What I'm reading now...

What I just finished reading...
So ever since I got my e-reader, I've been gulping down books like there's no tomorrow. I went on a Maureen Johnson tear, reading Suite Scarlett, Scarlett Fever, Girl at Sea (my favorite of the bunch), and The Key to the Golden Firebird. I really like her style. She's funny and sweet and sarcastic all at once, but without being overbearing, like so many YA novelists can be.


Speaking of YA, I've also gone on a John Green tear, starting with An Abundance of Katherines after one of my students recommended it. It was good, good enough to convince me to get Paper Towns next, and then follow that up with Looking for Alaska, which is arguably John Green's most famous book. And its fame is very well deserved -- it's one of the best YA books I've ever read. John Green reminds me a lot of Maureen Johnson; he's almost like the male version of her, but even more sarcastic. Oh, and he likes to throw around four-letter words like mad, so if that bothers you, steer clear. Otherwise, he's a great read.


When I wasn't reading Maureen Johnson and John Green, I was reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which was recommended by my school's librarian. It's about racial tensions in the South during the 1950's-1960's in America, which I appreciate, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the fact that it was written by a privileged white woman, especially since a large portion of the narrative is told from the perspective of black women. The story itself is amazing, but sometimes the narrative feels a bit condescending towards black people. However, its message is a noble one, enough to make me forgive Stockett's shortcomings.

Next I read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, which is told from the perspective of a family dog who is convinced he will be reincarnated as a human being in his next life. It may sound silly, but let me tell you, this is one of the best books I've read in the past year my life. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for Enzo, I even sacrificed sleep just to finish reading it. Go and buy it today -- don't hesitate. It's simply amazing.

The last book I finished reading was Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Any book that follows The Art of Racing in the Rain runs the risk of being compared unfavorably, but happily, it did not disappoint. Anna and the French Kiss may be a YA novel, but it is also one of the best romance novels I've ever read. It's chock full of enough ups and downs to make any roller coaster jealous, and its whirlwind conclusion is one of the most satisfying endings I've read for any novel. Also-also, it made me want to go back to Paris. Bad. I first heard about this book thanks to Maureen Johnson's and John Green's tweets, and I'm ever so glad I did, because it's become one of my favorite books. I can't wait to reread it!


What I'm reading now...
I'm currently reading Unbroken by  Laura Hillenbrand. It's the selection that was chosen for this month for the teacher book club I belong to at school, and while I wasn't sure I would like it at first, as of today, I'm up to 69 pages into the book and absolutely loving it so far. It's based on a true story, that of Louie Zamperini, who began life as a reckless juvenile delinquent who turned his life around when he discovered running. From breaking into his neighbors' houses, he turned his interests to the Olympics, and later, to World War II as a pilot for the U.S. Army. During the war, he was captured as a prisoner of war and supposedly overcame unbelievable obstacles -- at least, that's what I hear. I haven't gotten to that point in the novel yet. But at the rate I've been reading, I should get there soon. Though the novel is nonfiction, it is quite the page-turner. I guess it proves that old adage true: sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.


What I want to read next...
I want to read some more Maureen Johnson next! I've got both Devilish and The Bermudez Triangle lined up, and I can't wait. I think it will make for some perfect light reading over the Winter Break. :)


What are you reading now?

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2 comment(s):

Claire Kiefer said...

Wow, you are such a voracious reader, it's impressive! It's so hard reading this much while being a teacher . . . I find that I read so much for work/curriculum development/etc. that sometimes I don't have the energy to read when I get home. Or the time. But that's ridiculous since it's such a pleasure.

My teacher/student book club is reading Paper Towns this time around and I haven't started it yet but am eager to!

danielle and dinosaur toes said...

i haven't read any of those books, but i may have to look into them because i always feel like i need to branch out. if someone is sarcastic and funny, i'm sold.

have you read water for elephants? i saw it recently and am now wishing i would have gotten it.