Spotlight Book of the Week

Today's Spotlight book for Evergreen was "Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown.

An incredible book for anyone that is a fan of sports, world history, Olympics, crew, even the University of Washington or Pacific NW stories. (Though if you are a Cougar or Duck or any other college alumni, please don't ignore this book because it is about a bunch of Huskies).

This is the true story of the 1936 8-oar crew team that represented the United States at the Berlin Olympics and their quest for gold. They also happened to be the UW crew team at the time and overcame so many odds to even get to the Olympics.

A terrific, true-life story that will make a good gift this holiday season for many readers. It has received comparisons to "Unbroken" and "Seabiscuit" (both by Laura Hillenbrand) and it deserves the comparisons.

On a side note: this is one example where I do NOT recommend the audiobook. Or at least, not to anyone that is from the Northwest. The narrator was not directed in the correct pronunciation of many NW cities and it can be quite annoying and distracting. 

Spotlight Book of the Week

Today's Evergreen Staff Spotlight title was a two-for-one:

Next week marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, and many books, movies, documentaries, television specials will be upcoming. I thought I would highlight two titles that do an excellent job of discussing the assassination and all the details necessary to understand what happened.

Both books are adapted versions of the authors' titles published for adults (which I would also recommend). However, these "teen" editions provide plenty of detail and with terrific amounts of archival photographs and illustrative materials.

The President Has Been Shot by James L. Swanson

Kennedy's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly

Spotlight Book of the Week

I started a new feature to all the teachers and staff at school. Every Friday, I will be highlighting a book that I think they would enjoy...whether or not it is a "teen" book.

Today's Spotlight title, just in time to coincide with the release of the movie, was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

One of the most incredible books that I have ever read, this is a book that must be read by people of all ages...middle school, high school, college, adult. You must read this book at some point in your life, preferably as soon as possible.


On a side note, the audiobook is OUTSTANDING!

I have not yet decided whether I will be seeing the movie. It looks wonderful, but I just loved the book SO much, that I fear I might be disappointed for how the movie might differ from the book. But don't let that stop you from going. I'd love to hear how it was.

Happy reading!