Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4

Today was our first day back in school after a five day break. School was closed to due to the high number of flu-related illnesses. We re-opened today, but still had many gone. The halls seemed quieter and the mood was definitely mellow. I spent the morning reading reviews and tidying my shelves. This afternoon, UPS delivered my copy of Jeff Kinney's new book. I picked it up while I ate lunch and began to read. Confession time: (I read the whole thing. I tried to put it down, I really did, but I HAD to finish it.) I felt like a kid trying to text during class. I kept the book down low and read while it looked like I was busy on my computer. The fact that I kept laughing out loud was probably a dead-giveaway.

In this book, Greg is faced with summer vacation. His parents are cutting back on spending and not taking their annual vacation to the beach. When presented with the alternatives, Greg would rather spend the summer indoors watching TV and playing video games. His mother has other plans. . . I don't know if it is the fact that I have a middle school son that makes this book so hysterical, but I love this series. So do boys. . . order copies for all the boys on your Christmas list this year. It will be their favorite gift.

I'll read anything, except. . .

I am a pretty adventurous reader. While I have my favorite authors and genres, I will try anything, except. . . science fiction and horror. I have no desire. I still remember watching my first (and nearly last) horror movie in junior high. I refused to take the trash out alone for weeks afterward. I hate horror. . . I don't mind an occasional sci-fi movie (loved the Matrix and X-men series), but I have never read sci-fi. I have long held the theory (recently confirmed) that only REALLY brilliant people read science fiction. My husband, one of the smartest men I know, reads sci-fi almost exclusively. Our G/T coordinator at school prefers sci-fi (she was an astro-physicist in a former life), and my brother-in-law (very brilliant mind) reads sci-fi (he also reads other books - that I would consider textbook quality - for fun). Like I said, brilliant minds. . .

Last month our book club re-convened. Bigger, more diverse and better than ever. In hopes of keeping our few males members interested, we all agreed to read their book of choice. Hyperion by Dan Simmons. I half-heartedly started the book, and by the second page, I was so confused, I nearly quit. In all honesty, it took almost 100 pages for me to enjoy the story, but by then I was hooked. We all were. Only one member of our club quit, the rest finished, though for most, it was really outside of our comfort zone. It was a cleverly crafted story and most members of our club are already on the second book. In October, we're reading a mystery (a Nero Wolfe novel) and in November/December we are reading a western by Cormac McCarthy. Anyone want to join us?

I picked up a new YA book this week. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. It is a horror story about (wait, brace yourself. . .) zombies. Seriously. I read the whole book on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed the story. It has a strong female character, which I love, and is an easy, entertaining read. I thought the book ending somewhat abruptly, leaving me to wonder if there would be a book two. . . If so, I will read my second horror story.

So, now as I wander the stacks in search of the perfect book for a student, I can no longer say, "Well, I will read anything, except. . . "

My Father, Maker of the Trees

I have read several accounts of the Rwandan Genocide, and each has moved me in different ways. I just finished My Father, Maker of the Trees: How I survived the Rwandan Genocide by Eric Irivuzumugabe. In 1994, Eric was 16 years old. As Hutu extremists plundered his village, he and his family fled to the nearby hills. Eric and his family were separated during the unthinkable violence. Eric found refuge in a cypress tree where he remained for fifteen days with little food or water. During this time, he witnessed the massacre of his people. One million Tutsis were killed in just one hundred days. Eventually, Eric finds two of his brothers and several uncles. The rest of his family were murdered by the Hutus. This is a story of God's sovereignty and grace in the midst of terrible suffering. Eric's story is a difficult one, but one that needs to be heard. There are 120,000 orphans in Rwanda as a result of the 1994 genocide (there were two other genocides - 1959 and 1972 - Eric's grandfather lived through the first two). This story offers a glimpse at a horrific event in global history, and tells the tale about the amazing restoration that is happening in Rwanda today.

I am the Messanger. . .

I just finished reading I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. I had read a review, ordered the book and then sent it home with my TA, Tara. She read it quickly and returned it to me. Her only comment was, "Mrs. Villers, you need to read this book."

