Open Your Mind, Open A Book

The Vagrants by Yiyun Li

2010-10-31T18:15:00.001-05:00

I saw this book on a display table at Barnes & Noble. The cover caught my eye--the front of a Chinese jacket/overcoat. I am very attracted to Asian art--very refined, delicate and it always tells a story. When I read the inside cover, I wasn't all that impressed, but I thought "I'm still going to buy it. It might surprise me." Always work on your instincts when it comes to a book. This one surprised me.

Although very sad and poignant, it is also quite ordinary in terms of the movements and actions of the people. This story takes place in 1979, Communist China. The town was specifically built by the regime and specifically "planted" with people to promote the socialistic cause. There are also some people who wandered into this village. It is, on one hand, small and on the other, quite large. There are distinct disparities amongst the social and economic classes. There are boundaries that are prescribed and unspoken. We meet people of the lowest beggar and of the highest government within the town.

The story is about the actions and reactions of a community when faced with, are part of and after the excution of a counterrevolutionary woman. Some of the stories are excruciatingly ugly. Some of them, such as her parents, are excruciatingly sad. Some never had to occur. Some should have happened and you wonder what if? In the end, you know that this could have really happened. All these storylines happened because of the excution of that woman. She had no knowledge they would happen and couldn't have controlled many of them if she had known.

In 1979 I was 10 years old and I was entering the 4th grade. I knew about free elections. I knew I liked to read a lot. I knew I could go home and have a good dinner and be loved. I had siblings who laughed and loved. I had parents who cared and protected. I live in the United States, where freedoms are protected--freedom of speech and of press. Freedom of religion and thought. Education is valued for the ideas it creates. I cannot imagine living in China in 1979.

The author is originally from China and lived in this regime. She now lives in the United States. The Vagrants by Yiyun Li.

Margaret Peterson Haddix

2010-10-08T20:20:00.000-05:00

I'm going to start reading Margaret Peterson Haddix's series. I think I'll start with the Shadow Children series so I get a feel for her writing. I noticed if the middle schoolers were not checking out her books, they were into James Patterson. I have to admit, as an adult writer, Patterson is one of my favorites.

So, I guess that means his YA books are next on the list. I have quite a reading list to work. I also have the last Last Apprentice to read. I'm waiting on PC Cast's last two books in the teen vamp series to come out in paperback. I also have to read Sorceress and Necromancer in the Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel series.

I'm also going to add Copper Elephant to the list. Saw that one in the library today at the high school.

The Hunger Games end

2010-10-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD!!

I finished the last book of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. Have to say it still leaves a lot hanging and questions unanswered. I really don't like the fact that Prim dies so unnecessarily. I don't like the fact that Gale doesn't fight harder for Katniss. I don't like the fact that Peeta seems so easily "cured" with just a few remnants of the torture--come on! Even Kat still suffers just from the Games and the last battles! Peeta should be feeling nearly the same or worse given the extra torture and that he was in the last battle too. I don't like the fact that they go back to District 12 and just start rebuilding. It's too weird. The epilogue rings odd too. Like she had to put it in just because Rowling put something in HP 7. I also don't like the fact that the mockingjay doesn't come out near the end either. It was instrumental and should be symbol of new hope beyond the rebellion.

The whole concept of the Games leaves a lot of thinking and pondering on the part of the public however. What if we were war torn and under a military control? What if we rose up and rebelled against the government? What would happen if the US really did fall into different areas and there were Hunger Games? Would we really allow this to happen? Would we be as hopeless and scared as most people are in the book?

If this really happened, would some other country step in to stop it as a genocide? Truly that is what it is, a genocide of a select 24 children. Children used to control the actions of others. (Just as the child barricade around President Snow's mansion) Children slaughtered to teach the adults to stay in line. Children missing from District 13 due to disease and infertility. Would another country step in and stop it, just as the US has in some countries, or would they be selective as the US has been in some countries (Africa)?

How does a story like this affect the thinking & actions of people? Do you feel more compassionate? Do you feel safe? Do you feel you have a pretty good life? Do you feel as if more should be done for others in that situation, that you would step up and say, This is wrong? Would you hunker down and just try to survive?

Did you know that middle and high schoolers are reading these stories with a passion, soaking up the events?

Suzanne Collins:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay

Teens turn to libraries for "Books with Beat" | American Libraries Magazine

2010-10-04T06:54:00.000-05:00

Teens turn to libraries for "Books with Beat" American Libraries Magazine

The next best week in an ALA year. This time it's the YALSA chapter's turn. We invite teens to read Books With Beat. Audiobooks, books about musicians and music (like Marian Anderson), and other beat-like topics/formats.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK Sept. 25-Oct.2, 2010

2010-09-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

Celebrate the freedom to read! Read a banned book. Check out the American Libaray Association's website for some awesome reading and let the world know YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO READ!!

Summer Reading

2010-07-10T08:02:00.002-05:00

So I've indulged my summer by reading a lot. Without classes this semester, I've been able to catch up on quite a few paperbacks. I've finised the Immortal series (City of Ashes et al). I hear there is a fourth book, so I'm a little excited. I've finished Paolini's trilogy, which will now become a series since he couldn't squish everything into the third book (his own admission). Looking forward to that fourth book.

I'm still waiting on PC & Kristin Cast to allow their last couple of books to go into paperback for their teen vamp series. I could check them out from the library, but all those teens are ahead of me on the waiting list! I'll also have to make sure the Last Apprentice doesn't have another paperback/book in case 6 wasn't enough for me of super scary bogeymen & women! I have to admit that Joseph Delaney knows how to write a seriously scary story. The illustrations tend to add to the fright level.

I'm contemplating re-reading the Twilight series. Not because I liked it. Truly, Meyer doesn't really know how to write well, still by the 4th book she had improved somewhat. No, I'd like to re-read it for the literary value (whatever might be found) and see how it fits into the teen scene with other books like Harry Potter, the Last Apprentice and others. Teens seem to be into supernatural and scary, more so than the sci-fi/fantasy of my teenage years. It's an interesting trend. Definitely something to investigate.

At some point I'll also be delving into my past and reading some classics. Dickens, Hardy, Alcott, Cooper.

The end of school

2010-05-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

American schools end this month and next. We'll be off for the summer--until September. In Minnesota, we do not start prior to Labor Day in most districts. This is because of our awesome State Fair. I, too, am done with university for the semester. Several of my classmates are graduating this next week and I wish them well. I will be arranging several clinical experiences for the fall semester and will graduate in December.

I have developed a philosophy of education over the years. Some of it is based on my education and some is based on my experiences with learning. I believe that American schools do not run long enough. Now hear me out. When our country expanded, we were very much an agricultural society. We had fields of food that needed to be prepped and planted early--April & May--each year. Throughout the summer, different crops are put in, depending on the growing season. Then, in late September the harvests start. Keep in mind many fruits and vegetables are harvested throughout late summer, so again, depending on the crops, harvest may have started sooner than September. When we were not automated, we needed all hands on deck to work the prep, planting and harvest. Even after the harvest, there is further prep for the coming winter. Our farmers worked well into November.

