I've noticed a trend in some of the books that I've loved in the past few years and it's something totally unexpected. I love well-written characters -- more than plot, more than style, characters are the reason that I read -- and I've found that some of my most loved characters in the past few years have all been grumpy old men.
Here's the archetype: a grumpy old man who knows exactly how he likes things done. Not room for new habits or hobbies, no tolerance for those who do things differently.
Normally, that wouldn't make for a very likable character. However, these men transform throughout the course of these stories. They discover new truths, find new things that they like, and become more endearing than irritating.
These stories remind me to be kind to others because they reveal how incredibly impactful that kindness can be. They reinforce compassion in the reader and remind us that life will continue to surprise us at every age.
Beautiful cover aside, I gave this four stars on Goodreads back in 2013. I still haven't gotten to it's parallel novel but I've heard great reviews from those who loved Harold and his unique quest in the name of friendship.
You probably don't need me to reiterate the fact that I love fall, but I'll say it again anyways.
I am head over heels for this season.
First of all, that crazy heat has left us. It was a pretty hot and dry summer here in New England, so I am relishing the cool breeze.
Second, everything is pumpkin flavored (I'm a fan), leaves are crunchy and beautiful, and Halloween is just around the corner. Fall is also my favorite season for reading, because it's still warm enough to read outside, but you can elect to cozy up with a sweater or blanket.
If you're looking for a good book to start off your autumn reading list, seek no further! You can find 10 great October reads in my original post, plus a few more reads below!
Conversion by Katherine Howe // I rarely read young adult fiction, but I sought this out at the library because it's by one of my favorite local authors. Seriously, if you like books that are well suited for this time of year, start with her The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. This one follows a group of teenage girls who attend a prestigious private school on the North Shore of Boston. When a mystery illness breaks out among the students, the events become strangely reminiscent of The Crucible and the Salem Witch Trials that inspired the play. Since I'm currently teaching in Salem (yes, that Salem), I loved that local connection and trying to solve the mystery of what was really going on with the students.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier // This is a classic work of gothic fiction, but I only recently picked it up because it's been recommended for those who enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale, one of my all-time favorites. It's the story of a young woman who lives a tedious life as a companion to an obnoxious American woman. They're on holiday in Italy when the narrator (who, strangely enough, is never named) meets a gentleman widower. She's whisked away to his gorgeous estate, and there finds herself haunted by the ghost of his late wife, Rebecca. This one doesn't have a huge scare factor, but there's an excellent twist and a general, creepy sensation throughout.
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry // I read this over the summer, but I felt while reading that it would make a great autumn read. Brunonia Barry is another local author whose work I adore. This one is about a young woman recently returned to her hometown (you guessed it, Salem). There's a strange element of magic woven throughout the plot in the form of lace reading, which was (and is) a real trade that some practice as a form of fortune telling. I don't want to give anything away, but as I read I couldn't help but think something wasn't quite right with the story as it was presented. All I can say is that the final pages had me yelling, "Wait, what?!?!?" I always love a good twist.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs // I read this years ago when it first came out, but I'm going to attempt to rapidly re-read it before seeing the movie (opening September 30th). I would say that peculiar is a particularly fitting word for this book, as the title suggests. It features strange, antique photographs (which the author collected before coming up with the storyline), an alternate universe, children with supernatural gifts, and a nightmarish evil force. All great components for an autumn read, wouldn't you say?
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Stay tuned next week for a list of the books that I'm coveting for myself in October!
I recently posted this picture on Instagram with a short blurb about how this book, A Novel Bookstore, has one of my all-time favorite book covers. I was drawn to it instantly because of that, but the story inside is even more captivating for bibliophiles like myself because the plot revolves entirely around books and characters who spend their lives digging for great literature. The picture prompted a few fellow bookworms to recommend other titles whose stories features books. Suddenly, I realized that there are actually so many books about books (also known as bookception), and that anytime I come across one, I'm almost guaranteed to buy it. Between myself and a few others that feel the same way, we came up with a long list of books that you might want to read, if you're interested in plots of the literary variety.
