The Best Reader:
movie

"It was fun to read about a character (Forrester) who wasn't afraid to be intelligent." — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"The only tie-in to the Columbia Pictures film starring Sean Connery, directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) — an inspiring story about the unlikely friendship between a famous, reclusive novelist and an amazingly gifted teen who secretly yearns to be a writer. Set in Manhattan and the South Bronx, William Forrester (Connery), a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who has not been heard from for four decades, accidentally discovers that Jamal, a brash 16-year-old African-American who plays basketball on the court below his window, keeps a secret journal that shows a real gift for writing. Forrester takes Jamal on as a protege, and the friendship challenges and changes the two of them forever. "

Why I read this: Next semester we will be reading "Finding Forrester" throughout the school during T.E.A.M time (TEAM will be replacing DEAR). The English teachers had to create lessons to go along with book for each 20 minute period.

Plot: While I didn't get too excited about the plot of this novel, it was intriguing — I mean who wouldn't want to meet and befriend a famous Great American Author? There were some great metaphors in this novel about working hard, being true to yourself, but especially in regards to being a scholar and academic, not being afraid to be intelligent. I think our students will relate to these themes of the novel.

Characters: The characters were likable, but because there have been so many movies/books out there about the boy who decides to "be different and work hard" (Step Up), it was hard to stay focused when the author tried to convey to the readers how isolated Jamal had become from his friends. His mom and his teacher, I adored — but again, we've seen so many characters like them throughout film and literature. Forrester was a rare character, one that was read so bitter and intelligent — I've obviously seen movies with characters like that, but I don't think I've found a character in a book that has been so raw and honest in that aspect.

Cover: Mediocre. Didn't draw me to it but didn't push me away. If I were the publishing company I'd want Sean Connery's face on the book too.

Random Thoughts: Unlike most books/movies, this book was written after the movie. So throughout the book all I could think of was Sean Connery's (can we say?) delicious accent.

Final Thoughts: Overall this was an okay book that was a light, fast read. It was fun to read about being scholarly and intelligent — I hope my students can pick those hints out of the book. But as for me personally, it was a bit generic. I'm looking forward to watching the movie to see it in the medium where it was originally meant to be seen.

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 7/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 5/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 6/10
Overall: 86/100 B

To the FTC, with love: School Book

Banished to Boarding School

Experience the Heartbreak and Humor When the Academy Award® and Golden Globe® Winner Comes to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 13
During the film, we find out that Alex, the oldest King daughter, has been sent away to boarding school for acting out — but she sure isn't the first difficult child that has been banished to boarding school on film! This Top 10 list will illustrate some other films where boarding school plays a role in the plot, including Flirting, Rushmore and Dead Poet's Society.
Based on the best-selling novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings and set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries. if…

if… is a 1968 drama about a British boarding school that is known for its severe punishments and the mistreatment of younger students by the older students (the Whips). The film focuses on three “outcast” students who are punished particularly severely at the hands of the Whips, and their eventual plan to retaliate on their oppressors. The films ends in a bloody battle between the outcasts and the rest of the school. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival.
. Au Revoir Les Enfants
Au Revoir Les Enfants is a 1987 French film that is based on actual events experienced by writer/director Loius Malle. The film takes place at a French boarding school in 1943. The school’s headmaster has introduced three Jewish students who must hide their true identities in order to evade the Gestapo. The film follows the friendship of one of the Jewish students, Jean Bonnet and another student, Julien Quentin. Eventually, the three Jewish students and the headmaster are captured and taken to concentration camps.
Dead Poet’s Society

Dead Poet’s Society is a 1989 film set in a conservative prep school in Vermont in 1959. John Keating (Robin Williams) is the radical new English teacher at the uptight Welton Academy Prep School. Through his unorthodox teaching methods, like standing on desks and tearing pages out of books, Keating is able to help his students discover and explore their true passions in life, like writing and acting, instead of succumbing to the lives their parents have prescribed for them.
Flirting
Flirting is a 1991 Australian film set in two different boarding schools in 1965. The film stars Noah Taylor, Thandie Newton and Nicole Kidman as students attending boarding schools across the lake from each one another. Danny (Taylor) meets and falls in love with Thandiwe (Newton), a Ugandan-Kenyan-British girl. The couple is faced with racism and political turmoil, and must meet secretly in order to develop their relationship. Eventually, the couple is forced to separate, with letter writing as their only remaining connection.
School Ties

School Ties is a 1992 film starring Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon and Chris O’Donnell. Set in the 1950s, this film is the story of David Greene (Fraser), a Jewish student from Pittsburgh who is given a football scholarship to attend a prestigious prep school in New England. After it is revealed that he is Jewish, David is ostracized from his former friends and anti-Semitism begins to plague the school.
Scent of a Woman
Scent of a Woman is a 1992 drama starring Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell. The film is about a preparatory student (Charlie Simms) who takes a job as an assistant to a cantankerous, blind retired Army officer (Frank Slade). Frank takes Charlie on an extravagant trip to New York City with the intention of committing suicide once the trip has concluded. Charlie convinces Frank not to kill himself, and Frank helps Charlie win a disciplinary hearing at his school. Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.
Rushmore

