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.