All American

A colleague recently shared Trevor Noah’s interview with author Jason Reynolds. His closing lines of the interview, in which he talks about how to make reading matter for teens, resounded with me, “they [students] then build relationships not just with literature but with literacy. Then we start fixing violence, we start fixing gangs, all of that, once you realize that your life is dependent on your relationship with words.” Coincidentally, the timing of watching this interview was the same as I was starting to read All American Boys by Reynolds and co-author Brendan Kiely. This is my first Reynolds novel, but it most definitely won’t be the last.

I can’t help but make the initial comparison to The Hate U Give based on the primary conflict of police brutality and racism. For me, this book added a different element to the table. Point of view and empathy are critical pieces to this novel. The narrative switches back and forth between Rashad and Quinn’s voices. Both are regular high school guys from the same school getting ready to start their weekend with a party. They attend the same high school and have acquaintances in common, but don’t personally know each other.

The Friday night takes a terrible turn for Rashad. He stops at a convenience store for some snacks, and he’s thought to be stealing because of a silly accident by someone near him. An officer is in the store, and he is pulled out and horribly beaten while handcuffed. Quinn (and other bystanders – there’s a tape made) witnesses this event, and it turns out that the officer is the older brother of Quinn’s good friend. It turns out that this officer is also the same man who has been a stand-in father figure for Quinn. The intense internal and external conflict that this creates for the main characters and their families, friends, and the school community as a whole is compelling.

I was caught up in even the most minor character and the emotions of everyone involved from the very beginning. Even the ways that different teachers tried to handle the aftermath was representative of how people deal with the reality of harsh situations. From the basketball coach who wants the team to “leave it at the door,” to the teacher who breaks down in tears in front of her class, to the teacher who helps organize their march. So many lines stood out to me, including this one on page 296, “Had our hearts really become so numb that we needed dead bodies in order to feel the beat of compassion in our chests?”

Every word of this book matters.

Body or Mind?

My next selection was oddly disturbing, but in a good way. Unwind by Neal Shusterman tells the tale of the strange compromise reached from a futuristic war between pro-life and pro-choice factions. The agreement states that parents must raise kids until age 13, at which time if things aren’t working out for various reasons, they can decide to have them unwound. Unwound kids are basically disassembled and all their body parts go on to help others in need. The premise is that they aren’t being killed because their entire body is being recycled. Readers are in the mind of one unwound character toward the end of the book, and it really creeped me out as he was mentally aware through the whole procedure!

The book focuses on a few runaway Unwinds whose paths intersect. The story centers on their travels to escape being sent to harvest camp. They eventually find a refuge for kids like themselves. In the process of reading, I couldn’t help but connect to story lines like The Walking Dead (tv series) or books such as Lord of the Flies as a commentary about human nature and how people might deal with lack of order/civilization. Natural leaders arise, some with evil intentions, and they shape and twist what happens throughout the story.

The story kept my interest but was a bit slow going in parts. There was an entire section about one of the character’s rescuing a storked baby (“Storked” refers to undesired babies left on someone’s doorstep. The law is that if you get storked, then you must raise the baby until at least 13). This part was an entire early subsection of the book which I’m guessing was to build some character background.

I felt the author had a lot of thoughts about this surreal idea, and it brought up many existential points to grapple with.

Puppy Love

My young reader category has been neglected so I have to throw one in. This category is tough because I skim through SO many picture books throughout the week in each of my buildings. Then I forget to jot down titles to transfer here later. But this time I remembered! Even though I will categorize this as Young Reader, it can really be for anyone.

I am a sucker for books based on true animal stories. I have to list a few favorites from before starting this blog project: Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs by Michaela Muntean, Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery, and and Kirby Larson, and an undeniable favorite (probably in my top ten) was The One and Only Ivan (and its picture book counterpart) by Katherine Applegate.

Now, on to this recent book- Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic by Monica Carnesi is a sweet read. It is based on the tale of a little dog that somehow became trapped on a sheet of floating ice, and after two days gets rescued. The real photograph of the dog along with the true narrative in the Afterword was the best part for me. Even when he was falling into the water repeatedly everyone worked together to save him. It’s a story of survival and the will to keep going, for both the dog and the people who worked to rescue him.

Villain and Princess Reunion

My reading hit a dry spell, but I was feeling that urge to read something! The closest book to grab was one of my daughter’s most recent library books.

