Archive for the ‘What We’re Reading’ Category

Posted on April 20, 2012 - by Kav

More Books!!!!!

More Books!

You can never have enough of them, right? Which is a good thing since my favourite authors keep writing more and new authors keep getting discovered. I don’t even mind that my bookshelves are stuffed to the gills. I just pile one book on top of another as I contemplate how to creatively store even more! No e-readers for me (sorry Regina!) – I’m a paper and glue and stitched binding kinda gal. And because of that you would think that my day would be a dream since I work in school libraries but alas, it has become a nightmare. Why?

No books!

My position in a new school library is a challenge because the principal doesn’t believe in them. Yep, you heard me right. In this technological age she’s all about the gadgets and not so much about the books. That translates into zero funding. I was horrified, the parents were aghast and there I was in September with a cavernous room full of empty shelves.

The parents rallied though and donations started pouring in and then they had a fundraiser before Christmas and I got to buy some brand-spanking-new books, which was such a blessing. But no matter how hard and fast I catalogued those books just seemed to disappear on those empty shelves. I didn’t have enough to circulate until two months ago. Imagine that! Half the school year without a single visit to the library! I shudder at the thought.

I set up a calendar for class visits and teachers eagerly signed up for their weekly biblio-fix. The principal couldn’t understand why. The students were bouncing off the walls with excitement that first week as they filed into the library. The principal was perplexed. Weren’t library visits a waste of time and a distraction from the real work of learning? Then I started reading to the kids. Oh my – how archaic! (this writer exclaims sarcastically.) Why would I read to a class when a computer can do it just as well?

Not!

I stood my ground and fought the good fight. I hold a class hostage until they’ve got a story under their belt. A live story, read by someone who looks them in the eyes and delights in their rapt expressions. A living story read by a real person with an animated voice who understands the importance of the pregnant pause. That’s what D.E.A.R. means to me. It’s not some fleeting holiday we celebrate once a year but rather a way to celebrate books every day of the year! I know I’m better for it and so are the kids but my principal still doesn’t get it.

Thankfully the kids do. I have waiting lists for every single book I’ve read to them. I like to pick humourous stories or…as one child pointed out to me recently…books where people or animals are eaten. Hmmmm…perhaps my inner resentment towards my principal is coming out in my reading selections? I may need to study that and repent. In the meantime here are some great read-alouds whether you’re reading to one or thirty!

 

More Bears by Kenn Nesbitt

This is a story of an author who sits down to write a book that has absolutely no bears in it at all until some children keep clamoring for ‘more bears’. Bowing to the pressure of his eager audience he adds more and more until they completely take over the story. Kids love to join in with the lusty refrain “More Bears!” and they get louder and louder as the book goes on. Tremendous fun and it has a great surprise ending. I have a grade two student who is writing a sequel for me. Book trailer coming soon, she promises!

The Book That Eats People by John Perry

A bit carnivorous and not for the faint of heart and it might just scare a few away from books for life but it’s still a fun read about…well, a very nasty book that…eats people. It even has it’s own website – if you dare check it out!

Wolves by Emily Gravett

Speaking of being eaten…this poor rabbit is in for a rude awakening as he learns about the habits of wolves from a book he checks out of the library. Thankfully there is a vegetarian friendly alternative ending for the sensitive reader.

Snip Snap! What’s that by Mara Bergman

Alas there’s an alligator loose and three children left unattended and…well, were the children scared? “You bet they were!” This is another book that has a refrain that repeats page by page and kids love to holler it out. All round good fun unless you are the alligator.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

Seriously funny. It’ll make you never want to vacuum up another dust bunny again! Which is perfectly fine because it will leave you plenty of time for D.E.A.R.

Posted on April 19, 2012 - by Regina

DEAR E-READER . . .

I was first introduced to the concept of DEAR (Drop Everything and READ) when I was in college, studying children’s literature, and preparing to be a school librarian. In fact, in the schools I have been a part of, we have observed, from time to time, DEAR time.

I’m thinking of working it in to the public library schedule . . .

So, in the spirit of DEAR, in the last two weeks, I have read all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy. Oh my. I won’t get into plot, or a review, but let’s just say that it was worth every thing I dropped to read them!

You can imagine my chagrin, however, when, after reading book one, the other two books were not available either at my house (my daughter’s set had been loaned out), OR my library (talk about a waiting list . . . sigh . . . )!

So, I did what any enterprising librarian with an electronic device would do. I purchased and downloaded books 2 and 3 onto an iPad. And now I am a convert.

