A Time to Kill

I purchased one of John Grisham's newest books, Sycamore Road, for my father for Christmas (his request).  I did not realize it was the second in a series book.  A Time to Kill was first published in 1989--so it took nearly 25 years to come out with the second one.  Since I wanted to read the book I had bought for dad, I thought I would read A Time to Kill first.

Overall, I loved the book--the plot, the characters, the setting, etc.  However, at 544 pages I wanted to scream "Enough with the details!"  I am a poor reader when it comes to skimming.  I feel if my eyes do not cover every word and my brain does not process those words, I will miss something important.  I more proficient reader could skim those "boring parts" and finish this book in half the time.

I just received notice from my library that I can load the sequel onto my Kindle.  It is 100 pages shorter, but I am not sure I can devote 450 pages of reading at this point.  May have to wait until summer when school is out . . . but I am anxious to read it!

Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Also over Christmas break, I read Maria Semple's book Where'd You Go, Bernadette.  A friend had recommended it as a perfect "vacation" book.  It is a quick and easy read.  The plot was interesting.  Some of the characters, who reflected some of "those moms" that I know, made me laugh at their pettiness.  (I love the snarkiness in this novel!)  I also loved how this novel was told through intercepted emails, documents, and letters.

This book will not go down as fine literature; however, it met all of my needs as far as a reader goes.  I give it two thumbs up!  I may even pick up her other novel (This One Is Mine) this summer.  Her author's website can be located by clicking HERE.  I like the quirky look of it; in fact, I laughed loud enough for the dog to come running to see what was going on.

The Round House

I wanted to read an adult book (vs. adolescent literature), and I had seen this book was one recommended for the Big Read in my area.  The librarian at my library mentioned online one day that it was her favorite of the three nominated.  I picked it up without knowing anything else about it.  It did not disappoint.

I liked reading this book for a number of reasons.  One, it showed the complexities of culture (Native American specifically) and law.  It had a few supernatural moments.  It was a mystery.  It was a search for justice--and what IS justice.  There were many characters I really liked.

I was surprised how the book ended.  Not too much of a spoiler, but I expected to learn more of the narrator's adult life.  He hints at it during the novel (told in retrospect), but we do not learn much more.  I was fascinated by the character Linda Wishkob who was born to white parents but was "adopted" and raised by Ojibwe parents.

This book deservedly was a National Book Award winner:  National Book Award.
More about the author at the following:  Louise Erdrich

And The Mountains Echoed

I loved two novels I have read by Khaled Hosseini--The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.  I love the way the author weaves the tale.  And the Mountains Echoed was yet another wonderful novel.  I am not sure which of Hosseini's novels I liked the best--all three are among my favorite reads.

I tried to figure out why I like this author so much.  He writes of a land I know way less than I care to admit.  I keep going back to his weaving of the story and his richness of characters.  You become totally submerged into their thought process.  This book surprised me more than his previous two with some twists I didn't expect.  However, these twists seem realistic and consistent with the tale.

Visit the author's website at the following:  Khaled Hosseini.  He has some interesting podcasts that are worth viewing.

Another Dan Brown Book

Several of my co-workers and I were excited about the release of the new Dan Brown book.  We were in the middle of the longest few weeks of school, so I downloaded it from my library onto my Kindle the day my grades were turned in.  Bonus!  The novel was broken down in 100 chapters (give or take)--if you have children, you will understand WHY this is such a perk.

Well . . . Inferno was just the read I needed!  I did not, however, like this book nearly as well as The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons, but it was that action-packed, suspenseful read from page one. This Robert Langdon book lacked the controversial religious allusions that were in Brown's previous books, but I don't think that is why I felt the other two books were better.  Inferno followed much the same "formula" of the other Langdon books, yet I found myself looking up pictures of many of the places in Venice to which they were referring (that counts as research, right?).  

This book even required me to think wwwaaaayyyy back to undergrad when I read Dante's Divine Comedy.  Who knows--as the summer unfolds and I need something more substantial to read, I just may pick up Dante again.  For now, Inferno met my particular reading craving.  I'll be waiting for the next Dan Brown book, and so will my co-workers!

Author site:  Dan Brown

The Alchemist

I've had Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist on my "To Read" list forever.  It was advertised somewhere as one of the most translated, most read books in the world (first published in 1988).  I just happened to pick it up at the book store because I had an hour to stall before my daughters finished shopping.  It was fairly short novel, so I knew I could read it during the busy last few weeks of school.

I have RARELY reread books (except for those books I teach); I believe there are just too many books in the world to read.  I don't want to waste pleasure reading time rehashing something I've already consumed.  The Alchemist is, however, a book that would get better each time it is read.  I guess I read The Alchemist for the story/the plot the first reading, but there is so much more to this text.  There are many levels going on with finding your personal legend, with nature, with watching for signs/symbols, with following your instincts, etc.  One of my friends indicated it was one of her favorite books to teach to her high schoolers--interesting.

