tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070059451744523042024-03-12T21:30:05.238-06:00What I'm ReadingBooks, magazines, articles, web sites... this is what I'm reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-9318548714102125812015-10-08T07:52:00.000-06:002015-10-08T07:52:36.282-06:00Reading behindWow.... I haven't updated this in forever. Ironically, I've been reading a ton for the last 2 years. I was on the Lariat Committee and recommended books for adult reading lists. My absolute favorite book from that list was <i>The Enchanted</i> by Rene Denfield. I can't recommend it highly enough and all I can say is read it: it is so beautiful it will destroy you and put you back together. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-28977449263777536352013-05-22T09:21:00.002-06:002013-05-22T09:22:07.943-06:00What I've been reading...Finished:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A Thousand Pardons by John Dee (liked it, but still...huh?)</li>
<li>When the Sea is Rising Red</li>
<li>The Sisters Grimm (first book--fun!!!)</li>
<li>Zom-B (book 3)</li>
<li>The 5th Wave</li>
<li>Audiobook: The Night Circus (awesome!!!!)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Still Reading:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Java for Dummies (still feeling dumb after reading)</li>
<li>The Golem and the Jinni (loving it!!!!!)</li>
<li>All manner of "How to Crochet" books (I can make a really neat string blob now.)</li>
<li>Android Apps for Dummies </li>
</ul>
<div>
A movie I actually enjoyed:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Perks of Being a Wallflower -- really beautiful the way its filmed and the way music and words and pictures flow together. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-75639792271203524602013-04-28T21:36:00.002-06:002013-04-28T21:37:09.592-06:00Finished: A Crown of Embers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NB0uDOZUsc4/UX3oQblFA4I/AAAAAAAADDw/HBmSlb06IZU/s1600/The+Crown+of+Embers+UK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NB0uDOZUsc4/UX3oQblFA4I/AAAAAAAADDw/HBmSlb06IZU/s320/The+Crown+of+Embers+UK.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<b><i>Crown of Embers</i> by Rae Carson</b><br />
<br />
<----- First of all, I wish this was the cover to the book I read. However, apparently this is the UK edition. The US of A edition is white-washed, with a very pale, Caucasian looking lady in the gem on the cover. The woman on this cover looks like Elisa.<br />
<br />
Elisa is a queen that carries a living Godstone. The Godstone speaks to her and helps her channel "magic." However, in this sequel, Elisa learns that not all is as she imagined or as she learned from study and scripture. The Godstone is more mysterious than anyone knows and the "will of God" is even more difficult to understand than Elisa imagined.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed the book very much. I love that Elisa is strong and smart. I love that she's solid and not willowy or wispy. She's a strong, solid girl growing into an amazing woman. She doesn't shy away from the tough choices in life. She's pretty cool.<br />
<br />
I don't want to spoil things for any readers, but there were nice little surprises in the story, including a gay character and an interesting "enemy" Invierno. I wish, however, that American publishers weren't afraid to show Elisa as she is: she's dark of skin, eyes and hair. All of her people are. It's nice to enter a world of magic that isn't full of white people, even if American publishers try to trick readers into thinking that's the case by changing the cover.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this book is recommended... but you really do have to read the first book (<i>Girl of Fire and Thorns</i>) to understand quite a bit of what happens. So read the first and pick up this one, too. Check out the American covers if you live in America and see if you agree. The cover above is WAY better. :)<br />
<br />
BTW... the third book in the series, <i>The Bitter Kingdom</i>, is coming out in August, 2013.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-35008179899093339242013-04-27T11:14:00.002-06:002013-04-27T11:15:52.612-06:00Currently reading.... 3 Books!Yep. I'm reading 3 books right now. I'm totally reading only for sheer escapist pleasure and I'm reading what strikes my fancy at the moment.<br />
<br />
Right now:<br />
<br />
<i>Welcome to Temptation</i> by Jennifer Crusie. This is a book where I know exactly what's going to happen. That's why I'm reading it. I want to see the uppity social neo-Puritan in the story fall on his butt. I want to see the girl and the guy fall in love despite their obvious differences and to be able to let go of their baggage. I want the nice girl in the town to find her dreams. I will get what I want and I will vicariously enjoy their triumph and ups and downs. Escapist non-literature at its best.<br />
