I read the Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo last night, because my son had seen an ad for the movie, and thought it looked good. We tried to request it from the library, but everyone else had the same idea, so we were on a long list, so I requested it from his school library, and as luck would have it, they both became available to us Wednesday. So we decided to read it together.
I don't know how after knowing my child for his entire life he can still surprise me, but he did. He reads as quickly as I do. We each sat on the couch and cruised through the book in one evening. I had to get up to help my other son with something, and when I came back to the couch, he was 30 pages ahead of me.
And he finished before me, was able to answer my questions, and told me he didn't care for the story. Now it is a children's book, but it was 200+ pages, with 4 seperate story lines intertwined, and he kept up.
Anyway- the book was cute, satisfying and will be cute as a movie. And now we can see it together and have another discussion about the relative merits of book and film. He thinks it will be good, even though he didn't care for the book. We'll see.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
hot and flat
Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America by http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18675.Thomas_L_Friedman">Thomas L. FriedmanMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsI had to stop reading this and return it to the library. I only just got it back, and now I have finished it. I will freely admit I breezed through this book, as one often does with something you agree with. The author's discussion of the links between oil prices and everything else- education and status of women, religious extremism, development of a country's human resources, democracy, etc, sound far fetched when I tried to summarize it to some one later, but seemed logical and well supported while I was reading. His ideas about China, India and the role of the US as an ideological leader were also thought provoking.
But this is from me, a person who was glad when gas prices were high, and who is excited about the new leadership in this country.
View all my reviews.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bluebonnet, vol 2
I read the second volume of the bluebonnet book Atherton: House of Power, which was called Atherton: River of FIre. Thankfully, this book did actually have an ending, and wasn't yet another chapter in an ongoing series. I suppose considering the age group this was written for, if they had put both books together, the 5th graders would have been not so likely to pick it up. It was 600 pages total.
The story- I thought was good. As usual I read it too quickly, trying to find out what happend to the people involved. I don't know whether to credit that to the author's success at characterization, since they have made me care; or whether it is my own flaw in allowing my worry to make me miss other parts of the novel. It seemed a bit uneven- introducing new creatures and challenges whenever, without meaningfully conveying the principle which they kept stating- that all the creatures had a purpose and a role in maintaining the planet. And the flow of information was also uneven- when the author says that character A tells character B how to defeat creature C, but doesn't tell me as the reader. But I haven't decided yet if that was a good way to keep me interested or just annoying.
I did like the subtlety of the environmental message, how everything worked together, and changing the balance of one part effects all. It wasn't in your face, and preachy, but more like matter of fact. This may be great for this age group too.
The story- I thought was good. As usual I read it too quickly, trying to find out what happend to the people involved. I don't know whether to credit that to the author's success at characterization, since they have made me care; or whether it is my own flaw in allowing my worry to make me miss other parts of the novel. It seemed a bit uneven- introducing new creatures and challenges whenever, without meaningfully conveying the principle which they kept stating- that all the creatures had a purpose and a role in maintaining the planet. And the flow of information was also uneven- when the author says that character A tells character B how to defeat creature C, but doesn't tell me as the reader. But I haven't decided yet if that was a good way to keep me interested or just annoying.
I did like the subtlety of the environmental message, how everything worked together, and changing the balance of one part effects all. It wasn't in your face, and preachy, but more like matter of fact. This may be great for this age group too.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
when to read
I'm reading Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman and it is good so far. A book with lots of facts connected into trends and theories. But my biggest problem is that I keep picking it up to read an hour bfore bedtime, and its not long before the words start to blur together.
Yesterday I spent 20 minutes trying to get off of one particular page without skipping over sentences, and had to keep rereading to be sure I actually understood his points. I even read out loud to myself (am i the only one who does this?) to be sure I was following before I moved on. Then I realized... I had dropped my bookmark earlier, and was actually almost a dozen pages further into the book. That is to say, I had read these particular pages a few days ago. Not saying much for my understanding.
For now I am chalking it up to the fact that the beginning of the book is setting the stage- explaining why the earth is in an environmental crisis. This part is depressing. The author does promise he will discuss possible solutions in later sections, and this is the part I am eager for. I won't skip the groundwork, because likely he will refer to it. Indeed it should shape the arguments for why some courses of action are more favorable or more likey to work.
If only I can stay awake to get there.
Yesterday I spent 20 minutes trying to get off of one particular page without skipping over sentences, and had to keep rereading to be sure I actually understood his points. I even read out loud to myself (am i the only one who does this?) to be sure I was following before I moved on. Then I realized... I had dropped my bookmark earlier, and was actually almost a dozen pages further into the book. That is to say, I had read these particular pages a few days ago. Not saying much for my understanding.
For now I am chalking it up to the fact that the beginning of the book is setting the stage- explaining why the earth is in an environmental crisis. This part is depressing. The author does promise he will discuss possible solutions in later sections, and this is the part I am eager for. I won't skip the groundwork, because likely he will refer to it. Indeed it should shape the arguments for why some courses of action are more favorable or more likey to work.
If only I can stay awake to get there.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
lists
I like a good book list. I just finished the last of the blue bonnet books- by reading Atherton: House of Power. It is loosely in the fantasy genre, and something I never would have read if not for this list. Of course I am slightly ticked off with the way it ended, leaving me hanging, so that I now have to consider whether or not I should get the next one in the series. It isn't really complete all by itself.
This is a tricky part of series books. It seems to me that a book should be complete on its own, and for that reason alone I am tempted to not continue reading, but the story really pulled me in, and I do want to find out what happens next. I thought most of the Harry Potter books, well the early ones at least, did a good job of standing alone. In some ways that was annoying, because the 2nd and 3rd ones had sort of an extended introduction to the world of HP that dragged since I had read them all in order. It wasn't so much in the later ones, or at least I can't remember it, because I tend to skip a lot of things when reading.
But back to my main point- a good book list can challenge me. Even a list of all the books by a particular author can be interesting- how is their late work different from their eariler stuff, do they try different styles or age level audiences, What others are they collaborating with. Reading is always about surprising yourself and discovering what can be between the two covers. If left to dig deeper into my own rut, I would miss all the other ways to challenge myself.
