The Outsiders
By S. E. Hinton
I just finished The Outsiders, and wow! I loved it! This is going on my future re-read list too.
And, I didn't realize until the very end that this book was written by a 16-year-old girl! So ridiculously cool.
Here's why I liked it:
First of all, the story was excellent. For me, it wasn't too intense, yet it wasn't dull. The narrative kept my attention and never felt slow. Second, the character development was excellent. Each person, no matter how small a role, felt real and believable. At the end, I wanted to keep hanging out with them all. Last, the whole theme that looks can be deceiving is so true, especially in the adolescent stage. I feel like this book sends a very positive message to everyone that stereotypes and labels are often unfounded, yet control so much of our lives.
Definitely recommend this one!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Book 44 - Flowers for Algernon
Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes
I've had this book on my list to read for a couple years now; it was recommended to me by an English teacher friend.
Honestly, I wasn't as into it as I wanted to be. I kept hoping I would like it better, but I never felt that. The book went slowly, and I felt like Charlie didn't have much written personality, aside from the very beginning and end. The story seemed really flat, and one dimensional.
However, I will admit that there are many teachable moments. The large controversy about medical experimentation on humans without knowing the full results would make a great debate topic in science class. I'd just hope that the English teachers would volunteer to teach the book...
Not a book I would recommend, but it's popular, so someone should like it!
by Daniel Keyes
I've had this book on my list to read for a couple years now; it was recommended to me by an English teacher friend.
Honestly, I wasn't as into it as I wanted to be. I kept hoping I would like it better, but I never felt that. The book went slowly, and I felt like Charlie didn't have much written personality, aside from the very beginning and end. The story seemed really flat, and one dimensional.
However, I will admit that there are many teachable moments. The large controversy about medical experimentation on humans without knowing the full results would make a great debate topic in science class. I'd just hope that the English teachers would volunteer to teach the book...
Not a book I would recommend, but it's popular, so someone should like it!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Book 43 - I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
by Nujood Ali
I saw this on a shelf at Barnes and Noble, and added it to my Goodreads to read list. I found it on the library e-book catalog, and checked it out.
The story was everything I expected it to be. It was interesting, heartbreaking, and innocent. I enjoyed the story, overall. My only criticism is that I didn't like the writing style. The book was written with co-authors, that helped get Nujood's story on paper. As she has limited education, I'm sure this is what she preferred. However, I felt that reading someone else's words wasn't quite right. It felt very juvenile, but not authentic.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in social justice, and issues that are inconceivable in the US.
by Nujood Ali
I saw this on a shelf at Barnes and Noble, and added it to my Goodreads to read list. I found it on the library e-book catalog, and checked it out.
The story was everything I expected it to be. It was interesting, heartbreaking, and innocent. I enjoyed the story, overall. My only criticism is that I didn't like the writing style. The book was written with co-authors, that helped get Nujood's story on paper. As she has limited education, I'm sure this is what she preferred. However, I felt that reading someone else's words wasn't quite right. It felt very juvenile, but not authentic.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in social justice, and issues that are inconceivable in the US.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Book 42 - Wonder
Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
Another book recommended to me by my favorite special ed colleague!
What a book. This story was crazy. Not the kind of crazy, like suspense crazy, but gut-wrenching for a teacher to see happen to a student. It's about a boy named Auggie who has a severe facial deformity. He is homeschooled until the 5th grade, when he enters middle school. It's all about his journey to acceptance of the individual behind the face, of true friends, betrayals, and loyalty. This is definitely a book I would read with my students and my future children.
Thankfully, the ending was positive (though maybe a bit too token, but appreciated nonetheless).
by R.J. Palacio
Another book recommended to me by my favorite special ed colleague!
What a book. This story was crazy. Not the kind of crazy, like suspense crazy, but gut-wrenching for a teacher to see happen to a student. It's about a boy named Auggie who has a severe facial deformity. He is homeschooled until the 5th grade, when he enters middle school. It's all about his journey to acceptance of the individual behind the face, of true friends, betrayals, and loyalty. This is definitely a book I would read with my students and my future children.
Thankfully, the ending was positive (though maybe a bit too token, but appreciated nonetheless).
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Book 41 - Out of My Mind
Out of My Mind
by Sharon Draper
This was recommended to me by a special ed teacher at my school. It was recommended to her by our library tech. Thanks for the recommendation!
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting perspective of life from someone with above average intelligence, but the inability to communicate due to severe physical disabilities. No one is able to figure out that she is smart, until she gets a computerized communication device. I felt that Draper conveys the frustrations that Melody faces each day when trying to explain how she feels, what she thinks, and her inability for independence. It was quite a different life perspective, and it made me appreciate the things I take for granted.
I thought this would be a very predictable book, but was I ever wrong! I didn't expect the ending, but I greatly appreciated it. I recommend this book to anyone who works with children, or just people in general.
by Sharon Draper
This was recommended to me by a special ed teacher at my school. It was recommended to her by our library tech. Thanks for the recommendation!
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting perspective of life from someone with above average intelligence, but the inability to communicate due to severe physical disabilities. No one is able to figure out that she is smart, until she gets a computerized communication device. I felt that Draper conveys the frustrations that Melody faces each day when trying to explain how she feels, what she thinks, and her inability for independence. It was quite a different life perspective, and it made me appreciate the things I take for granted.
I thought this would be a very predictable book, but was I ever wrong! I didn't expect the ending, but I greatly appreciated it. I recommend this book to anyone who works with children, or just people in general.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Books 34-40 Harry Potter Series
Harry Potter books 1-7
by JK Rowling
Finally, I re-read the Harry Potter books 1-7 back to back.
Honestly, I have read books 1-3 a few times apiece, but 4-7 only once each.
First, I have to say, what an adventure! I love love loved every second of it. When the books came out, it was difficult to remember all of the details and connections. After reading it without pause, I saw more parallels, and picked up on details that I didn't remember (possibly because I was much younger and less interested in the details?).
Second, I honestly didn't remember any of book 7. It was like reading it all for the first time...weird.
Last, did I mention how much I loved re-reading Harry Potter? I'll have to do this again in a few years. It was well worth the two weeks of almost non-stop reading!
by JK Rowling
Finally, I re-read the Harry Potter books 1-7 back to back.
Honestly, I have read books 1-3 a few times apiece, but 4-7 only once each.
First, I have to say, what an adventure! I love love loved every second of it. When the books came out, it was difficult to remember all of the details and connections. After reading it without pause, I saw more parallels, and picked up on details that I didn't remember (possibly because I was much younger and less interested in the details?).
Second, I honestly didn't remember any of book 7. It was like reading it all for the first time...weird.
Last, did I mention how much I loved re-reading Harry Potter? I'll have to do this again in a few years. It was well worth the two weeks of almost non-stop reading!
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