1998’s Rushmore is the story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a precocious 15 year-old student at the prestigious Rushmore Academy. Max befriends Herman Blume (Bill Murray), a wealthy industrialist who has two children in school with Max. After Max’s unauthorized and failed attempt to construct an aquarium at the school, he is expelled and forced to attend public school. Following his expulsion, Max and Blume begin battling each other for the affections of first grade teacher Rosemary Cross.
The Emperor’s Club
2002’s The Emperor’s Club stars Kevin Kline, Emile Hirsch, Jesse Eisenberg and Paul Dano. The film focuses on the fictional men’s prep school, St. Benedict’s Academy, in Andover, MA in the mid 1970s. The film tells the story of a passionate Classic professor who encounters a difficult and corrupt student. The film picks up 25 years after the group’s graduation, and shows that the boys continue to learn lessons from their old teacher even into adulthood.
Les Choristes
Les Choristes is a 2004 French film that is set in a boarding school for troubled boys in 1949. The film focuses on a new teacher at the school who starts a choir, and helps the boys become happier, better behaved, and find hidden talents. The new teacher also helps expose the atrocities of the cruel headmaster, while nurturing Morhange, a young boy with an amazing voice and a true talent for music.
The Harry Potter Series

As much as we Muggles don’t want to admit it, Hogwarts is, at its core, a boarding school. The film adaptations of the wildly successful series of novels focuses on the titular boy wizard who travels to school to develop his wizarding skills. In the process, Harry and his friends embark on exciting adventures and face many obstacles and dangers, including some not-so-abnormal teen moments, such as asking a girl to a dance, and navigating a new (or in their case ever-changing) building on your first day of classes.
Fox Entertainment has offered up a Blu-ray/DVD copy of THE DESCENDANTS for one lucky winner!

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a Blu-ray/DVD copy of THE DESCENDANTS.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends March 26th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Thanks to Think Jam and Fox Entertainment for providing this giveaway.

Oscar^® Winner Gregory Peck Gives the Performance of His Career in the Timeless Classic Available on Blu-ray ™
for the First Time
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 50^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two Full­Length Documentaries On Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD
Available January 31, 2012
To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the screen’s most beloved and critically acclaimed films, celebrates its 50^th anniversary with a commemorative Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack as well as on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on January 31, 2012. The powerful and poignant adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hits the half-century mark, digitally remastered and fully restored from high resolution 35MM original film elements, plus more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus features chronicling the making of the cinematic masterpiece.

The Limited Edition Collector’s Series Combo Pack of To Kill a Mockingbird: 50^th Anniversary Edition will include a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy of the film, packaged in a hardcover book featuring exclusive movie memorabilia including script pages with Gregory Peck’s handwritten notes, storyboards, poster art and much more.
Released theatrically in 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird won instant accolades for its nuanced performances, splendidly crafted narrative and bold endorsement of racial tolerance, fairness and honor, a combination that still resonates with audiences today. It earned eight Academy Award^® nominations and three wins including a Best Actor statuette for Gregory Peck in one of his most iconic roles asthe principled Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. The prestigious American Film Institute lists To Kill a Mockingbird as one of the 100 Greatest American Films and also names Atticus Finch as the No. 1 Film Hero of All Time. A timeless, enduring classic that remains as relevant and impactful today as it was at its release, To Kill a Mockingbird ’’s appeal continues to span generations.

In honor of its centennial anniversary, Universal Pictures proudly salutes 100 years of unforgettable films that have entertained audiences and touched the hearts of millions around the globe. In celebration of our first 100 years, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present a selection of our many beloved movies as part of an extensive year-long program that underscores the studio's rich cinematic history and indelible cultural impact.

Click the link below to view the official trailer for the To Kill a Mockingbird 50^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ release: http://universal.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=de63fe7c0c348f500d6a2a476a96a02d

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a Blu-ray of To Kill a Mockingbird 50th anniversary edition.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US/CANADA only and ends February 4th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Thanks to ThinkJam and Fox Entertainment for making this giveaway possible.

Books Read:

• Cracked Up to Be
• I Used to Know That
• Love You, Hate You, Miss You
• The Source of Miracles
• Elmer the Christmas Elf
• Inside Out
• A Christmas Carol: Special Edition
• Da Cajn Critter
  

• "Mr. Darcy's Dream"
  
• Donate a Book Review
• "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much"
  

• "The Summer of Cotton Candy"
  
• "Dragon's of Autumn Twilight"
  
• "And Tango Makes Three"
  
• "City of Bones"
• "Hush Hush"
  

Awards:

• Proximade Award
• One Lovely Blog Award
  

Book Shelf Pictures:

• 12.11.09
  

• Privacy Policy
  
• Review Policy
  

It is the almost the New Year and I am on a kick; I am attempting to "declutter" my life of all its' excess. After decluttering my clothes and movies I may or may not have decluttered my book shelves (it's addicting okay!). I have the following books to trade. If you're interested in a trade please email me (google at gmail dot com)! I'd love any kind of YA novel. Unfortunately at this time — only open to US addresses.

