4th MP - 4th Post -- Reflections on the Role and Value of Reading in Our Lives

For your final blog post you will reflect back upon the semester and your reading to offer insights into the role and value of reading in your life.  Consider what this class (and others) has shown  or confirmed about reading and the sharing of it.  You might consider the reasons behind the different choices-- stepping out of your comfort zone, acting on a recommendation, etc.  Or you might consider the objectives of the google classroom assignments especially literary inspirations.

For your post, determine 3 benefits of reading.  Then analyze and discuss each by making references to your reading in this class.  Additionally, reflect upon how you will continue to benefit from reading in the future.

Literary Reflections --  Readers' Choice 2016

I must say that I enjoy teaching this class because it allows me to read new literature and discuss books with students.  The ability of students and me to choose what we read makes the interactions in this class different from other classes that I teach.  This semester has not been different.  The three take aways that I will leave with this June are confirmations of reading's ability to do the following:

Allow us to make connections with others
Expand our Horizons
Provide Inspiration

Connecting with others:  Reading does not have to be a solitary endeavor.  In fact, some of the best pleasures derived from reading can be the discussion of books with other people. The popularity of book clubs attests to this benefit.  Sharing need not be as formal as a class discussion or book club meeting.  Reading a book and talking about it with another can lead to a richer understanding and appreciation. This class allows us to share our reading with others on a daily basis.  My reading of Divergent and Gone Girl earlier in the semester and A Little Life currently are just three examples of how the enjoyment of reading has been enriched for me through the act of sharing.  Never having read Divergent before, I appreciated clarifying parts of the book with those of you who were reading it at the same time.  One the other hand, I had read Gone Girl before.  I really enjoyed the book when I first read it-- as its twists surprised me.  However,  my second reading was much more difficult as I found myself disliking the characters more and more with every page I read.  Being able to express my feelings with fellow readers allowed me to vent and relieve the negative emotions that were building from this second read.  Sharing and talking about Amy and Nick with those of you who were reading the book actually made this second read more fun.  Currently I am reading A Little Life which is a long, long book.  One of the book clubs I am in read it for our meeting last month--I did not finish it but am still reading it. The discussion at our club's meeting was insightful and animated. Other members did joke that for a little life it was a long book-- perhaps 200 pages too long. I have continued to read the book even though the meeting is over.  I am lucky that two other teachers, Ms. Broffman and Ms. Keil, are reading the book now because when I see either of them we often share reactions to what is happening in the book.  Some of you can appreciate the fact that the reading of this book is taking so long-- I like the book but it is difficult going and having others to share with makes the experience easier and more rewarding.

Expanding Our Horizons:  Talking about books and sharing our reactions to them can help us to connect with others, but it can also expand our minds when we hear different responses to the literature.  Sharing can make us think and consider ideas from different perspectives.  Too often our reading choices and reflections can be too narrow and it is necessary to step out of our comfort zones and expand our horizons.  This semester reading Bone Gap was an unintended step out of my comfort zone into the fantasy genre.  I started the book thinking that it was possibly a YA or mystery novel only to be thrown off guard when the book took a turn into fantasy.  I may not have started the book had I thought it was fantasy but I must admit that I did enjoy it and have recommended it.  Many of you like fantasy and have piqued my curiosity and interest in the genre.  In the future, I plan to read more fantasy and will probably act on recommendations that you have made throughout the semester.  Game of Thrones or the Red Queen may make their way into my summer reading.

       Sometimes reading can make us look at the world from a different perspective.  Brandon's  reading of  and response to Between the World and Me was very profound and has inspired several teachers to read the book including Ms. Turjel.  As a result of a student's reading, the English department is putting the book on the summer reading list with the hope that some students will read it and, in doing so, will expand their horizons.  It is now on my summer reading list.


 Providing Inspiration:  I certainly read books for pleasure and appreciate their entertainment value. but the best books are the ones that touch us and make us better people.  In this respect, my reflections on my reading this semester have made me appreciate my favorite book even more.  Divergent might inspire us not to be afraid to take risks and be true to ourselves and A Little Life might cause us to try to be better friends, but neither book comes close to the level of inspiration as To Kill a Mockingbird.  The lessons of courage, integrity and tolerance still ring true.  I always say that if each of us could be a little more like Atticus the world would be a better place.  Part of the joy of reading for me is not just solving a mystery or watching a character overcome adversity but rather knowing that a book has the potential to transform a reader through its inspirational nature.  Granted not all books fall into this category, but that is part of the thrill of reading -- you never know when you will encounter the next To Kill a Mockingbird!

