I can no longer ignore it.
I can no longer ignore the itch to write about the classics. They are, after all, books that I not only read more frequently, but read so often I can blog about them with ease. So, to keep you from wasting your time reading posts about books from which you were happy to escape upon graduation, I promise to include "Classic" in the title. Feel free to ignore these posts completely.
The first classic is my favorite: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I am slightly obsessed with this book and, as a result, its author. When I watched the movie Midnight in Paris, my jaw dropped to the floor when F. Scott appeared on the screen. I felt like I was meeting a celebrity, or seeing a best friend who had passed away (this was quickly followed by a serious and sincere conversation with my husband on ways we could name a son - if we're blessed to have one - "F. Scott").
More than likely, you were required to read this novel in high school. I say to you now - go read it again. Then consider reading it again after that. I have read this novel probably 20 times or more, and yet I find something new and interesting every time I pick it back up.
Notice the way Fitzgerald characterizes people. Instead of the overdone "She was 5'4", blue-eyed with brown hair, freckles covering her face," he gives you one or two characteristics that magically transform into a character you can not only visualize but feel like you know. For example, this is how Daisy is described when we first meet her:
She laughed again, as if she said something very witty, and held my hand for a moment, looking up into my face, promising that there was no one in the world she so much wanted to see. That was a way she had. ... (I’ve heard it said that Daisy’s murmur was only to make people lean toward her; an irrelevant criticism that made it no less charming.) ... It was the kind of voice that the ear follows up and down, as if each speech is an arrangement of notes that will never be played again. Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth, but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget: a singing compulsion, a whispered “Listen,” a promise that she had done gay, exciting things just a while since and that there were gay, exciting things hovering in the next hour.
I mean seriously. Pure beauty. Can't you picture her? This girl with this voice ... that is all you need. The rest - how tall she is, what color her eyes are - are up to you because they don't matter. At this point, you already know Daisy.
The language continues like that in his descriptions and even in his one-liners. His book famously ends with the quote, "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" which is so true. But many people forget how the book begins: "In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. 'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.'" What great advice to live by.
I could keep going, but I'll stop here (you can imagine what my classroom is like during the three weeks we read this novel). If you want to read a classic, let this be your first (and second, and third, and fourth...).
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Emily Griffin - light, fun, summer reads
Someone asked me today for a book recommendation because she was headed to the beach and wanted a light, easy read. I thought about all the books I've written about and realized none of them are very "beachy" or your typical "summer" reads. I promise I don't always read Debbie Downer novels. Sometimes even I get too deep into this fictional sadness and I have to crawl my way out with a good, lighthearted read.
I am doing that now, actually. After posting about it, I reread Nineteen Minutes, and afterwards decided that I just can't do it anymore. Between that and We Need to Talk About Kevin, I caught myself feeling sad and stressed - so I'm switching it up and reading one of my favorite "light" authors, Emily Griffin.
Emily Griffin is probably best known for her series of books entitled Something Borrowed and Something Blue. I read them awhile ago, and honestly barely remember the plot, but I remember really enjoying them - so much so that I recommended them to my sister and she liked them as well. I remember one is about a girl about to turn 30 and she isn't married (I remember this because I, too, was in that exact situation and was therefore drawn to the book). I think she falls in love with her best friend's boyfriend or something. I'm guessing that was the Something Borrowed. :)
I read Baby Proof awhile back and enjoyed it also. All of Emily Griffin's books focus on telling the stories of different characters, all of whom end up intertwining at some point. Her chapters change points of view. Baby Proof focused on four different women - one who recently lost a child, and three who were having babies. Of course, the other three were nothing alike - one was married to a rich, professional athlete, one was slightly overweight and middle class, and one wanted to be the perfect mother. The four of them form an unlikely bond and the book focuses on their struggles and stresses of motherhood and marriage (mostly).