This is a tricky part of series books. It seems to me that a book should be complete on its own, and for that reason alone I am tempted to not continue reading, but the story really pulled me in, and I do want to find out what happens next. I thought most of the Harry Potter books, well the early ones at least, did a good job of standing alone. In some ways that was annoying, because the 2nd and 3rd ones had sort of an extended introduction to the world of HP that dragged since I had read them all in order. It wasn't so much in the later ones, or at least I can't remember it, because I tend to skip a lot of things when reading.
But back to my main point- a good book list can challenge me. Even a list of all the books by a particular author can be interesting- how is their late work different from their eariler stuff, do they try different styles or age level audiences, What others are they collaborating with. Reading is always about surprising yourself and discovering what can be between the two covers. If left to dig deeper into my own rut, I would miss all the other ways to challenge myself.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Cupcakes?
Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make by Karen TackWhat do you look for in a cookbook?
#1-Inspiration.
I don't know if I will ever make these ridiculously unhealthy creations, and if I did, I am not sure I would want to eat them- after all, the candy used to decorate doesn't really blend with the cake flavors, but boy is this book adorable. It makes me want to bake and create beautiful things.
I am already trying to come up with ways to adapt them.
Friday, September 12, 2008
bluebonnet
I've been reading the Texas Bluebonnet selections- books chosen for 3-6th graders to encourage reading for pleasure. Since I volunteer in the library and have a 3rd grader, it is always great to be informed if a child asks what a book is about. Plus I like to form my own opinion of these selections- think why did they pick this?
One Potato, Two Potato was a cute story. I really liked it. But for a 3rd-6th grader? It would go in the everybody section in our school library.
I have now read 10 out of 20. I had requested some for my son, but then yesterday I was so anxious about the terrible weather, that I had to read constantly to keep my mind off of it. So I really blew threw How to Steal a Dog, and The Thing about Georgie. A coworker said she couldn't get through the Georgie book, about a child with dwarfism, but I liked it. As is the case with many books with young people learning about themselves, the dwarfism is not really the point. It is about feeling different from others, and embracing that difference and still finding ways to do things you want to.
One Potato, Two Potato was a cute story. I really liked it. But for a 3rd-6th grader? It would go in the everybody section in our school library.
I have now read 10 out of 20. I had requested some for my son, but then yesterday I was so anxious about the terrible weather, that I had to read constantly to keep my mind off of it. So I really blew threw How to Steal a Dog, and The Thing about Georgie. A coworker said she couldn't get through the Georgie book, about a child with dwarfism, but I liked it. As is the case with many books with young people learning about themselves, the dwarfism is not really the point. It is about feeling different from others, and embracing that difference and still finding ways to do things you want to.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Who are we paying?
Cherry Ames Mystery in the Doctor's Office by Helen WellsI've been trying to get through this series- with mixed results. This story was very silly, but the historical perspective on how a doctor's office works is priceless. The patients give their payment to any member of the staff, who writes down the name and amount and then pockets it. At the end of the day the medical secretary takes all the recipets and money. She figures the accounts, writes the payments on the patient's charge cards, and records it all in a ledger. She divides the money between the 3 doctors working there, depending on their workload.
Can you imagine how much less expensive health care is when the patient is paying the doctor and staff, instead of also having to pay the medical biller, the insurance company staff, the insurance company stock holders, the malplactice insurance companies, the attorneys....
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Monday, September 1, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
summer whipped by..
Now that I have finished my own schoolwork- mostly, well, its a long non book related story- I should have more time for reading. Actually, I have always made time for reading, as a needed stress release, but since school started for my children, I am already feeling a great combo of relaxation and motivation.
I had made a list, while taking classes, of all the things I was putting off. Now I have the list and am taking charge. Reading more is not on the list, but writing about it is. I am very gratified when reading back through these entries, seeing my efforts to reflect and support my opinions and make connections in the things I read.
On vacation last week we rented a beach condo once. And lucky us- the woman who actually owns it left a wall full of books!! Usually there are some romance novels, but this was a range of textbooks, classics, and modern works. I found a JA sequel- two actually- that I hadn't read yet, and set to work. It was interesting, because the first one- Letters from Pemberly was not that good, but I never considered NOT reading the second, titled (predictably) More Letters from Pemberly. Many JA read alikes, POV and sequels are not good enough in my humble opinion, but even with a bad review, I will usually take the time to read them.
I supposed the publishers know that, and that is why so many are out there. Who would have guessed that having JA in the subject line would be the celebrity name that sells crummy literature. Sigh.
I had made a list, while taking classes, of all the things I was putting off. Now I have the list and am taking charge. Reading more is not on the list, but writing about it is. I am very gratified when reading back through these entries, seeing my efforts to reflect and support my opinions and make connections in the things I read.
On vacation last week we rented a beach condo once. And lucky us- the woman who actually owns it left a wall full of books!! Usually there are some romance novels, but this was a range of textbooks, classics, and modern works. I found a JA sequel- two actually- that I hadn't read yet, and set to work. It was interesting, because the first one- Letters from Pemberly was not that good, but I never considered NOT reading the second, titled (predictably) More Letters from Pemberly. Many JA read alikes, POV and sequels are not good enough in my humble opinion, but even with a bad review, I will usually take the time to read them.
I supposed the publishers know that, and that is why so many are out there. Who would have guessed that having JA in the subject line would be the celebrity name that sells crummy literature. Sigh.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
historical nursing text
Yesterday I read Cherry Ames- Student nurse, first published by Helen Wells in 1944. (If it is about nursing it doesn't count as wasting time...). This classic series has been reissued about a year and a half ago, and my local library has the whole set. I had read articles about the books- apparently they inspired many young people to enter nursing, and the new copyright holder hopes that that will indeed be the case again. So I decided to check them out of the library on a regular basis, to keep their circulation numbers up- I helped in a library so I know this matters.
But I kept forgetting, until they practically fell off the shelves at me the other evening.
So this was my first actual reading- I think maybe I put if off because I was concerned that I wouldn't like it, but it was pretty good. Some of it is very dated- nurses are not trained in that overly controlled hospital based way anymore-living there and being told off because her apron is untidy, but that was actually some of the most interesting parts for me. Obviously it is fiction, so it is not a historical report, but I find that often fiction describes the mood and culture better than a listing of facts alone.