"Between the Kingdoms" — Joe Boyd
"Love's Shadows" — Ada Leverson
"The Brontes Went to Woolworths" — Rachel Ferguson
"The Lumby Lines" — Gail Fraser
"The Overnight Socialite" — Bridie Clark
"Noah's Castle" — John Rowe Townsend
"O, Juliet" — Robin Maxwell
"Women are Crazy, Men are Stupid" — Howard J. Morris, Jenny Lee
"The Last Goodnights" — John West
"The Tall Pine Polka" — Lorna Landvik
"Manhood for Amateurs" — Michael Chabon
"Gifted: Finders Keepers" — Marilyn Kaye
"Gifted: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" — Marilyn Kaye
"Gifted: Better Late Than Never" — Marilyn Kaye
"Dracula in Love" — Karen Essex
"The Lost Dog" — Michelle de Kretser
"Under the Black Ensign" — L. Ron Hubbard
"Under the Black Ensign" — L. Ron Hubbard (audio)

ARCs
"Girl in Translation" — Jean Kwok
"Russian Winter" — Daphne Kalotay
"The Things a Brother Knows" — Dana Reinhardt
"Up From the Blue" — Susan Henderson
"The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer" — Darren Shan
"Revolution" — Jennifer Donnelly
"Thief Eyes" — Janni Lee Simner
"The Owl Keeper" — Christine Brodien-Jones
"Dreaming in Chinese" — Deborah Fallows
"The Steps Across the Water" — Adam Gopnik
"Take a Chance on Me" — Jill Mansell
"Boys Lie: How Not to Get Played" — Belisa Vranich (signed)
"On the Blue Comet" — Rosemary Wells (signed)
"Misty Gordon and the Mystery of the Ghost Pirates"
"Man in the Woods" — Scott Spencer
"I'd Know You Anywhere" — Laura Lippman

I beat the storm home last Saturday and have spent the week at home. While it seems like I haven't gotten a lot accomplished, I have. I successfully reattached my 'enter' key and reinstalled Word. I lost most of my music (about 8GB) while trying to transfer music from my iPod to my PC (I've come to terms with said loss) and had a pick me up by having Santa bring me a new iPod Touch (not that I know how to use it yet). I have seen three movies in theaters since last Sunday including: "A Christmas Carol" (let down), "The Princess and the Frog" (surprisingly amazing), and "Sherlock Holmes" (slight let down). Last Sunday my phone broke and they were sending me a new one. It was supposed to arrive on Wednesday. It is now a week later and I still do not have a working phone — but again, I've come to terms. As you can tell, I had a pretty rough week (in regards to technology). Slowly (but surely) things are starting to look up.

This week I reviewed "Inside Out, " "The Source of Miracles, " "Elmer the Christmas Elf, " "A Christmas Carol: Special Edition, " "I Used to Know That, " and "Cracked Up to Be. " As a result, this has probably been one of the most productive weeks (in regards to blogging/recreational reading) that I have had since August. I'm SO enjoying it. "The Source of Miracles " was one of the best books I've read in such a long time! I can't shut up about it! I did read/finish "Love You, Hate You, Miss You" as well — the review is coming. I did have to abandon two books that have been hanging over my head all semester. I've had both of them for months and I've continually tried to pick them up and read them — but I was forcing myself to do it. And I can't condone forcing myself to read when I have such an awesome bunch of books to read. So, I'll be passing them on (hint hint). Stay tuned.

Sadly, part of the 8GB of music lost included "Confessions of a Shopaholic." I wasn't too far into it though so I'm not too upset about it. I'll probably look for it at the library. I also didn't do an "In My Mailbox" post as I haven't received anything (not even a phone)! But I do know that I have a book or two waiting for me back at school that I will get sometime this week when I head back for New Years.

Cassie was this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of City of Bones. Please share some book love and visit her at Happy Book Lovers.

My new holiday campaign to collect Guest Reviews has been a great hit — we've acquired 44 reviews! Thanks to everyone who has donated! Campaign ends January 4th and is open to absolutely everyone! I have four more Guest Reviews to post (scheduled) but those are only the ones that I received via email. Many people only left a link on Mr. Linky — which I guess is okay and it is still appreciated. I just feel more like I'm plagiarizing then — but reviews are reviews and the more the better.

I gained three followers this week and now have 34 amazing followers. Welcome and Thank you!