While I still love the feel of paper and pages, I must say that the idea of making the font as large as I need, and turning the page with a mere swipe of a finger is enticing. The only drawback is that you don’t have the BOOK on the shelf. Oh, it’s in the reader, but there are no page numbers, so if I were truly studying a book, I would need the hard copy.

But for those DEAR moments when you’ve simply GOT to see what happens to Katniss and Peeta next? E-books. It’s quick, it’s painless – and if you watch Facebook and author blogs, you’ll find a lot of great FREE books available out there!

Posted on April 18, 2012 - by Brenda Anderson

D.E.A.R. Day Dilemma

Dear Drop Everything And Read Day,

You have placed me in quite the dilemma. As you know, I love to read, and dropping everything to pick up a book is never a difficult task.

But …

The question is, on this very special day What should I read? Oh my, the plethora of good books out there puts me in quite the quandry.

First of all there are new books out by our very own Inkspirational Messages authors! (Congratulations Lorna & Shannon!!) So, do I read Lorna Seilstad’s fun new release, The Ride of Her Life? (For amusement park fanatics like me, note that sweet roller coaster.)

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws’ home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger–who designs roller coasters, of all things–intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Or do I pick up Shannon Vannatter’s heart-stopping release, Rodeo Hero? (Seriously, who can resist a cowboy?)

Kendra Maddox is a new Christian trying to live her new beliefs. Stetson Wright is a youth director/rodeo clown who believes true love waits. Can they overcome her promiscuous past and claim a future together?

And then there are the three books I just picked up from my local library. DiAnn Mills’ (one of The Best romantic suspense authors out there) The Chase sounds riveting.

To the FBI it’s a cold case. To Kariss Walker it’s a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it’s a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl’s missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the the partners into a witch’s brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss’s pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag?

Tom Pawlik’s Beckon will likely make me sleep with one eye open.

Some things weren’t meant to be discovered. Three people are each drawn to the small town of Beckon, Wyoming. A young anthropologist researches a Native American legend and makes a terrifying discovery. An ex-cop investigating her cousin’s disappearance finds herself in grave peril. And an aging businessman is lured by the promise of a miracle. One by one they discover the town’s ghastly secret. The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?

And if I feel like reading a tear-jerker, Legacy Road by Graham Garrison will encourage me to keep tissues handy.

Journalist Wes Watkins is on a roll. His career is taking off, he’s going back to school, and he’s about to propose to the love of his life, Emmy Stewart. When his stagey proposal flops, Wes’s world tilts. Emmy, a National Guard medic, is about to be deployed to Afghanistan. Wes’s mentor, Paul Gavin, persuades Wes to involve his estranged father, Ron, in a class Wes is taking on the Civil War; Ron, who had abandoned his family in favor of alcohol, has Civil War–era letters from a family ancestor. Wes naturally distrusts his father; Emmy has a secret in her past. When Wes finally reads a cache of letters Ron sent him as the younger man was growing up, other secrets emerge.

So many good books!

Oh, D.E.A.R. Day, how do I choose?

Well, I guess there’s only one good answer: Make every day Drop Everything and Read day! I’m in. How about you?

Sincerely,

Voracious Reader

Brenda Anderson

 

 

Posted on April 17, 2012 - by JerriLynn

Making the Time

My chances to drop everything and read have grown so few and far between that sometimes I feel like I’ve lost a best friend. The last couple of years have been horrible in terms of finding time to read. I’m so busy between my own schedule and my daughter’s that even finding a few minutes at night to read has been a stretch.

But recently, I decided I missed my old friend (Story) so much that I needed to MAKE time to read.  And so I have.  Just one book. And it’s taking me longer than I would have liked to finish it, but I’m enjoying the ride.  That’s what reading has always been for me. A ride. It’s a way to get outside of my own life and for a short while jump into someone else’s as the hero or heroine of a book.  It’s a chance to do things that I wouldn’t ordinarily do, and honestly, that I probably wouldn’t want to do if it weren’t for the safety of book pages.

Why is it so hard to find time to read? Especially when it’s so good for you?  Reading stimulates the brain and gives it a break at the same time.  While your head is caught up in an alternate reality, your brain can take over the problems that you’ve been worrying and try to make sense of them. Maybe, a solution appears while you’re in this other world, living this other life.  Maybe not, but if you’re anything like me, there are at least some interesting new insights when you emerge from the fictional world.

