I did read a book this weekend, but... meh... it was just okay. I find that to be the case with the free Nook books every now and then. I figure I didn't spend any money, so it is fine if I didn't like the book. In any case, I'm more excited about the poems my students started yesterday in class and I found myself sneaking some in my bag to read at home.
I like to be a sneaky teacher when it comes to getting my students to write as most say they hate it. For example, the big writing piece they will be starting tomorrow is a personal narrative that is seven paragraphs and possibly longer. They have no idea that the poems they wrote this week or that the characterization work they did last week were actually in preparation for their papers. Their poems and assignments from last week are their drafts and prewrites for the paper. Sneaky, eh?
Anywho, as I am reading the poems, I've been attempting to pick my favorites. How is it possible that almost all of them are my favorites?! It is true though. We talked about voice and characterization so much that they literally talk through their poems. As a teacher, nothing makes me happier to know they are getting what is being taught. So proud... just wish I could share some of what they wrote!
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
9.15.2011
9.07.2011
What I'm Reading Wednesday
Some people blog about what they wore or ate on certain days, but that's not really my thing. I decided I'd try to write about the book I'm reading as there is usually at least one new one per week. I'm a book-a-holic, what can I say. I love my Nook so much and B&N should so pay me to do a commercial for them. I usually download a ton of their freebies for what I call "Brainless Reads." Those are the books you don't have to think very hard to figure out. They also have a nice selection of books that come first in a series, so that is a bonus as I'm always interested in finding new favorite authors.
Since I do read so much, I'm very selective about what I will spend my book money on. Recently, I decided to read A Stolen Life: A Memoir. This is the account of Jaycee Dugard. She was abducted on her way to school when she was a mere eleven years old and wasn't freed until she was 28. I remember hearing about her when I was in high school, and I'm sure it was on Channel One since that was the only news I watched back then. Her story intrigued me, and I decided it was one I would happily pay to read. She endured so much at the hands of her abductors. It was a difficult read in that she isn't a trained writer by any means. However, I think the fact she actually wrote it instead of employing a ghost writer speaks volumes. It is truely her voice you hear when you read the memoir. I also appreciated her including actually entries from the journal she kept. They lent credibility to the rest of her story.
What I didn't like was the number of unanswered questions I had after finishing the book. My curiosity is one of my strongest characteristics, and this book definetly piqued it! My biggest question for Ms. Dugard is "Why didn't you try to escape- especially when a parole officer came to the home and you actually interacted with him at one point?" I can only imagine the amount of brainwashing she was subjected to over the course of her confinement, but I guess I just can't imagine letting the chance of freedom slide by without at least trying to get help when it was right in front of me.
All in all, I'm glad I read it. My heart broke every time she detailed her sexual abuse and living conditions. I'm also glad she was able to finally be reunited with her family, and I know without a doubt her mom's heart started to heal the moment she heard her voice. She cannot get the years back that they lost, but at least they have the future.
Since I do read so much, I'm very selective about what I will spend my book money on. Recently, I decided to read A Stolen Life: A Memoir. This is the account of Jaycee Dugard. She was abducted on her way to school when she was a mere eleven years old and wasn't freed until she was 28. I remember hearing about her when I was in high school, and I'm sure it was on Channel One since that was the only news I watched back then. Her story intrigued me, and I decided it was one I would happily pay to read. She endured so much at the hands of her abductors. It was a difficult read in that she isn't a trained writer by any means. However, I think the fact she actually wrote it instead of employing a ghost writer speaks volumes. It is truely her voice you hear when you read the memoir. I also appreciated her including actually entries from the journal she kept. They lent credibility to the rest of her story.
What I didn't like was the number of unanswered questions I had after finishing the book. My curiosity is one of my strongest characteristics, and this book definetly piqued it! My biggest question for Ms. Dugard is "Why didn't you try to escape- especially when a parole officer came to the home and you actually interacted with him at one point?" I can only imagine the amount of brainwashing she was subjected to over the course of her confinement, but I guess I just can't imagine letting the chance of freedom slide by without at least trying to get help when it was right in front of me.
All in all, I'm glad I read it. My heart broke every time she detailed her sexual abuse and living conditions. I'm also glad she was able to finally be reunited with her family, and I know without a doubt her mom's heart started to heal the moment she heard her voice. She cannot get the years back that they lost, but at least they have the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)