So, maybe I wasn't in the mood for essays or something, but I was not as impressed with Sedaris's collection as others seem to be. In fact, I stopped So, maybe I wasn't in the mood for essays or something, but I was not as impressed with Sedaris's collection as others seem to be. In fact, I stopped reading after just a few essays. There were some funny/memorable stories as he tangled with the French language....more
I don't usually read James Patterson or political thrillers, but The President is Missing was really good, especially for my first audiobook experiencI don't usually read James Patterson or political thrillers, but The President is Missing was really good, especially for my first audiobook experience. The narration by very distinct voices was a plus that I couldn't have experienced reading this myself. In addition, one character's chapters were accompanied by classical music, another feature only possible with an audiobook. This fictional thriller was eerily realistic at times, full of what ifs and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a modern president. It's too bad that Jonathan Duncan is a fictional president because I would definitely vote for him!...more
I cannot believe that I never read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in my youth nor have I seen the movie, yet I know the story well enough. I am I cannot believe that I never read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in my youth nor have I seen the movie, yet I know the story well enough. I am guessing that the fantasy element kept me from reading this in the past because fantasy isn't my genre of choice. The allegorical nature of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is captivating. Aslan's story is a retelling of the "actual incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection" of Jesus. The parallels are many but Aslan as Jesus is unmistakable. In addition, the evil that tempts people is also a very present symbol in the book. I found it absolutely heart wrenching when Aslan willingly sacrifices himself to atone for the sins of Edmund just as Jesus was crucified to forgive the sins of mankind. ...more
Considering that I read Dear Martin in one day, it would be an understatement to say that the story kept my attention. Dear Martin is a timely story aConsidering that I read Dear Martin in one day, it would be an understatement to say that the story kept my attention. Dear Martin is a timely story about a young man who is trying to figure out not only who he is but where he belongs in the world around him while the world around him already has an identity and place for him simply because he is African American. While Justyce's story is heartbreaking, I also found it hopeful. Thank you to the publishers Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to read and share. I will be sharing it this week with other educators and students. Thank you Nic Stone for writing such a powerful book that can be and should be read by everyone....more
I do not know why I put off reading The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas for so long! From laughing to crying to heart pounding, The Hate U Give captivated I do not know why I put off reading The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas for so long! From laughing to crying to heart pounding, The Hate U Give captivated me. The novel seemed so real though I have no point of reference. The way Angie Thomas uses pop culture allusions and language transforms this from a story that tells about the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a police officer to one that shows readers how not only Starr is impacted but everyone, even the reader can never be the same. Readers are right there with Starr: in the car when Khalil is shot, at school when she struggles to identify with the white students around her, among her family members that love and protect each other fiercely, amid riots and protests that endanger everyone's safety. Angie Thomas's book is important, timely, and touching. Starr Carter is a role model in every sense. She is an inspiration: She finds her voice when so many would have chosen to hide and ignore the problem. Though far from perfect, Starr and her family (related or not) are realistic and relatable. The Hate U Give raises awareness of several important social issues that are in the news just about every day....more
A Gentleman in Moscow is so beautifully written with amazing characters and details. It's not a quick read and takes time and patience to follow and aA Gentleman in Moscow is so beautifully written with amazing characters and details. It's not a quick read and takes time and patience to follow and appreciate. The fact that the entire story (mostly) takes place in the Metropol hotel is so remarkable; I found myself forgetting this fact from time to time. The Metropol is a microcosm of the world during Rostov's life there. The many people that the Count encounters, befriends, protects, and loves are so real and detailed that they become primary to the novel, not just supporting actors. While there were parts of the story that were not as engaging (Russian history, for one), the Count's life in exile within the Metropol was nothing short of entertaining....more
The Whip by Karen Kondazian is heartbreaking and breathtaking. Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst's story is tragic from beginning to end, starting in an oThe Whip by Karen Kondazian is heartbreaking and breathtaking. Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst's story is tragic from beginning to end, starting in an orphanage where she is abused and sent to the barn where she learns to handle horses. This skill proves useful when she later flees to the West and becomes a stagecoach driver. After great cost, Charley makes a life for herself disguised as a man. While she trekked West for revenge, she got much more: adventure, love, and heartache. She could have enacted her revenge but chose not to do so. She's a woman to be admired, yet many probably do not know her story....more