My list of books to read/things to do during break:

• Read "Inside Out"
• Read "Elmer, the Christmas Elf"
• Post all the Guest Reviews I've received for My Holiday Book Review Campaign
• Finish "The Source of Miracles" (Review)
  
• Read "Lucifer Rising" (Review)
  
• Read "Comfort Living" (Review)
  
• Read "I Used to Know That" (Review)
  
• Read "Some Girls Are" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
  
• Read "The Van Alen Legacy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
  
• Read "Love You, Hate You, Miss You" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Truly, Madly: A Novel" (ARC — Goodreads Winner)
• Read "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Sea Change" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Jumping off Swings" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Before I Die" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Embellish" (Review)
• Read "Gone" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Cracked Up to Be" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "How to Buy a Love of Reading" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Oh.My.Gods." (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Dark Places" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Nothing But Ghosts" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Isabelle's Boyfriend" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "The Grand Sophy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Shelter Me" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Ransome's Honor" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Poltergeist" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Girlfriend Material" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Wicked Lovely" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "According to Jane" (Library — Momma Remmers)
• Read "Catching Fire" (Library — Momma Remmers)

What did you finish this week?

As most of you know, this year I have discovered my love of the audiobook. I listen to audiobooks primarily when walking our very stubborn dog (who refuses to go outside and play in our huge fenced in backyard by himself to do his 'business') several times a day. Our walk takes about 15-20 minutes and audiobooks have really helped pass the time and make this chore seem like, well, less than a chore. However, because I read faster than I can listen, one huge downside to the audiobook is that it takes longer to get into — literally. This isn't because the book isn't any good it's just that without a strong narrator and a captivating start — audiobooks can fall flat.

Tomorrow, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is released in theaters. After seeing the trailer a few months ago I figured I should read the book before I saw the movie. I received the audio via Interlibrary Loan from my library and downloaded it to my phone and began my walk. It's not unusual (for me) to be a bit bored with an audiobook for the first couple walks, but after three days I was still bored! So I started listening to Pandora's "Swingin' Christmas."

I'm not sure if it's just because I love Christmas music or what, but I'm having a really hard time getting into this audiobook! I know the book must be fantastic and I really do want to read it — but I'm just frustrated that it's taking so long for the audiobook to "get good." I think I'll give it two more days (roughly two hours) but after that, I'm going to have to go to something else.

Do you ever struggle with audiobooks for this reason? Any suggestions of great audiobooks that have a fantastic start?

Books Read:

• The Great Grammar Book — Marsha Sramek
  
• Lighting Their Fires — Rafe Esquith
  
• Prince Harming Syndrome — Karen Salmansohn
  
• The Recipe Club — Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel
• Thanksgiving at the Inn — Tim Whitney
  

• "Thanksgiving at the Inn"
• Donate a Book Review
  

• Blood Promise — Richelle Mead
  
• Viola in REEL Life — Adriana Trigiani
  
• Bloodroot — Bill Loehfelm
  
• Perfect Chemistry — Simone Elkeles
  

• Everything Austen Challenge

Movie Reviews:

Book Shelf Pictures:

• 11.3.09
  

• Halloween Recap
• Literary Snobs Beware
  

My November RAK, I feel, was very successful. I received a copy of "A Million Suns" from Megan at Amethyst Day Dreams and sent out the following titles:

• "Crescendo" to Rescue Reads
• "Enclave" to A Book Obsession
• "Hex Hall" to Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
• "Beautiful Darkness" to Sophistikatied
• "Rules of Attraction" to Amethyst Day Dreams
• "A Million Suns" to Miss Amanda Button
• "Pandemonium" (on loan) to Miss Amanda Button
• "Enclave" to Miss Amanda Button

That being said, for December I'd love to put the following books on my RAcK — haha get it? I, of course, accept gently used copies or Nook Books!:)

1. Human.4 by Mike Lancaster
2. Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
3. Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
4. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
5. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I really do love this service/program not only because it helps me find homes for books (and brings a few in) but because of the promotion of community. For instance, most of the bloggers I sent books out to this month were completely random (due to the process in which I searched for who was looking for a book) and so the majority of these bloggers were new to me! I am so excited to have discovered Rescue Reads as Erika is a Midwest blogger (yay!).

What about you? Do you participate in the RAK?

Well for starting two days early (I began on Wednesday), I haven't gotten much done. But my parents and company left today so I'm hoping that I can at least finish one audiobook and "Crossed" before Monday. I'm currently listening to (yes, at this very moment) "The Night Circus"! I have heard so much about it and am so far LOVING this audiobook.

I have a hockey game today at 3:45 and later this evening Dan and I are going out with his brother and sister-in-law to a movie. But still, I'm making use of all the time I get.:)

Are you thankfully reading this weekend?

Yesterday I was home sick and, consequently, watched way too much television. One specific commercial kept bothering me; even when it wasn't playing, I found myself cursing it.

Here it is:

Should "reading" be that fun?

There are a few positive concepts I do like about the Vtech Reader — it does start kids reading off at an early age and I think it does get kids excited about reading.