With the reverence I have for reading, you would think it would be something I would make more time for.  But can you believe, I forgot how healthy losing myself in a good book can be? I do. Until I finally get to the point where I just can’t NOT read. Once I sit down with a book, I remember everything I love about it. So, I’m making more time to drop everything and read right now. I’m sure that in the future, I’ll forget again.  I’ve been through this cycle so many times.  But for right now? Now I’m going to pick up my current mystery and curl up in my current chair, and go live another life for a little while. How about you?  Doesn’t that sound more fun than worrying over what’s currently in your brain?

Posted on April 16, 2012 - by Kim

When You Can’t Drop Everything And Read

Most bibliophiles agree there are very few things in this life that’s can’t be left undone if a good book is at stake. However there is one activity when reading simply isn’t feasible. Or safe. Or even legal in most states. Care to guess what activity that is?

Driving!

Let’s face it folks. Your eyes simply can’t be in two places at once (despite the number of college graduates who as students made study cards on either spiral bound index cards or punch holes in regular ones and use binder rings in order to lay over the steering wheel so they could study while they drove. Not that I have any personal experience with such things). Thus the dangers of texting and driving (the newest incarnation of the index cards over the steering wheel).

But just because one shouldn’t read and drive (if for no other reason than fear of a ticket from the local constabulary) doesn’t mean one can’t enjoy the written word. Or at least the spoken version of the written words known as audiobooks.

That’s right. I said audiobooks. With the advent of iPods, downloads and satellite radio, they aren’t just for people whose eyes just can’t hold out to read a publisher’s conventional print.

Now while I am not advocating them as a replacement for the smell of parchment and the angelic melody of turning pages, they certainly have their place. Like in the car on the way to Huntsville or Montgomery. Or on an iPod during a particularly boring meeting or sermon (again, not that I have any experience with such things).

Aside from the benefits of hands free literary enlightenment offered by such technology, one should consider the entertainment value found in the melodious voices of the narrators. Like Alan Rickman reading Return Of The Native. Unabridged. (I swear that man’s silky baritone and crisp accent could make my teeth sweat reading the phone book (and he ain’t hard on the eyes either). Don’t believe me? Just watch the scene in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban where Rickman’s Professor Snape orders the students to turn to page three hundred and ninety-four. Insert delicious shiver here).

So the next time it just isn’t prudent to drop everything and read, don’t despair. Visit your local library or pop over to one of the download sites and help yourself to an audiobook. I promise you won’t regret it.

 

Posted on April 13, 2012 - by Dawn Ford

Making The Middle Grade

Middle grade. One of the most difficult times in life. It seems everything changes-you’re neither a child nor a teenager. You’re kind of stuck there, right in the middle.

Currently, my youngest son has taken hold of the second in the Hunger Games books by Suzanne Collins and is reading Catching Fire. For a boy who loves non-fiction, this is a thrill for his Hunger loving mother. So, in honor of DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) day, I am going to share some middle grade novels that have definitely made the grade.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Grade level 4 and up. Not only did this book make the grade, it also was made into a the movie Hugo. This is the story of an orphan boy who lives inside a clock in a Paris train station. A hidden message from Hugo’s father leads him on a journey to uncover a mystery.

Breadcrumbs by Erin McGuire. Grade level 3 and
up. This is a Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen inspired tale. Once upon a time Hazel and Jack were friends, until Jack became lost in the forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now Hazel must go in after him. Breadcrumbs is rated by Amazon as one of the Best Books of 2011.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Grade level 3 and up. “I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.” August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to mainstream school, until the 5^th grade. Not just faced with being being the new kid, Auggie has to find a way to show his classmates he’s just like them.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Grade level 5 and up. Twelve year old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius and above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn’t know what he’s taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren’t the fairies of bedtime stories—they’re dangerous! This book is a classic and one my middle son encouraged me to read.

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier. Grade level 5 and up. Peter Nimble, a ten year old blind orphan has been schooled in the art of thievery. When he steals a box of magical eyes from a haberdasher, he is taken on an unforgettable, swashbuckler adventure to discover his true destiny.

Grab a book, curl up with a tweener, and have a wonderful DEAR session.

 

Posted on April 12, 2012 - by Shari Barr

It’s Not All Make Believe

I don’t think I’ve ever known a time when I didn’t feel like reading. I will say though that sometimes I just need to sit down and read some good nonfiction, rather than fiction. Something that makes me think a little deeper, gives me a new perspective on a given subject, or simply comforts me because the author has walked in my shoes.

