The Hobbit: or There and Back Again
J.R.R. Tolkien, © 1937
fantasy; 290 pages
I know this isn't contemporary, but it has been on my 'to read list' for years. I borrowed an old copy from KG, which added to the experience of this great story. The Hobbit follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins and an expedition of dwarves to reclaim their treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. I was pleasantly surprised by the light-hearted tone Tolkien uses for this story.
My only prior exposure to his work are the Lord of The Rings movies. Although I'm glad I finally read this great story, I'm not sure I'm going to dive right into the trilogy. Not quite ready for the time commitment...yet.
read it
April 29, 2009
April 27, 2009
sonic
Across the Great Divide: The Band and America
Barney Hoskyns and The Band, © 1993
non-fiction; 430 pages
As I'm sure many of you are aware, I'm a huge fan of The Band. So, while I personally contend that they were the greatest ensemble of all time (and will argue this point with anyone willing to engage), I feel that I'm discerning enough to look at a dissection of their career with an open and judicious mind.
It was with some excitement that I first began reading Across The Great Divide: The Band and America. Barney Hoskyn's examination of the relation between the great nation and the largely Canadian group is a triumph of music scholarship (I don't buy into the contention that the Pilgrim's Progress essay within the seminal Mystery Train by Greil Marcus is more revelatory at all). While the volume tells the story of The Band, it's greater purpose is its exploration of America revealed through the eyes of these four outsiders from the north and their full-throttle razorback from the Delta. Hoskyns relates how the quintet was able to pull back a curtain and illuminate the essence of America through both their musical arrangements and their lyrics. In addition to this, he also builds on how their elucidation of America changed the shape of modern music and garnered fawning acolytes out of people like George Harrison, Eric Clapton, etc.
Marvelously researched and easily readable. Hands down a must for anyone with a passing interest in (popular) American music and/or the history of its aggregate parts.
Consider it
Barney Hoskyns and The Band, © 1993
non-fiction; 430 pages
As I'm sure many of you are aware, I'm a huge fan of The Band. So, while I personally contend that they were the greatest ensemble of all time (and will argue this point with anyone willing to engage), I feel that I'm discerning enough to look at a dissection of their career with an open and judicious mind.
It was with some excitement that I first began reading Across The Great Divide: The Band and America. Barney Hoskyn's examination of the relation between the great nation and the largely Canadian group is a triumph of music scholarship (I don't buy into the contention that the Pilgrim's Progress essay within the seminal Mystery Train by Greil Marcus is more revelatory at all). While the volume tells the story of The Band, it's greater purpose is its exploration of America revealed through the eyes of these four outsiders from the north and their full-throttle razorback from the Delta. Hoskyns relates how the quintet was able to pull back a curtain and illuminate the essence of America through both their musical arrangements and their lyrics. In addition to this, he also builds on how their elucidation of America changed the shape of modern music and garnered fawning acolytes out of people like George Harrison, Eric Clapton, etc.
Marvelously researched and easily readable. Hands down a must for anyone with a passing interest in (popular) American music and/or the history of its aggregate parts.
Consider it
amazing
Maniac Magee
Jerry Spinelli, © 1990
children's fiction; 180 pages
Maniac Magee was my favorite book growing up. My 5th grade class read just finished reading this book together. While it was not everyones favorite we enjoyed it and had some great conversations. Here are a few choice excerpts from our final writing assignment where students were asked to describe what this book made them think about or a lesson learned.
...when someone gets tired of going to school or work I would say don't give up just keep on running, it will pay off for you one day.
[Maniac] is not doing it for fame, respect, or himself. He was thinking of others. I think that in the future, you should do more selfless acts and less selfish acts and think of others. That would probably make people friendlier.
I think the most important thing about a home is a family that cares about each other.
You should get your education so if you don't go to the pro's you can do anything else you want.
and my favorite...
Racism starts with ignorance. If you don't know what other people are like then just don't assume things about them. Try to get to know them.
Maniac is an orphan who runs away from his aunt and uncles house to a racially divided town. Through is adventures and friendships he is able to bring the town together and find a home of his own. I really enjoy reading this book with this age group because it covers great themes like friendship, family, racism, and acceptance.
read it
Jerry Spinelli, © 1990
children's fiction; 180 pages
Maniac Magee was my favorite book growing up. My 5th grade class read just finished reading this book together. While it was not everyones favorite we enjoyed it and had some great conversations. Here are a few choice excerpts from our final writing assignment where students were asked to describe what this book made them think about or a lesson learned.