But, does it give kids (and, subsequently, students) a false expectation about reading? Does it set young readers up for failure? By this I mean, when I get them as Freshmen and I tell them they need to actually open a book (with, gasp, no pictures!) and read it, I already get groans and this consistent push against reading. It's something I've really struggled with in only the few months that I've been teaching. I constantly have to prove that reading isn't "lame" or "dorky" and that reading can, oh I don't know, be fun and beneficial.

Yes, I believe we need to use technology to our advantage and not shun away from it. I have a few students who bring in Nooks and Kindles (oh the jealousy!); I completely support this because they still have to do the reading. It seems that this Vtech Reader is more like watching an interactive movie than reading; it doesn't take any effort.

I do think it could work with the right amount of parental cooperation; like in the commercial, if a parent actually sat down with the child to "read" with the Reader and asked the student to sound out the words they knew — then it could work. But the majority of parents, I feel, would simply give the Reader to their children and say, "Go read." If you were actually going to take the time to "read" with your kids, pick up an actual book!

A few weeks ago I had a student announce to the entire class that "Reading is pointless and a waste of [this students'] time. When I need to find information I'll Google it, watch it on YouTube, or rent the movie." I fear that this sort of animated, interactive reader supports this particular ninth grader's educational "plan of attack."

Kids have been trained that if they wait long enough, there will be some sort of technology to do the work for them. Teachers have to fight this battle every day and I really don't support this "Once upon a time there were books" concept. There are still books and when children become kindergarteners, fifth graders, ninth graders, High School graduates, College graduates (etc) they will be expected to do the work for themselves by reading these "old guard" books.

"I think sometimes that society has become hardened to the atrocity that was Nazi/Jew WWII, but the reality is that there were other victims of WWII as well. This is their story." — Miss Remmers

Release Date: March 22nd, 2011
Publisher: Philomel Books
Challenges: 100+ Challenge, Audiobook Challenge, DAC 2011

"Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.
Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously — and at great risk — documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives."

Forgive me, but I can't exactly remember who raved about this book on Twitter about a month ago, but THANK YOU! I remember this person just exclaiming how amazing this audio was and as a result I interlibrary loaned it without even looking up the synopsis. When I played the first tape I was surprised to see that it was a WWII novel and even more baffled that it wasn't portraying the Nazi/Jew version. No, this book illustrates life from the perspective of a young Lithuanian girl who has been imprisoned by the Soviets with her mother and young brother.

I was at first a bit weary of this plot, as (again) I'm not a big historical fiction person. But I was on a road trip to visit my mother and "had no other choice." A few tracks later I was completely enveloped and by the second disk I knew without a doubt that this audiobook would be one of my favorites. I cried several times throughout my road trip and when I wasn't in my car I was thinking of Lina and her family.

Parts of this book made my insides hurt with hunger, exhaustion, and complete despair (it was that good). It seems like the past couple of audios have really brought me down with annoyances and frustrations (mostly to do with the narrator) but this book (and narrator) did such a fantastic job of bringing me into the story and making it intensely real and horrifying.

The end, I will say, brought me to tears in the classroom. I finished another novel on reading day and still had a period to go so I went to the library and got the book (and felt like I was cheating on the audio). As the last page ended the bell rang, and I didn't even say goodbye or "have a good weekend" to my kids. As the next class trickled in I was still wrapped in the feeling of immense sorrow and elation (at the same time). There were even a few questions (spoilers): how did they get out? what happened next? What about the young Pole who help them? How did Andruis find her? Was her father really alive? But I see now that those things aren't really that important to the story.

This audiobook was phenomenal, almost life changing. If you've been struggling to find a good story or a good audiobook, no matter what your preference of genre is, this book is spectacularly honest and unique. I've never read such characters with such a real plot. I think sometimes that society has become hardened to the atrocity that was Nazi/Jew WWII (until you visit the Holocaust Museum in DC) because of all the movies and the matter-of-factness of history books, but the reality is that there were other victims of WWII as well. This is their story.

-Visit Ruta around the web here: Website | Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: Library Loan

With the release of New Moon, so many young adult (and adult) readers are getting excited and having a great time. Unfortunately, the "nay-sayers" (as I like to call them) are being more negative than ever. I recently wrote an article about it for the University's newspaper and I thought now would be the ideal time to share it with you.

Literary Snobs Beware

On November 20^th, thousands of ‘tweens’ will flood the cinemas to see New Moon, the highly anticipated sequel to Twilight. The Twilight franchise, both the books and the movies, is the newest fad – even Walmart would agree. But with any new fad, there are always the nay-sayers; as easy as it is to find someone reading one of the four Twilight books, it seems it is even easier to find someone bashing these books. Personally, I’ve read the books and have seen the first movie. I don’t own any stickers, shirts, or other Robert Pattinson merchandise, but I did enjoy reading the books. And while I am not in complete support of Twilight’s Walmart domination, I can’t argue with it.