The story itself is written in a windswept excitement sort of fashion, but I reminded myself- it is not intended for adults, it is juvenile fiction, and with that reflection I can say, again it was pretty good. I am intending to get the next one in the series on my next visit, because there must be lots more to go through before she even graduates, and afterwards she seems to do everything in the 18 or so additional books- jungle nurse, flight nurse, camp nurse. I wonder if she ever returns to teach other nurses?
But I kept forgetting, until they practically fell off the shelves at me the other evening.
So this was my first actual reading- I think maybe I put if off because I was concerned that I wouldn't like it, but it was pretty good. Some of it is very dated- nurses are not trained in that overly controlled hospital based way anymore-living there and being told off because her apron is untidy, but that was actually some of the most interesting parts for me. Obviously it is fiction, so it is not a historical report, but I find that often fiction describes the mood and culture better than a listing of facts alone.
The story itself is written in a windswept excitement sort of fashion, but I reminded myself- it is not intended for adults, it is juvenile fiction, and with that reflection I can say, again it was pretty good. I am intending to get the next one in the series on my next visit, because there must be lots more to go through before she even graduates, and afterwards she seems to do everything in the 18 or so additional books- jungle nurse, flight nurse, camp nurse. I wonder if she ever returns to teach other nurses?
Monday, June 16, 2008
you might remember this
I also wasn't supposed to read Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella this past week, but I had requested it from the library and once I picked it up I only had it for two weeks, since it is so new. So obviously I had to read it.
It was alright- but I guess the problem with any amnesia premise is I keep waiting the whole book through to see if the person is going to 'wake up', and really, either way it seems slightly unsatisfying. So I don't know what to hope for the character. This one seemed to end with some hope, but only if you exclude certain essentially blameless people from consideration.
That and at least there weren't any children involved- I don't know what would be worse- not remembering you own child, or being a child and having your Mother not remember you...
It was alright- but I guess the problem with any amnesia premise is I keep waiting the whole book through to see if the person is going to 'wake up', and really, either way it seems slightly unsatisfying. So I don't know what to hope for the character. This one seemed to end with some hope, but only if you exclude certain essentially blameless people from consideration.
That and at least there weren't any children involved- I don't know what would be worse- not remembering you own child, or being a child and having your Mother not remember you...
Sunday, June 15, 2008
choices and consequences
I grabbed a book off the library book store shelf because the suthor wrote a screenplay for a movie I thought was fantastic. Julian Fellowes wrote "Gosford Park", and I don't know what that screenplay must have looked like, because the movie- while fantastic- was hardly linear. All the characters had their own story lines and no one ended up taking over. I had to watch the movie several times to really get all its depths.
Anyway, the book I picked up was called SNOBS. It was OK, very English class sensitive, inner circle stuff. The end had a 'reading group gold' section with author interviews and discussion questions. I like this section- do you? He said that he didn't really see the book as being about class or snobbery, but about choices and consequences.
But I thought the way the story ended in many ways cancelled out this assertion. It would be intersting to have a real conversation- instead of just a pat answer so I could challenge him on this. But I guess that is why people have book groups, to discuss among themselves. I probably need one myself, but am not even supposed to be reading, or posting here right now, as I have school work to finish... What consequences will my choice have?
Actually I believe that staying connected in with the world is the best way to learn. It is easier to make connections and gather viewpoints by staying open. Lets hope it pays off.
Anyway, the book I picked up was called SNOBS. It was OK, very English class sensitive, inner circle stuff. The end had a 'reading group gold' section with author interviews and discussion questions. I like this section- do you? He said that he didn't really see the book as being about class or snobbery, but about choices and consequences.
But I thought the way the story ended in many ways cancelled out this assertion. It would be intersting to have a real conversation- instead of just a pat answer so I could challenge him on this. But I guess that is why people have book groups, to discuss among themselves. I probably need one myself, but am not even supposed to be reading, or posting here right now, as I have school work to finish... What consequences will my choice have?
Actually I believe that staying connected in with the world is the best way to learn. It is easier to make connections and gather viewpoints by staying open. Lets hope it pays off.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
search and find
I did a plain old Google search to see what I could quickly find out about Alcott's fictionalized account of her time as a civil war nurse, called Hospital Sketches. I was thinking it would be a real challenge to locate the work itself, but I might come across someone else who had discussed it, or maybe a reference to a compliation of her work that it was published in, and then I could request it from my great local library.
But I almost instantly found the entire text in html!! What a wonderful thing to have an idea, and then have the info almost immediately. The site seems to be hosted by a upenn project about women writers. After I get through it I will have to search again for comments and analysis- perhaps someone has divided the actual experiences and the fiction- after all I don't see mention of her near death. What a dreadful place hospitals used to be.
But I almost instantly found the entire text in html!! What a wonderful thing to have an idea, and then have the info almost immediately. The site seems to be hosted by a upenn project about women writers. After I get through it I will have to search again for comments and analysis- perhaps someone has divided the actual experiences and the fiction- after all I don't see mention of her near death. What a dreadful place hospitals used to be.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Outcast or Out-thought?
Just ploughed through Eden's Outcasts- which was a sort of narrative dual biography of Louisa May Alcott and her Father Bronson Alcott. I saw it mentionned in a library list and picked it up mainly because I never really understood what history saw in the father, whom I knew manily from his godlike yet absent presence in Little Women. He seemed like kind of a wacky guy who just happened to have some famous friends (Thoreau, Emerson and a few others).
It took me a while to really get into this 450 pg book, I did not bond with the characters or the writing style quickly, but pushed on because it had won a Pulitzer. I am not really sure of the criteria - perhaps it is about the contribution the book makes, or the quality of the research (which was very well done, with original source after original source: journals, literary drafts, letters, from the 1840s).
Now that I have finished, I can say I have learned something, or indeed some things. I think I was justified in my original assessment of Bronson, but seeing his entire life's arc, I forgave him for being at times too idealistic and other times, too human. As for Ms Alcott, what a life journey. To endure so much, feel so much responsibility and continously seek approval and somehow achieve such a body of work was amazing. It was interesting to me that she was a 'Civil War nurse', and that conditions were so unhealthy she was only able to bear it for 6 weeks, and suffered the rest of her life from treatment she received there. I must try to read Hospital Sketches, written by her about her time there. And I liked her opinions (negative) of the idle fans seeking glimpses of her, demanding more stories, and confusing her with her charcters. Here was a woman who did not seek to be famous, but rather to use her talents to do good work and be respected for it.