If you saw this post, then you know that I'm really really excited about what's to come in the next year. Though I read a lot of textbooks about education and spend a lot of time in discussions with my classmates and professors, I still always feel like I have so much more to learn (which reminds me of this talk that I also love). I've been collecting a number of books lately that have to do with education, and I've added a few to the stack that I've read before but want to re-read. These books cover a number of topics within education: the controversy of standardized testing, the reform movement, the argument behind proponents of grit as a success factor, the achievement gap, etc. These are all big-ticket issues within my field, and I feel like the more I read, the better prepared I'll be to address them. Of course, each author lends his or her own bias to the arguments, so while I'm approaching each book with caution, I'm looking forward to seeing new perspectives on these issues. I thought I would share my booklist here for those who are also interested in reading about education!
The Power of Their Ideas: Lessons from a Small School in Harlem by Deborah Meier // Deborah Meier has an incredible history as an educator. She is the founder of several small schools in Harlem, which became some of the most successful schools in an area that was ridden with low graduation rates and disengagement. In this, Meier writes honestly about the challenges in creating a successful school, and lays out her strategies for others to consider and follow. I've read snippets of this book since I bought it late last year, but I'm looking forward to reading it cover-to-cover soon.
How Children Succeed: Grit Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough // I read this book last summer and it made it onto my top ten list. You can read more of my thoughts about it there; I found it to be extremely thought-provoking but didn't always agree with Tough's assumptions. I do think that I'm better able to speak about educational issues since reading it, and I certainly appreciate how much I learned from it.
The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch // I was introduced to this book in a class about schools and society in my sophomore year of college. Essentially, it was the book that introduced me to some of the major controversies in education. Diane Ravitch was one of the major players in supporting No Child Left Behind when it was first implemented, and in this she admits that she was greatly mistaken and details why our schools are failing our students and what should be done to help slow and repair the damage. When I read this I didn't have a whole lot of background knowledge so I took Ravitch at her word on a lot of issues. Now that I'm more knowledgeable I'm looking forward to revisiting it with a more critical eye to see if my opinion of it has changed.
The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner // This is one that I haven't read yet, but we've had a lot of discussions about the national achievement gap in my classes this semester and I'm looking forward to expanding my scope to learning about the achievement gap on a global level.
A Mind at a Time by Mel Levine // This is one that I found in my mother's collection of books on children and parenting. Mel Levine is widely respected for his perspectives on learning, and since my background is in psychology I am looking forward to exploring this classic.
Radical by Michelle Rhee // Michelle Rhee is another big player on the educational scene. It's the same type of story: here's what's wrong with our system, here's how we can improve it, here are the overarching social problems that are playing a role in preventing these changes. I'm interested to see Rhee's personal perspective on it all.
The Unschooled Mind by Howard Gardner // Gardner is behind the theory of multiple intelligences, which is one of the most important theories that we use in approaching the idea that each learner is unique. Information is best processed and demonstrated in different ways by different students, and I like Gardner's idea that we should mold our teaching around the way that students learn.
In Schools We Trust by Deborah Meier // Another one by Deborah Meier, and one of my newest acquisitions. We've been having a lot of discussions in my classes that center on the idea of school culture and community. Curating an unconditional learning community in which everyone feels they can learn is one of the biggest challenges and most important goals of schools. The atmosphere of standardized testing often strains that community feeling, so I'm looking forward to seeing what Meier has to say about how we can combat that strain.
It's unrealistic to think that I'll get through all of these in the near future, as I usually look to reading as a way to relax during busy semesters and tend to save these types of books for long breaks when I'm craving stimulation. I don't have any long breaks coming up anytime soon, but I'm hoping to at least revisit Ravitch's book, read In Schools We Trust, and dive into Rhee's sometime this summer.
Remember how I mentioned recently that I am a lover of fairytales? Well, I mean that in a big way. Nothing captures my heart more than a classic tale of a princess and the triumph over evil forces. Sometime long, long ago, I drank the Disney juice, and I haven't been able to get enough of the fairytale culture since.
