. Daniel is compelled to find out more about the writer and the mystery of why Julian Carax's novels are being bought and burned. On Daniel's journey, the reader experiences Julian's journey as well. This novel is set in Barcelona, Spain.
My Thoughts
This book was a bit confusing because the dual plot lines were so similar. Daniel, the main character, feels compelled to find out more about Julian Carax, the author of his now favorite book. As Daniel's story unfolds, so does Julian's. There were some surprises at the end (which seemed a little rushed after reading 300 + pages to get there). I kept notes as I read this book to lessen my confusion and keep up with the numerous characters.
Some sentences I really liked from the book:
"I was raised among books, making invisible friends in pages that seemed cast from dust and whose smell I carry on my hands to this day" (Ruiz 4).
"Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not for the merits of who receives them" (Ruiz 77).
"Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you" (Ruiz 209).
"Fools talk, cowards are silent and wise men listen" (Ruiz 291).
"As long as we are being remembered, we remain alive" (Ruiz 446).
This was not a book I was compelled to pick up and read, but once I sat with it awhile, I was lost in the mystery of the story.
Fermin predicts that television will create imbeciles. Looking at the programming of today, I'd say he's right (Ruiz 106).
Ruiz Zafon, Carlos. The Shadow of the Wind. Trans. Lucia Graves. New York: Penguin Press, 2004. Print.
Plot Summary
As a child, Daniel is taken to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. He selects his book and is forever changed. Daniel is compelled to find out more about the writer and the mystery of why Julian Carax's novels are being bought and burned. On Daniel's journey, the reader experiences Julian's journey as well. This novel is set in Barcelona, Spain.
My Thoughts
This book was a bit confusing because the dual plot lines were so similar. Daniel, the main character, feels compelled to find out more about Julian Carax, the author of his now favorite book. As Daniel's story unfolds, so does Julian's. There were some surprises at the end (which seemed a little rushed after reading 300 + pages to get there). I kept notes as I read this book to lessen my confusion and keep up with the numerous characters.
Some sentences I really liked from the book:
"I was raised among books, making invisible friends in pages that seemed cast from dust and whose smell I carry on my hands to this day" (Ruiz 4).
"Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not for the merits of who receives them" (Ruiz 77).
"Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you" (Ruiz 209).
"Fools talk, cowards are silent and wise men listen" (Ruiz 291).
"As long as we are being remembered, we remain alive" (Ruiz 446).
This was not a book I was compelled to pick up and read, but once I sat with it awhile, I was lost in the mystery of the story.
Fermin predicts that television will create imbeciles. Looking at the programming of today, I'd say he's right (Ruiz 106).
Friday, January 21, 2011
Scout, Atticus & Boo
Bibliogrpahy
Murphy, Mary McDonagh. Scout, Atticus & Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill A Mockingbird. New York: Harper Collins, 2010.
Plot Summary
This is not a work of fiction.
My Thoughts
Reading this book made me excited to teach To Kill a Mockingbird this year. I usually teach this novel every other year and this is the year for it. After reading this book, I can't wait to share what I learned from it with my students.
Mary McDonagh Murphy collects people's stories of how this novel made a difference to their lives. She includes notables like Tom Brokaw and Oprah Winfrey as well as journalists and former teachers and others who live or lived in Monroeville that credit Nelle Harper Lee's one published work to creating a change not only for them personally, but for our nation. Was Harper Lee a courageous writer or was she just a great storyteller? Was she trying to advocate for the social injustices she witnessed growing up in Alabama?
The most special treat of the book was including Harper's sister Alice Finch Lee's story. I was delighted to see Mockingbird and the fame and publicity that followed through someone as close to Nelle Harper's sister's eyes. One thing that shocked me was when Alice reveals that "Nelle loves British literature" (Murphy 129).
There is much discussion in this book concerning the movie that followed (with great success) three years after the novel was published. Yes, it is a great movie on its own, but (as in most cases) the book is SO much better!
