Book Stacks

I have not blogged in over a month, but this is not for lack of reading. I am working on several pieces right now, including a couple for work and a few for fun.

I am still pushing through "Julie and Julia", but the movie is out of theaters now, so I have until the DVD release to finish it. Unfortunately, the story has not grabbed my attention in a way that compels me to read, but it is an easy book with a relaxed tone, and the experience of reading it is a good one. It is simply not high on my reading priority list.

For Read for Yourself, I am reading two books suggested by students. The first, "Identical", is, essentially, an epic poem in parts. The story is told, piece by piece, in one to two page poems. These poems take on different forms, some of which inform the reading, and they are told by twin sisters who have very different perspectives on the turmoil in their lives. The format is interesting, the content is disturbing. I feel viscerally disgusted when I read about the dynamics between the female narrators and their father. However, I can see how young adults might connect to it, particularly if they have endured abuse in the past.

The other book I am reading at a student's suggestion is "Naked" by David Sedaris. I have heard only good things about Sedaris, and it was only a matter of time before I read his work. But that time has arrived. The first chapter hooks the reader. The writing is cheeky and often sarcastic. He uses powerful imagery and detailed descriptions of his family members and experiences. It is a great read.

Naturally, I'm still fawning over "The Book Thief" and "Boy in the Striped Pajamas", endlessly brainstorming the best ways to teach these two texts. I need to find a focus for both of them. I would really like kids to journal as they are reading, so that I can have an individual dialog with them as they are reading. Still, the unit remains unfinished.

Other than that, I am reading job-specific articles and books. That said, the books I am reading for fun a far more interesting, and I am excited to keep pushing through.

Happy reading!