I am so excited about the Divergent series! Now that I am in the second book, Insurgent, I am even more engrossed in the story line because all of the twists and turns are new and unknown to me. I am on Chapter 33 of the second book and I steal glances at the book cover whenever I am unable to read (like right now). At the top of the cover is the phrase: "One choice can destroy you." Every time I read it, I wonder - Have I already read about this destructive choice? If so, which choice was it? I feel like the main character, Tris, has made so many bad decisions in this second book. With each fault in judgment, I mentally call out to her: "No! Don't do it!" My pleas make little difference as author Veronica Roth takes us both down the cascade of falling dominoes, with each poor decision resulting in another terrible dilemma.
Even now, I am resisting the urge to read. Please understand why. Tris is currently being held captive by the Erudite. Her own remorse and responsibility led her to this prison and I am wondering how she will emerge from this dire situation! I feel as if turning the pages of this text will expidite her freedom and that I am somehow responsible for the length of her captivity because I am not able to devote every waking moment to reading. I am sorry, Tris.
Reality calls me away from the book through piles of laundry, classrooms of disadvantaged students, moments with my family, and stacks upon stacks of college assignments. Still, I have stollen time to read this intriguing novel. While my husband's sausage fries in the morning, I sneak in ten minutes. While the hot water builds for my shower, I sneak in few more pages. Although I have had to devote my lunch period now toward the preparation of finals in three of my classes, I have pulled myself away from my studies every evening for at least thirty minutes of reading before I collapse on my pillow. I am tired, but not too tired to read! I have been able to read for 45 minutes everyday despite my bulging schedule.
I have even taken the advice of The Book Whisper's author, Donalyn Miller, and have become a reader who plans ahead. One of my middle school students has loaned me the Legend series by Marie Lu to read next. First, however, I must rescue Tris!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Giving up on King - Embracing Roth
"Readers choose what to read and when to stop reading a book that doesn't live up to its potential." ~ Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer
I claimed my right as a reader and put Cell back on the shelf where it belonged! While I am prone to keep most of my books, I will be taking this one back to The Book Bug for a store credit. My experience with this book was not wasted, however. I learned that in order for me to really enjoy a book, I must be able to relate to the characters in some way. Now, that does not mean that the main character and I must have numerous personality traits in common. Instead, it simply means that I need to be able to connect in some way to the character's life, struggle or thought patterns. I found such a character in Veronica Roth's book, Divergent.
The Divergent series was another recommendation from one of my students. When the book fair rolled into our school's library and the entire trilogy was displayed proudly on one of the shelves, the hand of fate reached into my purse and pulled out $40.00 to pay for the three beckoning books. I dove into the first book immediately and experienced so much joy at the contrast between it and my previous book. I may have even sighed as I releshed in the inner thoughts of Beatrice Prior. Now this is a book worth reading!
With my love for reading reignited, finding the time to read came once again with ease. I read an hour every day this week during my lunch and free period. I read another 30-45 minutes every evening before bed and I stole a few moments of reading this morning while the oven pre-heated to 375 degrees in anticipation for the hot, gooey cinnamon rolls that would emerge from it 18 minutes later.
Again, this is a book that has been turned into a major motion picture and, yes, I have already seen the movie. Don't worry. This fact has served only to drive me to finish this first book quickly so that I can lose myself in the unknown of the next two sequels!
I claimed my right as a reader and put Cell back on the shelf where it belonged! While I am prone to keep most of my books, I will be taking this one back to The Book Bug for a store credit. My experience with this book was not wasted, however. I learned that in order for me to really enjoy a book, I must be able to relate to the characters in some way. Now, that does not mean that the main character and I must have numerous personality traits in common. Instead, it simply means that I need to be able to connect in some way to the character's life, struggle or thought patterns. I found such a character in Veronica Roth's book, Divergent.
The Divergent series was another recommendation from one of my students. When the book fair rolled into our school's library and the entire trilogy was displayed proudly on one of the shelves, the hand of fate reached into my purse and pulled out $40.00 to pay for the three beckoning books. I dove into the first book immediately and experienced so much joy at the contrast between it and my previous book. I may have even sighed as I releshed in the inner thoughts of Beatrice Prior. Now this is a book worth reading!