With the advent of automation and farms growing smaller, we do not need the large families and society has demonstrated that over the generations. We also do not need to hold up school for the planting and harvest. Put the kids back in school. Our future generations have moved from agriculture through industry and into the information age. Their best ally is education. Many European and South East Asian countries are passing us by in the way of technology and information usage. We need to catch up and if possible surpass them in order to reclaim our spot at the top. I don't think we need to be on top, but we do need to be in line with the other countries or we will sink.

GO EDUCATION!!

Art in Washington

2010-05-08T09:20:00.001-05:00

Today I sit in East Wenatchee, Washington. Yesterday I had an opportunity to drive down a major avenue in town. I saw an awesome thing! There is a museum located in two buildings that look as if they could have been government buildings at one time. On the steps of one there sat a man-sized, brushed metal sculpture. It was a dog, dressed in a suit and reading a book. I wonder if the building might have once been a Carnegie library? I didn't get a good look at the building to see if there was a sign--I was too enthraLled with the reader!
Another building, several blocks down, had a 1950's red-and-white car butt sticking out of the roof! I could love this town! So much character and bits of joie de vie exists despite the depressed economy.

School Library Month was April

2010-04-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

The AASL or American Association of School Librarians, is a part of ALA and totally dedicated to school librarians and their needs/ideas. I'm a member, as well as of ALA, along with so many others. We are dedicated to building information literacy through the schools.

We feel that students, whether they are teachers, faculty, other staff, or "students" in the traditional sense are supported by the services we provide. We are not just librarians. We are teachers. We have STANDARDS and CURRICULA. We are licensed. We love teaching, learning and helping.

Support your school libraries & librarians. We are usually one of the first cuts when budgets are tight and we are one of the least expendable in a school.

Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

2010-04-16T18:23:00.000-05:00

So on the recommendation (you HAVE to take this book and read it!) by a family member, I've started Tales of the City. It was published in 1978. I was 9 that year. Life was pretty good in the Midwest. This book looks through the eyes of San Francisco residents in the '70's. I've heard the stories--the drugs, the free lifestyles, the new ideas, karma, finding oneself...this book covers it all and does so in a city that was the most (and still may be) brazen in terms of lifestyles.

As the characters cross paths, the reader starts to question life. One man is dying, one women is finding herself, one is losing herself, one man is trying to find a stable relationship and another is defying stability. As you read this book you know there is one crazy reason all these people are tied together.

I wonder what that might be?

This book certainly explores the idea of a community and the different personalities that make up that community.

What is your favority genre or book?

2010-04-03T10:53:00.002-05:00

Let me know what your favorite book or genre is at this time. Maybe I'll have a few more things to read this summer (like I don't already have a HUGE list!).

ALA | National Library Week, National Library Week 2010, 2010 National Library Week, theme for National Library Week, what is the theme for National Library Week, NLW, NLW 2010, 2010 NLW, future National Library Week dates, National Library Week 2011, National

2010-03-01T14:07:00.000-06:00

ALA National Library Week, National Library Week 2010, 2010 National Library Week, theme for National Library Week, what is the theme for National Library Week, NLW, NLW 2010, 2010 NLW, future National Library Week dates, National Library Week 2011, National

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

2010-03-01T14:04:00.002-06:00

I recently finished this book--a book that could not be put down. It's a book within a book. A story of a family, a fire, of twins.

Margaret Lea works in her father's antiquarian book shop and prefers to read old books. She does not like contemporary writers and it's even better if the author is dead. She has written a few essays and short biographies of old authors. When a living, contemporary author asks her to write a biography, Margaret balks.

Once she meets Vida Winter, she wants to leave. This is not her world, this is not the type of author she writes about in her essays. Ms. Winter draws upon her heart--Margaret's lost twin. In the oral retelling of her life, Ms. Winter reveals she is a twin...or is she?

In a very popular method of writing, Setterfield tells a tale within a tale and links the two in bizarre ways. She leads the reader through decades of lives and mysteries. Ms. Winter states that her tale is "just a sub-plot" in the real story. We find similar stories in Louise Penny's writing, with Inspector Gamache who says, "Murders really start years and sometimes decades before they really occur." But, I digress. We hear of Ms. Winter and her sister Emmeline. We learn their mother was insane and their brother not far behind. We learn of a governess and a doctor who try to split the twins with devastating results. We come full circle with the story of a 60 year old man that crosses paths with Margaret as she investigates the story of Angelfield.

A thoroughly enjoyable book, I was completely drawn into the story and could not put it down. It held my attention, because as with Margaret, I had questions. I wanted to hear the rest of the story. Ms. Winter draws out the tale, as she says, "All good stories have a beginning, a middle and an end."

Social Responbility

2010-02-12T20:17:00.001-06:00

When you think of a library, bookshelves lined with tomes comes to mind. If you are a bit younger, rows of computers may spring in there. These days, some libraries are so busy, you see more of the people than of the contents--which is good!

Libraries and librarians want to be busy. Librarians LIVE to serve. We live to answer questions (maybe not all of us live to answer questions from living people, but instead wish to answer a long standing theoretical question.) I like to answer people's questions. I like to dig into something and come up with material. I like to read.

One of the biggest debates in librarianship is how far do we go in our service to the patron? Do we simply fulfil their requests or do we promote our services and skills to the public/private sector that may even cross lines into the more controversial areas of life?

I have no problem putting myself out there to provide information (so long as it is sound and factually supported). I have no problem supporting another's viewpoint, again so long as it can be factually supported. Ethically, I cannot withhold information when asked for within the context of patron seeking information. In schools, parents would challenge THAT whole idea and I would have to be prepared to say I will provide it within the bounds of the school board and following the curriculum.

Social responsibility. Just how far should a library go to aid the public it serves? It has been well documented that public libraries have served their communities in astounding ways and means. In MN, we have some very well known libraries. William Mitchell Law (St Paul Central); Rondo Community Library; Roseville Area (Ramsey County's main); James J. Hill; Mpls/Hennepin County Main; etc. Our libraries serve a diverse and expanding community of new Americans. We have East African, Southeast Asian, Russian, Polish, Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Chicano/Latino communities in full bloom. They have schools, mosques, temples, churches, clubs, stores, and more. They are integrated on a daily basis and have taken on the tasks to learn the English language, obtain jobs, utilize services, and contribute. Some of the populations have reached out asking for the services. Some have not. Do we have a responsibility to say, "Hello. My name is.... I can help you find information/learn skills/apply for a job/apply for aid/take the citizenship test/'fill in your choice here'?" I think we do.

So MUCH Technology!

2010-01-22T20:25:00.000-06:00

Having spent a great deal of the last 2 years in school, I've learned a great deal about libraries and the services they offer. I was by no means naive about their services, but I do have to say librarians are very savvy in technology!