Many of you may know Markus Zusak from The Book Thief, a fabulously written book. I am the Messenger pre-dates The Book Thief, but has gained notoriety due the the popularity of The Book Thief.

I could "booktalk" this book for you, but I think I will quote my wonderful aide, Tara. You need to read this book. . . If you don't read YA, I think this would be a good one to try. Quick YA warning: this book does contain language, but it fits the story. If you are thinking about branching out into the YA genre, this is a great starting book - Enjoy!

Love this author. . .

My first exposure to Sharon Creech was her Newberry winner, Walk Two Moons. I read it in two nights and wondered how I could not have read this author before. Quick Confession: I almost always read the end of a book in the beginning, but for some reason this time I didn't. I was so surprised by the ending that it nearly reformed me. I loved this book and as a result suggest it often. It is rarely on my shelves.

Two weeks ago, I picked up Love That Dog on a slow morning in the library. To be honest, I was looking for an excuse not to have to re-shelve books. . . I read the whole book. It is the story of a fifth grade boy, Jack, who is learning about poetry and begins to write letters in poetry form to his teacher. I brought the book home and read it to Tommi. Lance and Levi sat on the couch and listened in (that's a clue to the quality of this book). . . Spoiler warning: you may want tissues near at hand.

At the end of the book, I wanted to know more about the poetry that the fictitious Miss Stretchberry used (the poems are included in the back of the book) in her lessons. Heck, I wanted to become Miss Stretchberry. Sharon Creech has a new(ish) book: Hate That Cat. Jack opens the story like this. . .

Room 204 - Miss Stretchberry

September 12

I hate that cat
like a dog hates a rat
I said I hate that cat
like a doge hates a rat

Hate to see it in the morning
hate to see that
F A T black cat.

September 13

Sorry
I didn't know
you liked cats.
Didn't know
you have one.


I LOVE a book with a good hook. . . This one grabbed me from page one and I was sorry to leave Jack at the end. If you haven't read poetry in awhile, this is a gentle re-introduction and that will leave you wanting to read more. I love this author. . .

FAQ's

My friend, Suzanne (pictured center), is a research and reference librarian at a university in Portland. She says that librarians must know a little bit about a lot of things. . . Daily, I find that she is right. Here are some of the questions I have been asked recently.

• Q: Hey, Mrs. Villers, do I have any books checked out?
• A: What do I look like a computer? (Okay, I've only said this once, but I get asked this question 100 times a day)
• Q: Mrs. Villers, how do you spell. . . ??
• Q: Mrs. Villers what is the capital of Greenland?
• A: Nuuk
  
• Q: Mrs. Villers, what is the highest mountain in Australia?
• A: Mount Kosciusko ( Okay, I actually said, Here's an atlas, let me know what you find)
• Q: Mrs. Villers, do you have that book - "500 ways to kill a deer"? ( I honestly was asked this question today)
• A: I just ordered a book 500 Tips for Hunting White Tail Deer and it should be in next week.
• Q: Mrs. Villers, do you know how to make a piece of poster board look like a suit jacket? (Would I make this question up?? A senior asked me today. . .)
• A: Hmmm, let's see. . . (always a useful stall tactic)
  
• Q: Mrs. Villers, do you have Diary of a Wimpy Kid : the last straw?? (Get asked this at least once a day)
• A: Not yet, but it should be here any day. . . (Please, God, let it come today!)
• Q: Mrs. Villers, do you have any books by Ellen Hopkins?
• A: Yes, but they are all checked out. . .
• Q: Mrs. Villers, can you renew my books? ( I have been asked this in the halls, grocery store and at church)
• A: Yes, of course, come and see me in the library and we'll do it together
• Q: Mrs. Villers, when did Ghengis Khan rule?
• A: @1180. . .
• Q: Mrs. Villers, can you help me find a book??
  
• A: Yes, Yes, Yes!!

My most FAQ:

What did librarians do before Google?
A: They read. A lot. Gotta go. . . .

Mom knows best

My mom has probably had the most defining impact on my reading and reading choices. I can remember her sitting on our couch, knitting in one hand and a book in the other. One of the things I am the most grateful for is the fact that she insisted we read a variety of books and genres. As a teenager, all I wanted to read (I am blushing as I write this) were romance novels. Instead of flat out saying "no", mom declared that for every romance I read, I had to read other books - biographies, history, a classic, a mystery or self-improvement book. In other words, I had to read four or five books for every teen romance. Oh, the brilliance of it!!!