With my love for reading reignited, finding the time to read came once again with ease. I read an hour every day this week during my lunch and free period. I read another 30-45 minutes every evening before bed and I stole a few moments of reading this morning while the oven pre-heated to 375 degrees in anticipation for the hot, gooey cinnamon rolls that would emerge from it 18 minutes later.
Again, this is a book that has been turned into a major motion picture and, yes, I have already seen the movie. Don't worry. This fact has served only to drive me to finish this first book quickly so that I can lose myself in the unknown of the next two sequels!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Cell: I do not like this book...
I read for 60 minutes last night, for 30 minutes this morning (school had a fog delay), and for 60 minutes this afternoon. During this time, I decided that I do not like Stephen King's book, Cell.
Initially, my mind had to adjust to the differences in writing styles. The last three books I read were futuristic but were written from the present tense, solely within the mind of the main character. The narrator was not omniscient and allowed me only to hear the inward contemplations of Katniss Evergreen. Typically, I am not a fan of being told the story as it happens. However, Collins quickly taught me how to walk through the Hunger Games with Katniss and I soon forgot my adversion to this narative choice. You would think that I would be more comfortable with the current writer's style. After all, King's novel is is being told using past tense from third-person with a limited knowledge into the inner-workings of only the main character, Clayton Riddell.
However, I cannot say that the use of my preferencial writing point-of-view has helped me fall in love with this book. In fact, I think I might actually despise the main character. Unlike the kindred spirit I felt with Katniss, I feel no sense of connection with this Mr. Riddell. He is not someone I would want to be friends with. He seems to be self-absorbed, negative thinking, and a despiser of Christianity and perhaps mankind in general. I really don't care to get to know him further.
On the other hand, the story line to this book seems intriuging, which is why I chose it in the first place. It is about an unfortunate side-effect of cell phone usage that essentially leaves mankind in shambles and chaos. But, the tone of the text is so dark and theophobic that enjoying the read is an unattainable endeavor.
I may continue reading it, but only until I find a better book!
Initially, my mind had to adjust to the differences in writing styles. The last three books I read were futuristic but were written from the present tense, solely within the mind of the main character. The narrator was not omniscient and allowed me only to hear the inward contemplations of Katniss Evergreen. Typically, I am not a fan of being told the story as it happens. However, Collins quickly taught me how to walk through the Hunger Games with Katniss and I soon forgot my adversion to this narative choice. You would think that I would be more comfortable with the current writer's style. After all, King's novel is is being told using past tense from third-person with a limited knowledge into the inner-workings of only the main character, Clayton Riddell.
However, I cannot say that the use of my preferencial writing point-of-view has helped me fall in love with this book. In fact, I think I might actually despise the main character. Unlike the kindred spirit I felt with Katniss, I feel no sense of connection with this Mr. Riddell. He is not someone I would want to be friends with. He seems to be self-absorbed, negative thinking, and a despiser of Christianity and perhaps mankind in general. I really don't care to get to know him further.
On the other hand, the story line to this book seems intriuging, which is why I chose it in the first place. It is about an unfortunate side-effect of cell phone usage that essentially leaves mankind in shambles and chaos. But, the tone of the text is so dark and theophobic that enjoying the read is an unattainable endeavor.
I may continue reading it, but only until I find a better book!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Caught up in Catching Fire - Mesmerized by Mockingjay
Now I remember why I like books so much more than movies. I remember watching the first Hunger Games' movie and thinking, "I wonder what all the fuss was about?" Now that I have read the book, I completely understand. Reading clarified all of my questions about the time line. Reading helped me better understand the personal motivations behind the actions of Katniss. Reading helped me see how very much in love with her Peeta truly was. It was so much better than the movie!