It took me a while to really get into this 450 pg book, I did not bond with the characters or the writing style quickly, but pushed on because it had won a Pulitzer. I am not really sure of the criteria - perhaps it is about the contribution the book makes, or the quality of the research (which was very well done, with original source after original source: journals, literary drafts, letters, from the 1840s).
Now that I have finished, I can say I have learned something, or indeed some things. I think I was justified in my original assessment of Bronson, but seeing his entire life's arc, I forgave him for being at times too idealistic and other times, too human. As for Ms Alcott, what a life journey. To endure so much, feel so much responsibility and continously seek approval and somehow achieve such a body of work was amazing. It was interesting to me that she was a 'Civil War nurse', and that conditions were so unhealthy she was only able to bear it for 6 weeks, and suffered the rest of her life from treatment she received there. I must try to read Hospital Sketches, written by her about her time there. And I liked her opinions (negative) of the idle fans seeking glimpses of her, demanding more stories, and confusing her with her charcters. Here was a woman who did not seek to be famous, but rather to use her talents to do good work and be respected for it.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Scarsdale?
I was checking in on my Goodreads account and found out that the author of Jane Austen in Boca (a Pride & Prejudice read alike set in a Florida Jewish retirement community-I liked it alot) Paula Marantz Cohen has also written one called Jane Austen in Scarsdale. So of course I clicked over to my library website and click click click ordered it up. I've read it now and I think it was also very good.
This was I think the first Persuasion read alike that I have found. Persuasion is my current favorite JA. I have the Amanda Root Materpiece Theatre version on DVD, and often put it on in the background while I am doing school work- The quote on the box calls it 'a fairy tale for adults'. When the Captain says 'you pierce my soul' it gets me everytime...
So this new book was very welcome. A 34 year old HS guidance counsellor is thrown into company with a old flame that she split with because of family pressure. But I think the nice thing about Ms Cohen's books is that she is still finding a way to tell her own story. She doesn't just line characters up one by one and modernize them and re contextualize them, she somehow clearly echos JA while letting the characters be themselves. And even knowing the general idea of what is going to happen doesn't detract from the enjoyment oif the story ad it unfolds. Well done.
And Thanks GoodReads!
This was I think the first Persuasion read alike that I have found. Persuasion is my current favorite JA. I have the Amanda Root Materpiece Theatre version on DVD, and often put it on in the background while I am doing school work- The quote on the box calls it 'a fairy tale for adults'. When the Captain says 'you pierce my soul' it gets me everytime...
So this new book was very welcome. A 34 year old HS guidance counsellor is thrown into company with a old flame that she split with because of family pressure. But I think the nice thing about Ms Cohen's books is that she is still finding a way to tell her own story. She doesn't just line characters up one by one and modernize them and re contextualize them, she somehow clearly echos JA while letting the characters be themselves. And even knowing the general idea of what is going to happen doesn't detract from the enjoyment oif the story ad it unfolds. Well done.
And Thanks GoodReads!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
My Side of the Lawn
This morning while my children were destroying the house, I read Lawn Boy by Gary Paulson. My excuse was that I often need to pre-read books for my young but academically advanced son, and since it is Spring Break, he wants to read alot. So in a way it was good parenting.
Here is the thing that threw me off about this book initially. I knew that I recognized the author's name from something, but where? Looking inside the cover I found that he is the guy who wrote Hatchet and related books, which I have never read but look intimidating to me. I guess they look like 'My Side of the Mountain' sort of wilderness, live off the land, adolescent boy becoming own adult identity kind of thing that I just don't care for. But for the funky cover, I would have put this book back on the shelf once I figured out the author.
But I would have missed out- because this was not at all serious stressful stuff. So this book with the excellent cover art is about a 12 year old boy who spends his summer mowing lawns. I am going to let my son read it, and I think it will give him some ideas about the lemonade stand he runs sometimes- maybe he will start selling franchises or something. I was a little worried about how some of the characters would be revealed- but everyone is generally honest and good natured, and the only exception is not a surprise. Also thumbs up for the theme of adults wanting to involve the parents in the child's activities, challenges and successes. It is one of those things missing in many books today- there is just an absence of parents, or resources and the child is stuck- (think Harry Potter, it is all down to him). But this guy is a likeable sensitive guy who accomplishes a lot on his own and still manages to realize he is not alone.
Maybe I will even check out what else this guy has written, it seems it is not all intimidating.
Here is the thing that threw me off about this book initially. I knew that I recognized the author's name from something, but where? Looking inside the cover I found that he is the guy who wrote Hatchet and related books, which I have never read but look intimidating to me. I guess they look like 'My Side of the Mountain' sort of wilderness, live off the land, adolescent boy becoming own adult identity kind of thing that I just don't care for. But for the funky cover, I would have put this book back on the shelf once I figured out the author.
But I would have missed out- because this was not at all serious stressful stuff. So this book with the excellent cover art is about a 12 year old boy who spends his summer mowing lawns. I am going to let my son read it, and I think it will give him some ideas about the lemonade stand he runs sometimes- maybe he will start selling franchises or something. I was a little worried about how some of the characters would be revealed- but everyone is generally honest and good natured, and the only exception is not a surprise. Also thumbs up for the theme of adults wanting to involve the parents in the child's activities, challenges and successes. It is one of those things missing in many books today- there is just an absence of parents, or resources and the child is stuck- (think Harry Potter, it is all down to him). But this guy is a likeable sensitive guy who accomplishes a lot on his own and still manages to realize he is not alone.
Maybe I will even check out what else this guy has written, it seems it is not all intimidating.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Poor Little Rich Girls
Well, I finished the book. It was OK, but kind of confusing. I think the main point was not to waste your life wishing you were somewhere (or someone) else, because where ever that is- it has it's own problems. People often romantise the Regency period in English history- especially Jane Austen fans. It is important to remember that there were some real problems for women, even the rich and high born ones.
It is interesting to me that most people picture themselves in that era as one of the 'haves' rather than a member of the working class. Why doesn't anyone bump their head and wake up as a servant, and not the rich girl who simply feels bad about all the scut work the servants are doing? Well I guess it is because we'd rather read about the fantasy.
