January 2015 archive
It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme sponsored by Sheila at Book Journey. Kellee at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Menor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.
This was a week with unexpected journeys. It seems I will be a seasoned traveller and frequent flyer–at least for the month of January. This past week I flew home to be with family for my aunt’s funeral. I enjoyed seeing cousins that I have not seen in way too long, but will miss seeing my aunt. Flying gave me the opportunity to read as well. I also enjoyed peeking to see what my fellow travellers were reading–thought that is much harder with ereaders. I should get some more good reading done next week as I fly to Fresno to facilitate at a conference.
I finished…
Lord of the Nile – I knew once I opened the next book in this series, it would’t take me long ot read it. I am finding them quite addictive. Each book explodes with more conflict (everything is falling apart in both ends of Egypt) and ever more complicated characters. Joseph is struggling to hang on to his power and his life while the Pharaoh Salitis falls deeper into madness and powerful forces plot to bring him down. Oh yeah, he aslo struggles to forgive his brothers (who sold him into slavery) when they show up to buy grain. Meanwhile, Ben-Hadad lets bitterness eat him from the inside, pushing away his wife and Shobai’s twins, who are growing to be better than he ever was. Ketan and Teti are on the verge of adulthood and learn of love and heartbreak. Many familiar characters are back, and we meet new ones. My favorite? Riki, a child of the streets who is destined for something. I’ll have to wait until the next book to discover what.
Small Victories by Anne Lamott – I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I heard about it even if I didn’t know exactly what it was about. It ended up being the perfect companion for my journey home. Throughout these essays, Lamott explores grief, life and death, forgiveness, and our shared humanness with her signature wit and wisdom. I left it at home with my mom. I think she will enjoy it once her friend (another Lamott fan) finishes it. This is a book I want to put in the hands of people and hope it comes back to me. It is also a book I had to read with a pen in hand, with many passages to underline and comments to write in the margin. I hope others will do the same as they read it, too. It is a book that invites conversation.
How to Make Meetings Work by Michael Doyle and David Strauss – I finished this one on the plane ride home. Published in 1976, some of the information is dated (though some of their predictions about future technology sound eerily familiar to today). Much of the information seems obvious to me after years in the classroom, but I learned from seeing the principles in different contexts.
I’m currently reading…
By the Book edited by Pamela Paul – I enjoyed several more essays this week–David Eggers, Colin Powell, Richard Ford, Elizabeth Gilbert. I was not familiar with David Eggers, but I will be looking for his books after reading about his work with young writers. I wanted to shout “Amen!” when I read how he encourages young writers with the freedom to write about any topic (“even flatulent hamsters”–I had middle schoolers who would have loved that topic) and to keep the writing fun. The conventions can come after you’ve hooked them on writing. He gave a similar answer to reading recommendations. No one book is right for every reader. Start with the reader’s interest, not what you think is good for them.
The Elements of Style by Wiliam Strunk and EB White – I meant to finish this in time for a discussion on Thursday, but when my travel plans ensured that I would miss the live discussion, I moved this one to the back burner. I plan on taking this book with me on my next journey if I don’t finish it before then.
Coming up…
I am looking forward to starting the next book in the Children of the Lion series (The Prophecy). I can’t quite decide what else to take with me on my trip. I have several good books I received for Christmas I want to read, as well as some books I discovered when I cleaned out a bookshelf last week. I had forgotten that I even had some titles. Oops!
What have you read this week?
It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme sponsored by Sheila at Book Journey. Kellee at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Menor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.
The bitter cold this past week gave me the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book. We are easing back into the routine of school and work, but several two-hour delays have made it easier. At least school has not been cancelled yet this year. By this time last year, school had been closed due to snow and cold several times.
I finished…
Nothing this week. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a week where I didn’t finish any books. It could be because I keep getting distracted and starting a new book before I finish with the other ones I’ve started. The good news is I am enjoying all of them, and still keep eyeing the other new books I want to start.
I’m currently reading…
By the Book: Writers on Literature and the Literary edited by Pamela Paul – This collection of interviews from The New York Times Book Review was a gift from my brother. They are collected from the Sunday feature in the NYT Book Review and capture the thoughts about reading by current writers and artists from a variety of backgrounds. I find it fascinating to see what writers I admire are reading and which books and authors they respect. I will enjoy this one for a while because I don’t like to read more than one interview at a time. That way I can savor each one. Warning: the danger of reading this book is that my TBR list is growing every longer.
How to Make Meetings Work by Michael Doyle and David Strauss – My husband brought this book home from work for me. He had gone through training on how to facilitate meetings. Since I am going to facilitate a meeting next week, he thought it might be helpful. It is dated (copywriting 1976), and much of the information is similar to what I did in front of the classroom. It is helpful, though, to have the information presented in a different context than the classroom.
