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.

Fairy Tale

I couldn’t help my interest in Snow and Rose by Emily Winfield Martin which at first glance was based on its unique beauty. The book itself has beautiful pages with little embellishments of color. It is a gorgeous book.

The fairy tale genre has certainly made a comeback with so many variations across different age levels. I am not familiar with the original tale of Snow and Rose and feel that it may have enhanced my appreciation of the story to know the original. With that being said, I still found it to be an enjoyable read which I completed in one sitting.

The characters and setting are enchanting and I loved the adventurous natures of Snow and Rose. My favorite part had to be the library full of random objects instead of books. The image of twisting steps leading to all these trinkets is something that would be amazing to see in real life. Of course there is a story behind every object, and each selected object would become important in their own lives as well.

The ending was a surprise to me, and I liked that it brought the previous elements together, such as understanding why so many animals were out to hurt the little man.

December Break

A break ALWAYS means a chance to read a few extra books! I feel as though I’ve been reading the last title for a long while. Little Secrets by Anna Snoekstra was a tough one for me to get through. This is another random selection from my public library’s new releases section.

This book felt as though it went in circles. It was repetitive and a bit dragged out. I kept waiting for something to come together with the porcelain dolls and the drug epidemic. I thought it would’ve made for a good story if the dolls were being used to smuggle in drugs. Quite a difference from the doll’s actual origin, SPOILER!, a lonely old woman from a well-known family in town kindly giving them to children she is trying to cheer up after losing their friend to a fire. A fire which never really killed him in the first place.

Overall, this book had odd elements that were never resolved for me. The paper plate kids (so odd), the corrupt cops (Frank becoming a complete alcoholic by the end of the book), Will’s presence, and the strange switching between points of view to name a few.

This book led me in circles and left me dizzy.

I have a stack of three more books and only about five days of my December break remaining. Next up is Snow and Rose by Emily Winfield Martin which is added by my daughter’s recommendation.

Twists and Turns

My latest read, Dead Woman Walking by Sharon Bolton, was a great find. I happened to pull this one randomly while browsing the New Releases section of my public library. I love when I choose a book solely on my interest in the book jacket and teaser and it turns out to be a gem!

The story is set in England, beginning with a group enjoying a hot air balloon until they suddenly witness a murder. The killer sees the group and sets off after them. There is one survivor, and the murderer is intent to find her. The story builds background of the woman survivor and how she came to be on the balloon. The murderer has a lot more to cover up than this one incident. Patrick Faa, and his family, are heavily involved with the business of organ donation in a completely illegal way.

This story was so unique that it kept me interested for the whole ride.

Art and Mystery

My eighth Nutmeg is in the books (pun intended!). Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald had so many great elements, mystery, art, history and unique family/friend relationships. This story reminded me a bit of The DaVinci Code for kids.

I will say a bit about each element. For starters, the mystery was enough to keep you guessing through the whole story. And I loved that the letter at the end solved it all. Every single thing would have been different if she found that letter first, including her friendship with Bodhi. I loved the contrast between Bodhi’s celebrity lifestyle and Theo’s frugal one. I also found myself intrigued by the mother’s character (although honestly, every character was appealing to me in some way). I hoped mom would solve her math theorem by the end of the book, but I guess her not solving it was part of the point!

The art described through the story gives the reader a great lesson in the Masters, and of course, a different viewpoint of WWII POWs. It makes me want to visit a museum to see the paintings being described. I think this book would be a great read aloud for a class with SO many enrichment options. My only question is whether a student would be as interested in the book as I was? I look forward to talking to those students of mine who read it.

My daughter mentioned enjoying Fitzgerald’s novel The Gallery. I will definitely add it to my “want to read” list!

Random Choice

After reading a few kid books, I’m ready for some adult time. I had some credit to use with my Amazon Kindle and found a review for KL Slater’s The Mistake. A review of “You won’t be able to put it down” gets me almost every time, along with comparisons to Gone Girl and The Girl on a Train (love both of these).

Overall, this read was a nice break, but nothing I would rave about. The controlling, horrible boyfriend made me absolutely crazy. I hated him and was aggravated with Rose for putting up with him as long as she did. This is a credit to the author’s ability to create a solid character. Rose’s brother Billy’s death and finally finding out “who done it” was somewhat forced for me though. Not a big shocking surprise, but rather a… really?

So it will be back to kid literature for a while. Next up will be more of the Intermediate Nutmegs while keeping my eyes and ears open for the next adult novel.