<br />
<i>Castle Corona </i>by Sharon Creech. Again, I'm pretty sure I know what's going to happen, but the journey is fun to go along with. This is a simple story with interesting little undertones.<br />
<br />
<i>Crown of Embers</i> by Rae Carson. Just started this one... a sequel to the really cool book, <i>A Girl of Fire and Thorns</i>. I liked Fire and Thorns so much because the protagonist, Elisa, isn't a girl that needs saving. She is mentally strong, smart and not thin or pretty. An usual heroine in today's world indeed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-68847389449375927902013-04-24T09:07:00.000-06:002013-04-25T09:21:20.304-06:00Finished: "The Fault in Our Stars"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiLoos54mCg/UXlJ0wS8gAI/AAAAAAAADDg/zJdr6ozCWco/s1600/TheFaultinOurStars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiLoos54mCg/UXlJ0wS8gAI/AAAAAAAADDg/zJdr6ozCWco/s1600/TheFaultinOurStars.jpg" /></a></div>
I can't even begin to say how wonderful this book is.<br />
<br />
I could actually write an entire thesis on the awesomeness of this book, the symbolism, the resonant metaphors and many themes explored in the pages of this story about kids who are in love and who happen to have cancer. I could even then go on to write fan fiction to speculate about the continued futures of the characters I met listening to the audio recording.<br />
<br />
<i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> by John Green is truly beautiful. There is nothing that isn't in the book for a reason. Even more exciting for me is that I have always wanted to find a book that had a character that I truly understood and felt a kinship to, and I did in Hazel Grace.<br />
<br />
I've never been seriously ill, but I don't need to be to understand Hazel. I feel like John Green wrote Hazel as a character who feels so real and as a person who seems so cool and wonderful that I wish I'd known her when I was a teen. I wish I could have had a friend like her. I wish I could have met someone like Augustus. I wish I could know Isaac. But, as Hazel and Gus say, "The universe is not a wish-granting factory."<br />
<br />
John Green made me remember that looking at the world and noticing the things around is so important. So much depends on us being able to notice the patterns of shadows cast by trees in the springtime. It is so essential that the taste of something rare be recognized and celebrated. The small, the insignificant, the overlooked is so important because it is a part of our small infinity of time. Hazel sees this. Hazel reminds me to look again to not forget to look and appreciate and be glad.<br />
<br />
This book was not schmaltzy, overdone, melodramatic or weepy. It twisted and turned and surprised me. It's made me think about the story within a story, <i>An Imperial Affliction</i>, and I think I know how that fictional novel ends. I'd love to tell Hazel, but I suspect she figured it out, too.<br />
<br />
This story makes me think how authors like John Green are so privileged to have characters like Hazel and Gus living inside of them. If Hazel and Gus are creations of Mr. Green and are a part of who he is, I think that he must be a truly amazing and very interesting person. His thoughts and ideas seem so engaging and I wonder if all of us have characters inside of us. What would happen if we brought them to life? What would they say about us?<br />
<br />
PS: This audiobook won the 2013 Odyssey Award.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-31069471555029251052013-04-18T09:18:00.001-06:002013-04-18T09:18:25.986-06:00Finished: The Death of Bees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzrLU8qkttQ/UXAKJm6bnmI/AAAAAAAADCU/iAdIhO7L8ok/s1600/Death_of_Bees_Final_2_1079326_200534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzrLU8qkttQ/UXAKJm6bnmI/AAAAAAAADCU/iAdIhO7L8ok/s200/Death_of_Bees_Final_2_1079326_200534.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell<br />
<br />
Nelly and Marnie have lost their parents just before Christmas. But they don't really miss them. Their parents were absent, neglectful and abusive. The next-door neighbor, Lennie, an older gay man with a shameful past befriends them and provides them a home--but how long can their thrown-together family last when Social Services, a man looking for his money and a long-absent grandfather search for the missing parents?<br />
<br />
This book was a great read, though I wanted more. I enjoyed how each chapter was told from a different perspective with the oldest daughter, Marnie taking turns narrating with Lennie and Nelly. Each person understands the world differently from the others and their limited ability to see the full picture (which we as readers know) is heartbreaking sometimes.<br />