As you can see below, I've just taught myself to send a mobile post. It's too bad I prefer full text words because there is a serious limit on the number of characters--less than Twitter sized! I will not be posting through mobile a great deal because I like to write. :-)

School starts soon again. I shall have more to write soon regarding libraries and books. ALA is just coming out of the mid-winter conference and gearing up for the annual conference in June. With luck, I shall be able to attend that one. If not, there is a possibility I can join some other school media conferences and report back. If nothing else, I shall be writing on social responsibility/justice. Beware and be prepared!!

A Mobile Post

2010-01-22T20:19:00.002-06:00

A mobile post: 2 y in schl. Blog, edit, grfx, jPeg, ppt, BOOKS, ALA, AASL, +MEMO.

Symbolism

2010-01-14T18:17:00.000-06:00

So I didn't actually read them, but I did the next best thing--listened to them! I can't read books while I work, so I use audio books. I don't get the whole story most of the time and do have to keep going back on the CD's because I miss a lot, often. [I do have to think sometimes while I work and thinking with listening doesn't always work].

What am I talking about? The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons (still listening to this one). I find it a little odd that the first book (DVC) is actually the second and is full of symbolism, while the second book (A&D) is really the first, but not so full of symbolism. Of course we get to hear about the Papal household and the Conclave, which is awesome!

I find the symbolism tangents to very interesting and enlightening. However, I also enjoy a good mystery and it's really hard to stick with the mystery when we keep going off on tangents. Also, if someone doesn't know a whole lot about symbolism or the church for that matter, it's a little hard to keep up. For those who really enjoy all the secrecy and the scandals revolving around the church, these are the books for you! If you really enjoy hearing about the landmarks and cultures in ancient cities, again books are for you.

Vamp Novels

2010-01-10T17:46:00.000-06:00

So, I said I'd never read "Twilight" and never intended after the required reading in class to finish the saga. Unfortunately, my inner book worm wouldn't let me walk away from it. It surprised me that the story line was quite clean in terms of language and sex for a series that was written for teens. I'm on the Jacob team, only because Edward is too full of himself and Jacob treats Bella with more equality. Also, I'm a little partial to wolves.

In the interest of YAL research, I found that there are several Vamp authors out there. I know about Anne Rice (never read her and I don't believe I will ever read her books). I thought with all the authors, perhaps I should do a little research and read one or two of the books to keep in tune with YA. Turns out I picked up one of the juiciest series out there (at least, I think so) in terms of teenage love. I would not recommend it for anyone younger than 16. I believe the amount of teen romances is overly dramatic and the fact that the main character has not only a human boyfriend, but also teen Vamp and adult Vamp boyfriends. The story line is not quite up to par for a mystery/horror read, but the romance portion is all there. Definitely a chic book!

I'm going to finish this series and maybe look at others, but I'm afraid I have a great dislike for the syrup of romance novels. That's why I've never read Jackie Collins.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

2010-01-01T08:59:00.000-06:00

I finally read the book. This is a book you cannot pick up, flip to a page and start reading just to get an idea if you'll like it. You have to start at the beginning otherwise the section you go to makes no sense and really sounds quite boring. However, once you start the book you cannot put it down.

Edwards writes a poignant story of a doctor who, in making a seemingly intelligent but rash decision, causes his family to fall apart. 25 years later the truth is out and the family is still torn. For readers, at least this reader, we want the opportunities to tell the truth to blossom to fruition and frequently suffer disappointment. For those of us with a family member with Down Syndrome, people are truly aggravating (beginning to end) in what they say and do in response to seeing Phoebe. This includes the father and the mother.

Kudos to Edwards for hitting on some of the pertinent issues that have come up in the last 4 decades. She skims over mainstreaming education, medical issues, institutionalization, quality of life, pity, empathy, fear, family dynamics, needs/desires of the person with DS, and support groups. While she doesn't go into depth (book is way too short), as an outsider, it seems normal. In the end there are still unresolved issues. Birth Mom goes away without resolving her feelings or her wants. Big Brother acts like a guardian without any knowledge of guardianship, and Phoebe's ideal of marrying and having kids is never truly addressed. Also, the title is not explained, and it takes a little thought to determine it's probably Caroline Gill, although she doesn't have as much angst as Birth Dad and Birth Mom.

A fast read, this book can put people on the path to past history regarding Down Syndrome, but leaves the reader without the current knowledge of Down Syndrome. It also strongly suggests Down Syndrome is an inherited birth defect. It also does not delve into the full range of medical issues that can arise, but only mentions some of the most common, thus misleading the reader into believing most with DS have heart issues and low capabilities, making Phoebe unusual.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

2009-12-22T20:04:00.002-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads,
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap--

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave the luster of midday to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
Whit a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them name.
"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blixem!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
SO up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys--and St. Nicholas too.

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundles of toys was flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry.
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight--

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

(original wording--"Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" 12/23/1823 Troy Sentinel. This included the original Dutch names of Dunder and Blixem. In a later version, Moore used Donder and Blitzen.--per the Note in the Marshall Cavendish Corporation Editon)

More Mysteries

2009-11-29T09:03:00.001-06:00

I have to start with a new warning. I have added a warning that there might be adult content on this blog because even though I add a great deal about students and young readers, many of my posts also include adult reading. Some adults do not like their children reading about this stuff. I don't use "bad words" or "offensive language". I keep it as real as possible and draw from the language of the authors I write about. Take what I say in context and no one should be offended.

That said--thanks, Mom for another great author! Louise Penny writes mysteries, set in Canada. According to Sarah Weinman (have to look up her credentials), Penny writes in the same style as Agatha Christie. AC is one of my very favorite authors, so it's not unusual I've gotten to really like the Chief Inspector Gamache series.

Amazingly enough, a great many murders seem to take place in a very small and sleepy township in the middle of nowhere, Canada. The town of Three Pines isn't even on maps! You instantly form a relationship with many of the characters of the town--the Morrows, Olivier & Gabri, Ruth, Kay, and Myrna. Of course, those from Montreal's Surete are just as memorable--Gamache, Beauvior, Lacoste, Nichol, Lemieux. You never know what is going to happen either. There are secrets not only in the town's past, but also in the past of Gamache. CI Gamache is constantly in conflict with the higher powers of the Surete because of a decision he made in a previous case. Penny refers to bits and pieces, but doesn't fully reveal what happened. Even in the second book, A Fatal Grace, we only hear the end result of the case and why potentially Gamache could be on the chopping block. In the meantime, we read about the current mysteries.

Penny has a way of leading you to different potential suspects with iron clad motives. Only in the end, true to a Poirot-like reveal, Penny pulls away the wool to reveal the real clues and the real suspects. In true modern fashion, she also creates a great deal of suspense and the possible, and sometimes actual, loss of innocents. A good reader can follow the clues and help to solve the mysteries. Just like Poirot, Gamache likes to exercise "the little grey cells".