MP 4-- 3rd Post -- Out of Comfort Zone Book

Today you are going to reflect upon your out of comfort zone book.  Please address the following topics in your post.

• Provide a brief summary "teaser" in which you identify the title, author, and genre and in which you explain what the book is about -- no spoilers.
• Share your personal reaction to the book -- what do you see as its strengths and weaknesses, what did you think of it, to whom would you recommend the book?
• Explain how the book is out of your comfort zone-- what is your comfort zone, how is this book out of your comfort zone, how did this affect your reading, what are your thoughts now on this particular genre?

Out of my Comfort Zone--  Fantasy-Horror

Paranormal creatures are definitely out of my comfort zone.  The above three books are fairly recent additions to the horror genre with the Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch falling into the urban fantasy sub-genre.  I must confess that I was not able to read all three in their entirety.  Rivers of London and Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter were read as part of this class but Pride and Prejudice and Zombies I never finished.  All three books explore the concept of paranormal beings interjecting themselves into the human world and the conflicts that arise.

As you probably know by now, paranormal beings are not my thing as I am easily scared.  However, I have been willing to step out of my comfort zone and read about them.  In some ways, if I can get over being "scared" these books can also be humorous as their plots tend to be far-fetched.  Their satire is also to be appreciated.  Both Rivers of London and Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter would appeal to readers of fantasy and horror but also to readers of detective fiction as the main character in each seeks to solve mysteries and seek out the bad guys-- ghosts and vampires.   Readers who like history or the O'Reilly killing series might like the Abraham Lincoln book as it is another "spin" on history. As a an avid Jane Austen fan, I started to read the zombie book but for some reason never finished it. I still have it and plan to finish it one day -- the plot starts out following Austen's book which made it interesting for someone who is familiar with Austen's work.

Paranormal beings,  as stated before, are not my thing.  There are several other genres I prefer such as crime fiction and popular fiction;  and, with little time to read during the school year, I am more inclined to read different books than those in the horror genre. However, I cannot deny that these books can be a fun read and are certainly imaginative.  I particularly appreciate how Seth Grahame Smith weaves in history and literature with his horror plots.  His imagination and creativity are extraordinary and clever.  My ventures into this genre have enabled me to expand my reading and help me to connect with friends and students who enjoy this genre on a regular basis whether it be through reading or film.  Checking out what others enjoy is not a bad thing and benefits all involved.  The world would be a narrow place if we did not occasionally step out of our comfort zone and experience what it has to offer. 

4th MP -- Post 2 -- Jane Austen's Book Club

We have concurrently been watching the film, Jane Austen's Book Club, and reading our out of comfort zone books.  Today's post is a reflection on the film.  In paragraph form, respond to the following topics.  Be sure to include visual(s).

• Personal Reaction-- What did you think of the film?  What were its strengths and weaknesses?  What can you take away from viewing this film?
• Stepping Out of Comfort Zone--  reflect upon how the characters in the film step out of their comfort zones-- consider this first in terms of their reading and then in other ways.  How does the film show that stepping out of one's comfort zone can be beneficial or detrimental.
• The Power of Reading --  What does this film show about the value of book clubs and the shared experience of reading?

4th Marking Period -- Blog Post 1

Genres:

Today you will reflect upon your research of your  genre, the book you read and its relation to your genre, and the information presented regarding other genres.


Genre Reflection:  What is your genre and how would you describe it?  What attracts readers to this particular genre?  What specifically appeals to you?  What books have you read in the genre? What books might you read in the future?  What did you learn about your genre that you found interesting or didn't know before?

Book Reflection:  What book did you read for your genre project?  What genre traits are evident in this book?  What was your reaction to the book?  Would you recommend the book to other readers?

Genre Presentations Reflection:  Consider the genre presentations of your classmates; what genres seem to be of interest to you?  Why?  What books or authors might you consider reading in the future?  Why?   What are two take aways you learned from these presentations?