In fact, I enjoyed reading about the struggles of Katniss Evergreen so much that I finished the first book, started and ended the second book, and started and ended the third book -- all since my last post! I began to increase my reading time by indulging in an additional 30 minutes during my lunch on days that I was subbing (which has been every day lately). Then, I began sneaking in some reading time when I was pumping fuel at the gas station and again when I was in line at the bank. Before I knew it, I was reading during the Cardinal games and only looking up to check the score when I heard the crowd go crazy. I also started reading every time my husband was driving the car, essentially becoming an inattentive shotgun passenger as his attempts at conversation were answered an unenthusiastic with "Mmm, hmm" or "Uh, huh."
I read when I went to the bathroom. I read before I went to bed at night. I read before I got in the shower in the mornings. The only time I wasn't reading was when I was working on my required college studies, substitute teaching, caring for my children, or sleeping. I did the math and in eight days, I read a total of 13 hours! Thirteen hours made 90 minutes look like child's play! And, this was the woman who thought she didn't have time to read!!!
In those 13 hours, I finished the series and found myself wishing there was another book left to read. The Hunger Games series honestly captivated me. However, there was also a part of me that was glad I was able to finish the final book so that I could see for myself whether the Cardinals will seize the NLCS and so that I might once again have an engaging conversation with my husband. Who knows? Maybe he enjoyed the silence...
In an effort to continue reading 90 minutes a week, I made my trek back to The Book Bug to see if they might have the Divergent series. I was out of luck. So, I left my number for her to call me should the books turn up and I settled for Stephen King's Cell. I skimmed the protective covering of the book and found the following written on the inside of the back flap: "Stephen King lives in Maine with his wife, the novelist Tabitha King. He does not own a cell phone."
I am about to find out why!
In fact, I enjoyed reading about the struggles of Katniss Evergreen so much that I finished the first book, started and ended the second book, and started and ended the third book -- all since my last post! I began to increase my reading time by indulging in an additional 30 minutes during my lunch on days that I was subbing (which has been every day lately). Then, I began sneaking in some reading time when I was pumping fuel at the gas station and again when I was in line at the bank. Before I knew it, I was reading during the Cardinal games and only looking up to check the score when I heard the crowd go crazy. I also started reading every time my husband was driving the car, essentially becoming an inattentive shotgun passenger as his attempts at conversation were answered an unenthusiastic with "Mmm, hmm" or "Uh, huh."
I read when I went to the bathroom. I read before I went to bed at night. I read before I got in the shower in the mornings. The only time I wasn't reading was when I was working on my required college studies, substitute teaching, caring for my children, or sleeping. I did the math and in eight days, I read a total of 13 hours! Thirteen hours made 90 minutes look like child's play! And, this was the woman who thought she didn't have time to read!!!
In those 13 hours, I finished the series and found myself wishing there was another book left to read. The Hunger Games series honestly captivated me. However, there was also a part of me that was glad I was able to finish the final book so that I could see for myself whether the Cardinals will seize the NLCS and so that I might once again have an engaging conversation with my husband. Who knows? Maybe he enjoyed the silence...
In an effort to continue reading 90 minutes a week, I made my trek back to The Book Bug to see if they might have the Divergent series. I was out of luck. So, I left my number for her to call me should the books turn up and I settled for Stephen King's Cell. I skimmed the protective covering of the book and found the following written on the inside of the back flap: "Stephen King lives in Maine with his wife, the novelist Tabitha King. He does not own a cell phone."
I am about to find out why!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Diving In to the Works of Suzanne Collins
Tucked away in our little town, sits a tiny book store called The Book Bug. Every book on the shelves is used. Some have been donated and some have been traded in for other books. When I received my assignment to read, I knew that this was where I would seek to find my books. But what should I be reading? I went through a Nora Roberts phase for a while, but I just was not in the mood for a sweet romance novel. I wanted something more engaging - a cliff hanger perhaps!
Then, I thought about the sixth-grade avid reader I recently met. This boy has a tough home life and struggles with behavior issues at the local school where I substitute. During the past couple of weeks, the aide that follows him from class to class has been very ill and I have had the joy of getting to know him (along with several other amazing kids who need just a little extra help). The following morning, I grabbed his attention and told him about the requirements of my most recent class. When I informed him that I needed a book recommendation, his face lit up. He spit out a list of authors and books so quickly that I my pen could barely keep up as I attempted to record them all. At the top of his list were the Divergent and Hunger Games series.