James Patterson supports school libraries

2009-11-13T18:42:00.001-06:00

Read all about it here!

James Patterson addressed a meeting of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) November 6th in Charlotte NC. My favorite quote: "If we raise a generation of non-readers, we will be raising a generation of narrow-minded nincompoops." and "School libraries are not a luxury, they are a necessity."

Check out his website by clicking on the title above.

Children's Classics

2009-10-18T19:00:00.003-05:00

So I'm a rebel. I like to read all sorts of books. I have gone through one of many tracts that people follow when reading through their lives. I followed the Nancy Drew-Laura Ingalls-Star Trek-Terry Brooks-JRR Tolkien-Classics path. I did not read Trixie Belden, much to my mother's dismay. I did read The Five Little Peppers which doesn't seem all that well known for some reason...

I find that when I mention a book from my childhood, it evokes certain responses. I just completed an assignment revolving around Little House on the Prairie (it's a banned book, ya know!). In mentioning it in my FB, I got a very typical response. The reader recalled the sheer delight of specific scenes (like maple syrup candy at Christmas time) and was looking forward to reading the books with her little girl. I like to go back in time and relive those memories. I had forgotten that Jack (the brindle bulldog) had to swim the river and was swept downstream. The Ingalls feared he was lost, yet he showed up two days later. Having pets it's horrifying to think what I would do if one of them was lost.

I've found new books in the last couple of years. Not just newly published, but older ones I missed. My parents never guided my reading, but they certainly didn't discourage it! I just never moved through the library in that manner or at that speed. Redwall is a great little book about a group of mice that need to defend their home and very lives against rats and other invaders. I don't care for books with animals (that fear and tranferrence to my animals again), but I did like this book. The animals do die--so parents beware! However, they die natural animal-like deaths. One is bitten by a snake. One falls from a tree. One is scooped up by an owl. One is crushed by a small rock fall. All normal. What is abnormal is they live in buildings (an abbey and barn) and act like humans (making tools and weapons).

Why do these books come back to us time and again? It brings back a sense of security and happiness. We were doing something acceptable and safe--reading. We were immersed in worlds similar and disimilar to our own. We had adventures and travels. I, for one, traveled the west and was a great pioneer. We came back home just in time for mom's supper and dad tucking us in at night. Like comfort food, these books fill us up and teach us new things again and again.

Jamie Larue, master Librarian

2009-10-10T20:53:00.004-05:00

Jamie Larue is a library director in Douglas County, CO. He has written many, many articles and several books about librarianship. One of his many strengths is writing responses to material challenges.

Check out his blog by clicking on the title above. Specifically, check out the articles he references on Oct. 7th. As many know, libraries are once again under attack by the budget monsters. I have colleagues and classmates whose libraries have either frozen salaries or $.00 budgets in schools in MN.

Here is something to think about: are the budget monsters' hearts made like the Grinch's? After reading about an attorney castigating an 11 year library patron and knocking highly educated professionals in the librarian arena, I have to wonder just why another educated person would make such accusations and bold, yet false, statements. Perhaps Shakespeare was right; first kill all the lawyers.

I aspire to be as thoughtful as the librarians I have met. I hope to be as intelligent, well rounded and needed as the ones described in the articles. I hope I'm indispensable to the budget monsters when my time comes around. It's too bad that librarians need to not only do their job, but the jobs of the lawyers--advocacy.

Historical Fiction by Jean Plaidy

2009-09-26T18:38:00.002-05:00

Jean Plaidy is a psuedonym for E.A. Hibbert. She wrote piles of books about the British monarchy and not so royal. Her other pen names include Phillipa Carr, Victoria Holt and Eleanor Burford. She passed in 1993--she was just 52.

She tells the stories from the point of view of the central character. Her stories are true to history and pull in many sources. She also pulls in rumors and not so true stories, many times having the character debunk the falsity. Her books bring to life the lives of courtiers, ladies in waiting, the Tower of London, the Thames, hunting parties and grand parties. Her descriptions bring to life the day to day activities, including the not so romantic, such as unbathed persons and old rushes on the floors.

I just finished Queen of This Realm, about Queen Elizabeth I. She ruled 45 years as a virgin Queen, taking no man to lord over her. She desired nothing more than to earn the love of her people and make England prosperous. A man would only get in the way, as would children, and cause her to lose sight of the end. She courted many men, most notably Lord Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Theirs was an life long love affair, unconsummated and unrequited. Ever vain, she was heavily dependant on cosmetic help, especially after small pox marred her beauty. She sent few to death, only when pressed by her council and only when she felt there was no other way to keep her crown.

Although I have truly found myself attracted to these books, they are long reads and do require a great deal of attention due to the immense amount of detail. The character lists also require a key in some cases, especially this one as there are so many Roberts in the mix. The Tudors liked to use the same names over the years. However, for Anglophiles, these are the ultimate story books for a great deal of entertainment and history.

Check out Rose Without a Thorn, The Sixth Wife and Murder Most Royal for other Queens' stories.

Historical Fiction

2009-09-20T07:38:00.005-05:00

One of my friends is ALWAYS recommending books. She turned me onto Diana Gabaldon, whose Outlander series takes place between 1940 and 1740 initially. As the main character, Claire travels across time, she meets and falls in love with Jamie (James) who is a Scottish citizen and fiercely loyal to his clan. They eventually get caught up in the Stewart rebellion and Claire returns to her own time. She carries with her Jamie's child.

When she returns, she comes as a doctor and a mother of a full grown child. She has made the decision to return to Jamie on the death of her first and modern day husband. Her child, Brianna, eventually follows her. Across time and across continents, they travel back and forth. Jamie is never able to cross time, but he takes the time travel in stride.

The reader learns of the Scottish history, some English history and early American immigration settlements in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. It is a time of treason, a time of loyalty, a time of exploration, and a time of war. You might even catch on to brewing scotch whiskey.

Her next book is An Echo in the Bone, due out 9/22/09.

Not reading much lately

2009-09-13T15:20:00.003-05:00

I'm back in school and the reading I have is not necessarily collection pieces. It's mostly educational. Hopefully, I'll be able to post something about this new series I've started down the road. Cinda Chima and her Heirs series is very interesting. It's a great little read that falls into the sci fi/fantasy cross over. It holds a little with the fantasy and a little with the sci fi. Wizards, enchanters, & warriors. Grades 5+ for reading.

Celebrate Banned Book Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read

2009-08-28T18:52:00.006-05:00

September 26-October 3, 2009. Read a banned book! Little House on the Prairie--full of bad images of Native Americans. Little Red Riding Hood--too much horror. Harry Potter--too much supernatural and occult.

What is a banned book? There are two phrases you should know--challenged and banned. According to the American Library Association: "A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others." (retrieved from the ALA Website 8.28.2009 at http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/aboutbannedbooks/index.cfm.

