I've always loved to read. I remember the first book I memorized as my Mom repeatedly read it to me. She would turn the pages of Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham and I would recite the words along with the pictures. I know today that this practice is a stage of "pre reading," but, at the time, I thought I was reading the words. My love for reading … [Read more...]
My 17 Favorite Fiction Books of 2015
The subjects of my 17 favorite fiction books from 2015 are all over the place, although I admittedly don't read a lot of "feel good" books or "chick lit." I tend to focus on more series topics and I enjoy reading crime and mystery novels with a "who dunnit" twist. Despite my preferences, the topics of my favorite fiction books this year are … [Read more...]
12 Books to Curl Up on the Sofa with during Fall Break
It's Fall Break! I know my students are ready for a little post-midterm breather and I'm sure you are too. As if Mother Nature knew it was time for us to cuddle up and relax a bit, the weather turned more fall-like today in Oklahoma. The break coupled with the cooler temperatures make this weekend the perfect time to curl up with a book. A … [Read more...]
My Favorite Books of September
I gave two fiction books perfect ratings in September. The books probably couldn't be any different. The first was Paper Towns by John Green. The second was My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni. Paper Towns is the story of 17-year-old Quentin Jacobsen, who has been in love with his next-door neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman, since they were … [Read more...]
Why I Read Banned Books and You Should Too
It was easy for me to find books to read with my daughter when she was younger. She loved Junie B. Jones books and I did too. Who wouldn't love the quirky little girl character and her fabulous summaries of events? "And that's all." But finding books to read with my son when he was younger was a little bit more challenging. Believe it or not, … [Read more...]
Book Review: Looking for Alaska #150Books
I was buying The Fault in Our Stars for my daughter to read when I ran across John Green's book, Looking for Alaska. The book is about 16-year-old Miles Halter and his adventures with the friends he makes while attending boarding school in Birmingham, Ala. Miles is the most "vanilla" of the students, a good boy from a traditional family in … [Read more...]
Book Review: An Abundance of Katherines #150Books
Colin Singleton has experienced a lot of problems with girls. Actually, Colin has problems with a specific type of girl. He can't seem to make it work with girls named Katherine. It's too bad that Katherines are the only girls the child prodigy will date. After being dumped by his 19th Katherine, Colin and his best friend decide to take a … [Read more...]