My Post --  Urban Fantasy

Urban Fantasy is a sub-genre of the fantasy genre.  Essentially, urban fantasies are books which are set in an urban setting and which contain para-normal creatures such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and other fantastical beings. Urban fantasy plots often center around the relationships of humans and these supernatural beings. The setting is a defining feature which characterizes the genre and separates it from high fantasy.  The supernatural aspect of this genre appeals to readers who like to be thrilled, who like suspense, and who like reading about the unknown.   As I mentioned in my presentation, this genre is an evolving genre which has seen a recent surge in popular culture.  One of the attractions is the presence of strong female protagonists.  Leading writers in the genre include Ben Aaronovitch(River of London series), Jim Butcher (Dresden Files), Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels series),  and Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson series).

The book that I read is Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch.  This book is the first in a series featuring Peter Grant, a London policeman who gets a new assignment-- the investigation of supernatural crimes and their magical perpetrators.  As I mentioned in my presentation, fantasy is "not my thing," and supernatural tales often scare me.  But I am a fan of detective fiction and crime novels, so this book did have elements that appeal to me.  The suspenseful nature of the book kept me reading, anxious to find out what was behind the crimes Grant was investigating.  The whodunit aspect of the book appeals to me and other readers who like to problem solve and explore possible solutions to the mystery at hand.  The presence of supernatural beings adds to the scare factor which many readers enjoy (but not me!).  Another appeal of this particular book is that it is part of series so if you like it, there are more books to read as Peter Grant continues his quest to make London safe.

You all did a good job of presenting your genres and offering insights into each.  I hope that you all feel more familiar with the genres presented.
1-2 - Young Adult Literature, Suspense/Thriller, Satire, Romance
15-16 - Political, Suspense/Thriller, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Crime

What I am hoping is that from being exposed to the research of your classmates  you are walking away with a broader knowledge of various genres and an appreciation for what is out there.  In each class, presenters identified appeals of the various genres.  Throughout your lives, you will hopefully continue reading but recognize the various reasons why we read.  Reading can offer us escape, it can challenge our minds as we seek to solve mysteries, it can inform us, it can help us to deal with issues in our lives..... the list goes on and on.  Another hope that I have is that by hearing about these different genres you will branch out of your comfort zones and explore other genres with which you are not familiar.  My reading of Rivers of London is an example of my moving out of my comfort zone and exploring a different genre.  A year later, I am still not a diehard fantasy reader but I am willing to read fantasy --  in fact, I just read Bone Gap which contains elements of fantasy.  As the next presidential election looms, becoming knowledgeable of the candidates and the issues at hand through political and satirical books will help to make you more informed citizens.  As adolescents, hopefully you see the appeals of YA novels which can help teens deal with real, relevant issues.  Thank you all for sharing your research with us and helping to broaden our exposure to the variety of readings that are available.

Acting on Recommendations

Brooklyn  by Colm Toibin

Brooklyn is the story of a young Irish woman who leaves her home to come to the United States. It is

the story of her journey and experiences adapting to her new country. Eilis (pronounced Eye Lish) cannot find work in Ireland so her sister and mother arrange for her to emigrate to the States.  The experiences challenge Eilis but she is up for them.  While the first half of the book is a story of the immigrant experience, the second half of the book offers romance and the need for Eilis to decide where she truly belongs.

I have been wanting to read Brooklyn for a few months.  Ms. Ryan had recommended it to me in the fall and then it had been getting a lot of Oscar attention in recent months; so, for this choice,  I decided it was time for me to read it.  I really liked the book (and the movie which I appropriately watched on St. Patrick's Day!)  Eilis is a strong central character who is both believable and inspirational.  Her competence and character allow her to persevere and thrive.

Brooklyn should appeal to a wide range of readers.  I know that Adam in 1-2 thought the movie was depressing but I didn't find it depressing- there are problems and obstacles for Eilis but for the most part I found the book to offer a positive and inspiring account of a young woman's life and the choices she was forced to make. Readers of romance should enjoy the book, but those who like historical fiction will also appreciate reading about the experience of immigrating to the United States in the 1950s.  The book is similar to three other books I have read recently: Fever, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and Angela's Ashes.  All of the books travel back in time and describe the struggles of immigrants in the United States who have come to this country for a better life.  All prove insights into the life in New York city tenements and cultural enclaves.   Brooklyn gets a high recommendation from me--  Thumbs Up!


Everything Everything  by Nicola Yoon

Maddy is allergic to Everything.  Practically her entire life has been spent within the confines of her house.  She loves to read and she has a devote mother and a devoted nurse.  Not until new neighbors move in next door does she realize how incomplete her life is.  Meeting and falling in love with Ollie changes everything for Maddy.

