2: All the Light We Cannot See - 2020

I just finished Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See...one I began in 2019 for the Paper Chase Book Club...and had read about 100 pages of the novel last year.

While I am glad I finished this one...yes, here comes the but...the author's use of timing frustrated me.  Antony Doerr has mastered the use of flashing...forward and backwards...continually...sometimes days, months, and years.  I finally sticky-noted the time changes to assist in my knowing where I was!

Also...almost another but!...each chapter was told from the perspective of a different character via third person point of view.  This style, while not new, did add to overall effect of the novel.

With this said, I am very glad I journeyed through this plot line, one set during WWII, a time period that is not my favorite but one about which I most definitely need to learn.  Some might argue this is a young adult novel (and one I would much rather teach than some of the more traditional texts) because of the protagonists:  blind Marie-Laure and orphan Werner.  Much to overcome for these two in circumstances that did not always allow for success.

This time period, these particular settings are ones that young people need to know; we need not forget.  Such harsh times, such spirits of patriotism and loyalty.

I would give this one 4.5 stars...only because of the above two critiques.

Happy reading!

1: Blood Fever - 2020

Book one for 2020 is complete!  This novel I began last month and sat aside, thanks to a busy schedule.

Blood Fever is book two in a series about James Bond...or...Bond, James Bond.  Full of action and dialogue, this one I will definitely take back into the classroom and recommend to all who love much adventure.

Now...to finish book two!  Happy reading!

2020's Reading Goals

2020 Reading Goals:  I am not joining any online reading challenges as I want to focus on the following:

1. to read an average of one book per week = minimum of 52 books
2. to read half of my goal from my own TBR pile = 26 books
3. to complete books for book clubs before the meeting time (love book clubs!)
4. to read more series (love series!)
5. to completely read more professional books = minimum of five books received via ASCD membership
6. to read more ebooks 
7. to continue to read more young adult books

Purposefully, I have chosen to not participate in any online reading challenges.  I want to!  Due to my ever-increasing personal library, this is the year to focus more on reading what I have already purchased.

These goals are attainable.  May we check out my current three reads (books I already own) to see if they meet the goal(s)?

1. All the Light We Could Not See:  This one I started in 2019 and am on page 113 of 539.  This will sorta...maybe...fulfill #3.  This was for a book club.  If only I could go back in time!
2. Blood Fever:  Also one I began in 2019.  This is for #7...and was for a book club began on the spur of the moment with some students.  On page 122 of 337.  
3. Scythe:  This one was recommended by a student several years ago...and another student just asked before Christmas if I would purchase book three in the series, which confirmation of this one's popularity.  This one would help fulfill goals #2, 4, 7.  Winner!

Now...to finish these before we return to school on Monday!

Happy reading!