But I think this particular book was kind of all over the place. Keeping track of two sets of memories, people, misunderstandings and reflecting on the difficulties of Regency life were not made easier by the constant Austen references and quotes. That almost seemed dropped in as an after thought- like we were trying to hard to convince ourselves that we share a point of view.
Maybe I will read it again in summer when I have some free time. It may be better now that I am not distracted by trying to figure out what kind of JA book it is. Then again, there may be yet another JA wanna-be a have discovered by then.
It is interesting to me that most people picture themselves in that era as one of the 'haves' rather than a member of the working class. Why doesn't anyone bump their head and wake up as a servant, and not the rich girl who simply feels bad about all the scut work the servants are doing? Well I guess it is because we'd rather read about the fantasy.
But I think this particular book was kind of all over the place. Keeping track of two sets of memories, people, misunderstandings and reflecting on the difficulties of Regency life were not made easier by the constant Austen references and quotes. That almost seemed dropped in as an after thought- like we were trying to hard to convince ourselves that we share a point of view.
Maybe I will read it again in summer when I have some free time. It may be better now that I am not distracted by trying to figure out what kind of JA book it is. Then again, there may be yet another JA wanna-be a have discovered by then.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
confessions?
I am not supposed to be reading for pleasure right now... But I am awaiting feedback on a draft of a big paper I am writing for school, so I thought it would be OK to switch gears for a day or two so I could clear my mind to start on the next draft.
And I picked up Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler at the library today, so there is no real force that could stop me from reading! I am 10 chapters in, and still distracted by the fact that the main character can't decide if she is dreaming, or time travelled, or switched bodies, or possibly crazy. There is enough Jane Austen that if you didn't know the lexicon, it could be confusing (That's for you Jackie :-), but so far not enough for me- I can't tell if the story is going to parallel a known plot, or just be content to drop in place and people names as a connection. And the main character is supposed to be an addict, but I don't feel it yet. And there haven't been any confessions....
But there are some characters, and some developing situations that could work. It is hard to say when I am in the middle, and I am influenced by two reviews I read (one good, the other not so much) so I will continue. Even if I saw a terrible review of a JA related book I would read it (well, if I could get it free from my library).
And I picked up Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler at the library today, so there is no real force that could stop me from reading! I am 10 chapters in, and still distracted by the fact that the main character can't decide if she is dreaming, or time travelled, or switched bodies, or possibly crazy. There is enough Jane Austen that if you didn't know the lexicon, it could be confusing (That's for you Jackie :-), but so far not enough for me- I can't tell if the story is going to parallel a known plot, or just be content to drop in place and people names as a connection. And the main character is supposed to be an addict, but I don't feel it yet. And there haven't been any confessions....
But there are some characters, and some developing situations that could work. It is hard to say when I am in the middle, and I am influenced by two reviews I read (one good, the other not so much) so I will continue. Even if I saw a terrible review of a JA related book I would read it (well, if I could get it free from my library).
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Where and when to read
Why is it that some people can read in the car, and others (including me) can't. I can read words upside down or sideways sitting at home, but not anything on a train or car, or even for very long on a plane. All that wasted time when I could be reading!
Sometimes it even depends what I am trying to read that makes the difference if with my processing- I can't read textbooks after about 8:30pm when the children go to bed. I can read novels, and sometimes news, but as I sit a read assigned chapters, I just go over the same paragraph again and again, and nothing goes in. I was trying to glean some info from Whaley and Wong's Pediatric Nursing a couple nights ago- the classic text on the matter, and although I think I had some fair questions about why a bunch of the content is being taught in the class I am working with (do I need the students to know about Legg-Calve-Perthes disease), it really didn't matter because it was not being processed. So I had to read it again the next day.
Sometimes it even depends what I am trying to read that makes the difference if with my processing- I can't read textbooks after about 8:30pm when the children go to bed. I can read novels, and sometimes news, but as I sit a read assigned chapters, I just go over the same paragraph again and again, and nothing goes in. I was trying to glean some info from Whaley and Wong's Pediatric Nursing a couple nights ago- the classic text on the matter, and although I think I had some fair questions about why a bunch of the content is being taught in the class I am working with (do I need the students to know about Legg-Calve-Perthes disease), it really didn't matter because it was not being processed. So I had to read it again the next day.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Old is new again
I went to the library today because I had two appointments with an awkward amount of time in between. So of course I came out with an armful of books and videos. It is easy to get things for my boys, there are just so many things they are into, but I am not supposed to get things for me right now because of my school schedule. Well, I cheated and got something... I saw a display ( I am a sucker for a good book display) that had an old favorite- Taking Care of Terrific by Lois Lowry. I remember reading this when I was a pre-teen. It is a story of a 14 year old girl and her summer babysitting job, but of course so much more.
I have already re-read the first half and was a little jolted by how it starts- she is talking about how she may have to go to jail...! I remember trouble- swan boats and bag ladies, and something about rootbeer popsicles and crayons with the tips not broken off, but jail?! I may have to read this more than once again, because I already feel myself racing through to find out what happens. When I do that I miss details- like when I was reading in the Witch of Blackbird Pond in high school, I totally missed that one girl had a physical handicap (it was kind of important to the story too), until a teacher pointed it out to me.
But anyway, since I have now read other Lois Lowry children's works and respect her craft, I want to enjoy that part of the book too. At least since it's children's book it shouldn't take too long to read it twice. As an adult reading with an appreciation of history and literature and developmental issues and differing points of view, it is a whole new experience. Have you ever reread a childhood favorite and found new things to love (or hate)?
I have already re-read the first half and was a little jolted by how it starts- she is talking about how she may have to go to jail...! I remember trouble- swan boats and bag ladies, and something about rootbeer popsicles and crayons with the tips not broken off, but jail?! I may have to read this more than once again, because I already feel myself racing through to find out what happens. When I do that I miss details- like when I was reading in the Witch of Blackbird Pond in high school, I totally missed that one girl had a physical handicap (it was kind of important to the story too), until a teacher pointed it out to me.