If you love Disney princesses and villainesses (the latter is not coming up as a correct word, but using it anyway), then Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy by Serena Valentino is the book for you. This book makes mention of just about all of them: Snow White and her mother, Ursula, Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, Circe… So many names and scenarios in the beginning that a reader may feel a bit lost.

The main story, though, is Maleficent’s. We flashback to her abandonment in the fairy woods as a baby; even the kindly Fairy Godmother left her for dead. Luckily, the Godmother’s sister, Nanny, decided to take Maleficent in and raised her. Life turned sour when she became sixteen, and unleashed her horrible rage in the form of a dragon that destroyed the fairy land. She became reclusive until a temptation pulled her from her lair.

SPOILER AHEAD- The temptation is the big twist: finding out that Aurora is Maleficent’s daughter. And this is where the story just gets away from me. I can’t wrap my head around Maleficent’s intention of killing Aurora to “keep her safe from herself.” The story has some cool moments and twists, but some of the attempts to connect the tales feel a bit forced.

Those who love the combination of all these tales will be enchanted.

Complete 180

The blog title is not the name of the next book I read, but the complete change it was from my last read. The Hate U Give is a MEATY book. Chocolate Fever, by Robert Kimmel Smith, is about as far from meaty as you can get (food pun absolutely intended). The story was published in 1972, yet I imagine keeps on staying around because of the mention of chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

This is not a random read for me. It happens to be the One School, One Book selection at one of my buildings. Since I wanted to be “in the know,” I grabbed a copy for some weekend reading. I read it in about an hour, and honestly, just wanted to finish it as quickly as I could. This book is like a watered-down Dahl book for me. Henry Green eats so much chocolate that he develops chocolate spots all over. He runs away in shame and luckily comes across a doctor who is able to give the cure. The lesson meant for kids is to practice self control and moderation. A pertinent lesson for any age, but a bit too simplistic in this story for my liking.

Childrens’ books can certainly have depth. This just isn’t one of them for me.

Thug Life

The blog title refers to my latest read- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. My library social media feeds have been bringing up this book repeatedly, so I had to check it out.

Verdict is- the hype is well-deserved. After finishing, I couldn’t help but imagine how incredible it would be to read with a class if I was still teaching English. The conversations among students would be amazing because there is SO much to discuss. The story includes the main plots of police brutality, gang life (including the various reasons someone may become involved in it), family, friendship, depth of character and conversations, pop culture (the shoes, the TV references, music). Themes such as standing up and speaking out for what is right, coping through life’s tragedies, self-identity, and so much more!

These characters jumped off the page for me with the writer’s attention to detail. One example is Starr’s cute superstitions while watching LeBron play basketball. I found myself laughing at so many of her family’s exchanges. Yet, while being able to laugh, there is the plot of Starr as witness to her friend’s brutal murder at the hands of a police officer. She must figure out how willing she is to become a visible and vocal witness of this murder, and how it will affect her friendships at the mostly white school that she attends. The main story is hope for justice and equality.

This book will make you think and feel on so many levels. It’s a conversation starter and it’s a conversation that I would enjoy having with students, adults or anyone interested.

My Reason

This entry isn’t a book review.

It’s my explanation for this project. I know I briefly covered this in my “Getting Started” entry, but want to go a bit further here.

Reading is important to me. I love it. I can think back to certain books as favorites of mine growing up. I was around five the first time I read out loud to my family. It was The Little Engine that Could. I was so proud of myself.

Elementary school Witch’s Sister and Witch’s Water were two that I signed out and read over and over again. I can’t remember the author’s name or much about why I loved these titles, but I remember thinking they were so good! Also in elementary, Lois Duncan’s Stranger with my Face. This book fascinated me! I think I tried to astrally project myself for MONTHS (maybe longer!) after reading this book. Late elementary school brought Sweet Valley High. I read and reread these stories. Sometimes multiple books at the same time, alternating a chapter of each until they were finished.

In middle school I remember devouring all Stephen King books, and Dean Koontz (I mentioned that in an earlier entry). I’ll never forget reading Jackie Collins too. My eighth grade Language Arts teacher pointed out that this was trash and was shocked that my mother would allow me to read such a thing! And you know what? I have to agree when I think of it now! But I also wouldn’t tell my kids they couldn’t read something. (At least I don’t think I would!) V.C. Andrews was another high school favorite. I remember sobbing over certain parts of the Flowers in the Attic series, and my grandfather yelling, “Why are you reading it if it makes you that upset!?!”

