Book Review: Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Have you every wondered what your friends really thought of you?  Do you hide parts of yourself around others because you’re afraid of how those parts that could their opinions?  If so, you’ll understand the world of Samantha (Sam)(insert last name) in Every Last Word.  One probable difference though:  Sam has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and only her family and psychiatrist know.  She has become an expert at acting ‘normal’ with her friends.  She has constructed manageable routine of swimming, gossiping, saving deep conversations for her weekly meeting her psychiatrist, and knowing how to hide when she has panic attacks.  It is not an idea way to spend high school days but it works.  This all changes when she meets Caroline.  Caroline introduces her to Poet’s Corner; an underground poetry room hidden behind the school’s janitor’s closet.  What Sam finds here inspires dramatic change and Every Last Word follows her on her new journey to examine what ‘normal’ means.

This is a novel that stays with you after reading.  I have never read a book where a character, much less the protagonist, has OCD.  Stone has heavily researched OCD and this makes Sam, and her struggle’s, feel authentic.   There were plot twists that I didn’t see coming; I won’t spoil them but will say they enhance the novel.  I also cannot speak highly enough about the use of poetry in this novel.  Stone has included original poetry that will make you LAUGH, CRY, and want to try your hand at writing a few poems.  It greatly benefited the book and I found myself going back to re-read many of the poems.

Sam is one of the best characters I have read in YA lately.  Her internal dialogue is honest, thoughtful and endearing.  Spending over 300 pages inside her head leaves you wanting more…and that is a GREAT feeling to have after finishing a book.

This book is going to be part of my classroom library; I can’t wait to have students read this book and have meaningful discussions about the events and themes of this book.  I STRONGLY recommend this Every Last Word to people looking for a strongly crafted story with engaging characters that will keep you thinking long after you’ve finished the last page.

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Denton Little's Deathdate

How would you live your life if you knew when you were going to die?  Denton Little’s Deathdate by Lance Rubin explores that question.  Advances in medical technology allow people to know the exact DAY they were going to die and for 17 year-old Denton Little that day is tomorrow.  Denton has tried to live his life as 'normal' as possible.  He's kind to others, thoughtful and in a serious relationship.  All is normal.... until he wakes up with a hangover (his first) in the bedroom of his best friend's sister (also a first).  Follow Denton has he tries to figure out what happened last night (and other parts of his past), how to say goodbye to those he cares about and what will kill him in the next 48 hours.

I laughed out loud at the descriptor and wanted to see how the rest of the book unfolded.  The thought of a serious yet humorous look at people who knew when they were going to die intrigued me.  I'm glad I read the book.  Rubin has created a strong set of characters that make you care about them and where the story is going.  He combines deep moments with those that make you laugh out loud.  

The conclusion of this book seemed rushed to me and I hope there are plans for a sequel or other addition.  This book will appeal to readers interested in diving into an engaging, humorous book that you'll finish reading long before you want to.  I will be adding this book to my classroom library and already have students who want to check it out!

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book.  I like the cover and blurb but I wondered how it that would translate into an entire book.  Consider me impressed.  This debut novel by Derek E. Sullivan examines what it's like to be Henry Abbot; the BIGGEST kid in your school (and the son of local baseball legend).  I finished the book in one sitting and wish there were more to read; that is always a great feeling to have when finishing a book!  

I particularly liked following Henry's growth over the course of the book as he ponders being healthier and having a healthier mindset.  I look forward to adding Biggie to my classroom library and recommend this book to those looking for an enjoyable and engaging read.  

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Diving into Young Adult Books

Five weeks into the start of my school year reading has made reading pop in my mind.  My students and I read for 30 minutes each day.  Students choose the books they want to read and that naturally tilts into the Young Adult genre.  What I want to say to them is THANK YOU.

Looking at books they are reading opens my eyes to new worlds.  Seeing a few students read Gayle Forman's If I Stay prompted me to pick up the book.  I liked it but it didn't GRAB me like the follow up Where She Went did.  This book is one that I still have trouble putting down and find myself reading sections of over and over....and over.  And would not have happened without them.  This got me to thinking.  Why do I enjoy books under the young adult label so much?  And also, why does it irritate me when people belittle this genre?

My thoughts are pretty straightforward.  I enjoy this genre because of the characters I enter the worlds of.  I admire their complexity; their passion, and their insecurity.  The idea of people learning who they are, struggling with identity, and observing the world around them is present in most YA books.  And through their stories I learn more about my own.  I relate to different circumstances.  I understand myself, and others, more deeply through the pages I read.  And I find that those stories help me relate to those around me.  Through reading these books I become more aware of the world around me....and what part I want to play in that world.

Which leads me to those who are dismissive of YA books.  Many say that they are too simple, too geared towards happy endings.  They say that these books are good for people until they want to get more serious and thoughtful about the world around them.  I assume they mean that by reading 'older' books or 'classics' people will have a more enriched experience.  I understand this point of view but I wonder if the people who think this way read YA books with an open mind.

I've read many 'classic' or 'adult' books and been left wanting.  Powerful stories are powerful stories.  East of Eden is a life-altering book (at least it was for me) regardless of the older audience it is geared towards.  The Giver makes me think deeply about love and what it means to be human; regardless of the 'young adult' audience it is geared for.  To say that one genre of books is for the more serio  

Diving into Young Adult books teaches me about who I am.  Whether it be relating to people who hide personal secrets like Melinda in Speak or to characters like Lindsey Lee Wells in An Abundance of Katherines, who hide behind what people expect to see; I view myself in these characters.  And this doesn't make me feel young or simple minded.  Quite the opposite.  It makes me appreciate that these authors have understood thoughts I have had and put them into concise, and powerful, language.

Late Night Musings: Keeping our Eyes Open

What can focus cause us to miss?

I was running today trying to race off the massive amounts of consumed food that coincides with visiting family in Michigan.  I was pushing my pace when the view you see above stopped me.  I was so focused on the path in front of me that I didn't take in the full view of my surroundings. I've run this trail close to 40 times and never truly noticed the scenery that was around me.  

I've wondered tonight about how this short moment can be representative of many of our daily interactions.  We can be so busy doing 'what needs to be done' during a day that we miss out on many things that can happen.

There is no clarion call about what we NEED to change today; just a request that we (myself included) stay open to what is happening in the periphery of what we do.

Jon

(Photo: Stream along the White Pine Trail, Rockford, MI)

Into the Blog

Why Blog?

Effective blogs make you feel a connection to both the author of the blog and the community of readers that follow them.  I've spent years enjoying/devouring blogs for information about politics, education and sports.  Now I want to step into this intriguing world of blogging.  I want to write about topics that interest me, that push me, and that cause me to think about the world we live in.

This blog will be focused in five areas:

• Education: I look forward to posting and examining my thoughts as well as the thoughts of others when it comes to educational pedagogy and practice.

• Book Reviews: Much of my free time, at times too much, is spent reading young adult and non fiction books.  Reviews will be centered on each books impact on me and the impact I could see it having on others.   

• Current Events...with History!: With the constant stream of news we are exposed to it is easy to become overloaded with information.  At times I will blog about current events and provide background knowledge on the event.

• Sports: I don't foresee this becoming a large part of this blog but there will be times when pain from a Lions season or the joy of FIFA '14 will require a post.

• Musings about the Human Condition: There will be times when I want to explore my thinking or the thinking of others.  Enter musings.

I am curious to see the progression of this blog over time.  I expect it to become more focused and more thoughtful as I gain experience.

Let's begin a journey,

Jon