<br />
O'Donnell has been a screenwriter and I think I'd love to see this book done up as a movie. It has that feeling--that it needs more visuals that a movie could provide.<br />
<br />
The book explores family--the ideas that blood relations aren't necessarily the most important components of creating lasting bonds and that there are many different ways to love, hate and forgive.<br />
<br />
Recommended.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-63614855587561847042013-04-16T09:12:00.000-06:002013-04-16T09:12:09.268-06:00Okay... I've been reading a LOT and not writing about it :(Yep, I've been slacking. Or rather, I've been dithering. Or maybe I've been procrastinating.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love to read (duh), but sometimes, I'm devouring books to escape and I'm not taking the time to reflect on them as I should--to describe what they mean to me, how they changed me, reinforced me, repelled me or just made me feel happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, in the interest of disclosure and hopeful revisiting of what I've been reading, here's the run-down:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Audiobooks</b></div>
<div>
Aloha From Hell</div>
<div>
Casual Vacancy</div>
<div>
Good Omens</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Young Adult</b></div>
<div>
Nobody</div>
<div>
Inside Out</div>
<div>
Outside In</div>
<div>
Scorpio Races</div>
<div>
Fat Angie</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>NonFiction</b></div>
<div>
Weird Life<br />
Various Gardening Books</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Fiction</b><br />
The Death of Bees<br />
The new Flavia de Luce book<br />
<br />
I'll try to write how I felt about these stories at a later date... :P</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-89149236332215761202013-04-15T20:10:00.000-06:002013-04-15T20:10:24.164-06:00Audiobook: The Fault in Our StarsOkay.. this story about a girl with terminal cancer and a boy she meets who has lost his leg to cancer is, so far, simply hilarious. I'm enjoying Hazel's narration of her life and about the day she meets Augustus at a youth cancer support group so much that I actually laughed out loud in my car where I'm listening to the recording. The voice actress is simply excellent and the story is so good so far that I can't even begin to start with the awesomeness. I mean, I ordered awesome and got a side of awesome to go with it.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to hear more! I'm currently on chapter 3. Get this audiobook now!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-53631898010239786542013-01-20T11:31:00.000-07:002013-01-20T11:31:00.514-07:00Booktalk: Wonder** Note: I've also released this post for the El Paso Public Library to use for its blogs**<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmbT_oE1IoU/UOi7Y-du6XI/AAAAAAAAAFc/pNXYvy5qk0Q/s1600/wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmbT_oE1IoU/UOi7Y-du6XI/AAAAAAAAAFc/pNXYvy5qk0Q/s320/wonder.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b><i>Wonder</i> by R.J. Palacio</b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Wonder</i> is a very interesting read—it zips along and you’ll
find yourself rooting for all of the characters who have a voice in the
book. In <i>Wonder</i>, we meet August “Auggie”
Pullman who was born with a very serious health issue and face deformity. When
he’s 10, he goes to school for the first time and even attends a 3 day camp
away from home with his class-mates. Auggie’s experiences are both familiar and
unusual. Many people have been teased or treated as an outcast like Auggie is
in the book, but Auggie’s problems are made even worse because of his facial
deformity which is very serious. He
looks very different from other people and it takes some special kids to allow
themselves to see past Auggie’s looks and become friends with him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Auggie’s family is
very interesting and we get to know them very well. In fact, many of the
characters—even characters that seem minor—in the story are fully developed and
we get to know them better through their own narration. Via’s part of the story
fleshes out the experiences of siblings of children with special needs. Via is
a great character: strong, but not perfect. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book is an excellent read for all ages. The reader
comes to understand a lot about how kids feel embarrassed being friends with
someone who is different and how it feels to be bullied and singled out. I
think the story will also especially appeal to kids that are reluctant to read.