I'm currently reading Heart of the Matter. I'm only 25% into it (thanks to Kindle, I no longer speak in pages), but it's already gotten addictive. This one, so far, is about a girl who has decided to be a stay at home mom and her husband is a pediatric plastic surgeon. The other leading character is a single mom whose little boy gets burned at another boy's house while roasting marshmallows. Her son ends up as a patient for the plastic surgeon. I know these two mothers' paths will cross soon, but I'm not there yet.
So if you want a light-hearted read, you know, as opposed to school shootings and the mistreatment of Arabic women, try Emily Griffin! And see my next post for other ideas.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Room by Emma Donoghue
Wow, this book....
When I first started reading this book, I actually didn't like it. It is narrated by a little boy, and that annoyed me. But as the story progressed, I got sucked in. This is one of those books that I got so emotionally into, Jesse had to ask me to put it down for a little while. I would be lying on the couch reading, and would suddenly sit up, looking completely stressed, and proclaim to my Kindle, "No, you can't do that!" It gets pretty intense.
It is about a woman and her son who are being held captive in a room. The boy's entire life has been lived in this room. As a result, he personifies everything, calling it Table and Bed, describing the objects like people. It is understandable, considering his situation, but that - and his ignorance to his situation - is what annoyed me at first. Eventually, though, I got used to it and could focus more on the story.
The way the young woman and the boy end up in this room is frightening. Honestly, with the recent terrible news of the Russell County woman who was murdered while running with her sister, some people may even want to avoid this, for now. (You can use your context clues there to figure out a little of the story) But it is a good book, and one worth the time to read.
When I first started reading this book, I actually didn't like it. It is narrated by a little boy, and that annoyed me. But as the story progressed, I got sucked in. This is one of those books that I got so emotionally into, Jesse had to ask me to put it down for a little while. I would be lying on the couch reading, and would suddenly sit up, looking completely stressed, and proclaim to my Kindle, "No, you can't do that!" It gets pretty intense.
It is about a woman and her son who are being held captive in a room. The boy's entire life has been lived in this room. As a result, he personifies everything, calling it Table and Bed, describing the objects like people. It is understandable, considering his situation, but that - and his ignorance to his situation - is what annoyed me at first. Eventually, though, I got used to it and could focus more on the story.
The way the young woman and the boy end up in this room is frightening. Honestly, with the recent terrible news of the Russell County woman who was murdered while running with her sister, some people may even want to avoid this, for now. (You can use your context clues there to figure out a little of the story) But it is a good book, and one worth the time to read.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Two years ago, I allowed my AP students to read a novel of their choice instead of one I assigned. To assess that they were reading, each week, the students had to copy an excerpt from the novel and then analyze a device used in the paragraph and its effect on the overall novel. Most students chose books I recommended, that I knew could be used on the AP exam, but one student, Madeline Peterson, chose "The Book Thief." After just two weeks of grading her homework, I started looking forward to the days she turned in her paragraphs so I could read more of the book. With just a few excerpts, I was hooked. The writing was so unique, it immediately drew me in.
The book is set in Germany during the Holocaust; however, instead of focusing on Jewish families, the main characters are Germans. When I tell people this, they frequently ask me if I've read Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which also focuses on Germans during the time of the Holocaust. I finally did read it, but really, the comparison ends there. In Striped Pajamas, the boy's father is part of Hitler's army and the boy remains very ignorant about the war and the concentration camps. In this book, the German family does not agree with Hitler, although they are forced to pretend like they do, and they help to hide a Jew.
Another unique factor of the book is the narrator: it is narrated by Death. Death becomes interested in the main character Liesel and, this book is the story of her life. Some people may not like the unique style. Not only is it narrated by death (who, by the way, is portrayed as compassionate and witty), but it had random interruptions in the novel where Death gives you a sidenote or announcement. It is not frequent, but it's there. It did not bother me at all, though.
Let me give you an example of the language that drew me into this novel. Below is a quotation from the book. Liesel has just spat some hateful words to a woman who has been kind to her. This is how her reaction is described: "Blood leaked from her nose and licked at her lips. Her eyes had blackened. Cuts had opened up and a series of wounds were rising to the surface of her skin. All from words. From Liesel's words."