I truly understand that people feel there are some things out there that are inappropriate as reading material based on age, sex, religion or other beliefs. However, that does not give them the right to restrict other peoples' access to those items, ideas or philosophies. A well educated child can make an educated choice. The only way the child is educated is by being allowed to read A LOT of different material. The good parent then discusses that material with the child and presents all sides of the issue.

This country is based on freedom--freedom of religion, freedom of thought and freedom of speech. These are GUARANTEED in our United States' Constitution and involve an act of Congress, literally, to change them. For 200+ years, this country has existed and succeeded in the global market because of our guaranteed freedoms. Other countries' people flock to our shores for those freedoms. I don't stomp on yours. Please don't stomp on mine.

One of the grounding principles of libraries is democracy. Democracy does not exist without freedoms and particularly for libraries, intellectual freedom. Analytically, there is no democracy without free thinking. There is no literacy without access to knowledge and information. There is no rationalism without knowledge, literacy and democracy. The foundations these values create also create a free thinking and forward moving society. It’s a wonderful thing to learn virtually unimpeded. However, because of these possibilities, there is also the possibility someone will not like others to think or learn certain concepts/beliefs/ideas. Thus, censorship is also inherent in these particular values. Freedom also comes with limits imposed by others and leads to a need for privacy.

The American Library Association believes so strongly in our intellectual freedom, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, that they developed a Library Bill of Rights. Every library in American strives to abide by these rights to serve their communities.

Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 24, 1996.
A history of the Library Bill of Rights is found in the latest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual

Hear, hear for libraries and the right to read, listen to, watch, or say whatever we would like in this country!! Libraries are a true bastion of knowledge and learning. Without learning our future is bleak. New ideas will never come to fruition and we will slowly stagnate in the global arena. I challenge you to read a banned book today and every month for the rest of your life.

KNOW : READ : SPEAK

The Body Farm

2009-08-20T18:46:00.003-05:00

On the outskirts of the University of Tennessee research happens. It takes time, but then all the researchers have is time. It takes nature. It takes perseverance. It takes guts--literally and figuratively.

At the Body Farm, the research entails all manners of death. Bodies in trunks, hung from trees, wrapped in tarps and wrapped in comforters. Some are burned and some are wet. Some have been shot and some have been stabbed. Some aren't even whole bodies. All in the name of research. All in the name of science--forensic science.

There was an episode on CSI: Vegas were Grissom took a large pig and wrapped it in a blanket. Then he sat with it for days to see how long it took for flies and other crawlies to find their way to the pig. To devour the pig. All in the name of science. Pigs mimic humans quite closely.

Jefferson Bass, the team of Dr. Bill Bass and journalist Jon Jefferson, pull together mysteries on the level of Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell. The main character, Dr. Bill Brockton, runs the farm and teaches classes at the university. In his free time, he aids local medical examiners and police departments in forensic detecting. These stories can get eerie and quiet gory. They are not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, but they sure make for excellent reading! For the readers really curious, there are excerpts from the materials used in Dr. Brockton's classes.

Carved in Bone
Flesh and Bone

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

2009-08-17T19:08:00.003-05:00

A new series...at least for me. This is a definitive young adult series. It covers the current life and times of Nicholas Flamel, the famed alchemyst and sorcerer. Flamel appeared first in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, or Philosopher's Stone depending on the nation of publication. The stone was secreted away in Hogwart's School of Wizardry and Witchcraft for safe keeping. Flamel is also known as the creator of the Elixir of Life, providing immortality to those that drink it.

Turns out that potion needs to be brewed every month or a person will start to age a year a day. Nicholas and his wife Perenelle have set death aside for over 700 years. Now they live and work in San Francisco, owning a used book store. Josh Newman happens to be an average, modern day 15 year old working for the Flamels, or as he knows them, the Flemings. His twin sister, Sophie, is working in the coffee shop just across the road. That all changes when Dr. John Dee shows up with his Golems in tow.

Thus begins a fight for life and for freedoms. Josh and Sophie, of course, fulfill a destiny that twins will save or destroy the world. Scott weaves a story fully built on the ancient mythology, explaining the ancients along the way. This is a great little story and three more books are currently available to carry along the threads. This book is a good beginner book for those who want to keep to the familiar (Harry Potter) and yet start expanding their reading tastes into more fantasy genre. It's easy to follow, much easier than HP. It's also a great way to introduce the mythology of Greek and Roman legends.

Yes, I finally finished the Twilight series

2009-08-16T15:37:00.003-05:00

It was brutal, but I did it. I finished all 4 books of the Twilight series. Like I said with the first book, it's a cute romance and does carry along, but there are just not enough cliff hangers to keep me going. Meyers keeps her vamps toned down to the point of almost uninteresting. Her vamp fights hold a great deal of potential, but they never grow to maturity. You are told what could or would happen, but you never really see that devastation. Everything has a way of working itself out in the end.

The final showdown between the Volturi & the other covens is anticlimatic, even with Bella feeling her full potential in power. I would be very interested to read a book from the point of view of Rosalie and Emmett or Jasper and Alice or even another from Jacob with Renesme (what's in a name??!). It was a little bit a of let down.

I do like that fact that we got to here so many "how did it happen to you?" vamp stories. It really lent more to the characters. I would have liked to see that a little sooner so the reader could understand the characters' motivation a bit more. Perhaps we should check out Garrett and Jasper, seeing as they both came up during major American wars. Alice needs a little more finding of her background too.

Overall, a nice little story, but so much more could have been said and written. There is a great potential for plot lines that I believe could stretch Meyer's abilities even more.

Vacation

2009-08-07T18:56:00.002-05:00

I'm on vacation for the next week. I'll have a lot of books to tell you about when I get back!

Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen

2009-08-05T19:03:00.003-05:00

YUCK! How would you like to "take" a cure for disease that meant you could not eat anything other than tomato water, aspargus water, oj, and daily enemas for nearly 2 months??! Claire & Dora Williamson did just that with horrible results. Certainly not the "cure" they were looking for when they started.

I just finished Starvation Heights. It's historical non-fiction about "Dr." Linda Burfield Hazzard's starvation diet and the death of a British heiress. It's set in Ollala, WA. Claire was just in her 30's when she died. Her sister Dora was rescued in time from the same fate and eventually, with the help of a family nanny, set in motion events that would cause the doctor to be convicted of manslaughter.

Written in 1997, it has not been greatly promoted in the Twin Cities. I would suggest to anyone interested in either the Pacific Northwest, Washington State, early 20th Century crime or weird medical fads to check this one out!

The Last Apprentice by Joseph Delaney

2009-07-31T19:37:00.003-05:00

My niece was reading a cool looking book a few weeks ago. I asked what it was and in true "I can't be troubled while I'm reading" bookworm fashion, she gently flipped over the soft cover to reveal the whole title and half the author's name for me. It turned out to be a new series of supernatural portions.