That afternoon, with list in hand, I headed to The Book Bug. The helpful clerk proudly showed me to a spiffy set of almost-new Hunger Games books. She had the complete trilogy. While I was thrilled to find that she had all three books, I was a little hesitant in my choice. After all, I typically like to read the book before I watch the movie and I have already seen both of the released Hunger Games movies. Then, I thought about how happy my sixth-grade friend would be to see that I had followed his recommendation. Therein emerged all the motivation I needed. I paid my fee and left with three books in tow.
Immediately, I became plagued with the stress of finding the time to read my "pleasure" books. Being a wife, mother, college student, and substitute had already taken its toll on my schedule. Still, after dinner was eaten, a great deal of school work chipped away, and the kids tucked sweetly in bed that Thursday evening, I began turning the pages of book number one: The Hunger Games. Thirty minutes flew by as Suzanne Collins pulled me in with her illustrative language and welcomed me into the mind of Katniss Everdeen. The following Friday evening, I repeated the routine and was able to mark another thirty minutes down toward my goal.
By Saturday, I was hooked. I found myself carrying the text with me the entire day, stealing time to read in 15-20 minute intervals. I had been so drawn into the plot that I couldn't separate myself from the book. By the time my calculations were made, I had spent an hour and a half reading the enthralling Hunger Games. Sunday brought even more opportunities to devour the book and, before I knew what happened, I had already made it to Part III. Could I really be two-thirds of the way through the book in such a short time? I had been able to spend a great deal of the day reading - so much so that I had not been able to come to an exact calculation (my husband claimed it had been hours). The epiphany that I truly do have time to read was invigorating!
It is evident that I am going to fly through this series. I better start thinking about which yarn to enjoy next...
Then, I thought about the sixth-grade avid reader I recently met. This boy has a tough home life and struggles with behavior issues at the local school where I substitute. During the past couple of weeks, the aide that follows him from class to class has been very ill and I have had the joy of getting to know him (along with several other amazing kids who need just a little extra help). The following morning, I grabbed his attention and told him about the requirements of my most recent class. When I informed him that I needed a book recommendation, his face lit up. He spit out a list of authors and books so quickly that I my pen could barely keep up as I attempted to record them all. At the top of his list were the Divergent and Hunger Games series.
That afternoon, with list in hand, I headed to The Book Bug. The helpful clerk proudly showed me to a spiffy set of almost-new Hunger Games books. She had the complete trilogy. While I was thrilled to find that she had all three books, I was a little hesitant in my choice. After all, I typically like to read the book before I watch the movie and I have already seen both of the released Hunger Games movies. Then, I thought about how happy my sixth-grade friend would be to see that I had followed his recommendation. Therein emerged all the motivation I needed. I paid my fee and left with three books in tow.
Immediately, I became plagued with the stress of finding the time to read my "pleasure" books. Being a wife, mother, college student, and substitute had already taken its toll on my schedule. Still, after dinner was eaten, a great deal of school work chipped away, and the kids tucked sweetly in bed that Thursday evening, I began turning the pages of book number one: The Hunger Games. Thirty minutes flew by as Suzanne Collins pulled me in with her illustrative language and welcomed me into the mind of Katniss Everdeen. The following Friday evening, I repeated the routine and was able to mark another thirty minutes down toward my goal.
By Saturday, I was hooked. I found myself carrying the text with me the entire day, stealing time to read in 15-20 minute intervals. I had been so drawn into the plot that I couldn't separate myself from the book. By the time my calculations were made, I had spent an hour and a half reading the enthralling Hunger Games. Sunday brought even more opportunities to devour the book and, before I knew what happened, I had already made it to Part III. Could I really be two-thirds of the way through the book in such a short time? I had been able to spend a great deal of the day reading - so much so that I had not been able to come to an exact calculation (my husband claimed it had been hours). The epiphany that I truly do have time to read was invigorating!
It is evident that I am going to fly through this series. I better start thinking about which yarn to enjoy next...
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