I enjoyed seeing the novel through the eyes of the myriad of people Murphy interviews. Some you can feel were deeply moved by the novel. There was one person's story, however, that I felt that he was just self-promoting his own writing. That was a bit disappointing. Another interview clearly was from the perspective of a black person living in Monroeville. I'm glad that Murphy included her story.
This book is a great reference book for teaching the novel.
Murphy, Mary McDonagh. Scout, Atticus & Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill A Mockingbird. New York: Harper Collins, 2010.
Plot Summary
This is not a work of fiction.
My Thoughts
Reading this book made me excited to teach To Kill a Mockingbird this year. I usually teach this novel every other year and this is the year for it. After reading this book, I can't wait to share what I learned from it with my students.
Mary McDonagh Murphy collects people's stories of how this novel made a difference to their lives. She includes notables like Tom Brokaw and Oprah Winfrey as well as journalists and former teachers and others who live or lived in Monroeville that credit Nelle Harper Lee's one published work to creating a change not only for them personally, but for our nation. Was Harper Lee a courageous writer or was she just a great storyteller? Was she trying to advocate for the social injustices she witnessed growing up in Alabama?
The most special treat of the book was including Harper's sister Alice Finch Lee's story. I was delighted to see Mockingbird and the fame and publicity that followed through someone as close to Nelle Harper's sister's eyes. One thing that shocked me was when Alice reveals that "Nelle loves British literature" (Murphy 129).
There is much discussion in this book concerning the movie that followed (with great success) three years after the novel was published. Yes, it is a great movie on its own, but (as in most cases) the book is SO much better!
I enjoyed seeing the novel through the eyes of the myriad of people Murphy interviews. Some you can feel were deeply moved by the novel. There was one person's story, however, that I felt that he was just self-promoting his own writing. That was a bit disappointing. Another interview clearly was from the perspective of a black person living in Monroeville. I'm glad that Murphy included her story.
This book is a great reference book for teaching the novel.
Friday, January 7, 2011
A Break with Charity
Bibliography
Rinaldi, Ann. A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials. New York: Scholastic, 1992.Plot Summary
My Thoughts
This was a pretty interesting read about the Salem Witch Trials. Rinaldi uses enough factual evidence to make her story seem plausible and true. As I read, I kept thinking about the movie I show my students entitled "Three Sovereigns for Sarah." There are some additional characters in this book that do not appear in the movie, which I enjoyed reading and seeing the story fleshed out even more. In the author's note section, Rinaldi states that she takes some creative license in making Susanna English a "silent voice" to help the stopping of the hysteria.I think the author explains with great accuracy with how the calling out of "witches" happens. The girls were bored. They were seeking attention and they got it from the magistrates. The girls were trying to "escape [life in Salem]'s suffocating effects (Rinaldi 73). Finally they were given some power in their dull little worlds. "No one our age ever got such attention before" (Rinaldi 97). Boy, did they use it!
The description of Ann Putnam, Jr. is so vivid. She truly believes she's "doing this town a favor" by naming the troublemakers and outcasts as witches (88). She tells Susanna that the girls are "doing the Lord's work" by accusing witches (Rinaldi 153). Susanna realizes that Ann actually believes the fits and afflictions are real.I found the title reference on three different pages: 88, 136, and 152.
The irony of the entire situation is, of course, that the magistrates did not see the false testimonies the girls gave. The townspeople thought, "Let this matter be dealt with by learned men" (Rinaldi 111). These "learned" men convicted and hanged 19 people and had one man pressed to death.
The take away advice from this book is from Tituba. She is going to save herself (Rinaldi 118) and tells Susanna, "the secret is to know when to speak and when to remain silent" (Rinaldi 119). I wish that I would heed this advice. I often speak when I shouldn't.
Fall of Giants
Bibliography
Follett, Ken. Fall of Giants: Book One of the Century Trilogy. New York: Dutton, 2010.
Plot Summary
This 985 page novel covers the lives of a few principal characters who represent many interests leading up to The Great War. This novel is part history and part human interest.