Delaney spins a tale from somewhere in Europe and sometime in the mid to late 19th Century. It could even be earlier or take place in North America. They tend to speak English and that's not all that specific either. This is the kind of book that intriques the reader on so many levels. The main character/protagonist is young Thomas Ward, apprentice to The Spook. Spook rids the county of evil doers and mischief makers of a supernatural kind--boggarts, witches, banes, and such. Written in such a manner to evoke the Salem witch hunts and the evil eye, we find that young Tom is well on his way to being the next Spook.

Tom is the seventh son of a seventh son and a son of a witch to boot. His new master is also a seventh son and has a boggart keeping his house and grounds. Spook likes to deal with the evil in a logical, well grounded manner. Witches are buried beneath 13 iron bars. Boggarts are bound in a square hole painted in iron, salt and special mud then covered with a custom slab of stone. Most beings can be temporarily held with a silver chain or driven off with salt and iron.

Well written, the story does move a long. However, Tom tends to be a little stupid and rather than following his instinct he chooses to follow his heart. Thus, trouble abounds and is often created by him. Like any 10 year old, he tries to rectify his mistakes, and while succeeding, he often is found out and gets extra duties to atone.

Re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2009-07-20T18:07:00.004-05:00

I really tried to resist this series. For one, I was no longer in the sci-fi/fantasy mindset and two, I was no longer a young adult. The attraction was too much and I finally gave in after the fourth book was published. My supervisor and her son had been reading the books and it was just too much. I found myself instantly pulled into the world of Hogwart's and the wizards of England.

It's amazing just how fabulous the UK can make fantasy sound. Their oral and written history add to the current trends in fantasy publishing. They have clans in Scotland, constant unrest in Ireland and druids in most of the UK. The rich history and superstitions, along with the myriad of religions just add to the enchanting stories and worlds that develop.

Rawlings put a lot of thought into her world. Not only does she incorporate magic and supernatural (two very importants aspects of fantasy), she makes it plausible by using latin derivations for spellwork & incantations; real plants available today; mythical creatures found in ancient texts (such as a hippogrif); adolescent angst set in a normal school; and the ever ready "good versus evil" background. She explains away unnatural events as natural phenomenon or vice versa. There is just enough truth to sometimes wonder, could it really happen?

Why do stories pull us in and how do the authors achieve that? Here is a great author destined to follow the footsteps of JRR Tolkein.

English Authors

2009-07-18T10:15:00.006-05:00

I've read a few English authors--mostly those that are dead. I've read quite a few American authors who like to write about the UK, such as Elizabeth George. One English author who is very good and still alive is Jeffery Archer. His mysteries are well spun and multi-faceted (that means many sides). He doesn't have just one line of inquiry, but several and you find they are tied up together in some of the most bizarre, yet plausible methods. Thoroughly enjoyable for the modern mystery reader, these stories make you think about modern crimes and the criminal system.

Library of Congress

2009-07-13T16:51:00.001-05:00

Today you should go visit the Library of Congress and the cool 2009 National Book Awards. Click on the title.

Local Libraries and Technology

2009-07-12T09:22:00.002-05:00

I had one last assignment in class of looking into libraries and what they might offer in terms of media and technology. Amazingly enough I found a local library that offers downloadable books to the Sony Reader. For those who might be interested, it's Bloomington Public.

Along the same lines I was really disappointed in my own local library--Dakota County. Other than the normal computing courses and gaming nights for teens and children, they offer very little. One thing they offered up that I did not find at other libraries (as yet) was a class on digital cameras. Given the many downloads and the amount of technology in the hands of people (young people in particular) wouldn't a library want to find some way to get that technology & media out there?

If anyone is interested in a Wii, check out a local library. Nearly all of them have times that Wii is set up and available for gaming. Some even have the Wii Fit. It's a great way to check out the technology without having to invest in the expense. The librarians are more than willing to teach the use too.

There is so much in technology out there--software, hardware--and every day uses. Libraries need to start investing in this because these are being used in the classrooms already. They are starting to invade the workplace. People have a need to learn and there is still the whole issue of accessibility for some people. Support the libraries and ask for the technology.

Sony eReader

2009-07-08T17:00:00.004-05:00

Let's talk tech. Now that Independence Day is past and my reading is getting done, let's talk about technology and it's impact on the world. Obviously the internet is HUGE. People wonder where we would be without it. I say, exactly where I left it in the '90's. Duh.

I didn't have the 'net when I was in school (undergrad). I had MS DOS. I had one of the first versions of Word. I had 5" floppy disk drives to store stuff. I worked on Commodores and Apple IIe's. I had to WAIT to get to a phone to call people, usually at my house. It had a cord and was attached to the wall--permanently. It also had a dial, not buttons. I functioned at a high rate. Life moved fairly easily and people knew to keep $.25 in case there was a need to call a taxi or $.23 to mail a letter.

Today, I can't keep up with the new software, hardware and in between ware. In class this semester, we open gadget boxes. Wii, iTouch, webcams, document cameras, Flip Mino's, Sony eReaders, and more. This week we are having a techology fair, demonstrating the gadgets we've worked with all semester. My gadget was the Sony eReader. It was...slightly impressive.

I guess I'm just a book kinda a gal. It was neat that you download a book lickety split and many (500,000) were free, but I really like the hunt for that elusive paperback; the smell of those old moldy shelves like you find at Uncle Hugo's; the first edition autographed Hemingway (still have that, Sue?); and the beauty of wondering if those overly stacked shelves might really withstand the mountain of books stacked upon it.

But back to the Sony. It's a simplified version of the Kindle 2. It downloads similar formats/file types. It holds less, 160 vs 1500. It costs less, $299 vs $499. It has less resolution, 6 shades of grey, three font sizes vs 8 shades of grey and 6 font sizes. It does well for that frequent traveler who likes to kick back with a good paperback. Kindle has a flat rate for their recent publications of $9.99. Sony will sell them for $8-20 per book or set. You can find some deals. If you really want power and the ability to create; to read journals and news, get the Kindle 2. If you don't really need it for more than reading, get the Sony.

We had to evaluate if they would work in a classroom and what usage would be possible. I think the Sony fits the lower grades because it's easy to use. The buttons are elementary and it holds more than enough, including picture books. For higher grades and academe, I would recommend the Kindle because of the journal downloads. Either would certainly save space in the classroom & library for those standard novels read in English each year. It would save on wear & tear of said books. The trade off is the cost and maintenance. Keeping it powered and out of the miriad of liquids teens tend to find and apply to school items. Sharing is huge issue. Once purchased, the book cannot be lent between devices. Copyright issues are very touchy in some cases and could cause problems. Let's face it, we don't know yet to what extent someone might be offended or claim copyright infringement.

