Tuesday, January 27, 2009

SOOOO many books, so little time


Today the IMC received 266 NEW BOOKS- I was like a kid in a candy shop. Thanks to Daniella K. who helped, ( well, she did most of the work) select great Graphic Novels and Manga. Dr. Dillons 8th graders made some terrific suggestions during our last book talks, and some of those titles have come in-The Pretty Little Liars series, Pendragon series, Serafina 67 and others. Whatever your preference in reading is- there is something for you in the IMC-Come CHECK IT OUT! Literally.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Catching up on reading



The December break was a great time to catch up on some reading. I reread Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, and loved it as much the second time. The BAA selected The Art of Racing in the Rain as their next title and I blazed through that. The story of a family dealing with love and loss, told through the voice of the family dog. As a companion book, some of us have opted to read Marley and Me, and those who have read it sigh " oh, that is such a great book- and the movie was great too!" soooooooo I will read that next. I had been recommending The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society to so many and finally had the opportunity to read it myself. LOVED IT! The story unfolds in a series of letters between the main character, Juliet, and inhabitants of the island of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. The islanders recall their experiences during the German Occupation of WWII, and it is through their correspondence that both Juliet and I fell in love with them.
I am now reading Neil Gaimans' The Graveyard Book which has an unusual premise- a graveyard full of compassionate ghosts are raising a child. To paraphrase an famous quote "It take a whole graveyard to raise a child" Stop by the IMC and let me know what YOU are reading!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Goldengrove


I just finished Goldengrove by Francine Prose. I love that her last name is Prose. I often make a mental note of how certain people have last names that reflect a portion of their personality or life. The book is written from the perspective of Nico, a 13 year old girl who mourns the tragic death of her beloved and revered older sister Margaret. The novel dissects the grieving that Nico's family endures, and their coping mechanisms. Nico finds solace in confiding in Aaron, Margaret's boyfriend, who is also in deep pain. Nico finds herself comforted by Aaron, and eventually finds herself becoming emotionally involved with him. For his part, Aaron sees his dead girlfriends personality in Nico, and she is willing to go along with his charade, as she may just be in love with him. It is a story that captures you and does not let you go. The authors use of language draws you right into the moment. I felt as though I could talk to each of the characters. I would highly recommend this book, but for older readers.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving Reading

Hi all,
Stuffed from a huge meal. Currently relaxing reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Eragon by Paolini and finishing The Book Thief for the second time. (It is even better with a second reading). I will take a break to scour the New York Times to catch up with the financial world and the tragedy in India. and then back to the books! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the BAA meeting on Wednesday, where we will discuss The Book Thief and choose our next title.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Hey guys!
So we should all basically be well into The Book Thief by now. We do have a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the book as many of the members of B.A.A were unable to make it last week! We will also be discussing what to do for Monday November 24th, our Twilight Movie vs. Book discussion. So just a reminder to all members of B.A.A come prepared on Wednesday! And if there is anyone who wants to join now, there is no penalty for joining late so try and get a word in with me or Ms. Roberts!
P.S. SO EXCITED FOR TWILIGHT! (LOVE ROBERT PATTINSON!)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Twilight


Twilight by Stefanie Myer definitely is the book with the highest circulation in our library right now. And for good reason- it is just plain fun to read. A true page turner. The movie is due to break at Midnight on November 20. Will Edward and Bella live up to the vision that readers have in their minds? How will the movie compare to the book? Come to the IMC after school on Monday, Nov. 24th to discuss your thoughts about the movie and the book.

Monday, October 13, 2008

The Wheatley School Book Club


Join The Wheatley School Book club and unleash the power of books. Our first "official meeting" will be Wed. October 15, after school in the IMC. We will be reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is the story of a girl, of Nazi Germany and of the power of words- both to save and destroy. It is a book that completely absorbs you; once you start, you will be unable to put it down. The story will stay with you forever. All are welcome to join, pick up a copy of the book in the IMC.