The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan

I picked up this book in the young adult section of the library. It was super short - 136 pages. I knew it would be a quick read and hopefully a good one. While it was a short read, it lacked excitement. The idea behind the book was good - a corrupt government in Argentina, but the book fell flat. The writing style was of interest as each chapter was intended to be a letter between siblings. More than anything, I think I realized that while a book might have conflict, without action, the conflict doesn't go far.

Catching Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson

I recently started this book with some students. It is non-fiction and quite good. Considering that non-fiction is not normally a genre I read, I'm excited to try something different. The story is well written and fast paced. I also enjoy the fact that I'm learning something with this book.

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Last week I finished another Zusak book, I am the Messenger. Zusak's book The Book Thief is one of my all time favorites. I was excited to read yet another book by this author. While the book is interesting and complex (in true Zusak form), I cannot recommend this book without reservation. The plot, theme, and characters are intriguing, but unfortunately the language and sexual references keep me from recommending this book to middle school students. However, I must say, it is an intriguing and complex read and I appreciate Zusak's unique writing style. But for now, students, stick with The Book Thief.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I'm now about half-way through the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy - Catching Fire. It is fantastic - just like the first. And I can certainly recommend these books to students. Katniss, the main character, is still interesting, strong, and intelligent. I look forward to how she, Peeta, and Gale (Katniss is a female protagonist with Peeta and Gale - and sometimes others - playing the antagonists) resolve this difficult life or death conflict. One element I REALLY appreciate about the book is how it makes me speculate how situations (as previously mentioned - life or death situations) will be resolved as the outlook appears so bleek. Furthermore, Suzanne Collins, the author is an expert at character development. I greatly enjoy the characters and can vividly picture most.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

WOW! It has been a long time since my last post; however, I've been reading a great deal! Don't worry! My most recent read was The Hunger Games. This book is the first in a trilogy. I highly recommend the first book; it combines gladiator-like themes with advanced technology. The movie of The Hunger Games will be released this summer, as well as the third novel. The movie is going to appeal to a wide audience, not only young adults. The content is appropriate and absolutely thought provoking.

I am anxiously awaiting the second novel - which I purchased last week and apparently it is in the mail.

Jane Eyre

I am now reading this book again.... I find it amazing how many new ideas and pieces of information we can discover when reading something again and again. I recently read the book The Thirteenth Tale. It was incredibly good, not sure if I'd recommend it to all middle schoolers, but it contained numerous Gothic similarities to Jane Eyre. Therefore - my desire to read Jane Eyre again resurfaced after reading The Thirteenth Tale. I HIGHLY recommend Jane Eyre; it is a classic, Gothic, horror story which will interest many. And.... not as difficult to read as Shakespeare!

The Graveyard by Neil Gaiman

I can't believe it, but it took me over a month to finish this book! It was enjoyable, but slow at points. I found the ending to be the most entertaining and exciting part of the book. Only in the very beginning and the ending of the book did I find compassion for the main character. The story is interesting and quite creative; however, I wonder if my focus on the new school year kept me from enjoying the book more.

The information below is from a previous post where I mentioned what I was currently reading.....
This book received the 2008 Newbery Award - which is bestowed for most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. If you recall the name of the book, it might be because I included an excerpt for this particular book in your summer reading list. Furthermore if the author sounds familiar, it is because he is the author of Coraline, which just came out at the movies. I'm only on chapter two, but I'm loving it so far. Also, his website, http://www.neilgaiman.com/, is pretty interesting.