Gov. Schwarzy wants these in every classroom and for every student in CA. The state can't even pay the electric bill. Govenor, how are you thinking to fund the Kindles? We also talked about the colleges that offer up iPods and Apples to entice students enrollment. Even Apple will give a free iTouch/iPod with the purchase of a qualifying laptop for students. What a boon! But at what cost? Remember one of the largest drawbacks to technology is the rapid decline of support and the ever increasingly short "life" of the technology. Last I checked, paper and ink hadn't really had all that much of an improvement and still work just fine. Uh, kids? You still know that paper and ink are for writing, right?

Fun little items, but what is their longevity? iPod and iPhone have already started their,what is it now, 4th generation devices? Well, when the electricity goes out and the towers fall, don't come looking to borrow my paper and ink. Get your own.

MN Authors & More

2009-07-03T10:22:00.008-05:00

Some of my favorite authors write mysteries. In college (undergrad) I discovered Sara Paretsky. GO V.I.!! (She's a lady detective with a 'tude) After college I found many, many other authors--Connelly, Sandford, Patterson, Cook, etc. My mother goes to the bookstore more often than I do, so she's passed along most of the recent authors. Kent Krueger, Sanders, Reichs, and others.

I really prefer the ones that give details on the things behind the scenes. I also like the local authors. Krueger and Sandford are two local authors. I have read John Sanford novels since undergrad. One of his main characters is Lucas Davenport, a Minneapolis cop and eventually a BCA agent. Lucas, unlike most mystery protagonists, has a human side and is less likely to get even. He can swear like a sailor though! Krueger's main character is Corcoran O'Connor, part Anishinaabe, part Irish. He is full of spit and fire, but also has a human side. The humanism in both is integral to the stories, as both men are family oriented, married with children.

This is not to say the other authors are less exciting. Sanders has written since the 1960's. One of his main characters is Edward X. Delaney, Chief of Police NYPD. He is an old time cop, always dressed in full uniform or a formal 3 piece suit. For those that don't know what 3 piece is, it's a matching trouser, suit coat and vest. He also added a pocket watch with fob. Delaney knew his NY and knew the people. He was a thinker and would often put himself in the mind of the criminal to recreate the events and the motives. Paretsky decided on a lady investigator--V.I. Warshawksi, aka Victoria to her family. V.I. worked in Chicago and readers enjoyed her many trips around the Loop.

The appeal of these characters is the place setting and the idea that they could logically deduce the crimes. They knew the people and the cities they worked within. Many of the protagonists are highly intelligent and, like Sherlock Holmes, THINK their way to the conclusion. There are clues and there are coincidences that aid in the solution, but inherent in these characters is the thought process.

Check out some good mystery authors this weekend:
William Kent Krueger's Iron Lake
Lawrence Sander's The First Deady Sin
John Sanford's Rules of Prey

You know those books that are mass produced?

2009-06-29T18:17:00.003-05:00

Many times, during class, in general research and while skimming through websites I have found the words "mass market produced" usually followed by "paperback". When you go to the local book store, whether a Borders, B & N, Half Price or even Amazon.com, you might pick up several paperbacks. I have some friends who only like hard cover and now my mom is reading hard cover more than paper back--physically cleaner than the paperbacks at Half Price in her mind.

Those paper backs are usually "mass market produced". This means they were printed by the thousands and shuffled off as fast as possible to book stores around the world. Ok maybe around the continent. [As a side note, you should see how many are published in other countries with different covers.] Some are reprinted enough times that I actually have 1-2 in my collection with 12 and 14 indicating up to 14 reprints of the same edition!

What makes these so enticing, so appealing to the public? One is the cost. Hard cover typically costs two to three times the amount of paperback. I think paper back is catching up in price. The publishers have realized the appeals. Another appeal is the size. I do not like hard cover because they are big and bulky and HEAVY. Paper is so much more pliant and lighter. [Insert comments that Kindle and Sony Readers are even more so--pooh to you! I like my BOOKS!] A third appeal is the easy of storage. Many paperbacks will double stack, one row in front of the other, easily on a book shelf. They are similar in size, unless you get those new fangled "larger print". The hard covers may vary in size, but also take up more space and you cannot double stack them as easily, thus you lose at least 1/2 the storage area. Cheap, small, easily stored--what's not to love?

Updating My Library

2009-06-28T18:45:00.003-05:00

I went through 2 of my 4 official bookshelves yesterday and added my existing books to Library Thing. (See my side bar flash through books) I have two more book shelves of my science fiction, education, childrens, and mystery books. Many of the books currently listed are old.

I have a full set of serial Charles Dickens with no date and no publisher listed. I was told 15 years ago these were probably sold door to door or through catalogs. Interestingly, I have two other collections that look like serials, but they have the missing information. Most of these collections date from before 1950. I also have a few books from the late 1890's. I still kick myself for missing that McGuffy's Primer from the 1850's for $3!

As I was scrolling through many of the books looking for my publisher, publication date and material(hardcover, paperback, leather), I found many people had entered erroneous information or have a slightly different edition from the one I held in my hand. I even found one of my serials with ? pub. date that I was able to fill in for my library.

Enjoy!

Teen Top Ten Week

2009-06-27T07:28:00.002-05:00

This year, teens once again get to vote on their top ten favorite books. The American Library Association will post it. Find all the information @your library!

See this year's picks at: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/ttt09.pdf

Vote between Aug. 25 and Sept. 18th: www.ala.org/teenstopten

Last Night's Post

2009-06-26T09:34:00.003-05:00

I had class last night and the hot topic was copyright. Copyright laws are varied and convoluted (that means they go in circles). Librarians deal with copyright daily and they get aggravated occasionally at the pitfalls. We chose to work with copyright by "transforming" another's picture. The goal was to make a statement about copyright--any kind of statement that we felt could be made. The result was many and varied in our class of 16. Mine was one of the simple ones. Remember, copyright is convoluted and when it comes to images, it's even worse. Enjoy CatRemix2.

CatRemix2

2009-06-25T19:48:00.012-05:00

CatRemix2 by Monica Steffer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.flickr.com.

Night by Elie Wiesel

2009-06-24T06:51:00.002-05:00

Another good book. I read this in high school modern fiction. It's semi-autobiographical. A young boy survives the death camps of the holocaust, losing his entire family in the process. He comes to question God and the nature of man. It's a fast read for advanced readers--a small paperback. For those unfamiliar with the holocaust it could be startling and for non-advanced readers, down right scary.

This book makes you think about life and the tragedies; the horrible, awful things man can do to man. Wiesel is a Nobel Laureate and on Oprah's reading list. I think the laureate is a little more prestigious, don't you?

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

2009-06-21T18:13:00.004-05:00

I was young when I first read this book. It was engaging and not boring like older books might be in my mind. My grandmother had read the book as a girl and she asked me if I cried when Beth died (sorry to those who haven't read it). I think every young girl cries at that point. I would think others would cry when Jo opens the door to find Mr. Baer.

This story is about a young family of mom and 4 girls who try to survive in the north during the Civil War. They have little enough to live on, their father having lost everything in his investments and then having to go off to war. They need to provide for themselves, both for food and entertainment. Their mother goes off to help the less fortunate and when typhoid hits, the daughters take care of those families, Beth especially.