Everything Everything was one of the books that was promoted during our book talk with the librarian from the West Caldwell Library.  What piqued my interest was the idea of a story with a twist.  I always enjoy a mystery and Ms. Turjel read it and recommended it to me so I thought I might give it a look to see if it was a book that student might like.  We can also ask Dominic in 15-16 since he is reading the book too.  As for me,  I enjoyed the book and would describe it as a light and enjoyable read.

Anyone who liked a Fault in Our Stars or Eleanor and Park should enjoy reading this book.  The main character is a reader and a trusting soul, but meeting her first love changes her life.  Like Eilis in Brooklyn, Maddy finds that she must search within herself to find answers and the strength to act upon her choices.  Her coming of age comes with a twist.  This book also gets a Thumbs Up rating from me.

Post 4 -- Personal Choice -- Acting on a Recommendation

In this post you are updating your blog followers regarding your current read.  Divide your post into three parts:

Book Overview:  Give a general description about the book; identify its genre; briefly summarize the basic plot and central conflict, but don't offer any spoilers.

Personal Response: Mention why you are reading the book, what your thoughts are regarding its strengths and weaknesses, and what you think of the recommendation that was given to you.

Recommendation:  Who should read this book and why?  To what previously read books is it similar?
What star rating out of five would you give it and why?

Feel free to include aspects from your book ad in this post.

Post 3 -- Response to Class Read

In Post 3, you will respond to our class read and film.  Structure your response as follows:

Paragraph 1--  Response to the Book: What is your reaction to the book?  What were your original expectations regarding the book?  How were these expectations met or not met?  What are the book's strengths? weaknesses?  Would you recommend this book to others?  Why?  Why not?  To Whom?

Paragraph 2 --  Response to the Film:  What are your thoughts regarding the film that was viewed in class?
1-2 What thematic connections do you see between the film and the book?
15-16--  What are your thoughts regarding the adaptation of the book onto the screen?

Paragraph 3 -- Your Take Away:  What will you take away from your reading and your viewing?

Books of My Life

Favorite Book to Read to My Son --  Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak's monsters were a favorite of my son's and mine when he was growing up.  Every night we would reenact Max's journey as he sailed to the far away land and danced with monsters. But the underlying message was that he always wanted to return home to his family where he was loved.  The combination of carefree monsters in a land without adults and the reassuring presence of home and a meal waiting from his mom make Where the Wild Things Are an entertaining read for a child(and his parent).  

Favorite Book Read for School-One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

During high school and college, I read many of the books that I currently teach.  I enjoy reading so I remember liking most of the books, but the one book that stands out is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  It was my first taste of protest literature and the use of the medium to highlight ills of society.  McMurphy's antics and sacrifices are definitely thought provoking.  The popular film is also a favorite but does not capture the perspective of Chief Bromden who is just as much a presence in the book as McMurphy.  This is the book that has caused me to question the norm and recognize the power of an individual.

The Movie Was Better than the Book-- Forrest Gump

When I speak of books that have been turned into movies, I could say that I always mention the book was better if not for my having read Forrest Gump.  As is often the case, after seeing a good movie that was adapted from a book, I will often find and read the book.  Forrest Gump was not different. When I found out that there was a book, I quickly obtained a copy and began to read.  Shock and disappointment followed.  I love, and continue to love, the film, but I hate the book!  The affable character portrayed by Tom Hanks is not the Forrest Gump within the pages.  Instead, the book Forrest Gump is arrogant and foul-mouthed and his journeys are more far-fetched than those in the film.  This book keeps me from saying, "The book is always better than the movie."

Top Book on my Must Read List --   Night

I read Night when I was in high school and it had a tremendous effect upon me.  Since my first reading, I have heard Wiesel speak on numerous occasions and appreciate his message that we can never forget.  Too often I hear and see young people assume racist attitudes and I think that they really don't understand the implications of what they are saying.  To remedy this ignorance, Night is a must read.  Wiesel's memoir demonstrates the horrific effects of man's inhumanity to man.  The beauty of Wiesel's prose and the power of his messages make this book an essential read.

All I Need to Know I Learned from Atticus -- To Kill a Mockingbird

When asked what my favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird is my response.  The story and themes are timeless, but more importantly the character of Atticus serves as an important role model.  If we were all a little more like Atticus the world would be a better place.  His courage, commitment to justice, and open-mindedness inspire readers to be better versions of themselves.  Robert Fulghum wrote All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten claiming that the social lessons taught in kindergarten are all we need to know as we traverse through our lives.  Reading To Kill a Mockingbird could have the same effect-- like Night it is a must read.

