Love+Kindness+Ambition=Balanced Life

This post is dedicated to the Slope Class of 2014 - you inspired me to forever teach this novel.

Shout out to NAU reads for recommending this book to me a few years ago.  If you are needing a great list, please check out http://nau.edu/University-College/NAUreads/.  Once again, shout out to NAU for creating an intellectual community that not only values subject knowledge but the life long importance of reading.  

As for this book...although it seems to be an environmental extremist trying to scream his ideals across the world, the book is just the opposite.  It is one's family attempt to find out what is most important to them in life and what they will eliminate in order to have a more positive impact on the environment.  Colin's writing is funny, but research based, and Michelle, his wife, is lovable.  In the end, the purpose is to find balance while evaluating your every day choices.

I will forever teach this novel to my seniors.  :)

RC List = check for point value

Racing Savannah

It might seem a little over the top, but I chose Racing Savannah as my spring break read in Savannah, Georgia.  Sometimes I really do resemble my mother!

As with most of the books in this series, it is a cute love story that isn't too girlie.  Savannah isn't as transparent as many teen novel characters but equally as full of emotions.  If you love horses or racing, you will appreciate the story's involvement in the racing world.

RC points - check list

Stealing Parker

The best part about a good teen novel is that I really don't have to think.  Stealing Parker is another one of those entertaining books.  This book in the Hundred Oaks series is a great companion to Catching Jordan.  Subtly, the reader is able to follow the characters.

Parker is one girl who can ruin all of her dreams in one season...well, her mother helps her along the way.  She attempts to find who she is while dealing scandals who others define her through.

RC points - check list

The Last Chinese Chef

I loved, loved, loved this book.  When I was about 50 pages from finishing, I left the book at school for the weekend. I was literally heart broken as I could only think of reading the book.  It was torture!  

The book was well written, and I can't wait to be back in Asia.  I truly believe that I feel the same way about Asia as Maggie.  The book is well researched and well written with little twists and turns but just true great writing.  I can't wait to start another book by this author.

one night that changes everything

     Due to the popularity of Two-Way Street, I decided to try another book by Lauren Barnholdt.  Ms. Barnholdt takes the reader on a journey of one night and all the events that can occur.  Eliza, a sweet shy girl, discovers that her secret notebook has been stolen by the school's popular group of idiots...oops, I mean cool kids.  They threaten her with the publishing of her notebook online if she doesn't follow through with their demands.  In a whirlwind of events, Eliza learns a lot about herself, her past, her friends, her family, and who she can and cannot trust.  

    Highly recommended for those teen lit lovers.

RC points - to be determined

Things I Can't Forget...or maybe I can...

       In a previous post, I raved about how much I loved Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally.  I was ecstatic to receive another book by her.  To my dismay, this book was not half the book as Catching Jordan, but it wasn't a total disappointment either.  The author does accomplish her purpose, "With this story, I want to show you (teenagers) that your beliefs matter-no matter who you are or where you come from.  Your opinions matter.  You matter.  Tome, nothing was scarier than understanding that my truth wasn't everyone else's truth.  It took a while, but I discovered that's okay - it's better if I do the things I want to do and believe what I want to believe.  I hope you find your truth."

     If you have read Catching Jordan, I do recommend that you read it.  I have added Stealing Parker to my list of reads.  I am hoping it will bring all the books together.  

RC Points - will update soon  - test is created

Aces Up

After reading Two-Way Street, I decided to see what other books Lauren Barnholdt wrote.  Aces Up is a cute novel about a high school senior who decides to take a risk at the poker table in order to pay for college.  Although somewhat predictable, the story line is addicting...just like gambling.

15 RC points

JJ

I must admit that this the second time that I have read this book.  I also have to admit that I started the book over the summer, and I am just now finishing it.  Darn work, it just gets in the way of my free time.  As always, I digressed...

I actually enjoyed this book a second time (that doesn't always happen), but I did manage to skip over a few parts (did I just really admit to that?).  Jemima J is still as charming as ever.  I enjoyed her comedic adventures.

Hannah Baker

      I will never forget the name...Hannah Baker.  Perhaps it is because I held the sign for six weeks as I read this book aloud to my summer school students, or maybe it is because this book really changed my students.  Either way, the name will forever stay in the minds of those who read the book.   When Hannah committed suicide, she left behind 13 tapes recalling the 13 reasons she was no longer a part of this world.  Through its story, the reader realizes the importance of the every smile, every glare, and even one's impact when one is not around.

16 RC points

Do Not Go Gentle

Who could not love a book that starts out with poems by Tennyson and Thomas? 

     As the second in the Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie, Crossed, told from the perspectives of Ky and Cassia, joins them on their journey to rebel against the Society in hopes of a better way of life.  Once again, it is a slow beginning, but it has a much more exciting end.  Just as Matched, it is written with a cliffhanger at the end forcing the reader to continue to the final book.  As you may have guessed, I will be reading Reached soon.  

   Cassia and Ky fight for their own lives as they seek to find each other.  A few new characters bring the book to life as they create the balance between friendship and secrecy.  They also show us the true characters of Ky and Cassia.  While green was the color of choice for Matched, blue is the color for Crossed as it symbolizes many elements of choice, freedom, and restraint all into one.  

20 RC points