As they grow, we learn about each of their strenghts. Meg the mother, Beth the peacekeeper, Jo the writer and Amy the socialite. We meet their neighbor, the elder Mr. Lawrence and his nephew Laurie. We read about the "upper crust" and the cruelty of not having enough money to fit in. We share their triumphs, enjoy their plays and cry at the heartbreaks.

This timeless classic is written in such a way that Alcott leads you to believe it could take place in any time and in any country. Readers bond with the characters and want to be their friends. In the end, for the unsuspecting reader, there is joy that a sequel was written in the form of Little Men. Of course, the reader then must re-read Little Women.

Apocalyptic Novels

2009-06-19T17:42:00.003-05:00

Memory Boy by Will Weaver:

Want a hometown story? This is a great one and very short to read. Miles & his family live in Mpls. When Mt. Rainier and most of the Cascade range erupt the USA, Canada, and Russia are devastated. Ash blown into the atmosphere affects the global climate, reducing crops and killing animals. Miles' family decides it's too dangerous in their suburban neighborhood and they head north to their cabin in Bemidji via unique transportation. When they arrive, they find squatters unwilling to leave or share THEIR cabin. Miles suggests heading to Itasca to find a cabin built by a man he met in the local nursing home. Mr. Kurz gave Miles all the information necessary not only to find the cabin but also to survive in the far northern woods of Minnesota. Can he convince his family this will be the best option and will they survive?

***********************

Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank:

Randy Bragg wants to live peacefully in his childhood home located in Fort Repose, FL. However, when his brother tells him to prepare for war, he doesn’t believe life could change. Within 24 hours, he’s taken in his brother’s family, stocked up on food and hunkered down. The night explodes and war devastates the USA. All around the city, the residents watch mushroom clouds blossom in Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa and other cities. The communication lines shut down. The last mail truck drives in and food becomes scarce. They realize their little Fort Repose is a bubble of safety from the destruction and radiation. They fight daily for survival, not knowing who has survived outside the city. Law & order disappear and paper money becomes nothing as bartering systems develop. Can they survive and rebuild?

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Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer, reviewed by K. Jones (a classmate):

Miranda’s journal chronicles her busy life as a teenager: hopes for a driver’s license, fights with her mom and changing friendships. After hearing about a meteor colliding with the moon, Miranda’s life changes and she begins to wonder about her future. The asteroid creates worldwide disasters that no one could have fathomed: tidal waves, thunderstorms and volcanic eruptions. Miranda’s family is forced to make tough choices as far as stockpiling food and buying gas when they can. Nothing is a luxury anymore in this world, and Miranda begins to question if her and her family will even survive. Despite everything that happens in this novel, Miranda tries to cling to some sort of normalcy. She still wants to date her swimming teammate Dan, and she fights with her mother about everything (depending on the day). Miranda even admits through her journal entries that she does fight with her mother quite a bit, but she never gives up on loving her. Throughout the novel Miranda’s determination starts to build and one can see how dedicated she is to surviving and keeping her family alive as well. Even though Miranda and her family are faced with the worst of times, they stick together through it all.

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:

Everyday Katniss goes out to scrounge for food for her family. With luck and skill, she can avoid arrest and gather enough editable items to sustain them yet one more day. When the time comes for each district to offer up 2 children 12-18 years old as tributes, Katniss plays her part. She even steps in to volunteer in place of her sister who is chosen in the lottery. The tribute knows that this is life and death. Every child chosen, 24 in all, will fight to the death in the Games. The winner will enjoy lifelong prosperity. The losers will die. Katniss soon learns how to manipulate the system to get rewards and necessary supplies. She even goes as far as pairing with the boy from her district in order to survive and win.

Captivated, absorbed, "drawn in" to a book

2009-06-18T17:10:00.005-05:00

I have been captivated by Harry Potter and his friends. I should include some of his enemies also. I have read many "sci-fi/fantasy" books and authors in my life. This is one of the best series and not just because it's a currently popular series. Most people make a common statement about these books--they draw you in. What does it mean to "draw you in?"

I've been "drawn" into books since I was in elementary school. I literally see the story as it unfolds and feel almost as if I was an unseen spectator at the side of the scenes. In the rare instance I can feel what the characters feel and my senses are engaged. It's rare and it's weird, but there it is. I often come back into this world and sigh deeply, as if I was holding my breathe. Since I was young, my mom would say I blocked out the rest of the world when I read. My husband says it now (but I told him that first). I literally do not hear the real world when I am reading. Is this what it means to be "drawn in?"

Can a person be captivate by a story to the point of losing sense of reality? Yes, and it's a hard thing to do. The author is responsible for that feeling, that occurrence. The reader is not. It does help to be a little susceptible to imagination and open minded to all sorts of possibilities. Most books captivate me. I could probably count the number that have not done so. Another end result of this feeling is the staying power of a story. For example, Little House on the Prairie has never failed to enthrall young girls. Treasure Island makes swashbucklers and treasure seekers of us all. These books have been around, and will continue to "draw in" readers, for a long long time.

National Council of Teachers of English - Homepage

2009-06-17T20:27:00.001-05:00

National Council of Teachers of English - Homepage

American Library Association

2009-06-17T20:11:00.003-05:00

American Library Association

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Reading Lolita In Tehran by Azir Nafisi

2009-06-17T16:45:00.006-05:00

This is an autobiographical account of a native Iranian woman who returns to Iran at the start of the 1980's. She remains in Tehran, teaching at local universities until the mid 90's when she is allowed to leave for further scholarship. Her account of the political and religious fighting is eye opening to Westerners. Through a select group of women, hand chosen for the book discussion group by Nafisi, she explores how Iranian women and the whole of Iran see Western culture. It's especially interesting because she focuses on Western literature in the book group.

Having read many of the books she writes about, I find it interesting the similarities and differences in interpretation. For instance they read The Great Gatsby. I read that in high school. Even as "Westerners" we were able to pick out the decadence of the lifestyles and how Fitzgerald focused the story around the effect of that decadence. However, Nafisi's students went a step further and used the story to illustrate how "Western culture", overly decadent would sweep our culture away and morals would be lost. Obviously some of the insights were based on religious beliefs along with cultural beliefs.

It was a very interesting read. I learned a great deal about the politics and religious clashes that I did not hear about in school or on the news. It's easy to follow, all the while illustrating the take over by the Ayathollah Khomeini. (I know I just massacred the spelling)

One of the "Best Websites" for storing your books online

2009-06-16T18:51:00.002-05:00

You want to check out LibraryThing to store and organize your whole library online. If you are especially strapped for space (the poor college student moving from apt. to apt) or if you're restricted by a spouse or another roommate (you only get one (1) bookshelf!) or if you just can't stand having all that CLUTTER, get yourself subscribed to LibraryThing.

2009-06-16T18:22:00.001-05:00

Starting a Blog--all about books.