One more example which shows Death as a narrator, describing what he sees when he comes to pick up people's souls: "I witness the ones that are left behind, crumbled among the jigsaw puzzles of realization, despair, and surprise. They have punctured hearts. They have beaten lungs."
These probably aren't the best excerpts, but I don't have my annotated print version with me, so I'm relying on quotes from the internet. The first example I gave, though, is from a scene that remains my favorite. It's one of the best written scenes I've ever read, but I think you need to read the entire book to appreciate it.
So go ahead. Read it.
The book is set in Germany during the Holocaust; however, instead of focusing on Jewish families, the main characters are Germans. When I tell people this, they frequently ask me if I've read Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which also focuses on Germans during the time of the Holocaust. I finally did read it, but really, the comparison ends there. In Striped Pajamas, the boy's father is part of Hitler's army and the boy remains very ignorant about the war and the concentration camps. In this book, the German family does not agree with Hitler, although they are forced to pretend like they do, and they help to hide a Jew.
Another unique factor of the book is the narrator: it is narrated by Death. Death becomes interested in the main character Liesel and, this book is the story of her life. Some people may not like the unique style. Not only is it narrated by death (who, by the way, is portrayed as compassionate and witty), but it had random interruptions in the novel where Death gives you a sidenote or announcement. It is not frequent, but it's there. It did not bother me at all, though.
Let me give you an example of the language that drew me into this novel. Below is a quotation from the book. Liesel has just spat some hateful words to a woman who has been kind to her. This is how her reaction is described: "Blood leaked from her nose and licked at her lips. Her eyes had blackened. Cuts had opened up and a series of wounds were rising to the surface of her skin. All from words. From Liesel's words."
One more example which shows Death as a narrator, describing what he sees when he comes to pick up people's souls: "I witness the ones that are left behind, crumbled among the jigsaw puzzles of realization, despair, and surprise. They have punctured hearts. They have beaten lungs."
These probably aren't the best excerpts, but I don't have my annotated print version with me, so I'm relying on quotes from the internet. The first example I gave, though, is from a scene that remains my favorite. It's one of the best written scenes I've ever read, but I think you need to read the entire book to appreciate it.
So go ahead. Read it.
the Hunger Games trilogy
I can no longer avoid it. I have to talk about the Hunger Games trilogy.
As I admitted earlier, I am a book snob. As a result, I used to vehemently refuse to read any book that was the latest craze. I even denied Harry Potter until I took a Children's Lit class which required us to read the first novel (I quickly and immediately devoured the second one and have read all of them probably 10 times each now). Recently, I've taken a different approach and I choose to read these books - but I approach them with a bias, reading them more out of curiosity and the desire to be able to discuss the books rather than thinking they will be masterpieces. I'm always pleasantly surprised when these crazes end up impressing me. Hunger Games was one of those.
For months, people told me I should read them. For some reason, I refused. Until one day, a male friend of mine - one who still surprises me when he talks about books - walked up to me right before Christmas break, placed the first book in my hand, and said, "Seriously. Read this." I couldn't ignore this recommendation and it came at the perfect time, right at a break. So I read it.
24 hours later, I purchased the second book on my kindle.
24 hours later, I purchased the third book on my kindle.
I thought the trilogy was fantastic, especially Catching Fire (the second one). I enjoyed how the author, Suzanne Collins, kept the main character, Katniss, true to her age, making her flawed and confused. At the same time, she tackled a difficult subject of repression and rebellion, set in a futuristic time. The series takes place somewhere in America, though it is never directly stated, in the future. Only 12 districts still exist and they are controlled by the Capitol. In the past, the districts tried to rebel against the Capitol. As a reminder of this, every year the Capitol hosts the "Hunger Games," where each district has to choose one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12-18, to enter the games, where they must fight to their death until there is one winner. The games take place in an arena built by the technologically advanced and cruel-minded people of the Capitol.
To me, the movie helped me better understand that part - the idea of people controlling the arena and what happens inside of it.... kind of like the Harry Potter movies helped me visualize Quidditch.