The chapters are very short and the characters are easy to identify with—many
of us have felt the way they felt at one time or another!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After reading the story, which follows Auggie’s first year
at Middle School, I really felt different. That’s the part of the story that is
really a “wonder.” I felt like Auggie was real and the people who loved and
supported him were real, too. I also
felt more hopeful about other people. The story really shows how we can all
help make differences through small (and big) acts of kindness and bravery in
our everyday lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very much recommended!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-9052122789747977902013-01-19T11:25:00.001-07:002013-01-19T11:29:41.159-07:00What's Left of Me<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fix4R20f1HA/UPcEOAfOjII/AAAAAAAAAF8/_uDCOtDpMsQ/s1600/%7B4B77C88F-0731-4581-BC2D-B63B3425865A%7DImg100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fix4R20f1HA/UPcEOAfOjII/AAAAAAAAAF8/_uDCOtDpMsQ/s200/%7B4B77C88F-0731-4581-BC2D-B63B3425865A%7DImg100.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<i>**NOTE: I've released this writing for the El Paso Public Library to use in their blogs.**</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What’s Left of Me</i>
by Kat Zhang<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of the Hunger Games, Science Fiction, and especially
books about Dystopias are very popular right now. Some of the new dystopian
novels feel like “read-alikes.” They’re very similar to one another. But <i>What’s Left of Me </i>is so unique and so
interesting that it’s certainly a “must read.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>What’s Left of Me </i>takes
place in an alternate universe. It’s the United States, but it’s not as we know
it. The US was once at war with the rest of the world and now it is a very isolationist
country with no contact with other countries. This is interesting, but
it’s not the most interesting thing about <i>What’s
Left of Me. </i>In this alternate world, you see, everyone is born with two
souls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s normal to be born with two souls, each of which is
named separately and has their own personality. It’s expected that at around
the age of five or so, however, that one personality will become dominant and
the other will naturally fade away. This is called “settling” and those who
settle are normal while those who do not are considered mentally ill and
potentially dangerous. No one knows what happens to the other soul that
disappears. It often feels in the story that while it’s considered normal to
settle, it’s also very sad that it happens, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main characters are Addie and Eva who share a body.
Addie is the dominant soul and Eva was supposed to fade away—but she didn’t.
The book is narrated by Eva who watches the world out of Addie’s eyes,
conscious, alive, but unable to control anything in the world around her. Eva
and Addie have convinced most of the world that Eva is gone. The two soul
sisters talk to each other, share dreams, occasionally bicker and always help
one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Addie and Eva’s secret is revealed by a schoolmate who has also
secretly not settled. She has both of her personalities and so does her
brother. They get Addie and Eva involved in helping Eva gain more control of
their body and her future. As Eva grows stronger, both she and Addie are put
into more and more danger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While many aspects of <i>What’s
Left of Me </i>may seem initially confusing, Zhang explains and describes the
world in the book well enough that the reader can identify and understand
everything. The struggle for identity and fighting the loss of self is a theme
that we can all identify with. The characters are likeable and realistic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book is the first part in a series, but there isn’t a
cliff-hanger at the end. If you’re looking for some new Sci-Fi with a
distinctive twist, this book is for you. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://elpaso.lib.overdrive.com/46F336A7-2FAA-4F8C-B7BD-3A4DA4506770/10/640/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=4B77C88F-0731-4581-BC2D-B63B3425865A">Check out the downloadable eBook at the El Paso Public Library</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-23261289611091824302012-12-10T16:54:00.001-07:002012-12-10T16:54:26.802-07:00Now Listening: Ghost Story -- Jim Butcher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLwudAJWuww/UMZ0xDbx5LI/AAAAAAAACeQ/ovIZXAFIzRo/s1600/Ghost-Story-1164870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLwudAJWuww/UMZ0xDbx5LI/AAAAAAAACeQ/ovIZXAFIzRo/s1600/Ghost-Story-1164870.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Ghost Story</i> by Jim Butcher is part of the Harry Dresden series.<br />
<br />
If you haven't read any of the other Dresden books, then there are a lot of spoilers for you if you skip and read/listen to this one.<br />
<br />
So far, I'm enjoying the audio production. I think Dresden's a character that you'll either love or hate. He's sarcastic, mouths- off to things that are bigger and scarier than him and he's one tough Wizard. A lot of backstory for Dresden gets filled in and I'm enjoying the details (since I've read allll the other books.)<br />
<br />
Overall, it's not a bad way to spend my commute to work... it's a good escape. But really, don't pick it up if you haven't read the others: it won't make a lick of sense to you unless you know the characters already.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-45813200098750760742012-12-01T11:20:00.000-07:002012-12-01T11:20:10.323-07:00Currently reading: What's Left of Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>What's Left of Me</i> by Kat Zhang<br />