Us Disney superfans have something to celebrate this weekend: the arrival of the new Cinderella, starring Lily James and Richard Madden (hello, Robb Stark, you're looking well) as the handsome prince. The moment we first heard the announcement, I seriously considered buying a plane ticket to Chicago to celebrate the occasion with my equally-fairytale-obsessed besties, Allie & Sam.
You can watch the trailer below:
Simply magical, right??
I did quite a bit of reading about the origins of our favorite fairytales last summer for my honors project this year, and I love how the original tales (which came from oral traditions) have inspired and informed so much writing. I thought a booklist was in order, one that celebrates the original tale of Cinderella and the many, many works that it's inspired since its publication back in the 17th century.
Normally, when I curate a booklist, I stick to one main audience. Since fairytales are something that readers of all ages can enjoy, I thought I'd mix it up and include a few books for readers from preschool all the way through young adulthood. I know quite a few adults who really enjoy these kinds of stories from the YA genre, so if you're a little older than the target audience (like me), don't be afraid to dive in!
For Young Readers (Preschool & Elementary):
Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal by Paul Fleischman // A collection of Cinderella traditions from around the globe. This book weaves together the unique tales from places as different as Zimbabwe and Ireland into a story that demonstrates the universality of the fairytale. For parents who want to share a more worldly view with their children!
Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson // A quirky fracturing of the original tale. Cinder Edna (Cinderella's neighbor) isn't lucky enough to be rescued by a godmother and a handsome prince, but she perseveres due to her own resilience and go-getter attitude. This one's for families who aren't fans of the "damsel in distress" formula. A feminist and funny take.
Cinderella by Barbara McClintock // A classic retelling with an added Parisian element and gorgeous, detailed illustrations. For fans of the original.
Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci // A childhood favorite of mine. A rather Tim Burton-esque fracture, with the same uplifting message: that kindness and virtue conquer all. Definitely one to add to your Halloween collection too!
Cinderella Stays Late by Joan Holub // The first in a series that takes place in Grimmlandia, this story sets Cinderella as a new girl at Grimm Academy. Her evil stepsisters tease & embarass her, but she ends up as the hero in the end. A great lesson on girl power & treating others well!
{Psst! Parents: it's up to you to make a judgment call when it comes to these categories! Some of these books are recommended for grades 7 and above. Personally, I know many middle-graders that are mature enough to read books way above their level, but if there's a question of appropriateness, I suggest checking out the recommended reading level first!}
Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell // A Kindle-only book that's set to be published in August, this unique retelling has been on my watch-list since January. In this, Cinderella is cast as a wildly talented inventor. For those who like the damsel-saves-herself type!
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine // A classic and perfect choice for girls' bookclubs! In this, Ella is fierce and fights against her curse of obedience, and instead of being rescued, it is she who rescues the prince.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer // A very unique take on the classical tale, with a Cinderella who's actually a cyborg, and a science-fiction future in which earth is in really, really big trouble.
Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George // A royal exchange program, a competition between a servant & princess for an eligible prince, and a fan base that loves this author's retellings (this is the second in her fairytale series). Definitely worth checking out!
Bound by Donna Jo Napoli // When I stumbled upon this retelling, I let out an "Ooooh." Now this looks like a fresh take to me. Take the story of Cinderella and mold Chinese culture around it. Xing Xing is bound as a servant to her stepmother and sister, whose feet are bound and whom Xing Xing must take care of. Throw in money troubles and a desperate search for a husband, and you have a new perspective that maintains the core values.
The Masked Slipper by Jessica Lorene // A setting in which the characters are aware that they're living in a fairytale? I'll take it. Nicolette is being forced to marry a not-so-prince-charming, and she's realized that somewhere along the line, her fairytale went awry.