But I digress. Although it may not be the best written work of all time, I loved it. I decided to teach it to my sophomores this year, and it became one of my favorite books to read. I only taught the first one, and almost every student finished the series. Then, at parent teacher conferences, numerous parents told me they decided to read it too, after hearing their children talk about it. There's no greater pleasure to an English teacher's ears!
As I admitted earlier, I am a book snob. As a result, I used to vehemently refuse to read any book that was the latest craze. I even denied Harry Potter until I took a Children's Lit class which required us to read the first novel (I quickly and immediately devoured the second one and have read all of them probably 10 times each now). Recently, I've taken a different approach and I choose to read these books - but I approach them with a bias, reading them more out of curiosity and the desire to be able to discuss the books rather than thinking they will be masterpieces. I'm always pleasantly surprised when these crazes end up impressing me. Hunger Games was one of those.
For months, people told me I should read them. For some reason, I refused. Until one day, a male friend of mine - one who still surprises me when he talks about books - walked up to me right before Christmas break, placed the first book in my hand, and said, "Seriously. Read this." I couldn't ignore this recommendation and it came at the perfect time, right at a break. So I read it.
24 hours later, I purchased the second book on my kindle.
24 hours later, I purchased the third book on my kindle.
I thought the trilogy was fantastic, especially Catching Fire (the second one). I enjoyed how the author, Suzanne Collins, kept the main character, Katniss, true to her age, making her flawed and confused. At the same time, she tackled a difficult subject of repression and rebellion, set in a futuristic time. The series takes place somewhere in America, though it is never directly stated, in the future. Only 12 districts still exist and they are controlled by the Capitol. In the past, the districts tried to rebel against the Capitol. As a reminder of this, every year the Capitol hosts the "Hunger Games," where each district has to choose one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12-18, to enter the games, where they must fight to their death until there is one winner. The games take place in an arena built by the technologically advanced and cruel-minded people of the Capitol.
To me, the movie helped me better understand that part - the idea of people controlling the arena and what happens inside of it.... kind of like the Harry Potter movies helped me visualize Quidditch.
But I digress. Although it may not be the best written work of all time, I loved it. I decided to teach it to my sophomores this year, and it became one of my favorite books to read. I only taught the first one, and almost every student finished the series. Then, at parent teacher conferences, numerous parents told me they decided to read it too, after hearing their children talk about it. There's no greater pleasure to an English teacher's ears!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist
This is one of those books that is the reason for this blog - as I read it, I was dying to talk to someone about it, but didn't know of a single other person who had read it (and, unfortunately, after reading this post, I'm pretty sure I still won't find someone).
This is also one of those books similar to The Leftover by Perrotta that grabbed my attention because of the concept. Check it out:
The Unit is a futuristic book, sadly, in my opinion, not all unrealistic. In this time, once someone turns a certain age (I think 50, but I can't exactly remember), if they have no dependents (no spouse or children), they are required to move into the "unit." From that point forward, their purpose in life is to help others - those with dependents - live. They are used to test new medications. They are required to give their organs to someone on the outside who needs it. They do this until they die. While they wait, they are given a great life. The unit includes restaurants, a movie theater, a beautiful walking area, etc. Although they can never leave the unit, it is not like they are in prison. However, they know their purpose there and, although they make friends and even lovers, they lose them quickly.
Awesome idea for a book, right? And what a concept to discuss!
Unfortunately, for me, the book did not live up to the idea. (A for effort, F for execution, as my husband frequently says). I'd say the first half of the book is great. After that, the idea wears off. I got bored. I actually didn't finish it, which is rare for me. I got, according to Kindle, 74% through it and just quit.
But if you decide to read it, even part of it, or if you just want to discuss that idea, comment below. This is definitely one worth discussing.