Book That Inspired Me-- Boys on the Boat

Boys on the Boat may not be for everyone but the story of Joe Rantz and the members of the 1936 US Olympic Crew is truly an inspirational story.  Rantz embodies the American dream and those qualities which we attribute to everyday heroes.  His story parallels that of the crew team's journey for the gold in the Berlin Olympics of 1936.  Brown has created a work that informs while it inspires.

Books that Make Me Cry --  Orphan Train and Tale of Two Cities

I must confess -- lots of books have made me cry.    Orphan Train receives this heading because the story of its two protagonists had me crying as I say on my coach one Saturday morning last year.  I was a little embarrassed and was glad that I was alone.  Despite the my tears, Orphan Train gives readers a glimpse into a little known segment of American history.  Christina Baker Kline links the struggles of orphan train rider Vivian with those of modern day foster child Molly. Both young women endure and overcome many ordeals providing inspiration for readers.

Tale of Two Cities also falls under this category in the books of my life.  The book is a long time favorite, and I reveled in following the footsteps of the characters when I travelled to Paris a couple of years ago.  Dickens' depiction of Sydney Carton's life and ultimate sacrifice still bring tears to my eyes no matter how many times I read the book.

Class Reads

Currently we are reading:

Mods 1-2

Mods 15-16

MP 3 Post 2 -- Books of Your Life

Post 2 will explore the books of your life.  These are the books that have significance to you for various reasons over the course of your life.  Refer to the hard copy of the assignment and the model that were shared with you in class.

Welcome, Readers' Choice students to my 2016 blog.  I will use this blog to post blog topics and to model blog posts when applicable.  I hope that you will all have an enjoyable semester of reading as you make and read your own choices.




Post 1-- Introduce yourself as a reader.  Include in your introduction the type of reader you are, the genres that you like to read, your favorites books, the book you are currently reading.


Welcome to Readers' Choice --

First, let me introduce my reading self.   I have always loved to read, which shouldn't surprise you since I am an English teacher. When I was young, I loved horses so I read every book in the public library about horses both fiction and non-fiction.  From animal books, I transitioned to mystery novels.  You are all too young to remember Nancy Drew, but her series was my first foray into that genre.  I graduated to Agatha Christie novels and haven't stopped.  This past summer I travelled to Ireland so I explored an array of Irish mystery writers including Declan Hughes, Colin Bateman, Brian McGilloway, Stuart Neville, and John Connolly.  I am always interested in a good detective series, so if you have any suggestions please let me know.

During the school year, I find that I don't have too much time to read because I have books to read for class and papers to grade.  Fortunately, most of the books that we read in school have literary and social value, so they are not a strain to read and reread.  Coincidently, my favorite book of all time is Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.  The recent publication of Go Set a Watchmen may have cast a shadow on my favorite book and favorite character, Atticus; but the book still speaks to me and the lessons that Atticus teaches his children are ones that transcend time and serve to better the world. 

I do most of my reading during the summer and over vacations.  While I do use my Kindle or Ipad, I also enjoy reading hard copies of books and find that they are sometimes better for reading on the beach or on a dock.  Water and sand don't always mix well with electronic devices!  One of the perks of teaching Readers' Choice is that I get to read for school.  Reading what students enjoy is a pleasure and way of connecting on a different level and, in some cases, on the same level.  The shared experience provides a truly unique experience.

This semester there are a lot of page to screen titles and YA books that I am looking forward to reading.  My first read of the semester is Finding Jake, which I finished over the past weekend.  The book is about a school shooting told from a parent's perspective.  The book was suspenseful and thought provoking.  It reminded me of Jodi Picoult's novel 19 Minutes.  High school students should enjoy reading it for more than just the plot line.  My next book is Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.  I have been told that there are similarities to Perks of Being a Wall Flower and A Fault in Our Stars.  Another focus of my reading this semester will be monster literature.  I have almost finished Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and my son has me reading A Picture of Dorian Grey. To be honest, monsters are out of my comfort zone.  The supernatural and paranormal happenings are just plain scary.  In the monster genre, I prefer those which focus on monsters that are reflections of man's creation or inner-self.

I look  forward to reading with you all this semester--  happy reading!