<br />
This story seems to be set in an alternate universe where people are born with two selves or personalities and at around five or so, one personality has become dominant and drives the other out. They call this "settling" and it's considered normal. However, Addie, the main character never settled... her second soul sister, Eva, is inside of them, watching, unable to move or speak except to Addie.<br />
<br />
Addie and Eva work together to try to live a "normal" one-souled life. If anyone found out that they hadn't settled, they would be revealed as "hybrids" and taken away to a mental institution or worse. Addie and Eva's life is turned upside-down when they meet Hallie and her brother Devon. There's something unusual about the two of them, too...<br />
<br />
<i>What's Left of Me</i> is a very interesting story that explores a lot of cool ideas. Many of the characters wonder what happens to the other soul that "goes away" when a person settles. Some of them miss the recessive soul. We learn about how America is a closed society in this alternate universe and the rest of the world live their lives as hybrids. Americans are horrified by these hybrids outside their borders and see a life lived split between souls as something terrifying and disruptive.<br />
<br />
Addie and Eva embark on a scary journey... I'm about half-way through so far, but I'm enjoying it. The story is narrated by Eva, who the "recessive" soul. She can't control her and Addie's body on her own and she watches the world through Addie's eyes. Addie is the only person who can hear Eva's voice. They work together, Eva reminding Addie to remember things through the day or studying when Addie can't concentrate.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to reading more!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-41218529353902912192012-11-28T21:32:00.000-07:002012-11-28T21:32:51.379-07:00Just read: Gravediggers, Mountain of Bones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVErdz8x7Zc/ULbjTi3DQCI/AAAAAAAACdw/Tr3JdTQAp6I/s1600/gravediggers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVErdz8x7Zc/ULbjTi3DQCI/AAAAAAAACdw/Tr3JdTQAp6I/s200/gravediggers.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I've just finished <i>Gravediggers: Mountain of Bones</i> by Christopher Krovatin.<br />
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This book is a little bit scary, but also, it's really a lot about mystery. Three 6th graders, Kendra, Ian and PJ (all of who don't like each other too much anymore) end up getting lost in a very bad neck of the woods. As they penetrate the forest and get more and more lost, they are drawn into a world that turns their expectations upside down, brings them closer together (whether they want to be or not!) and is really rather spooky. I don't want to give too much away because a lot of the fun in reading this story was finding out just what the heck was going on! The mystery part of what's happening and why it's happening is very interesting and the resolution of the mystery isn't a let-down at all: instead, I'm very satisfied and even more intrigued.<br />
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Some of the writing felt a little uneven to me at times where I found myself losing my sense of "suspended disbelief" that we all need to have while reading fiction. But it wasn't jarring enough to mar the whole of the story. I am looking forward to the sequel and learning more about the cool magical world that Krovatin created.<br />
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I think this book is a good recommended read for anyone who enjoyed Delaney's Last Apprentice series and since its recced by R.L. Stine, I think Goosebumps fans might like it, too.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-48641712350081688472012-11-17T11:47:00.001-07:002012-11-17T11:47:36.406-07:00Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian -- Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArgjhkTe94s/UJ6opoK65uI/AAAAAAAACXw/t3p_z831qdk/s1600/28640685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArgjhkTe94s/UJ6opoK65uI/AAAAAAAACXw/t3p_z831qdk/s200/28640685.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
I finally finished <i>The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian </i>by Sherman Alexie.<br />
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My reactions are many! The art in conjunction with the text really work and I think help keep the story balanced between sadness and humor. I wonder if this was Alexie's experience growing up--I'd like to find out more.<br />
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Basically, as Junior, the main character lives through his freshman year in the white school (22 miles off the Rez), he experiences tragedy, joy, and changes the lives of the people around him.<br />
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The story is about finding hope and those who are unable to move--both physically and emotionally. The story is powerful, but accessible to readers on many levels. Like I said, the pictures work great with the text and I think that without them, the story wouldn't have been as bittersweet or as humorous. We really see into Junior's mind through them. The words, though, are just as powerful. The images that Alexie creates of Junior climbing the tallest tree, playing basketball and more are unforgettable. The characters are all interesting.<br />
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I'd recommend this to anyone in high school and above--I know there's a lot of controversy about one of the drawings (Jesus farting), but Junior draws it during a time where he has just lost many close people in his life and he's mad at God and trying to understand death. It's not really a big part of the book. If you're easily offended... don't read the book. There's references to boners and you'll find out that Indians like to "talk dirty."<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-64504638427159722972012-11-10T12:24:00.001-07:002012-11-10T12:24:15.941-07:00Currently Reading: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArgjhkTe94s/UJ6opoK65uI/AAAAAAAACXw/t3p_z831qdk/s1600/28640685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArgjhkTe94s/UJ6opoK65uI/AAAAAAAACXw/t3p_z831qdk/s200/28640685.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<i>The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian</i> by Sherman Alexie<br />
