This novel I began in October for the RIP Challenge. Then, when the deadline passed, I continued reading this one during DEAR time. Then other book deadlines (our high school book club and in-class reads) took precedence. Until today...
This is my first read by Neil Gaiman (author of Coraline and many others), and I enjoyed it. Quite the different perspective. Nobody (Bod) Owens lives in a graveyard because his parents and sibling were killed, and the "residents" of the graveyard are now his family, offering him love and protection from those who also want him dead.
As a reader, I had no problem entering this world of the dead...and living. Gaiman created a world that might appear to be written for young adults or older adults. Yes, based on this novel, I will read more by Gaiman. See here for list of his books.
Enjoy!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
#59-60: Debbie Macomber/Christmas
I checked two books out of our church library. Yes, I checked them out...did not buy them! Proud of myself! In case you did not know, I am a book-buying addict, not even a recovering one. Well, maybe a little. I have cut back. I am trying.
I digress before I even get started...
For some planned down-time, I deliberately checked out some Christmas reads: two of Debbie Macomber's annual Christmas novels based in Leavenworth, WA...When Christmas Comes and Where Angels Go.
Both of these novels told multiple narratives that involved characters that intertwined. Characters that are funny and endearing. After several busy days getting ready for Christmas and then celebrating the event itself, these novels were just what I needed!
One of my favorite lines comes from Where Angels Go from character Harry who is dying from heart failure: "...these newly minted doctors tended to be idealistic, which he approved of, and they were up on all the latest technology, treatments and medications. The only problem was that they could be a bit unrealistic, seeing death as the enemy when sometimes, at the end of a long life for debilitating illness, it was a friend." (page 12, hardback) I lived these lines with my mother, for at the end, death was her friend. How comforting those words were to me...
By the way, you are probably either a blogger, a blog reader, or both, so you might enjoy reading Debbie Macomber's blog here. Enjoy!
I digress before I even get started...
For some planned down-time, I deliberately checked out some Christmas reads: two of Debbie Macomber's annual Christmas novels based in Leavenworth, WA...When Christmas Comes and Where Angels Go.
Both of these novels told multiple narratives that involved characters that intertwined. Characters that are funny and endearing. After several busy days getting ready for Christmas and then celebrating the event itself, these novels were just what I needed!
One of my favorite lines comes from Where Angels Go from character Harry who is dying from heart failure: "...these newly minted doctors tended to be idealistic, which he approved of, and they were up on all the latest technology, treatments and medications. The only problem was that they could be a bit unrealistic, seeing death as the enemy when sometimes, at the end of a long life for debilitating illness, it was a friend." (page 12, hardback) I lived these lines with my mother, for at the end, death was her friend. How comforting those words were to me...
By the way, you are probably either a blogger, a blog reader, or both, so you might enjoy reading Debbie Macomber's blog here. Enjoy!
#58: The Pearl
Today, as I updated my 2012 list of reads, I realized that I had not reviewed The Pearl.
This novel I read along with my daughter, who was assigned this as a whole class read. I downloaded a version to our Kindle, and we discussed as she was assigned portions of the novel.
Steinbeck creates a character Kino, a pearl diver, who upon finding a grand pearl, then proceeds to discover the forces of good and evil resides in us all when his son is stung by a scorpion and the pearl buyers refuse to give him the value of the pearl, resulting in not having the money for treatment for his son.
This pearl does become of one great price, as it will cost Kino more than he ever dreamed.
This novel I read along with my daughter, who was assigned this as a whole class read. I downloaded a version to our Kindle, and we discussed as she was assigned portions of the novel.
Steinbeck creates a character Kino, a pearl diver, who upon finding a grand pearl, then proceeds to discover the forces of good and evil resides in us all when his son is stung by a scorpion and the pearl buyers refuse to give him the value of the pearl, resulting in not having the money for treatment for his son.
This pearl does become of one great price, as it will cost Kino more than he ever dreamed.
Friday, December 28, 2012
56-57: Alex Cross
Once Christmas came to a close, I finally had time to read. As I left the in-laws, I borrowed two James Patterson books and then proceeded to read them within two days: Kill Alex Cross and Merry Christmas, Alex Cross.
Quick reads, both novels spend the holidays with Alex as he takes on some killer cases. Twisted! So why do I read them? Not for the gory details (sometimes, I skim over those scenes). I like attempting to figure out the end...before the end occurs. I am not always successful with Patterson!
55: A Winter Dream
Our book club chose Richard Paul Evans' A Winter Dream for our December read. This novel is a modern re-telling of the story of Joseph in the Old Testament.
Evans' novels are just good reads. Books you can sit down with and relax, knowing you are going to come away a better person, probably having been convicted in some way to change, to do, to activate on your faith.
In this novel, Evans chooses to place his Joseph in the world of advertising, which was an interesting choice as a parallel world for the Joseph in the Bible. Another interesting world the reader enters is the life of April, the first person Joseph meets after being "sold" to the company in Chicago. I really did not see that one coming. Isn't that a good thing when an author keeps you guessing?
Another reason I appreciate such authors as Richard Paul Evans is because I can recommend him to young readers also, especially male readers. I have one student now hooked on two of Evans' series: the Michael Vey and The Walk. Yes, this is definitely a tremendous advantage!
Evans' novels are just good reads. Books you can sit down with and relax, knowing you are going to come away a better person, probably having been convicted in some way to change, to do, to activate on your faith.
In this novel, Evans chooses to place his Joseph in the world of advertising, which was an interesting choice as a parallel world for the Joseph in the Bible. Another interesting world the reader enters is the life of April, the first person Joseph meets after being "sold" to the company in Chicago. I really did not see that one coming. Isn't that a good thing when an author keeps you guessing?
Another reason I appreciate such authors as Richard Paul Evans is because I can recommend him to young readers also, especially male readers. I have one student now hooked on two of Evans' series: the Michael Vey and The Walk. Yes, this is definitely a tremendous advantage!
54: The Crucible
This play, I re-read as my English 11 classes studied, discussed, loved to hate Abigal, and slowly came to respect John Proctor. Just cannot help it...that "It's my name" scene still resonates with me, so strong, so powerful.
Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible as an allegory of the McCarthy Era and the Red Scare. For this reason, my students and I could more easily parallel these events with other more current events, sometimes events that were occurring right out in the hallways.
Good rationale why classics such as these should be assigned. Some books would never be chosen, if not assigned...but I digress...
53: The Fault in Our Stars
John Green's The Fault in Our Stars is quite the powerful read. Chosen as our November selection for our high school book club, this narrative relates the reality of a student in an advanced stage of cancer.
Just a different perspective. Everyone should read this novel. Remember, though as you read, this is fiction. Really. Fiction. As in, not true.
One more note, be prepared to really not like the reality of this novel. I know, I know. It's fiction. Just remember, though, be prepared to not like the reality of this novel.
It really is that good.
Just a different perspective. Everyone should read this novel. Remember, though as you read, this is fiction. Really. Fiction. As in, not true.
One more note, be prepared to really not like the reality of this novel. I know, I know. It's fiction. Just remember, though, be prepared to not like the reality of this novel.
It really is that good.
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