Coelho's website can be found by clicking HERE.  This guy does it all:  website, blog, videocasts, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  His blog appears to be something I would like to check out later.  His main website will link you to these other modes.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

I've been wanting to read a Stephen King Novel forever now.  My daughters are now at the age when I started watching movies based on his books (Carrie, Cujo, Misery, and The Shining) and reading his books--Pet Cemetary, It, etc.  Last year, he came out with an 850 page monster--11/22/63.  I loaded it on my Kindle to read during Thanksgiving Break.    Long story short, I just finished it in March.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  The notion of time travel and changing events poses many questions.  This concept was covered so thoroughly (well . . . the book WAS 850 pages after all!).  I love how King pays such attention to seemingly insignificant details.  I would, however, recommend reading this in a more condensed period of time than I did.  I had forgotten some of the characters from earlier in the novel and should have known they would resurface later. 

I would not let anyone younger than 16 to read this book--some intimate adult moments.

Click HERE for a link to the author's page.

Sarah's Key

Last summer I remember a friend telling me she just finished reading Sarah's Key, and that I have to read it.  I have heard one or two other people mention it, but did not pay much attention to it.  Then I saw it at our school's book fair . . . and I purchased it.

I didn't have any idea this was a Holocaust novel.  Having spent the last two weeks of school with students reading novels on this topic, I wasn't sure I wanted something this dark my first weeks of summer break.  Nonetheless, I began Tatiana De Rosnay's book and could not put it down until I was finished.  The book contained enough mystery to keep me reading, enough Holocaust detail to keep me engaged, and enough sappy love story for it to be a great summer read.


Click HERE for a link to the author's website.  I wouldn't hesitate to read another one of her works.  

Zeitoun

Dayton's Big Read this year (2012) was the non-fiction novel Zeitoun by Dave Eggers.  The novel won the 2010 Dayton Literary Peace Prize for non-fiction (for more details, click HERE).  In typical fashion, I read the work several months after all the Big Read events were complete.  Nonetheless, I was glad I decided to read this anyway.

This book was fabulous, shocking, appalling, heartbreaking, and hopeful all in one package.  I cannot (or should I say that I DO NOT) want to believe that this could happen today in the country I live; however, it did.  The events of this novel were centered during and just after Hurricane Katrina.  If I was a high school English or history teacher, I would incorporate this text into the school year.

The surprise element in this novel was the repeated references and reliance on faith in God.  

The family established The Zeitoun Foundation to help with the rebuilding process in New Orleans.  Proceeds from the sale of Zeitoun help to fund this organization.

Tattoos, Fire, & Hornets

I stayed up late last night to finish The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson.  This book follows The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I loved the first book so much, that I immediately went out to purchase this book.  Since last summer was . . . crappy . . . and busy (getting caught up on adolescent literature for a new job), I haven't had a chance to get back to the series.  The book sat for a year and was worth the wait.

The ending was perfect . . . for an author who wants to sell the next book.  From a reader's perspective--the major mysteries were solved; yet, I wanted the neat, tidy ending.  I will have to get the next book to find out more.  Since I have about a thousand (yes--hyperbole) books on my "Wanna Read" list, I'm not sure I want to invest another 700 pages to this book right away.

I word to the not-so-wise (like myself), keep a list of characters.  I do this with most books I read; however, I would have been lost several times with this book in particular.

Another important note--the first book is a definite "NO" for my high schooler.  The second book was not quite as bad in its sexual content/graphic nature, but my now-sophomore is too young to read.

Fifty Shades of What?!?!?

My sister recently completed Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James.  "Sister" not only recommended I read it, she insisted.  This persistence should have been my first warning.  I do not get too rattled by "stuff" in books, but I assume that books contain interesting story lines, strong characters, amazing settings, etc.

Fifty Shades of Grey was about ten pages of a lackluster story and 490 pages of smut.  Now, keep in mind that I read all 500 pages just to be sure (ha! ha!) that I would not miss any of the story.  I will not be picking up the sequels.  If you are looking for a trashy beach read--this may be the book.  Anything even slightly more--save your money.

A Peculiar Book

It is spring break, and I'm using half the time to read and relax.  I just finished Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.  It was . . . well . . . peculiar.  I THINK I liked it.  I know I liked the first 80% of the novel.

I loved the juxtaposition of antique photographs and the text.  The back cover of the book says that this fantasy will "delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows."  I picked this book up for my classroom library at our school's book fair; however, I don't really see this as a "teen" novel--as least as far as junior high students are concerned.  There is nothing inappropriate.  I have a couple avid readers who may select this.  I'm curious to see what they think.