My Thoughts
Despite the length of the book, I got so absorbed reading that I didn't stop and take notes. Follett creates memorable characters and it was easy to keep up with their stories even when they were not present in every chapter. As I was reading , I felt like I better understood why World War I happened. Follett explains (at least to me) the significance of certain historical events and just what the ramifications were for the rest of the world. I don't feel like I read a history book; I feel like I read mini biographies.
I appreciate the fact that Follett included global characters and not simply the Allies. We have characters from Russia (which helps me understand just how powerful the Russian Revolution was) and Germany. Events are not isolated. Alliances and deals and unofficial diplomacy all play a part of all or our history. As an American, I am connected to Russia's history (as Follett explains).
I really enjoyed reading this book and will probably pick up the next book in the trilogy. I'm curious if Follett will keep this cast of characters or will he flash forward to another set of people in another time during the century. I'm certain that he will be writing about World War II and I look forward to seeing that war through Follett's lens.
Follett, Ken. Fall of Giants: Book One of the Century Trilogy. New York: Dutton, 2010.
Plot Summary
This 985 page novel covers the lives of a few principal characters who represent many interests leading up to The Great War. This novel is part history and part human interest.
My Thoughts
Despite the length of the book, I got so absorbed reading that I didn't stop and take notes. Follett creates memorable characters and it was easy to keep up with their stories even when they were not present in every chapter. As I was reading , I felt like I better understood why World War I happened. Follett explains (at least to me) the significance of certain historical events and just what the ramifications were for the rest of the world. I don't feel like I read a history book; I feel like I read mini biographies.
I appreciate the fact that Follett included global characters and not simply the Allies. We have characters from Russia (which helps me understand just how powerful the Russian Revolution was) and Germany. Events are not isolated. Alliances and deals and unofficial diplomacy all play a part of all or our history. As an American, I am connected to Russia's history (as Follett explains).
I really enjoyed reading this book and will probably pick up the next book in the trilogy. I'm curious if Follett will keep this cast of characters or will he flash forward to another set of people in another time during the century. I'm certain that he will be writing about World War II and I look forward to seeing that war through Follett's lens.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Going Bovine
Bibliography
Bray, Libba. Going Bovine. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009.
Plot Summary
Going Bovine is part mystery, part suspense and part coming of age. It's the story of Cameron and Gonzo and Balder who take a road trip to find Dr. X. This is the only person that can cure Cameron from the disease that made him punch Chet. The story crosses into parallel universes and parallel realities.
My Thoughts
From the opening acknowledgement page, I was laughing. Bray is very observant and describes people and situations with great humor. I liked how she gets around copyright issues by creating similar names for things (e.g., YA! TV, MyNet page, Konstant Kettle, Juicy Cute Bears). To give an example of her humor, she writes, "He smiles, and he caterpillar mustache--the envy of state troopers everywhere, I'm sure" (Bray 41). Another example that relates to my profession is the SPEW tests that the students must take. Yes, state mandated tests are often spew!
As I read, the story became more serious and I wasn't sure how it would end. I was surprised at the ending and a bit disappointed. I was on the road trip with Cameron to find out it ends...at Disney World. I think the timing of reading this book was interesting since I visited Disney World this summer. Perhaps all things are connected.
One thing I wish Bray would not have included was the drug use at the beginning of the novel. I guess she's trying to reach an audience and relate to them, but I think the "loner kid" aspect could not involve drugs and still be accurate.
In addition to the product "dis" placement, Bray creates the CESSNAB organization. This part of the book made me laugh! Bray's insight into humanity is, in my opinion, so true. People need to cling to hope, and they can't make decisions. What they wished for may not be what they want.
The most endearing character is Balder. His noble voice and loyalty will make me look at yard gnomes in an entirely different way.