As an adult, I find that my "comfort" book of choice is a mystery. I love a good mystery novel. As I stock up on them in the library, I find myself looking over my shoulder, counting my books, and then reaching for a biography, a parenting book or a classic I have never read. The discipline my mom insisted on as a child has never left me and because of it, I have read books I never would have discovered. I can still remember the first real biography I read that I devoured (this was after working my way through our neighbor's shelf of George Washington, Jane Adams, etc.) . .. I didn't read this bio in order to get to my next romance, but I read it and LOVED it! Since that book, I have found that I truly enjoy bios and memoirs. I like the way they open my world, expand my view and most often I come away with a greater appreciation for the many blessings in my life. Here is a list (yes, of course, it is partial) of some of the bios/memoirs that I have enjoyed:

1. Miles from Nowhere by Barbara Savage - This book describes a two year world bike tour taken by Barbara and her husband. This was the first biography I read that opened my eyes to the possibility that good, interesting biographies existed! An easy, fascinating read.
2. Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - My sister, Heidi, recommended this book to me and I was hooked from the first sentence! It chronicles the story of the author's childhood with eccentric, nomadic parents. I have recommended this book numerous times in the library and it has been a hit every time. If you only read one bio this year, this is it!
3. American Shaolin by Matthew Polly - I picked this book up for the library to add to my growing boys' collection. I brought it home to read so that I could recommend it and surprisingly like it. It is the story of a nerdy college student who travels to China to study kung fu under the Shaolin monks.
   
4. The Girl in the Green Sweater: A Life in Holocaust's Shadow by Krystyna Chiger - I just finished this book before Christmas break. It is an amazing account of a family's survival in a Polish sewer. Krystyna lived in the sewer with her family and others for 14 months. This is not an easy read, but worth the effort.
5. God Grew Tired of Us by John Bul Dau - This book captivated me. This is the story of one of the 4,000 "lost boys of Sudan". It is a hopeful read - filled with God's grace - loved it.
6. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier by Ishmael Beah. Again, this is not an easy read (stories of other's suffering rarely are), but valuable.
7. The Soloist by Steve Lopez I have blogged about this previously. Read it (the book, not the previous blog) . . .

The next time you are in the library loading up on your favorite genre, make yourself reach for something else. Try a new genre, author, or style, you might find you love it.

Comfort Food

There are certain days when I must have comfort foods. I start the day dreaming of homemade mac n cheese with crusty french bread or a pot of chicken noodle soup with hot biscuits. For me, it is the same way with books. As the weather grows colder and more evenings are spent at home in front of the fire it has made me evaluate my "comfort" list. Once again, this is a partial list, but here are some of my favs:

• Mary Stewart - wrote in the 1950's and 60's - I love her books - high vocab, great stories, easy reads. . . comfort. I can't pick just one - love these "gothic" titles . . . Madame, Will you Talk?, Nine Coaches Waiting, My Brother Michael, Airs Above Ground, The Moonspinners.
• Dick Francis - writes racing (horse) mysteries. Love his vintage stuff (pre-1980). Some of my favorites: Dead Cert, Proof (first Dick Francis I ever read), Whip Hand, Long Shot, Risk.
• Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre - I read this book every year. It is a beautiful story and a great handbook for learning to live in a complaint-free world.
• Rosamunde Pilcher: Just saying her name, makes me long for the warmth of an Aga with a kettle boiling. I read my first Rosamunde Pilcher in high school and was not impressed. I like neat books with everyone living happily ever after. . . I picked her up again a few years ago and was hooked - nothing grand, just a good solid story - comfort food. Am currently reading The Shell Seekers. Just finished The Blue Bedroom and other short stories - reminded me of warm summer days reading my Grandma's Good Housekeeping and Ladies Home Journal.
• L.M. Montgomery: Need I say more? Besides the Anne and Emily Series, my favorites of hers are Kilmeny of the Orchard and Blue Castle.
• Kate Douglas Wiggin: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - consider this dessert - like a good chocolate cake or vanilla ice cream. Sweet comfort.