The Twilight phenomenon has put good books in students’ hands (by choice), much like what Harry Potter accomplished while I was in high school. You can argue that the writing is less than perfect, the heroine is slightly ridiculous, and that Edward Cullen is a little “too” brooding and may, in fact, be a stalker. You can’t, however, argue with the fact that both young adults and adults are reading recreationally. Those who have read the books, generally speaking, like them. It is the people who haven’t read the books that are making all the ruckus.

With the release of the new movie, ‘Twilighters’ are glowing with excitement – and why shouldn’t they be? I’ll be the first to point out the flaws of the novels (and the movie), but who am I to judge someone else’s reading preferences? It is extremely detrimental to society to have all these Anti-Twilight people laughing at, humiliating, and pointing fingers at those who have read, liked, and even became obsessed with the novels. To publically criticize another’s choice of literature instills in the recreational reader the idea that reading a particular book, Twilight in this case, is “uncool.” Then the reader begins to question what else they’ve read, and liked, that was, according to society, ridiculous. At this point, the reader is humiliated and ready to give up recreational reading entirely. This, of course, applies to other genres that are labeled as less than ‘popular’ or acceptable by literary snobs such as graphic novels, comic books, the Harlequin Romance novels (and others as such), chick-lit, fantasy, or sci-fi. I have personally witnessed on several occasions, as have most people, the verbal abuse that occurs once the Twilight topic is raised amongst peers. Ironically, these abusive nay-sayers, stereotypically, don’t read their homework assignments, much less for recreation.

To those who publicly humiliate anyone who has read and enjoyed the Twilight series or any of the other ‘unpopular’ genres: who do you think you are? What gives you the right to judge what others read to the point of embarrassing them? Who gives you the authority to say such hurtful things? Yes, Twilight has seemingly taken over the world, but at least people are reading. Please think twice before you even joke about how ridiculous Twilight is, reading has already become an almost taboo subject. Those who read recreationally are, occasionally, ashamed of this behavior (why, I don’t know) – but they definitely don’t need your discouragement.

To those who are self-proclaimed Twilight (obsessed) fans or book lovers in general, do not be afraid of reading recreationally and displaying your love of literature. If anything else, come up with a witty comeback using big words, after all, you are the literate one. Either way, I'll see you in the theaters.

Yes, it is finally that time! Many of my students don't understand the importance of today (surprisingly). Yes, they know who Harry Potter is and they realize how it is a big deal; but after polling my classes today I am shocked to find that while the majority have seen the movies, only 5 of my 120 students have read the Harry Potter novels. I can only equate this to a generation gap (even one so slight as between my students and I — 10 years).

I have been looking forward to this day since reading the first book and watching the first movie. Back then the end seemed so far away and now that it's here (with the exception of Part II), I find myself preparing to say "good bye." Yes, there is another movie but really... unless something changes, today marks the beginning of the end. Much of my middle school and high school life is defined by my love for the boy who lived. It makes me sad to see that so many of this generation (class of 2014) can't even fathom of depths of meaning that this day holds.

While I will have to wait until the weekend to see the movie (I hate going with HUGE crowds), I am sporting my EVER awesome HP bracelet today at school. It took forever to make; I had no idea how hard it would be to put the little charms on the bracelet — but I'm wearing it with pride today.

First, you'll see a pair of glasses, then a spider, a rat, a frog, a book, a "Happy Birthday" cake, a lightning bolt, a castle, a frog, and a little VW old school bug. I didn't have room for Hagrid's motorcycle.

What about you? What are you doing (feeling) on this momentous Harry Potter Friday?

"The mystery of the plot really kept my interest; there were times when I thought I had it all figured out (after the first initial twist) and then with the last eight chapters there was another twist! And then another! The end of the book was absolutely perfect — I laughed and I cried." — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"Haven Moore can't control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves, before all is lost and the cycle begins again."

Why I read this: The cover really drew my attention in and then after reading the synopsis I knew I would love this novel.

Plot: It took me a while to warm up to the plot; in the beginning it was slow and I could really connect with the setting or characters. The plot also left a lot out, which adds to the mysteriousness, but frustrated me because 1/4 of the way into the book I figured I should have some idea of what was going on. With patience in check, by half way through the novel the plot thickened and deepened to a point where I couldn't put this novel down. I found myself rethinking reincarnation and wondering "what if" and thinking "how romantic." The mystery of the plot really kept my interest as well, there were times when I thought I had it all figured out (after the first initial twist) and then with the last eight chapters there was another twist! And then another! The end of the book was absolutely perfect — I laughed and I cried.

Characters: I did struggle with some of the characters and the amount of religion emphasized in this small community. Coming from a small Midwestern community, I understand how religion can play an important part of a community but I thought it was caked on pretty heavy throughout (especially) the beginning of this novel. I also struggled with Haven's back and forth mentality in regards to Iain. Speaking of Iain... loved him! I absolutely adored him... even when I really disliked him I enjoyed his character. A great character (in my opinion) is one who you can love and hate at the same time because of the depth of the character... this was Iain Morrow for me. Also, I just gotta say Adam definitely caught me unawares.