Another great read by Lisa Scottoline. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I really like the alternating narrator format as well as the alternating timAnother great read by Lisa Scottoline. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I really like the alternating narrator format as well as the alternating timeline that makes up the structure of the novel: Maggie--Before Anna; Noah--After Anna. I never lost interest in one storyline over the other which sometimes happens when plots alternate between characters or settings. The twists and turns in After Anna were unexpected and led to much page turning on my part. My only complaint would be with the ending; it seemed rushed and uneventful considering all that led to that point....more
I really debated between 3 and 4 stars for Little & Lion. As far as YA literature goes, it's pretty good, and that's why I gave it another star. LittlI really debated between 3 and 4 stars for Little & Lion. As far as YA literature goes, it's pretty good, and that's why I gave it another star. Little & Lion addresses many issues, too many really. The main elements of the book (family, relationships, personal growth) were handled well; however, I felt that other issues were unnecessary and irrelevant to the overall themes of the book. Suzette (Little) is an African American, Jewish teenager living in a blended family. In my opinion, her race and religion are extraneous when considering the greater issues of the novel (mental health and sexual identity), which I felt were handled in an honest and open way though I don't have any personal experience on which to base that opinion. Lionel (Lion), Suzette's step-brother, along with the rest of the family, deals with his mental health issues and entrusts Suzette with a major secret that threatens to ruin them all. In addition to her brother's health concerns, Suzette is trying to figure out who she is and where she fits into the world. Lion's mental health and Little's search for identity make up the books main plot, delivering the themes and developing the characters more so than the fact that Suzette is Jewish and African American....more
Beartown by Fredrik Backman is a moving and emotional story about a town and its people, hockey and its culture, loyalty and betrayal, acceptance and Beartown by Fredrik Backman is a moving and emotional story about a town and its people, hockey and its culture, loyalty and betrayal, acceptance and courage. There are many characters in the novel; in fact, at times I felt that every citizen of Beartown was going to have his/her story included. While the characters were hard to keep straight at first, the role and purpose of each character becomes clearer as the story continues. There are times where the story jumps from character to character which could be confusing. In addition, the author's use of pronouns instead of names later in the book was also a bit confusing, especially if the clues about the character's identity were not obvious to the reader. The opening chapter appears to set up a suspenseful thriller novel, but that's not what Beartown is at all. Beartown is a hockey town with little else going for it. Everyone in the community is connected to hockey in some way or another. Loyalties are tested when a very current situation impacts the team, the community, and the families involved. Fredrik Backman very honestly and realistically handles a topic that could have been cliche or trite, building suspense and emotionally involving readers all the while. I think I'll have to read something light hearted or fast paced before I take on Us Against You, the sequel to Beartown....more
The Underground Railroad is the story of Cora, a slave on the Randall plantation who escapes and ends up in the North. Colson Whitehead's telling of CThe Underground Railroad is the story of Cora, a slave on the Randall plantation who escapes and ends up in the North. Colson Whitehead's telling of Cora's ordeal is raw and unforgiving. I was captured and drawn into Cora's character. Despite her hardships, she is spunky and I admire her will to survive. I am bothered, however, by the depiction of the underground railroad as an actual railroad underground. I look forward to Colson Whitehead's visit to Jacksonville this fall....more
It was fun to "catch up" with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in #8. However, the fact that this is a play really took away from the story--stage directions,It was fun to "catch up" with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in #8. However, the fact that this is a play really took away from the story--stage directions, lots of dialogue, and too many scenes. In addition, I had a hard time envisioning a live performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I know amazing things are possible in the world of theatre, but some things just don't seem plausible. As the story progressed, I became concerned with the other two Potter kids--James and Lily. Yes, the book focuses mainly on Albus. But who was taking care of James and Lily while Harry and Ginny are traveling through time to save their son, themselves, and the world? And another thing...I don't really think that Albus was really all that "cursed." If so, then every teenager/pre-teen out there is cursed! I know that I would have liked this book better if it was a novel like #1-#7....more
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