Road Trip Reading

On a long road trip this past weekend, I bypassed my "on deck" books and read a new young adult novel. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a funny, sad, and real story all in one. Check out this summary from the author's website:

In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written tale, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character’s art, is based on the author’s own experiences and chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he seems destined to live.

I have been hearing about this book for a while and kept seeing it on must-read book lists. I loved it! Trickled throughout the story are cartoons drawn by the main character, Junior.

Fancy Nancy

These are Lillian's favorite books! I think they're pretty cool, too. The illustrations are beautiful and it teaches mature vocabulary like ecstatic and ensemble. Lillian has been known to use iridescent in a sentence. Wow!

On Deck

I've been on a hiatus from reading the past couple of days. I don't know why; I guess I saturated my brain with other people's lives and needed a break. The last book I finished was Honeymoon by James Patterson. If you've ever read anything by him, you know it was intense.

Here's what I have on deck:
A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving
Seasons of Passions by Danielle Steel
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Karen Kingsbury

Today's post is about my introduction to Christian fiction. My mom had read a couple of Karen Kingsbury's books and recommended them to me. I wasn't so sure because I doubted they would have the racy plots that I enjoy. Then, Mom bought me 2 books for my birthday and I decided to give one a whirl. I read A Time To Dance first and am currently reading Above the Clouds. I immediately noticed the strong spiritual connections and the emphasis on prayer. A Time To Dance is a story of reconciliation between a man and wife who have had a fairytale marriage but time, children, and jobs have wedged between the 2 and now they are facing a divorce. The story sounds just like the life of someone I might know and it is comforting to read about how the power of prayer can save a marriage.

Review of Carl Hiassen

Don't be turned off by the title! Strip Tease by Carl Hiassen didn't live up to my expectation of "hilarious" like the back cover advertised. As a result, I didn't finish the book. That is a common practice for me if the plot just isn't my thing. I feel like I shouldn't waste valuable reading time on a book I don't really like. Like I said, don't let the title turn you away. It refers to the occupation of the main character, Erin, who is morally stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to making money and getting her daughter back from her loser/thief/druggie ex-husband. I think I'll try one of his young adult books like Flush or Hoot next.

Hidden Treasure

While the kiddos were gone, I had the chance to visit a used bookstore that I have wanted to see for ages. I think it's called Cash for Books and , if you live in the area, it's on 2nd street in Edmond. They have over 40,000 used books and half the store has books for $1. Heaven! When I walked in, the helpful owner told me that in the $1 section you get more free books the more you buy. If you buy 5 books, you get 6; if you buy 10 books, you get 15, etc. I looked for 2 hours and barely made a dent but I did come home with some great choices. I found a vintage book by Margaret Wise Brown that was printed in 1939. I also picked up more paperbacks to add to my growing stack of "must-reads." All in all, it is now my favorite used book store. For any teachers out there: On Saturdays from 10-12, you can get 10 free books by showing some kind of school ID. I may have to hit that really soon!

Carl Hiassen

I have never read anything by this author, but I just picked up a book by him at the library. I am familiar with his young adult books, Flush and Hoot, and was surprised to find that he has several adult books as well. Based on his website, Carl Hiassen writes about environmental and political issues where his main character tackles a problem with great odds. With witty humor and clever plot, the story moves quickly. I think this is an author I will enjoy very much!

After searching his website, I'm curious about the book Team Rodent: How Disney Devours the World.

Off The Bookshelf

Before she was 1 year old, Lillian loved this book about a dog named Carl. This is a picture book with words on the first and last page only. The watercolor-like illustrations allow for creative storytelling. Now, Lillian can tell the story in her own words. I picked it to "read" tonight and she had a big smile on her face when we finished.

We read this for the first time tonight. The story line is a little lengthy but the idea is that a young pig named Owen wants to send a hug to his Granny through the mail. Each person involved in mail delivery- the postman, airplane pilot, truck driver, etc- must pass the hug from person to person. It ends with Granny sending Owen a great big kiss right back through the mail. Cute idea!

The Giving Tree

During our weekly trip to the library, Lillian chose the usual books about spiders, bugs, and other disgusting things. But, she also picked a classic children's book called The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Anyone with children should own a copy! It begins with "Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy." It is a sad story but one of loyalty and giving that is a lesson for any age. Lillian liked the simple black and white pictures.

Another great choice was The Twin Princes by Tedd Arnold. It has a riddle to solve, puns on every page, and the classic battle of hero vs. villian. It's a "featherbrained fairy tale" that is irresistible fun!

What I'm Reading Now

I usually read more than one book at a time. I know, I know... how do I keep the plots seperate, don't I get the characters confused, etc. I've heard it all before. I really don't know why I do it. I think it might have to do with the fact that I need a break from a book but not from reading so turn to something else then go back to the original. Anywho, besides the Secrets novel by Jude Deveraux, I started the final book in a series by James Patterson. I must have a thing for books in a series! The Final Warning is supposed to be a conclusion to a somewhat sci-fi story involving a girl named Maximum Ride. She is no ordinary girl (would you be with a name like that?!) because she has the ability to fly. She and 5 other kids like her were raised as an experiment in a horrible place they call the "School." Now her life is in danger as the scientists try to eliminate the "flock." This one is about half the length of the first 3. I'm curious if the story will tie up loose ends or leave me hanging (again!). The short chapters and cliff hanger endings make this series a must read if you like young adult literature.

The Tiniest Mermaid

Lillian and I read this delightful story tonight. I remember buying this book because the main character is named Lily. A mermaid named Delphi is injured in a storm and Lily finds her stranded on a beach. Through beautiful pictures, the story of an unusual friendship unfolds. When Delphi must rejoin her mermaid friends, she leaves a special sea shell for Lily to always remember her.

House of Night

I hope to use this blog as a way to recommend books, find books, and discuss books. Reading is a joy in my life. I have always loved the thrill of starting a new book and the immersion into a world that is often not like my own. As I create this blog, I want to reach my students through discussion and sharing of what I love. I will blog about what I am currently reading as well as keep a running list of what I want to read. Let's get started!

I just finished the first book in the House of Night series, Marked. It certainly pushes the bounds of respectability when it comes to religion and vampires. I was intrigued by the plot because it is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is written by a mother/daughter team who live in our great state. The teenager voice comes through with language that is abrasive but true to that generation. I was surprised at the sexuality of the book and thought it to be unneccessary. Despite the language and sexuality, I can't wait to get my hands on Betrayed and Chosen. If you want to start with a vampire book, I recommend Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. There is romance, blood, and vampires all wrapped up in one lovely story.

So... now you know what I'm reading. Let's here from you. Any good vampire novels out there that you want to recommend? Leave a comment and let me know