Cover: A very simple cover — but definitely cover love.

Random Thoughts: I'll admit it, I definitely googled the Ouroboros Society. I just can't get over how romantic it all is! To continue searching for "the one" for lifetimes. I would LOVE to see this novel as a movie.

Final Thoughts: This book was fantastic; I could not put it down and could not push it from my thoughts. I had about 100 pages left when school got out and read until I was able to leave (3:45) and then took it home with me. Dan was reading "Mockingjay" and when he began to shut his book so that we could "talk about our days" I begged him to continue reading. Together we sat side by side on our recliner and read. He saw me laugh, cry, and shout out in amazement over this book. He saw my despair when the novel was ending and I knew it wasn't going to end the way I wanted it to. He witnessed the small bit of hope that remained as I began reading the final chapter. And he held my hand when I shut the book and let out the sigh that goes along with the end of any great read. It's become a very fond memory that I think says a lot about our relationship and I'm so happy to say that it is a memory that involves this book.

Read it.

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Overall: 94/100 A

To the FTC, with love: Library Loan

Books Read:

• Everything Sucks — Hannah Friedman
  
• The Lovely Bones — Alice Sebold
  
• The First Thirty Seconds — Stephen Armstrong
  
• A Duty to the Dead — Charles Todd
  

• "Thanksgiving at the Inn" — CHECK IT OUT!
• "Mr. Darcy's Diary"
  

• Identical — Ellen Hopkins
• Candor — Pam Bachorz
  
• Dreaming Anastasia — Joy Preble
  
• The Time it Snowed in Puerto Rico — Sarah McCoy
  

• Everything Austen Challenge

• Who Loves You Baby
  
• BBAW
  

• Lost in Austen
  

Welcome to the Harry Potter Extravaganza! If you’ve been following along, I hope you’ve been having fun. If you’re new to the tour, welcome! Check out the full tour details here at Bibliophic Book Blog.

While I'm a few years older than the HP crew, I feel like I've grown up with them. I started reading the HP novels right after the "Prisoner of Azkaban" was released and the craze had already started. I don't really remember a time of my life before HP existed. Like any HP fan, I've read the books, I own the books, I've waited in line for the movies, I've bought the movies, and I even took a Harry Potter class last year in college (although it was absolutely horrific — that's another story completely). But there is one way Harry Potter aspect of my life that I think few people share.

Right after we met (MONTHS before we started dating), my now fiance wrote a Harry Potter song for me. I had just started dating someone when Dan asked me out, so it was actually very awkward. The story, according to Dan, is that in an effort to impress me, he finished writing his first song "The Harry Potter Romance." He had started it years ago but never finished. His friends have told me that he was in a frenzy, that he kept repeating that he had to finish this so he could "win" me over.

One night he called me and told me he needed my opinion on something; we were still friends and I agreed. He picked me up and played the song. This sounds petty, but I remember being jealous of whoever he wrote the song for. He dropped me off at home, gave me the first copy made (he went to a small studio to make CDs), he signed it, I thanked him for thinking of me, I left, and then we didn't talk for several months.

This summer when we finally reconnected, I was "living" in Northern Minnesota but going on all my travels and he was in Bismarck, ND (about a five hour drive). We met up every weekend and he accompanied me to a few of my many weddings. When we were apart I found myself listening to "The Harry Potter Romance" (often on repeat). I somehow felt closer to him just by hearing his voice on my iPod.

Recently, because of all the HP activities, I told him that I was extremely jealous of whoever he wrote the song for and that for most of the summer I pretended it was for me. He looked at me in astonishment and told me that I didn't have to pretend... that I was the girl he was singing to. It was the most romantic thing ever. On July 4th, he serenaded me in front of a crowd of vacationers, but I had assumed he had just decided that the song was now for me. After doing some detective work (asking his friends), I realized that he DID write it for me!

Now we laugh about it; I tease him that he should write a second song for the wedding (but I don't think it will happen). Regardless, I attribute much my of relationship, and future marriage, to Harry Potter. If he wouldn't have written that song and let me listen, I wouldn't have been jealous and therefore wouldn't have detected a deeper attachment (although it did take me months to realize it).

If you're interested in listening to "The Harry Potter Romance" go to Myspace and search "Piggy's Renditions" and you'll see "Harry Potter Romance."

Tomorrow look for a Harry Potter Giveaway!!

For an Educational Technology class I had to create a movie and incorporate it into my classroom. There weren't any real standards or 'rules' that I had to work around — it was a pretty simple premise. Make a movie that would be relevant to your classroom. Most people did speeches or something like that, but I really wanted to do something book related. This took me about two hours to hammer out and get the way I wanted to, but that's because I really had NO idea what I was doing. I think it turned out well.

What do you think? The resolution is kind of crappy. I know.