My laundry is threatening to overtake me, my floors need to be swept and my dishes done, yet all I can think of is food and good book. Ahhh! Happy comfort reading!!

The Book vs. The Movie

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, my niece Lauren and I attended the Twilight movie. This was a plan that had been in the works for some time and we both went with great trepidation as we feared it would not live up to the book.

One of the things I loved about the books was that they were so clean. I know, I know they are about vampires - teen vampires none the less, and I know there is some controversy in Christian circles about these books. I think now is a good time to remind everyone, that the books were never intended to impart a Christian message. After reading YA fic for three solid months, for me, this book was refreshing in its innocence ( as innocent as vegatarian vampires can be :)) There is no sex, no teen drinking or drugs, and no language. The series drags a bit and it is good to remember that they are written about teens, for teens. I just happen to love YA lit and love teens so this book was a good fit for me.

Did the movie live up to our expectations? Frankly, no. Edward is supposed to be perfect. I could not think of an actor who could adequately portray him. . . Supposedly, 75,000 people wrote in to protest his being cast in the role, so I am not alone in this opinion. Was the movie good - I thought so. I enjoyed the treat of hanging out with Lauren, it was fun to see so much of my hometown and I am pretty sure I saw my parents road ( seriously!) filmed as the Cullen's drive. Should you see it or read the book? That is entirely up to you. . .

Lance has been reading Gentle Ben by Walt Morley to the kids.  I find myself hanging out in the kitchen puttering around just so I can hear the gentle cadence of his voice weaving the story of Mark Andersen and his friend (a brown bear) Ben.  It is a tale that has broad appeal.  Our six, nine and twelve year old are all wrapped up in the story and love this special time with their dad.  

I find that in the library,  High School students tend to quit what they are doing and listen in when I am reading to the middle school classes.  Studies are showing that older kids love to be read to but it rarely happens.  Below you will find a list of some of our favorite read-alouds.  This is just a partial list (there will be more to come) - would love to hear some of your favorites!!

• Goodnight Moon - I think we read this every night to our kids "In the great green room, there was a telephone and a red balloon and a picture of. . ."  Oh, I LOVE this book!
• Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel :  Auntie Heidi bought this book for Ty when he was a baby - we read it lots.  Levi found it about 6 months ago and it is his current favorite.  He never tires of the story of Mike and Mary Anne.
• Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle -  Just finished reading this with Tommi and Levi.  Ty and I had read it several years ago.  We had a hard time picking our favorite cure - think mine was the answer-backers cure. . . (Lance and I are tempted to try it - who would have thought, parenting advice from Mrs. Piggle-wiggle!).
• The Phantom Tollbooth - My dad read this when he taught sixth grade, my father-in-law read it to his sixth graders, I read it to mine when I taught and my sister also read it to her sixth grade class. . . it's a family thing! :)  Actually, it is a great book!!  Ty and I read it about two years ago.  I have recommended it lots in the library - has great vocabulary and a quirky story.  I still remember my dad reading this to my sister and me.
• At the Back of the North Wind - This is a timeless classic by George McDonald.  My parents read this to us and Lance and I bought the CD from Focus on the Family for our kids.  They have listened to it over and over.  A beautiful story. . .
• Diary of a wimpy kid -  by Jeff Kinney I had to add this - don't know if it is really a great read-aloud or not but Ed read it to Em, and I know I giggled through the whole book. If you have middle schooler, know a middle schooler or just think they are weird - you need to read this book.
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane : this book by Kate DiCamillo might rank as my favorite read-aloud of all time.  I have read this to my kids, and read it to third grade every year in the library.  It is a wonderful, wonderful book!
• Great Joy - also by Kate DiCamillo.  I read this one to all grades in the library at Christmas.  Just pulled off the shelves today so I would have it ready to read next month.  This is a picture book - beautiful story and illustrations.  I can't wait to read it to my nieces and nephews.

You have no idea how hard it is for me to quit. . . but I will force myself.  The ideas are pouring. I warned you, I read A LOT - I will be back at a later date with more lists, more recommendations and more books!!!