There are so many amazing versions of this tale in picture-book and novel form, I could probably add forty more to this list and it would still barely make a dent in the number of available versions out there! I saw ones from every culture, every time period, and some great fractured perspectives as well! I could curate a whole library full of these books. Did one catch your eye? Do you have one to add to the list? Share your thoughts below!
President's Day is an interesting holiday because it was originally intended to celebrate George Washington's birthday on February 22, but was moved to the third Monday of February to create a three-day weekend and to widen its scope to include a celebration of all U.S. presidents. I certainly appreciate the three-day weekend, though we have yet to have a full week of classes yet because of all this snow!
I've put together a quick list of presidential picks to acknowledge the holiday, with a focus on the early presidents. Though there is certainly a plethora of literature that encompasses all of our country's leaders, I find that my interest is most peaked by our early leaders and by those who stood at the helm of our country at pivotal points in history.
If you are a non-fiction, history, or biography-lover, this is the booklist for you!
Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard // I'm not a huge fan of non-fiction literature, but this is one biography that I loved. Not only did I find it easier to access than most historical writing, but I also loved how Millard widened the scope beyond Garfield to include the context in which he lived. Hindsight is 20/20 but it's so interesting to see how the medicinal and scientific advances that were occurring at the time could have resulted in a different ending for Garfield, if only his advisors had made more open-minded decisions.
The President and the Assassin by Scott Miller // This one is of a similar vein to Destiny of the Republic, which is what landed it on my to-read list. It's the story of President McKinley as he helped the U.S. transition to an industrial economy, and his assassin, Leon Czolgosz. Czolgosz was just one citizen representing the many who were bitterly opposed to the change and felt wounded by a government that was increasingly interested in the wants of the rich rather than the needs of the poor. I'm not familiar with this period in our history nor do I know much about the violent ending, so this is one book that I know I'll learn a lot from.
John Quincy Adams by Harlow Giles Unger // John Quincy Adams was one historical figure who seemed to have a hand in just about every major event at the start of our country's history. He was an ambassador, secretary of state, senator, congressman, and president. He knew Washington and Lincoln, was there for the War of 1812 and the Civil War, and was a fierce advocate for the rights of the people. This biography has excellent ratings on Goodreads and promises to be packed with historical richness.
The Man Who Saved the Union by H.W. Brands // Ulysses Grant is well-known for his leadership on the battlefield, and for his part in bringing victory to the Union during the Civil War. This biography examines how he was also a skilled and competent president who helped tremendously to stitch the country back together and who was a fearless defender of civil rights.
With Malice Toward None by Stephen B. Oates // I couldn't curate this list without a book about Lincoln, who is arguably the most well-liked president in our country's history. This biography details not only Lincoln's time as president, but also his early life and how he came to be such a revered figure in our past. It promises to read like a novel, which is something that I look for in historical reads.
Do you have a favorite presidential read? Leave a recommendation below!
P.S. Click here to read about my presidential pick from last year.
P.P.S. Here's another favorite from my history-loving-bestie.
August has been flying by and it's almost time for back to school! As a college student, my summer vacations start in the first week of May, so heading back to school in September is a nice change after a long break. Plus, back to school means new school supplies (and we all know there's nothing better than that)!
As a child, I was always super excited about the first day back at school. I came home every day after school only to sit my dolls down at their desks, write out their lessons, and assign them homework. The fact that I had both a whiteboard and chalkboard at the ready for "playing school" is proof that the classroom has always been my happy place. However, that's not to say that I never got nervous on the first day back. I still get nervous for the first day of classes each semester, and I'd be willing to bet money that on my first day as a teacher, I'll be a nervous wreck. The anxiousness that many students feel going back to school comes with the territory of new spaces, new routines, and greater expectations.
To help transition from summer mode to the back to school mindset, I've picked a few books that feature the theme of school (and the first day back), some of which feature beloved characters that your child may already love reading about. Reading a few of these books with your child may help facilitate a conversation about the things that they are most and least looking forward to, and could be helpful during those first few days back, as they ease into a new routine!
{Click on the titles to view book descriptions in Goodreads and find links to purchase online!}