But anyway, since I have now read other Lois Lowry children's works and respect her craft, I want to enjoy that part of the book too. At least since it's children's book it shouldn't take too long to read it twice. As an adult reading with an appreciation of history and literature and developmental issues and differing points of view, it is a whole new experience. Have you ever reread a childhood favorite and found new things to love (or hate)?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Party Time
We seem to get invited to a lot of children's birthday parties. Since we don't really watch any commercial television, it can be hard to know what is the "in" thing for children's gifts, and even if I know what the child's interests are, I worry that they will already have what I get for them. So I decided a few years ago that we would give books as gifts, pretty much all the time. I have a chest in my closet where I put great books I find in their school book order forms, at my library book store and half price books. When a party comes up- sometimes without much notice- I choose by age, interest, etc. I still have to shop sometimes but many times I am all set.
This weekend we went to a party for a neighbor girl who turned 9. That's third grade- so she got Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary, Judy Moody (1) by Meagan McDonald, an Arthur chapter book, and a Cam Jansen Chapter book. I also picked up something a little different at my half price books- The King of Things and the Cranberry Clown. It was an empowerment story and had beautiful water color full color illustrations by some well know cartoonist. I try not to get Princess/Barbie/Movie related etc stuff, only literature I would actually recommend to people.
Problem- this neighbor isn't that into reading- Answer- fine then she probably doesn't have these books! What if they have these already books? Well I figure they are easy to pass on to someone else. If it is above her reading level- she can have a read aloud with her Mom.
I don't think kids would be happy only receiving books and not getting Pokemon cards or stuffed toys, but I love that at the end of the day, they will have something in their pile that they can read. My husband says people will stop inviting us to parties if we keep giving books- that's OK too, a couple fewer parties might be nice.
This weekend we went to a party for a neighbor girl who turned 9. That's third grade- so she got Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary, Judy Moody (1) by Meagan McDonald, an Arthur chapter book, and a Cam Jansen Chapter book. I also picked up something a little different at my half price books- The King of Things and the Cranberry Clown. It was an empowerment story and had beautiful water color full color illustrations by some well know cartoonist. I try not to get Princess/Barbie/Movie related etc stuff, only literature I would actually recommend to people.
Problem- this neighbor isn't that into reading- Answer- fine then she probably doesn't have these books! What if they have these already books? Well I figure they are easy to pass on to someone else. If it is above her reading level- she can have a read aloud with her Mom.
I don't think kids would be happy only receiving books and not getting Pokemon cards or stuffed toys, but I love that at the end of the day, they will have something in their pile that they can read. My husband says people will stop inviting us to parties if we keep giving books- that's OK too, a couple fewer parties might be nice.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
No Sale
SO here is the deal with my half price book store- They are moving next week, but only across the street to their new location. Fine by me, one less crazy intersection to go through. But here is the negative- they are not having a store wide sale before they move! I tried to tell the cashier it just makes sense- they would have fewer books to move. He said good idea, I was welcome to buy lots of things before they move, but there is no sale.
They shut down Sun at 5, then reopen in their new location Feb 7. Their Great Opening Specials (with coupons) are the following week, Feb 14 and on.
At some point (I am reading the flyer right here, and yet I still can't figure out which week it is) the first 100 people through the door get free gift cards and totes, but I still it think it makes more sense to just knock 20% off everything in the store THIS WEEK.
My husband was not quite as bothered about this as I was. He said- Oh No- how ever will we live without more books? Please- he is as bad as I am!
They shut down Sun at 5, then reopen in their new location Feb 7. Their Great Opening Specials (with coupons) are the following week, Feb 14 and on.
At some point (I am reading the flyer right here, and yet I still can't figure out which week it is) the first 100 people through the door get free gift cards and totes, but I still it think it makes more sense to just knock 20% off everything in the store THIS WEEK.
My husband was not quite as bothered about this as I was. He said- Oh No- how ever will we live without more books? Please- he is as bad as I am!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
to Good Reading
I am sitting here supposedly search the nursing literature for a school project, when a friend e-mails to invite me to join GoodReads- a website group to create lists of books I have read, review, ratings, etc. How I am I supposed to turn that down? So I have been searching their lists to rate all the JA stuff I have read, then I remembered the Oprah Book Club lists I had, and one of my other favorite authors- an English guy Ben Elton. When you link with friends through the site, you can see if they have read a book and would recommend it. This is a great way to find new things to read (for sometime in the future, when I am not supposed to be doing something else...)
Then I thought- oooh this would make a good blog too, so here I am. But now I must get back to work. It really can be too easy to get distracted at the computer.
Then I thought- oooh this would make a good blog too, so here I am. But now I must get back to work. It really can be too easy to get distracted at the computer.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Close Encounter
On Monday I will be missing yet another close encounter with an author/illustrator, Peter Catalanotto. My children's school has one visit each year. I think it is great for kids to see these presentations, and who knew these folks did this stuff on the side? It is like a complete business- I suppose I should have guessed in this day and age. They are paid to give presentations and also get to sell their books. Hopefully a child or two is inspired along the way, so it is win-win. After all these seem to be pretty popular, at least around here and you know school districts are always complaining they don't have money to throw around. I would have thought publishing a book was an accomplishment in itself, but apparently it is just a stepping stone to a speaking career...
And it is another way for me to discover a good book or two- an this guy seems to specialize in Real Art. His paintings have complexity and subtlety, and he says on his web site that he likes to affect people. So many things targeted for children are just dumbed down, so I am glad that publishing companies still see a market for the good stuff. Even if I have previous committments. At least my son can pass on his impressions of the show.
And it is another way for me to discover a good book or two- an this guy seems to specialize in Real Art. His paintings have complexity and subtlety, and he says on his web site that he likes to affect people. So many things targeted for children are just dumbed down, so I am glad that publishing companies still see a market for the good stuff. Even if I have previous committments. At least my son can pass on his impressions of the show.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Fonz
At almost the last minute I was invited to a presentation for Scholastic Book Fairs this afternoon, given by Henry Winkler. I was unable to change my scheduled commitments, so I couldn't actually go- I can't believe I missed an opportunity to meet the Fonz!!!
He has cowritten a series called Hank Zipzer, chapter books- stories about a bright boy with learing difficulties. Apparently he had all kinds of trouble in school himself, specifically with dyslexia, which was not diagnosed back then. So he was called lazy and stupid for many years, even though he was a bright kid. Even now he talks about how sometimes he finds another way to do things, like writting the books. He said he does not use a computer, so he stands in a room with his co-author and talks while she types, or she transcribes his written work, and of course they dialog and she works her magic into the stories too. How great to have stories about a kid who has to go through summer school, and makes mistakes and still is a great kid. And resourcefulness and truly creative problem solving in life are not valued or measured well in school, so it would be great for any kid who has challenges to read these.