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I have always wanted to read this book--there's so much controversy surrounding it, yet when you open the book, it reminds me so much of <i>Diary of Wimpy Kid </i>or <i>Dear Dumb Diary</i>. The illustrations are humorous, silly and child-like in the same manner of these two stories. However, the issues that the main character faces (like having only 1 day to have ten(!) teeth pulled or only one kind of glasses to choose from--ugly ones) on the "rez" aren't funny at all.<br />
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I'm only on the first 2 chapters and I've been really slow reading novels recently. I think it's because I have a lot on my mind.<br />
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So... more about the book later, but so far, I'm liking it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-34150184217863660342012-11-06T12:26:00.000-07:002012-11-06T12:27:08.252-07:00Currently reading: Manuals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlCmCm7C2Cw/UJlicoyKYzI/AAAAAAAACXQ/vnpPGqTtL_U/s1600/manual-cover-small.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlCmCm7C2Cw/UJlicoyKYzI/AAAAAAAACXQ/vnpPGqTtL_U/s1600/manual-cover-small.png" /></a></div>
<i>Construct 2 User Manual</i> by Scirra Ltd, <a href="https://www.scirra.com/manual/1/construct-2">Available online</a><br />
and...<br />
<i>Elgg Documentation</i> by Elgg Foundation, <a href="http://reference.elgg.org/index.html">Available online</a><br />
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I've been really trying to get a better understanding of two different types of software. The first is a little easier. Construct 2 is an excellent free game engine that I've been using to create small games. So far, I've been using the forums and tutorials to understand how to create my games, but I'd like a deeper understanding, so I'm reading the manual. How about that?<br />
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Elgg is an open source social media architecture. It requires PHP, Apache and MySQL. I'm a total n00b on all of this stuff, but I'm giving it a go. The documentation is gibberish to me right now, but I'll get it. I've already started configuring the files on a server I signed up for that supports all the required programs... so we'll see if I can conquer it.<br />
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My goal with both: to create a prototype social network that can be demonstrated as an alternative to commercial solutions for teen use in libraries. I hope that since Construct 2 can be configured for Facebook apps, that I might also be able to integrate apps created with Construct2 into Elgg. I guess I'll find out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807005945174452304.post-28665416530270349952012-11-05T07:16:00.002-07:002012-11-06T12:27:35.203-07:00Currently Reading: American Libraries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaYSYLlya60/UJfDpdZiJII/AAAAAAAACWw/iImoHEDaqds/s1600/565009_486884044667239_378189804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaYSYLlya60/UJfDpdZiJII/AAAAAAAACWw/iImoHEDaqds/s1600/565009_486884044667239_378189804_n.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm currently reading <i>American Libraries: The Magazine of the American Library Association.</i> November/December 2012<br />
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So far, I've read only the article on personal branding: "Personal Branding for Librarians: Distinguishing Yourself from the Professional Herd" by Karen G. Schneider (p. 34-37). It's interesting to me, because I've been making a personal brand for a few years now. When I first was trying to think of an online "username" I typed "librarygirl" into a field and found the username was already being used on Google. Google suggested "megalibrarygirl." I thought, why not? I was raised in a library, my mother was a librarian and was working on becoming a librarian at the time. Plus, I will always love libraries, reading and the communities that libraries touch. This random username became an online identity for me that I hope describes me as a person who really loves libraries and is happy to share what she learns and loves with others.<br />
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The article discusses the pros and cons of personal branding, and how branding can be something that can evolve over time. Brett Bonfield says in the article that you can't control how people perceive you (p. 36). I agree, but I also think that you can have some control as to how you present yourself. After all, that's why we dress the way we do every day--unless we're wearing uniforms, our clothing says a lot about who we are and what we think of ourselves.<br />
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It seems that the best advice for anyone that wants to create a personal brand is that it really needs to be able to encompass everything that you love and are. I think that if a person is truly authentic both online and in real life, their "personal brand" aka their "personality" will shine through.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Schneider, K.G. (2012). Personal branding for librarians: Distinguishing yourself from the professional herd in <i>American libraries </i>43(11/12).34-37. Chicago: American Library Association.</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08668994374331983655noreply@blogger.com0