This is also one of those books similar to The Leftover by Perrotta that grabbed my attention because of the concept. Check it out:
The Unit is a futuristic book, sadly, in my opinion, not all unrealistic. In this time, once someone turns a certain age (I think 50, but I can't exactly remember), if they have no dependents (no spouse or children), they are required to move into the "unit." From that point forward, their purpose in life is to help others - those with dependents - live. They are used to test new medications. They are required to give their organs to someone on the outside who needs it. They do this until they die. While they wait, they are given a great life. The unit includes restaurants, a movie theater, a beautiful walking area, etc. Although they can never leave the unit, it is not like they are in prison. However, they know their purpose there and, although they make friends and even lovers, they lose them quickly.
Awesome idea for a book, right? And what a concept to discuss!
Unfortunately, for me, the book did not live up to the idea. (A for effort, F for execution, as my husband frequently says). I'd say the first half of the book is great. After that, the idea wears off. I got bored. I actually didn't finish it, which is rare for me. I got, according to Kindle, 74% through it and just quit.
But if you decide to read it, even part of it, or if you just want to discuss that idea, comment below. This is definitely one worth discussing.
Jodi Picoult
Since it's summer time, most people are looking for some light reading. I haven't helped much in that category yet, so let me share with you a jewel (that, more than likely, you probably already love): Jodi Picoult. She is another author whose works I can usually depend upon and whose style I enjoy.
She always writes from different characters' point of views, alternating with each chapter. She also always (or at least most of the time) involve court proceedings - frequently with the same attorney whose name has presently escaped me. The only downfall of Picoult's that I have found is that I cannot read several of her works back to back - they are almost too similar and begin to feel predictable. But after a little break, it is always a joy to return to one of hers.
Here are some of my favorites (besides Nineteen Minutes, which is my all time favorite).
Perfect Match - this one is about a mother trying to figure out who sexually molested her son, who has become mute after the tragedy. It is mostly about the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her son.
The Pact - this one is about two families struggling after losing their children to a suicide pact. Picoult gives the now deceased children's perspectives, as well as the parents', throughout the chapters.
Keeping the Faith - this one is about a nonreligious woman whose child suddenly claims that God is talking to her. This deals with a custody battle as well as a battle with the paparazzi once this child's secret gets out. I found this one the least "sad" of her books, since the underlying drama isn't a suicide pact or sexual harassment, but a child hearing the word of God.
Salem Falls - this one is about a teacher accused of harassing a student, but the teacher swears he is innocent. It all takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, the famous town know for its witchcraft, which comes into play in the novel (not in a Harry Potter/sci fi kinda way, but it relates).
One of her novels that actually disappointed me was House Rules. It is about a boy with autism, and honestly now I can't remember why I didn't enjoy it as much as the rest, but I remember ending it feeling a little let down.
Although most of her subjects are controversial and heavy, her books are enjoyable and easy to read.
She always writes from different characters' point of views, alternating with each chapter. She also always (or at least most of the time) involve court proceedings - frequently with the same attorney whose name has presently escaped me. The only downfall of Picoult's that I have found is that I cannot read several of her works back to back - they are almost too similar and begin to feel predictable. But after a little break, it is always a joy to return to one of hers.
Here are some of my favorites (besides Nineteen Minutes, which is my all time favorite).
Perfect Match - this one is about a mother trying to figure out who sexually molested her son, who has become mute after the tragedy. It is mostly about the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her son.
The Pact - this one is about two families struggling after losing their children to a suicide pact. Picoult gives the now deceased children's perspectives, as well as the parents', throughout the chapters.
Keeping the Faith - this one is about a nonreligious woman whose child suddenly claims that God is talking to her. This deals with a custody battle as well as a battle with the paparazzi once this child's secret gets out. I found this one the least "sad" of her books, since the underlying drama isn't a suicide pact or sexual harassment, but a child hearing the word of God.
Salem Falls - this one is about a teacher accused of harassing a student, but the teacher swears he is innocent. It all takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, the famous town know for its witchcraft, which comes into play in the novel (not in a Harry Potter/sci fi kinda way, but it relates).
One of her novels that actually disappointed me was House Rules. It is about a boy with autism, and honestly now I can't remember why I didn't enjoy it as much as the rest, but I remember ending it feeling a little let down.
Although most of her subjects are controversial and heavy, her books are enjoyable and easy to read.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)