lovereading

Journal: September 2008 - December 2008

Page history last edited by Mrs Reid 11 mos ago

This is the time of year when it is most difficult for me to read: school has just started, the swimming season is in full swing, and I am busy with university classes. However, I still manage to fit in an hour of reading most days. I find it the perfect way to relax and relieve any stresses or worries I may be experiencing. Sometimes, I don't know what I would do without reading!

Dear American Airlines by Jonathan Miles
Keeping the Night Watch by Hope Anita Smith

This is a book of poetry that explores the family dynamics when an absentee father comes home for good. We never find out where the father was - that is not the important part of this book. The most interesting aspect is how the eldest son and father learn to bond again under strenuous conditions. I didn't expect to love this book - I picked it up merely because it looked interesting - but I did! Oh - and the story is told via a sequence of poems.

Bone by Bone by Tony Johnston

This book has a WOW! factor that I didn't expect. It's set in the times of segregated America, and the author bases the character of the white supremacist father on her own father, whose actions she condemns with a vehemence that is very much apparent throughout the book. It's fiction, but at the same time it's not. Beautifully written - almost poetical in places - and one of my favorite books of the year, this is a short little book that packs a punch. I'm glad I read it!

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

I am so lucky to have read three great books in a row! This third book in the Eragon series was truly excellent. Paolini has really struck gold this time. Fantasy isn't my natural choice of genre, but Paolini is really winning me over with these books. The war between the Varden and Galbatorix's Empire continue, and Eragon must learn new secrets and gain powerful strength in order to defeat his foe and his puppets, the dragon Thorn and Murtagh, Eragon's half-brother. Some new family history comes to light, significant secreats are learned, and happiness and tragedy walk side by side.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
My Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick

This author just can't go wrong. The writer of Sold and Cut does it again. This is story is about a brother who is desperately trying to cover for his older brother, Jake, who is falling into a lifestyle of drug abuse, alcoholism, and crime. This book shows how a family comes to terms with an absent father and deals with the consequences of bad choices. I loved it!

The Lindbergh Child by Rick Geary
Revolution is not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

This book is based onthne author's own experience as a child living through the Chinese communist regime set in place by Mao. When Comrade Li moves into a room in her parents' apartment, a cloud starts to form over Ling's family. They are no longer safe in their own home.

Derby Girl by Shauna Cross
Slam! by Nick Hornby
Burn by Suzanne Phillips

Teased and mocked and physically abused by his classmates, Cameron Grady figures he has no choice left but to retaliate with violence. His growing interest in fire and his eroding self-esteem lead him down a path from which there is no return. The ending is shocking and unexpected, and you are left feeling that the bullies who helped create the violence within Cameron should reap a greater punishment. A serious story that reminds us all why we should treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.