So, I am glad for the invite, because now I have learned a little something new. I bet I will be recommending these books (I think there are 12 in the series already) soon. Too bad I won't have the signed copies...
He has cowritten a series called Hank Zipzer, chapter books- stories about a bright boy with learing difficulties. Apparently he had all kinds of trouble in school himself, specifically with dyslexia, which was not diagnosed back then. So he was called lazy and stupid for many years, even though he was a bright kid. Even now he talks about how sometimes he finds another way to do things, like writting the books. He said he does not use a computer, so he stands in a room with his co-author and talks while she types, or she transcribes his written work, and of course they dialog and she works her magic into the stories too. How great to have stories about a kid who has to go through summer school, and makes mistakes and still is a great kid. And resourcefulness and truly creative problem solving in life are not valued or measured well in school, so it would be great for any kid who has challenges to read these.
So, I am glad for the invite, because now I have learned a little something new. I bet I will be recommending these books (I think there are 12 in the series already) soon. Too bad I won't have the signed copies...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
What's in a name?
I got a chance yesterday to do one of my favorite things- recommend a book to a friend. She has a son named Nicholas, whom they had been calling Nicky. He recently decided that people should not call him 'Nicky', because it is A Girl's Name. I guess spelling does't count when you are 8!
I told her they should read Freckle Juice, by Judy Blume. The main charcter is a boy named Nicky. Kids like seeing their own names in stories- they feel there must be some kind of connection before they even start in. Plus I have always thought that was a really fine book. It falls in the literature catagory for me, rather than kid directed junk.
It seemed like there were some more boy Nicky characters, but that was all I could call to mind in the moment. I'm thinking of stories for young people- any tips?
I told her they should read Freckle Juice, by Judy Blume. The main charcter is a boy named Nicky. Kids like seeing their own names in stories- they feel there must be some kind of connection before they even start in. Plus I have always thought that was a really fine book. It falls in the literature catagory for me, rather than kid directed junk.
It seemed like there were some more boy Nicky characters, but that was all I could call to mind in the moment. I'm thinking of stories for young people- any tips?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thumbs up
Northanger Abbey adapted by Andrew Davies was excellent. I was hanging on every word- he put the real people back in. It made me want to read the book again and see what I had missed; that is the best part of a good JA adaptation. Imagine- a young girl shown in bed, post deflowering, in a Jane Austen movie! I think the actions and games played between the young people were very relatable to kids today- the salacious glances, the stacking of one's claim, the jockeying for a better position in society... There were still the manners and chaperones, but somehow the story got through.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Masterpiece Theater
PBS has updated Masterpiece Theater. My interest is that yes- they are showing the complete Jane Austen collection. I may have mentioned I am a sucker for JA stuff. I have read all the books and own many versions of the films that have been made. I read completions, different point of view books, cultural adaptations, biographies and popular critical works.
The films being shown are a combo of new and previous releases. BBC's 5 hour P&P I can skip, as I have seen it about 50 times already. Emma is also not new- its the Kate Beckingsale version. But somehow I missed last week's film, a new version of Persuasion. I have the Amanda Root version and just adore it, but I like comparing, decoding the film makers intention and focus, seeing the different choices of how to adapt, what to leave out, how to change from a linear medium to a holistic presentation. Tonight I will see if they can do anything to rescue Northanger Abbey, JA's least liked and much misunderstood novel.
Many of these films collected here have been adapted by Andrew Davies, who seems to understand the urgency of feelings and the deep chemistry often missed when reading or seeing JA's work. It'll keep me on the couch Sunday nights for a while, I am sure. On my bedside table right now is a stack of school books, about Patient Education, Teaching Tools, and Health Literacy, so I will surly need another way to get my literary fix.
The films being shown are a combo of new and previous releases. BBC's 5 hour P&P I can skip, as I have seen it about 50 times already. Emma is also not new- its the Kate Beckingsale version. But somehow I missed last week's film, a new version of Persuasion. I have the Amanda Root version and just adore it, but I like comparing, decoding the film makers intention and focus, seeing the different choices of how to adapt, what to leave out, how to change from a linear medium to a holistic presentation. Tonight I will see if they can do anything to rescue Northanger Abbey, JA's least liked and much misunderstood novel.
Many of these films collected here have been adapted by Andrew Davies, who seems to understand the urgency of feelings and the deep chemistry often missed when reading or seeing JA's work. It'll keep me on the couch Sunday nights for a while, I am sure. On my bedside table right now is a stack of school books, about Patient Education, Teaching Tools, and Health Literacy, so I will surly need another way to get my literary fix.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Classy Uneducated Kids
My husband brought home a DVD of the "Baker Street Irregulars" from our library- a trite movie based on the gang of street kids that helped Sherlock Holmes in a couple of stories written by Sir Authur Conan Doyle. The movie is NOT recommended by me. I can't begin to go into all the things we both disliked about it, but here is one literary point of disturbance. The children of the group (3 girls and 3 boys aged about 12-18) live together, but have no family, parents, or home other than some possibly abandoned building they live in. Several times they mention they cannot read. They debate spending the group's money for food on buying beef (expensive) vs Pigs' heads. Yet when they receive some reward money near the end of the story which is then invested by Sherlock Holmes for their futures(?!) one girl says "It's always jam tomorrow for us..."
This is an allusion to Alice Through the Looking Glass- the queen says -we have jam every other day, and Alice says she doesn't want any jam today. The queen replies, "You couldn't have it if you DID want it. The rule is, jam to-morrow and jam yesterday - but never jam to-day." "It MUST come sometimes to 'jam to-day,'" Alice objected. "No it can't," said the Queen. "It's jam every OTHER day: to-day isn't any OTHER day, you know."
I seriously question whether this is something an unparented, uneducated, unread, illiterate child would drop into a conversation about hunger and disappointment. At least they got the dates right- I make Through the Looking glass as published in 1871, and the Holmes stories 1880s and onward, so the idea existed on paper at the time. But how long would in take in years past for information and general ideas in childrens books to become popular enough to become allusions in common speech anyway?