...when someone gets tired of going to school or work I would say don't give up just keep on running, it will pay off for you one day.
[Maniac] is not doing it for fame, respect, or himself. He was thinking of others. I think that in the future, you should do more selfless acts and less selfish acts and think of others. That would probably make people friendlier.
I think the most important thing about a home is a family that cares about each other.
You should get your education so if you don't go to the pro's you can do anything else you want.
and my favorite...
Racism starts with ignorance. If you don't know what other people are like then just don't assume things about them. Try to get to know them.
Maniac is an orphan who runs away from his aunt and uncles house to a racially divided town. Through is adventures and friendships he is able to bring the town together and find a home of his own. I really enjoy reading this book with this age group because it covers great themes like friendship, family, racism, and acceptance.
read it
April 24, 2009
imperative
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
John Perkins, © 2004
non-fiction; 300 pages
John Perkins, © 2004
non-fiction; 300 pages
Author John Perkins comes clean about his clandestine activities spreading the US 'corporatocracy' around the globe. I have often wondered how American products, banks and corporations are dotted around the world like chocolate sprinkles. Perkins gives the answer to this question as he leads the reader through his travails as an EHM (economic hit man). Once you read this book you will definitely read the news with a different perspective (that is assuming you do read the news).
As Perkins describes:
"Economic hit men (EHMs) are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign "aid" organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet's natural resources. Their tools included fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex, and murder. They play a game as old as empire, but one that has taken on new and terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization."
It is imperative that this book be on a High School required reading list. Beyond that, it is imperative that you check out a copy today and read this book tonight.
read it
April 15, 2009
disappointed
The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman, © 2008
children's fantasy; 300 pages
Neil Gaiman is the author of Coraline, Stardust, and The Sandman comic book series. Because these books are great, I was excited to read his newest book which is the 2009 Newberry Award winner. Well...the title of this post says it all.
Bod is orphaned as a young child when his whole family is mysteriously murdered. He escapes to a nearby cemetery where the ghosts agree to care for him. He is forced to stay in the safety of the graveyard because the killer, Jack, is still looking for him.
I disliked this book because i thought the characters were boring and the first interesting conflict Bod has to face doesn't happen until half-way through the book. To top it off, I was left without ever feeling a connection with Bod or any of the other characters and was ready to just be done with this book by the end.
skip it
Neil Gaiman, © 2008
children's fantasy; 300 pages
Neil Gaiman is the author of Coraline, Stardust, and The Sandman comic book series. Because these books are great, I was excited to read his newest book which is the 2009 Newberry Award winner. Well...the title of this post says it all.
Bod is orphaned as a young child when his whole family is mysteriously murdered. He escapes to a nearby cemetery where the ghosts agree to care for him. He is forced to stay in the safety of the graveyard because the killer, Jack, is still looking for him.
I disliked this book because i thought the characters were boring and the first interesting conflict Bod has to face doesn't happen until half-way through the book. To top it off, I was left without ever feeling a connection with Bod or any of the other characters and was ready to just be done with this book by the end.
skip it
April 9, 2009
sensational
I Am the Messenger
Markus Zusak, © 2002
young-adult fiction; 360 pages
I must begin this post by admitting that I'm an optimist and believe people are good (or have the capability to be) and can change. Ed Kennedy is a 19 year old cab driver that lives in a small suburb outside of Sydney, Australia. He begins to receive playing cards with cryptic messages written on them, which leads him to making small and large differences in selected lives around him. Several times throughout the book as Ed finds ways to help these individuals, emotional shivers (can't think of a better way to describe it) coursed through my body. Ed is able to make people feel beautiful, accepted, safe, or loved.
I love the idea that ordinary people can make a difference in each others lives. Zusak shows us that we can make a difference in other's lives if we are willing to live in the present, be observant, show empathy and the willingness to give some of our time.
read it
Note: Zusak does not hold back on Australian slang. If you've been to 'the land down under' you'll love the reminiscense of their colorful language. If you've never been, you'll still enjoy it and learn some good phrases for your eventual trip. Also, Zusak has another incredible book, The Book Thief. You can get more information about this book by clicking on the link above. Pick it up because it will blow your mind!
