skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Well, I'm not going to say too much about this book, other than you must read it!
And if you've already read it, then you should read the companion novels and the "sequel" (Son) immediately.
All of these books are incredible, and I've been lobbying for The Giver to become an all-grade read for my 6th graders.
It's a "classic" (I actually hate that word to describe books), that everyone should read at some point in their life. And now you really need to read it because the movie will be coming out next week.
I will be honest that I don't know how I feel about the movie because the trailers I've seen don't seem to be in line with how I remember the tone of the book.
If you've read the book and you see the movie, let me know what you think!
Title: The Alchemist
Author: Coelho
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Parable, Journey, Adventure, Dreams
Pages: 177
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars (audio version: 4 out of 5 stars)
Ages: High School, Adult, some Middle School students also (I'm going to buy a copy for my library for the fall)
Jumping on the "Throwback Thursday" theme, I thought that I would review a book that has been in print for quite some time, having first been published in Brazil in 1988. So, it's quite likely that you have heard about this title, and might have already read it.
Funny thing, though, I had never read it until just this last week. It was actually recommended to me by my son who beat me to it. So, of course I had to read it (since the teen boy is not a normally a reader and I find myself inclined to devour anything he suggests). I decided to listen to it on audio since I love my Audible subscription.
From the Publisher:
"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky." Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams."
The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.
This was a short book, but I am quite glad that I listened to it on audio as it is narrated by the impeccable Jeremy Irons. Wonderful reading by an incredible actor!
I can see why this book has resonated with readers around the world for decades. Part fantasy, part fable, part self-help book all wrapped up into one. I think that the storytelling and scene-setting were very strong and you are almost immediately swept up into Santiago's world and rooting for him along his journey.
In the end, I admire a book where the message is to dream big, listen to your heart, and find your life's mission. Amen to following your dreams!
Are you like me and like listening to audiobooks? Or, are you traveling this summer via plane, train, or automobile and will be confined to this small space with family members that might make you a little crazy?
Then check out this FREE source for downloadable audiobooks. Each week of summer, SYNC offers 2 free audiobooks that you can download to your smart phone, iPod, computer, etc. And once you download them, they are yours to KEEP!
Click here to find out the calendar of titles. Two new titles are available each week, from May 30th- August 15th. Text "syncya" to 25827 to receive a text when new titles are released. There are some GREAT TITLES this year...many are my favorites that I've been recommending to students all year!
Anyone can participate, there's no required sign-up or personal info or credit card needed, the titles are in MP3 format compatible with ANY digital player or computer. The choices each week are one top Teen book (like "The Raven Boys," "The False Prince," and "Enchanted"), and one top Classic ("Frankenstein," "Hamlet," and "Through the Looking Glass.") All the directions on how to download the files are on the website, including a "how-to" video.
If you take advantage of this, let me know what you think!
But I thought that I'd make one of our Language Arts teachers completely crazy by pointing out the lastest "mash-up," Romio & Juliet & Vampires. Hilarious! (If you want to browse inside the book, click here).
According to Goodreads, in this version "the Capulets and the Montagues have some deep and essential differences. Blood differences. Of course, the Capulets can escape their vampire fate, and the Montagues can try not to kill their undead enemies. But at the end of the day, their blood feud is unstoppable. So it's really quite a problem when Juliet, a vampire-to-be, and Romeo, the human who should be hunting her, fall desperately in love. What they don't realize is how deadly their love will turn out to be—or what it will mean for their afterlives..."
Mash-ups, combining classic works of fiction
with popular genres (vampires, zombies, etc.), have become all the rage in the last few years. Some notable examples include "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters," and "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter." To be honest, I haven't read any of these mash-ups as I am not a fan of the vampire and zombie genre to begin with. And being a science major, I'll be honest that classic works of fiction aren't typically my thing either. (I know, I'm a horrible librarian)!
But it is a fun concept, and obviously popular. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" was one of the top 3 sellers at our school's book fair last spring. I would love to hear from anyone that has read a mash-up...what do you think? As good as the original?
Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Genre: Classical Mystery
Pages: 359
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This book begins, like many other Sherlock Holmes books, in the small, quiet shared apartment of Holmes himself and Dr. John Watson. While enjoying their tea one morning Dr. Edward Mortimer shows up, fearful, at their door. He tells them the story of the head of the Baskerville manor's grandfather's death; he was an evil man with a sadistic soul who locked a young woman in a chamber. Following her escape he led a chase which ended up in his death at the paws of the hound. Soon Holmes and Watson meet the current owner of the estate, Sir Henry Baskerville. Dr. Mortimer fears that the curse of the hound will catch up with Sir Henry and he pleads for their assistance. It is decided that Watson, Mortimer, and Sir Henry will travel to the Baskerville estate, as Holmes has other matters to attend to in London. Watson soon begins investigating, interrogating, and questioning. He is eventually accompanied by Holmes but will their combined wits be enough?
I decided to choose this novel because I am a big fan of the "Sherlock Holmes" series and any book written by Doyle, another reason was because I thoroughly enjoy mystery books. A literary technique used in this text is classism as the author emphasizes the different classes such as the high class like the Baskervilles and the lower class as the small town next to the estate. Two very obvious interesting characters are Holmes and Watson but another sneaky individual is Mr. Stapleton a butterfly collector living out on the moor. The overall theme of this book would have to be "Do not trust appearances."
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is an overall great read, had just the right amount of detail for me, and had that frightening old style tale feeling to it. I would recommend this novel to mature and strong readers as it is written in advanced vocabulary and old English style text. This story reminded me of all of the previous Conan Doyle books I have read.
The Hound Of Baskervilles written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, written for the purpose to bring Holmes back is a challenging mystery novel and includes danger for Holmes and his partner. If you could, would you take the place of Watson as the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes' assistant?
--Rob, 8th grade
I am so glad that you chose to read and review this book! This is one of the most popular book choices for our 9th graders during their "Classics" unit each spring. I, too, am a big fan of mysteries and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. By the way, this is NOT the cover of the book that we have in the library, thank goodness! We have the great one with the evil hound baring his teeth...much more in line with the tone of the book, but it wouldn't upload to the blog at all.
Title: The Two Towers
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
Pages: 447
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
During the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo Baggins was given the task of destroying the ring, which can control all of Middle Earth, into the fires of Mt. Doom. This book picks up where the first left off. The book is written in several parts, and they alternate between the adventures of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum, who are all hobbits, and Aragorn - a man, Gimli – a dwarf, Legolas – an elf, Boromir – a man, and Gandalf – a wizard. Plus, the brief adventure of the hobbits, Merry and Pippin. The book begins with a huge fight between orcs and the fellowship. Orcs are large, vile, and nasty creatures. Boromir is killed, and the rest of the company is split into three groups. Frodo and Sam continue on alone in hopes of destroying the ring. Merry and Pippin are captured by the orcs. The rest of the company tries to track down Merry and Pippin. After three days Merry and Pippin escape into Fangorn, a forest where trees can move, and even walk and talk. The fellowship finally meets-up with Merry and Pippin. Frodo and Sam have made Gollum, a very, very evil hobbit their guide.
I thought that the Two Tower’s theme was the never, ever give-up, trust your friends, and to always do what is right. An interesting character that I loved to read about was Sam. He was Frodo’s moral support. Many times during the book Frodo says he can’t go on, but each time Sam encourages him, and they continue. J.R.R. Tolkien uses a formal and old English style of writing. At first, it was very hard to read, but eventually I got used to it, and even appreciated it.
This book was absolutely amazing! The book constantly had me hooked, so I flew through the pages very quickly. I would recommend the book to guys and gals. Although, be warned, there are some gory and gruesome parts in the book! If you have read the Eragon books, you’ll love The Two Towers. I actually thought that Eragon seems to be loosely bases on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Even if you have watched the movies, you should give the book a try because there are many exciting parts that the movie left out!
If you bore the ring that could control all of Middle Earth, wouldn’t you be tempted to use it?
--Carli, 8th Grade
Great review Carli! I am so glad to have a review of a book that I have not read. Shhhh...don't tell anyone!
blogger templates | Make Money Online
Posts