Before I introduce the book to the class on the first day of the unit I will welcome the class into the classroom and ask them to take their seats quietly. The shades will be closed, lights off, and my computer screen with a video will be displayed on the board via projector. After the second bell, I will remain silent until the class is completely silent and everyone is in their seats. I will then walk to my desk and press play.

After the video, I will ask a student to flip on the lights. I will quickly pass out a small ten question pretest. When the students are finished, I will collect the pretest and then begin discussion by asking the students the following questions:

• Has everyone heard of “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Has anyone read “Romeo and Juliet”?
• What do you know about “Romeo and Juliet”?
• What modern stories do you think follow the same plot line?

By using the movie to introduce the book, I will capture my students’ attention and get them excited about reading the book.

SD 9-12 Reading Standards

9^th Grade Reading

Indicator 1:

9.R.1.1 Students can apply example clues to extend vocabulary. (Application)

Indicator 2: Students can comprehend and fluently read text.

9.R.2.1 Students can evaluate text by applying comprehension strategies. (Evaluation)

9.R.2.2 Students can read fluently to comprehend grade-level text. (Application)

Indicator 4: Students can interpret and respond to diverse, multicultural, and time period texts.

9.R.4.1 Students can analyze text to determine the influence of time period, culture, geography, and author’s background. (Analysis)

I know, I haven't done a Sunday Salon in... well for sure all of October! My last Sunday Salon was Sept 27th — I know, I can't believe it either!

This week I reviewed Lost in Austen for the Everything Austen Challenge. I spent most of my day yesterday reading blogs and doing some 'house keeping'. I caught up with a huge to do list; I wanted to read "Mr. Darcy's Dream," but I'm having a really hard time getting into it. So I started "A Duty to the Dead," which is a phenomenal book! I'm already half through! My Everything Austen Mini Challenge ended on Friday — congrats to the winner, Jennifer from Between the Lines.

I gained a follower and now have 30! Thank you!

This week's Guest Review was "Candor " by Kristen, from Bookworming in the 21st Century. If you're interested in submitting a Guest Review — please find out how.

This week I have a lot fun things planned! On Monday check back to see a book trailer that I created for an education class. I have never done anything like this before so it took me a lot of time and I'm very proud of it! On Tuesday look for a contest! Ohhh exciting!

My goal for this week is to finish "A Duty to the Dead" and "Mr. Darcy's Dream".

School has been going great. This Harry Potter class is a lot more work than I had anticipated; I find myself writing two pages a week, one on half of a book and the other on a movie. It's a bit tedious. I want to start spending more time reading and devoting to this blog, and if that means I need to get up a bit early... I also want to put more time into my reviews. I write them right after finishing them, which works for me, but I think that I need to spend more time thinking about them and start adding more things to them. So that's another goal.

Happy Sunday everyone!

What did you finish this week?

"

I love being able to say I know the TRUE story of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.'" — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"The chief part of the stories, however, turned upon the favorite specter of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman, who had been heard several times of late, patrolling the country; and, it was said, tethered his horse nightly among the graves in the churchyard. The story was immediately matched by a thrice marvelous adventure of Brom Bones, who made light of the Galloping Hessian as an arrant jockey. He affirmed that on returning one night from the neighboring village of Sing Sing, he had been overtaken by this midnight trooper; that he had offered to race with him for a bowl of punch, and should have won it too, for Daredevil beat the goblin horse all hollow, but just as they came to the church bridge, the Hessian bolted, and vanished in a flash of fire. All these tales, told in that drowsy undertone with which men talk in the dark, the countenances of the listeners only now and then receiving a casual gleam from the glare of a pipe, sank deep in the mind of Ichabod... . "

Why I read this: Who doesn't love the story of "Sleepy Hollow" around Halloween! This has been on my TBR list for a long time; when I realized that Gutenberg had it I began listening to it every spare moment I had.

Plot: It was fascinating hearing/reading the plot as it was originally meant to be told; so many people assume they know the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman because of the countless retellings. There is nothing better than reading the original story and realizing how it has been distorted throughout the years via literature and movie renditions.

Characters: The characters really came to life in the original story of Sleepy Hollow. I really understood exactly how nerdy Ichabod was (and not in that Johnny Depp sort of way). I was also given a whole new perspective on Katrina and her coquettish ways.

Cover: If it weren't for my love of literature (or if I were a high school student), I would not pick up this book because of the cover. It just sort of screams dull and old. I definitely vote on a new cover to inspire more contemporary readers to pick this book up.

Random Thoughts: It was fantastic to read/ listen to this book in October when the haunting season has just begun. There were moments of the text that were very heavy because of the large amount of description so it was nice to be listening to it so that I could be multi-tasking. Towards the end when the Headless Horseman makes his appearance the narrator couldn't speak fast enough.

Final Thoughts: This was a fantastic read for October. I love being able to say I know the TRUE story of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." I think on October 29th (it's our Recreational Reading day), I'll have my students listen to this fantastic original.

Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 7/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 8/10
Overall: 95/100 A

To the FTC, with love: Listened to for free from Project Gutenberg