"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.
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.
Rules:
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 MOCKINGBIRD50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two FullLength DocumentariesOn 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 50th 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: 50th 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 50th 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.
Rules:
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.
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)
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?
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
As I mentioned earlier this month (when talking about the RAK) , the RAK provides me the opportunity to find good homes for great books who are taking up valuable real estate on my husband patrolled shelves.
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!:)
Human.4 by Mike Lancaster
Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Divergent by Veronica Roth
I absolutely love that they've added the Top 5 Books on Your Wishlist section to the form. I don't even scroll over to the actual linked wishlists. I focus merely in on two things: the country they live in and the Top 5 Books listed. What I did this month was figure out what books needed to leave my bookshelf and then do a quick [edit — find] and type in those book titles. It was that simple! I adore that part of the form and I am SO glad they inserted it!
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!).
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.:)
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.