Elements of Style by William Strunk and EB White – I have had a volume of this on my shelves both at home and in my classroom for as long as I can remember, but I don’t think I had actually read it. I saw it was the choice for the AWAI Great Books Club discussion for January, and I decided it was time to read this classic from cover to cover. I’m still in the first section of usage rules. I am blown away by the clarity and conciseness of the explanations. I can’t wait to absorb the wisdom from the other sections, too.
The Lord of the Nile by Peter Danielson – War and conflict still threaten Egypt, and a new generation of the Children of the Lion are ready to take their places in providing the weapons for the armies while trying to sort out their place in the wider world. I have a new favorite–Teti, the first girl to be trained as an armorer, and currently the best their is, even surpassing her cousing Ben-Hadad. I hurt for Ben-Hadad, who has let bitterness take over his life and poison all his relationships. That bitterness seems to be a theme developing in this book, as Joseph is finding it hard to forgive his brothers now that they have come to Egypt seeking grain.
Coming up…
I have an unexpected trip coming later this week as I fly home for my aunt’s funeral. I hope to have most of these current books finished. Even if not, I will choose a new book to travel with me. I am thinking that Anne Lamott’s newest book, Small Victories, will be good company for this trip.
What are you reading this week?
It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme sponsored by Sheila at Book Journey. Kellee at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Menor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.
Some of my favorite Christmas presents–to give and to receive–are books. I have enjoyed reading the new titles I received for Christmas. I enjoyed even more watching my nephews dive into their new books even before the celebrating had finsihed. I’m already thinking about which books they might enjoy next.
We traveled to Phoenix and the Grand Canyon between Christmas and New Year’s. Now that we’re back home I’m trying to dig out from under the laundry and Christmas decorations that are still up.
I read…
The Lion in Egypt by Peter Danielson – In this episode of the sweeping saga of the Children of the Lion, anything that could go wrong does. Ben Hadad and his mother Danataya are abused by her new husband. Jospeh is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Shobai is haunted by the return of Baka, who vows to kill Shobai for stealing his wife Mereet. Tuya struggles to survive on the streets of Mempis and longs for Ben Hadan, who barely knows she exists. Anab cowers at every shadow and is embittered by the prejudice others show him for his disfigured face. But somehow, each one manages to keep their dignity and show courage and faithfulness to their friends. I’m not too sure about the cover of this one, though it did give my daughter lots of opportunity to tease me: What kind of book are you reading, Mom?
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – One of my all time favorite Christmas stories whether it is portrayed by Mickey Mouse or Patrick Stewart in film, or in its many text editions. This edition of filled with gorgeous illustrations of Victorian England by Roberto Innocenti. As I reread this year, I couldn’t help but see paralles with today and people’s varying attitudes toward poverty and generousity. I hope that I remember to keep Christmas in my heart the whole year through.
The Golden Pharaoh by Peter Danielson – Book V becomes even more complex, with the distinctions between good guys and bad guys often falling within a single character.
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson – I knew the history of the English language was fascinating (at least to me), and Bryson brings out many interesting tidbits.
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom – Now that we measure time, what will we do with it? Albom’s story gives me pause to consider how I measure–or simply enjoy–the moments of each day.
The Kolb Brothers at the Grand Canyon – After seeing their studio and looking over the vistas of the South Rim of the Canyon, I enjoyed the stories of their adventures even more
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai – My mom brought this book and gave it to me when she finished. I am amazed and inspired by the courage Malala shows throughout her story. I also learned much that I didn’t know about Pakistan. I am thankful for the education that is possible here in the US and thankful for the power of books that allow me to see a glimpse into a different world.
Oiive Kitteridge by Ellzabeth Strout – I loved how this collection of stories give us a picture of the complicated and fascinating woman known as Olive Kitteridge. These stories give much to think about life and death and relationships and the secrets that most of us carry.
I’m currently reading…
Nothing! I just finished my first two books of 2015 and haven’t picked up the next one yet. No worries, I have a whole stack of new books to choose from. Check out the stack from Christmas presents!
Coming up…
I will be choosing one of these books that I got for Christmas to read next. There are so many good choices, it’s hard to know where to start. I also have the next book in the Danielson series calling to me as well!
One of my favorite things about Christmas is all the stories. From reading the original Christmas story in Matthew and Luke to reading tales of St. Nicholas and everything in between, I love reading old favorites and discovering new delights. My December reading starts with an old favorite from my childhood–this time read by my own daughter to mark the beginning of Advent. (Okay, technically she read it the last day of November, but it didn’t make the November list, so it starts off December perfectly.
174) Quintillius: The Start that Shone by William JB. Thielking – I have loved this one ever since I was a small child.