Ugh -now if you want GOOD Sherlock Holmes, see anything (AND everything)with Jeremy Brett. He is (was) a genius. He does Holmes differently than anyone you have ever seen, and yet it is the best and most faithful interpretation of the original stories. Watch the incredible protrayal of the relationship between the Holmes and Watson character. And we also love Mrs Hudson's role and the darkness of the whole production. It will color anything Holmes you ever watch again.
This is an allusion to Alice Through the Looking Glass- the queen says -we have jam every other day, and Alice says she doesn't want any jam today. The queen replies, "You couldn't have it if you DID want it. The rule is, jam to-morrow and jam yesterday - but never jam to-day." "It MUST come sometimes to 'jam to-day,'" Alice objected. "No it can't," said the Queen. "It's jam every OTHER day: to-day isn't any OTHER day, you know."
I seriously question whether this is something an unparented, uneducated, unread, illiterate child would drop into a conversation about hunger and disappointment. At least they got the dates right- I make Through the Looking glass as published in 1871, and the Holmes stories 1880s and onward, so the idea existed on paper at the time. But how long would in take in years past for information and general ideas in childrens books to become popular enough to become allusions in common speech anyway?
Ugh -now if you want GOOD Sherlock Holmes, see anything (AND everything)with Jeremy Brett. He is (was) a genius. He does Holmes differently than anyone you have ever seen, and yet it is the best and most faithful interpretation of the original stories. Watch the incredible protrayal of the relationship between the Holmes and Watson character. And we also love Mrs Hudson's role and the darkness of the whole production. It will color anything Holmes you ever watch again.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Global Warming
I watched An Inconvenient Truth with my family over Christmas time, and my son (as ever) had questions for me. We went to the library today and I found The Down to Earth Guide to Global Warming by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon. It is a 2007 publication, so it seems fairly up to date. It is laid out in the way kids seem to like books these days- lots of photos, graphics and side bars. But there is also real info- with source notes and references, a glossary, list of aditional sources and websites.
Just looking it over it seems balanced- a section on the science of what is warming, then evidence of the effect it is having on earth, and animals and plants, then finally what kids and govt can do. My son will love it and probably read it all cover to cover, but he is the kind of kid who seeks depth even in children's books.
My only concern is that it is a paperback and bears the Scholastic bar on the cover- will it fall apart in just a few weeks due to their poor use of adhesives? This is famous among school librarians. We got it from the public library, so it isn't really our problem, but will it become junk and add to the global waste problem?
Just looking it over it seems balanced- a section on the science of what is warming, then evidence of the effect it is having on earth, and animals and plants, then finally what kids and govt can do. My son will love it and probably read it all cover to cover, but he is the kind of kid who seeks depth even in children's books.
My only concern is that it is a paperback and bears the Scholastic bar on the cover- will it fall apart in just a few weeks due to their poor use of adhesives? This is famous among school librarians. We got it from the public library, so it isn't really our problem, but will it become junk and add to the global waste problem?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Jane Austen
I was browsing my local public library's charity bookshop- they take in donations and sell them in their little space for great prices- and I found yet another Jane Austen read alike. Of course I bought it as most books are $1 and children's paperbacks are 25cents. I am a sucker for anything related to Jane Austen, and will read it all, even though I end up not recommending most of them. This one was called Pride, Prejudice & Jasmin Field. It was written by a young woman in London, which I also am all for. It was a good read, and since I wanted a "day off" from being in charge of family stuff I just went to my room and read the whole thing.
This one was a P&P story with the people in it also acting in a P&P play. I read one something like that before, but was dismayed to find the author gave her characters NO insight into the parallels they were living. Here was much better, many times these folks were laughing at themselves. The story was good in and of itself, but I get a little distracted with this type of book trying to figure out as each person is introduced- is she Charlotte Lucas, ohh is this going to be Lydia...? etc I am glad about the changes in the Lydia character, but found it confusing that the Mom and Dad were called by their first names. I may read this one again, as the twists of the story got a little hard to keep up with, and I tend to read faster and faster to the ending of any novel, so I might have missed some things. But it was pretty good if you like single girl with good sense, career and hopes kind of stuff.
This one was a P&P story with the people in it also acting in a P&P play. I read one something like that before, but was dismayed to find the author gave her characters NO insight into the parallels they were living. Here was much better, many times these folks were laughing at themselves. The story was good in and of itself, but I get a little distracted with this type of book trying to figure out as each person is introduced- is she Charlotte Lucas, ohh is this going to be Lydia...? etc I am glad about the changes in the Lydia character, but found it confusing that the Mom and Dad were called by their first names. I may read this one again, as the twists of the story got a little hard to keep up with, and I tend to read faster and faster to the ending of any novel, so I might have missed some things. But it was pretty good if you like single girl with good sense, career and hopes kind of stuff.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Real Lit for Children
Yesterday I read "Dear Mr Henshaw", a Beverly Cleary classic. It is just so well written- I wish more children's book were literature like this. There is so much junk put out to promote movies and sell more Disney and Nickelodeon things, I really think kids are being gypped. People often say well, at least they are reading something, but I am not really sure I agree, when I see them week after week check out Pokemon books and Disney Princess stories. But the flip side for me is that I am not sure when to let my 7 year old read stuff like this- issues with a child and his dad during a divorce. He doesn't need to worry about that stuff, but he is very sensitive, so he probably will anyway... Good literature often deals with real issues, and so I have to pre-read many of his books. (Lucky me!!) It has really lead to an exciting renewal of my interest in children's books and an awe almost of the great stuff that is out there.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Languages and Education
I am trying to read Globalization: Culture and Education in the new Millenium Ed by Marcelo M Suarez-Orozco and Desiree Baolian Qin-Hilliard today. It seems like the kind of book to get one fired up about the real changes need in education, but I am stuck on page 13, because people keep interrupting my reading. It has already fueled some discussion with my husband about the need to teach our young children languages other than English at an early age.
The research saying they can learn best when they are young has been around for some time. It seems obvious with the changing global economic status that they need too. I wonder why public education doesn't have this stuff in all the elementary schools already. Guess we will have to fill in the gaps once again.
The research saying they can learn best when they are young has been around for some time. It seems obvious with the changing global economic status that they need too. I wonder why public education doesn't have this stuff in all the elementary schools already. Guess we will have to fill in the gaps once again.
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