I'm glad I read Going Bovine as I was able to escape for a time and travel with Cameron on his archetypal hero's journey and quest. I think Bray waited until the end to give the moral message (if that's what we can call it) so we'd appreciate it more. "[Life] is a great ride" (Bray 479).
Bray, Libba. Going Bovine. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009.
Plot Summary
Going Bovine is part mystery, part suspense and part coming of age. It's the story of Cameron and Gonzo and Balder who take a road trip to find Dr. X. This is the only person that can cure Cameron from the disease that made him punch Chet. The story crosses into parallel universes and parallel realities.
My Thoughts
From the opening acknowledgement page, I was laughing. Bray is very observant and describes people and situations with great humor. I liked how she gets around copyright issues by creating similar names for things (e.g., YA! TV, MyNet page, Konstant Kettle, Juicy Cute Bears). To give an example of her humor, she writes, "He smiles, and he caterpillar mustache--the envy of state troopers everywhere, I'm sure" (Bray 41). Another example that relates to my profession is the SPEW tests that the students must take. Yes, state mandated tests are often spew!
As I read, the story became more serious and I wasn't sure how it would end. I was surprised at the ending and a bit disappointed. I was on the road trip with Cameron to find out it ends...at Disney World. I think the timing of reading this book was interesting since I visited Disney World this summer. Perhaps all things are connected.
One thing I wish Bray would not have included was the drug use at the beginning of the novel. I guess she's trying to reach an audience and relate to them, but I think the "loner kid" aspect could not involve drugs and still be accurate.
In addition to the product "dis" placement, Bray creates the CESSNAB organization. This part of the book made me laugh! Bray's insight into humanity is, in my opinion, so true. People need to cling to hope, and they can't make decisions. What they wished for may not be what they want.
The most endearing character is Balder. His noble voice and loyalty will make me look at yard gnomes in an entirely different way.
I'm glad I read Going Bovine as I was able to escape for a time and travel with Cameron on his archetypal hero's journey and quest. I think Bray waited until the end to give the moral message (if that's what we can call it) so we'd appreciate it more. "[Life] is a great ride" (Bray 479).
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out
Bibliography
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007.
Plot Summary
This is the last of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. Twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference continue their relationship through tragedy, comedy and quite a bit of drama. The narrator is Jodi Baxter. She continually sees how God's provision is exactly right, even when she has serious questions about the timing.
My Thoughts
I was so excited to see another Yada Yada book, but when I finished this one, I was sad to see the author's note that this is indeed the last installment of this series. I've enjoyed being tested with Jodi and experiencing these women's lives. I've felt the bangs of guilt and despair and well as the tears of joy and excitement. I will probably read the next series by Mrs. Jackson as she says my Yada Yada sisters will make appearances in the new series.
This book was set around Christmastime, which becomes an integral part of the story. We read the "Christmas story" from a modern perspective, and it works.
One thing I learned from this book was about the "Watch Night" service held on New Year's Eve. I didn't realize that the Methodists had a hand in promoting this service and that in 1862, African slaves were especially grateful for this service (Jackson 198). I think I will do some research on this service.
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007.
Plot Summary
This is the last of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. Twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference continue their relationship through tragedy, comedy and quite a bit of drama. The narrator is Jodi Baxter. She continually sees how God's provision is exactly right, even when she has serious questions about the timing.
My Thoughts
I was so excited to see another Yada Yada book, but when I finished this one, I was sad to see the author's note that this is indeed the last installment of this series. I've enjoyed being tested with Jodi and experiencing these women's lives. I've felt the bangs of guilt and despair and well as the tears of joy and excitement. I will probably read the next series by Mrs. Jackson as she says my Yada Yada sisters will make appearances in the new series.
This book was set around Christmastime, which becomes an integral part of the story. We read the "Christmas story" from a modern perspective, and it works.
One thing I learned from this book was about the "Watch Night" service held on New Year's Eve. I didn't realize that the Methodists had a hand in promoting this service and that in 1862, African slaves were especially grateful for this service (Jackson 198). I think I will do some research on this service.
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