Strange coincidence--I've just read and am reading next three books on time travel.  Also, I am getting ready to read another book/illustration combo (Hugo).  Click HERE for a link to Ransom Riggs page.  I find this website visually unappealing.

Abraham Lincoln

Growing up in Illinois, I am an Abraham Lincoln fan.  When a friend said she just read the best non-fiction book that read totally like a suspense novel, my curiosity was piqued.  When she said it was about Lincoln, I had to get the book.  But alas!  February and March are typically the busiest months of the year for our family.  I checked the book out on a a 7-day quick read, but only made it to approximately page 50.  I finally made it to the top of the list for the 3-week normal check out--of which I am in the middle.  I am such a slow reader.

The book, entitled Killing Lincoln, tells the events of the last few days of Lincoln's life.  Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at John Wilkes Booth's plotting.  This novel spins a fabulous tale . . . and it is labled non-fiction.  I'm over half-way through and give this a big "thumbs up!" for high school students and up.  (some references to the inappropriate sexual activities of the assassin, etc.).  Now to find time to read the rest before I have to return the book.  God bless libraries!!!!

Wuthering Heights

I read (re-read) Wuthering Heights over Christmas/January.  It is poet Emily Bronte's only novel--and what a novel it is!  So much has been said/written about this novel.  I've not much else to add in the way of new/innovate insight.

When searching for a picture of the novel, I landed on a webpage with significant quotes from the novel.  Check it out:  Wuthering Hts. Quotes.  Oh--which one would I choose for a commerical about the text?

Mitch Albom

I downloaded Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith from our library onto my Kindle--I so love the public library . . . even more than my Kindle.  ANYWAY, I enjoyed this quick, cathartic read--typical of Albom.  I enjoyed this book; however, I enjoyed Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet In Heaven much more.

Albom has added his experience in writing this book with his charitable works: (Albom's Charity Partners).  I knew the two stories he was revealing would eventually cross and intertwine with his own life.  Albom's typical pithy, to-the-point style makes for a quick, powerful read.  I would recommend this novel to a friend.  The newest edition has an afterward that requires the box of Kleenex. 

Cheesy Book/Audio Book

When I travel to Illinois to visit family, I check out audio books and the hard copy of the book.  I listen to the book when driving/riding because reading coninuously makes me carsick.  When I get to my destination, I can pick up in the hard copy.  This trip I checked out the playaway of Elizabeth's Berg's Open House.  It was a quick read, but not a book with any substance. 

If someone is looking for a quick, mindless read--I'm not even sure I'd recommend it.  It was just too cliche to bother recommending.  Oh well--another book done.

Great Expectations

I am only a quarter of the way through Great Expectations.  When I told a co-worker I was reading this novel, she told me that Dickens was paid per word--which explains his lengthy descriptions.  I do know this novel was originally written as a weekly series from December 1, 1860 – August 3, 1861.  Luckily, my short attention span has not been hindered by these tangents.  Perhaps I'll be able to finish this book by next week.

A detailed online biography of Dickens can be located at Dickens' Biography.
What about a movie for the novel's 150th birthday?  Great Expectations

Great Expectations

I have not been keeping up doculmenting my reading in a long time, and I will not try to fill-in where I left off.  I will simply attempt to restart.  I'm having difficulty balancing and prioritizing everything I want to do.  I am certain no one else could relate to this predicament.

I am beginning to read Charles Dickens Great Expectations.  My daughter is required to read this for her freshman literature class.  I'm embarrassed to say that I don't think I've actually completed anything by Dickens.  Why were/are Cliff Notes ever available to high school and college students?!?!?!?!

Richard Wright

I noticed that September 4th is the birthday of probably my favorite author--Richard Wright.  For more info on this author, you can view the following site: 
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Richard+Wright+(author)

I was first introduced to Wright my junior year in college in a literature class.  We read Native Son.  I was reading the book and realized I was cheering on a character who killed an (semi)innocent woman, chopped up her body, and put it in a furnace.  How could it be that I sympathized and was even rooting for such a man.  Wright's writing is that powerful. 

The Help

A friend invited me to attend the new movie based on the 2009 book The Help.  I declined; however, I have read the book.  It is one of my favorites that I have read in the past year.  Kathryn Stockett has written a book that covers a serious topic, but some of the passages are laugh-aloud-funny. 

I'm sure the movie is fine.  It appears to cover more of the town's reaction to "the book" written by a local socialite versus the relationship between the main character (who is an author writing a book about the south from the perspective of the "hired help" aka--black maids) and her two worlds (one with the town's social circle and one with her friendship with people from the "other side" of town).  The book examines the ugliness of black/white relationships in the early 1960's.