As an adult and teacher, I have read so many more books and have dug deeply into content with my students. Rereading some of these titles has created favorites too- like The Watsons go to Birmingham with my seventh graders. I think Byron may be one of my favorite characters ever. I’ve taken notes and have had tattoos based on books, primarily The Language of Flowers. This book was amazing to me. The Secret Life of Bees is a title that stands out in my mind to this day even though I last read it probably ten plus years ago. I have cycled through my top adult choices of crime thriller, drama and mystery on repeat.

So many books and so many memories, associations and emotions. I have cried, laughed and been angry by books. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes to this day. Which is why I want to start keeping track of it all. I don’t want to write long summaries of books that I read, but I want to give myself a brief remembrance of what I have read and of what stood out to me.

This project is mostly for me, but here it is in a public forum. It’s about the books. I’m happy to share my reading list and thoughts with anyone else loving to read. That’s why.

Flying Lions

Journey Across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst has a dragon, koji, valravens (who knew they were a thing?!), princesses on a quest, and… flying lions (among other fantastical creatures).

This book was recommended by my public library (one of my favorite stops if you haven’t already noticed). It was a recent mother-daughter book club pick. Even though my daughter and I aren’t able to participate in the actual club discussions (scheduling conflicts), I still like to find out what they are reading. This one was mentioned for having many great lessons and discussion-worthy content. I have to agree.

Fantasy has been heavy in my reading lists lately. It’s not normally my top pick though. This one was just so out there that I couldn’t help but get pulled in. Sister princesses are trained for different positions, one to be a proper heir to the throne and one to be a warrior/protector. They are sent ahead of schedule as twelve-year olds to renew their people’s pact with a dragon. This pact has kept their islands safe for hundreds of years. As they make their journey they must face koji monsters and other obstacles. The sisters must also embrace their own apprehensions, jealousies and expectations.

The ending of the story is what resonated most with me. The ideas of becoming who you are and accepting change are powerful lessons which come together in the story’s resolution.

“It can’t ever fly if you don’t let it. It can’t ever see the world if you don’t let it. It can’t live if you never give it the chance” (332).

Ravens and Riddles

Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle is my second to last read of the 2018 Nutmeg selections. This was an interesting one! I couldn’t help but picture the movie “The Crow.” Especially in terms of some of the characters’ ability to paravolate (fly as one with their amicus/raven). In the movie the same thing occurs as Brandon Lee’s character attempts to seek his own justice after death through a crow. Definitely not a kid movie! But, back to Gabriel Finley!

Gabriel discovers that he comes from a long line of “bird whisperers.” They are able to befriend/speak/fly with ravens. The book is his story of trying to solve many riddles to find the torc which will prevent his evil bird uncle from taking over the world. There are MANY fantastical elements to this story. Some of them are evil birds called valravens- they do not laugh at riddles like normal ravens, a dancing, mischievous desk and a trip to the bird underworld realm.

This story is a wild ride. One I found a bit dragged out in parts, but I think fantasy lovers will really enjoy it. And who doesn’t love a good riddle?

Old Favorite

Dean Koontz was a favorite during my mid-late teen years along with Stephen King. During that time I read just about everything from these authors. It’s been a long while, so when I saw the newly released The Whispering Room by Koontz, I was compelled to grab it! I was a bit frustrated upon starting the book when I realized it is the second of the Jane Hawk series, but I plowed ahead figuring that I could fill in the missing pieces.

Reading this was like slipping into a pair of comfy slippers. The writing is no-fail for me- a great plot with twists and turns and great characters. Jane Hawk is a perfect woman character: smart, bold and courageous. She reminds me of Lisbeth Salander from the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series (also awesome!). She can be ruthless while also stopping to help out everyday people. This stood out for me when she helped the grandmother, mom and two daughters from a motor vehicle hi-jacking. Her message to the mom about teaching her daughters to be brave and not victims is one Jane is well-equipped to model.

The sinister story-line of injections that alter people’s brain chemistry, creating almost zombie-like effects is riveting. You never know what science and power are capable of- a recipe for a great many story lines.

Of course, when everything goes so well it’s hard not to be a bit cynical. But I don’t care. I love that it worked out for the good guys (mostly). I do wish the ending didn’t leave off so abruptly, but of course, that’s par for the course in any book series. Guess I will have some catching up to do with reading books 1 and 3.