Year of No Sugar

For our July/August book club, we read this great memoir.  Written in blog style, it captures the heart of all those sugar addicts.  It was intriguing to read and funny at just the right times.  There are imperfections and rationalizations that all of us can relate to.

RC points = coming soon!

"You don't stay for nothing."

I read this book with my summer school kids, and I forgot how much I love it!  I remember reading it in 9th or 10th grade and liking it, but I really enjoyed it this time.  

“There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.”  One of my favorite quotes from the book.  I truly believe that I would have a hard time leaving all my books behind.

If you like Ray Bradbury, don't forget to read "The Pedestrian" and "There Will Come Soft Rains" - two short stories that exemplify dystopian literature at its best.

RC = check list for point value

Eleanor and Park - Blah

I just couldn't help putting the "blah" after the title of the book.  I would never recommend this book to anyone, and it take a pretty bad book for me to send it to the round file.  My school district chose this book for a summer reading title, and I am still shocked.  I am wondering if it is just me...or...perhaps, someone didn't read it before recommending it?

Here is the cliche - ugly step-daughter (you guessed it...red hair...slightly overweight...bad attitude...blah, blah, blah) goes to a new school and meets the only Asian in the town (small, slightly awkward, into comic books and punk music, blah, blah, blah), and they fall in love.  Once again, you guessed it...her step-dad doesn't like her or the idea of a boyfriend and his mom (token Korean mom) doesn't like her.  Cliche...867-5309...James Dean's car...comic books references...etc.  Then, the use of the f-word...way too many times.  

RC points =  19

You won't find this book in my classroom...

Loving Frank

I am embarrassed to admit that I started reading this book in February, and I just now finished it.  The first week in February, my book club decided on this fascinating novel.  Everything about the writing of this novel is perfection...the scandal could otherwise be argued.  Living in Phoenix, I love Frank Lloyd Wright's creativity, and this book was intriguing from the very first page.

I was stunned throughout the book - mainly because of my lack of knowledge of the story.  Don't ruin it by reading about Mr. Wright on Wikipedia!  The story is as addictive as his art.

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