Final Note: This is the second Michael L. Printz Award winning book I've read. To find out more about this award and past winners follow the link.
Markus Zusak, © 2002
young-adult fiction; 360 pages
I must begin this post by admitting that I'm an optimist and believe people are good (or have the capability to be) and can change. Ed Kennedy is a 19 year old cab driver that lives in a small suburb outside of Sydney, Australia. He begins to receive playing cards with cryptic messages written on them, which leads him to making small and large differences in selected lives around him. Several times throughout the book as Ed finds ways to help these individuals, emotional shivers (can't think of a better way to describe it) coursed through my body. Ed is able to make people feel beautiful, accepted, safe, or loved.
I love the idea that ordinary people can make a difference in each others lives. Zusak shows us that we can make a difference in other's lives if we are willing to live in the present, be observant, show empathy and the willingness to give some of our time.
read it
Note: Zusak does not hold back on Australian slang. If you've been to 'the land down under' you'll love the reminiscense of their colorful language. If you've never been, you'll still enjoy it and learn some good phrases for your eventual trip. Also, Zusak has another incredible book, The Book Thief. You can get more information about this book by clicking on the link above. Pick it up because it will blow your mind!
Final Note: This is the second Michael L. Printz Award winning book I've read. To find out more about this award and past winners follow the link.
April 5, 2009
easy entertainment
The House of the Scorpion
Nancy Farmer, © 2002
young-adult sci-fi; 380 pages
In the future, the land between the U.S. and Mexico is a country named Opium, which is used solely for the farming of drugs to be distributed all over the world. The protagonist, Matteo Alacrán, is a clone of the drug czar and ruler of Opium, 140 year old El Patrón.
This is a great action adventure read that also gives interesting possibilities and ramifications of cloning and other scientific advances. Winning three different awards for young-adult literature it is definitely worth a look.
consider it
Nancy Farmer, © 2002
young-adult sci-fi; 380 pages
In the future, the land between the U.S. and Mexico is a country named Opium, which is used solely for the farming of drugs to be distributed all over the world. The protagonist, Matteo Alacrán, is a clone of the drug czar and ruler of Opium, 140 year old El Patrón.
This is a great action adventure read that also gives interesting possibilities and ramifications of cloning and other scientific advances. Winning three different awards for young-adult literature it is definitely worth a look.
consider it
April 1, 2009
humor, loathing, and lessons
Second Hand: A Novel
Michael Zadoorian, © 2000
realistic fiction; 270 pages
I thought I would try and continue the theme of one-word titles for my posts, but I could not think of a fitting word to describe this book. However, I believe these three describe Zadoorian's first novel nicely.
This book is written from the perspective of a hipster who owns a junk store and is constantly searching for the next "cool" thing at a garage or estate sale. Besides junk, he deals with death, a crazy girlfriend, and his own self-loathing.
At first, I felt as if I could not identify with any of the protagonist's problems, but Zadoorian does an amazing job of developing his characters so that by the end of the book you are able to relate to the character and learn something from them or in the least realize that you have some of the same feelings about life. This is why Zadoorian is becoming one of my favorite authors. He reminds me that though people may look and act uniquely, we have more similarities than differences. I am comforted by the fact that there is common ground, we just have to search for it.
To conclude, here is my favorite sentence from the book, "...know that all of us have the authority to assign value, that we don't have to want the things we're told to want, that it's good to love that which seems to have no worth."
consider it
Michael Zadoorian, © 2000
realistic fiction; 270 pages
I thought I would try and continue the theme of one-word titles for my posts, but I could not think of a fitting word to describe this book. However, I believe these three describe Zadoorian's first novel nicely.
This book is written from the perspective of a hipster who owns a junk store and is constantly searching for the next "cool" thing at a garage or estate sale. Besides junk, he deals with death, a crazy girlfriend, and his own self-loathing.
At first, I felt as if I could not identify with any of the protagonist's problems, but Zadoorian does an amazing job of developing his characters so that by the end of the book you are able to relate to the character and learn something from them or in the least realize that you have some of the same feelings about life. This is why Zadoorian is becoming one of my favorite authors. He reminds me that though people may look and act uniquely, we have more similarities than differences. I am comforted by the fact that there is common ground, we just have to search for it.
To conclude, here is my favorite sentence from the book, "...know that all of us have the authority to assign value, that we don't have to want the things we're told to want, that it's good to love that which seems to have no worth."
consider it
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