175) Children of the Lion by Peter Danielson – a sweeping saga of Bilbical proportions
176) The Miracle of Christmas by Stormie Omartian – a collection of reflections on the Christmas story
177) How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss – Still one of my all time favorite Christmas stories
178) Santa’s Book of Names by David McPhail – Cozy illustrations and a love of reading make another great Christmas story
179) The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner – I enjoyed reading this one a second time–this time aloud with my daughter
180) The Shepherd Kings by Peter Danileson – another gripping saga, this time focused on the generation of Jacob
181) The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal – I love, love Sinda–she has courage and spunk and smarts
182) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Barbara Shook Hazen, illustrated by Richard Scarry
183) Olive, the Other Reindeer by J. Otto Siefold and Vivian Walsh – Olive may be confused whether she is a dog or a reindeer, but she comes through with what dogs do best
184) Vengeance of the Lion by Peter Daneilson – another episode in the sweeping saga. I’m hooked now.
185) Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman by Marc Tyler Nobleman and Ty Templeton – I hope my nephew (Batman’s #1 fan) enjoys this book as much as I did!
186) The Christmas Troll by Eugene Peterson, illustrated by Will Terry – Trolls are so ridiculous–and make the best kind of present of all.
187) The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell, illustrated by Serfio Leone – I’ve loved this story since I was a child
188) Mystery in the Stable by Lisa Flinn and Barbara Younger, illustrated by Judi Niernberger – Two children try to solve the mystery going on next door.
189) The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by PJ Lynch – a quiet, heartwarming Christmas story
190) Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera – Sophie learns her aunt’s secret and that it is better to give than to receive.
191) The Lion in Egypt by Peter Danielson – another gripping episode in this sweeping saga
192) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – This is still one of my favorite Christmas stories
193) The Golden Pharaoh by Peter Danielson – Book V becomes even more complex, with the distinctions between good guys and bad guys often falling within a single character
194) The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson – I knew the history of the English language was fascinating (at least to me), and Bryson brings out many interesting tidbits.
195) The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom – Now that we measure time, what will we do with it? Albom’s story gives me pause to consider how I measure–or simply enjoy–the moments of each day.
196) The Kolb Brothers at the Grand Canyon – After seeing their studio and looking over the vistas of the South Rim of the Canyon, I enjoyed the stories of their adventures even more
Lord of the Nile – I knew once I opened the next book in this series, it would’t take me long ot read it. I am finding them quite addictive. Each book explodes with more conflict (everything is falling apart in both ends of Egypt) and ever more complicated characters. Joseph is struggling to hang on to his power and his life while the Pharaoh Salitis falls deeper into madness and powerful forces plot to bring him down. Oh yeah, he aslo struggles to forgive his brothers (who sold him into slavery) when they show up to buy grain. Meanwhile, Ben-Hadad lets bitterness eat him from the inside, pushing away his wife and Shobai’s twins, who are growing to be better than he ever was. Ketan and Teti are on the verge of adulthood and learn of love and heartbreak. Many familiar characters are back, and we meet new ones. My favorite? Riki, a child of the streets who is destined for something. I’ll have to wait until the next book to discover what.
Small Victories by Anne Lamott – I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I heard about it even if I didn’t know exactly what it was about. It ended up being the perfect companion for my journey home. Throughout these essays, Lamott explores grief, life and death, forgiveness, and our shared humanness with her signature wit and wisdom. I left it at home with my mom. I think she will enjoy it once her friend (another Lamott fan) finishes it. This is a book I want to put in the hands of people and hope it comes back to me. It is also a book I had to read with a pen in hand, with many passages to underline and comments to write in the margin. I hope others will do the same as they read it, too. It is a book that invites conversation.
How to Make Meetings Work by Michael Doyle and David Strauss – I finished this one on the plane ride home. Published in 1976, some of the information is dated (though some of their predictions about future technology sound eerily familiar to today). Much of the information seems obvious to me after years in the classroom, but I learned from seeing the principles in different contexts.
By the Book edited by Pamela Paul – I enjoyed several more essays this week–David Eggers, Colin Powell, Richard Ford, Elizabeth Gilbert. I was not familiar with David Eggers, but I will be looking for his books after reading about his work with young writers. I wanted to shout “Amen!” when I read how he encourages young writers with the freedom to write about any topic (“even flatulent hamsters”–I had middle schoolers who would have loved that topic) and to keep the writing fun. The conventions can come after you’ve hooked them on writing. He gave a similar answer to reading recommendations. No one book is right for every reader. Start with the reader’s interest, not what you think is good for them.
The Elements of Style by Wiliam Strunk and EB White – I meant to finish this in time for a discussion on Thursday, but when my travel plans ensured that I would miss the live discussion, I moved this one to the back burner. I plan on taking this book with me on my next journey if I don’t finish it before then.