I’ve listed five books, which have all made the bestseller list or were written by bestselling authors, but definitely deserve a second go round. The first two have one thing in common—they make me reflect on the things in life that really matter. The last three are inspirational writing advice books, each written in their own distinct style.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey absolutely gave me the chills the first time I read it. Piper’s account of his horrifying car crash that resulted in his ascension into heaven is nothing short of miraculous. This inspiring story will leave you feeling secure in the warmth of God’s love.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is the story of a mountaineer who erroneously drifted into a Pakistan village in 1993. In return for the kindness the residents showed him, Mortenson started a mission to encourage peace with Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, by building fifty-five schools in countries known for harboring the Taliban.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is an account of one writer’s life that will leave you chuckling with her humorous stories and witty advice. This book is also a guidebook for life in general. 

Fondling Your Muse by John Warner is the most hilarious advice book for writers I’ve ever read. This man who found “his calling—not as writer, but as a dispenser of writing advice” has definitely walked in my shoes. In fact, I think he has a hidden camera in my house (or inside my head, which is even scarier.)

Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Bud Gardner is a must-read for every writer or aspiring writer. These inspiring stories, written by some of the best writers in the business, will encourage you on the frustrating, bumpy road to success.

These are just a few of my perennial nonfiction favorites. What are some of yours?

Posted on April 10, 2012 - by Shannon Vannatter

Great Lines

I’m celebrating Drop Everything and Read day by sharing some favorite lines from recent reads:

From Buffalo Gal by Mary Connealy:

Posted on April 8, 2012 - by Lorna Seilstad

Drop Everything!

How often do you drop everything and just enjoy what you love doing? Once a year? Once a month? Once a week?

This weekend, our son Parker, a college sophomore, was in a production on his campus called Songfest. In it, all of the social clubs compete against one another with a ten minute musical production. So, we dropped everything and went to the campus for the day. (Bear with me. I promise to get to this week’s topic.)

Although his club didn’t take home top honors (Dawn’s son’s club did), we couldn’t have been prouder of him. The photo at the left is of Parker. His club’s theme was “Taking Care of Business.”

 

The photo below is Dawn’s son Dylan in front with the green hat. Their club’s theme was “Paparazzi.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both young men were also in the school’s children’s theater, which performed “The Wizard of Oz” earlier in the day. This twelve member cast will do the show in approximately 30 elementary schools before they are done. We had a blast watching him as flying monkey and Emerald City guard and Dawn’s son as the Wizard.

In between the theater production at 11 a.m. and Songfest that evening, the concert choir performed. So, we were able to see both Parker and Dylan on stage yet again. Needless to say, they were exhausted by the end of the day.

(The video below is of a previous performance at our home congregation. The soloist in it, Eric Loper, is amazing).

Dropping everything to be there on Saturday was an easy call as parents, but sometimes it’s harder to justify forgetting all of life’s responsibilities to do something we enjoy. Thank goodness, the great calendar powers recognized this. Thus, National Drop Everything and Read Day was created. In honor of that D.E.A.R. day on April 12, we will be sharing some of our favorite reading spots, book suggestions, ways to read make reading with your children a priority, and some ideas how you, can make every day Drop Everything and Read Day.

Information about D.E.A.R Day from dropeverythingandread.com

What is National D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. National D.E.A.R. Day is a special reading celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority.

Can I celebrate D.E.A.R. Day on another date?
Yes, of course. Every day is a great day to Drop Everything and Read! The goal is to make reading a regular part of your routine. So, go ahead and read today, tomorrow, and every day!

Who is leading the National D.E.A.R. Day Celebration?

The National Education Association (NEA); Parent Teacher Association (PTA); the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association; Reading Rockets; The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC); the Newspaper Association of America Foundation (NAA); First Book; HarperCollins Children’s Books; Read Kiddo Read; Walden Media and Ramona Quimby.

When is National D.E.A.R. Day?
The birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary is the official event date, April 12th. Ramona Quimby, the program’s official spokesperson, is responsible for spreading the word and the love of reading.

Why is National D.E.A.R. Day celebrated on Beverly Cleary’s birthday?
Beverly Cleary receives thousands of letters a year from young readers, many who have participated in D.E.A.R. at school. Their interest in and enthusiasm for this special reading activity inspired Mrs. Cleary to give the same experience to Ramona Quimby, who gets to enjoy D.E.A.R. time with the rest of her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

How can I participate?
Schools, libraries, bookstores and other organizations are being asked to host Drop Everything and Read events on April 12th. You can attend an event in your community or participate right in your own home by reading for 30 minutes!
“Thirty minutes!” you say. “Is that all?” I hear you, but there’s no whining allowed at Inkspirational Messages. Think about it. Someone just gave you a reason to drop everything and read. You should be jumping for joy.

P.S. Since The Ride of Her Life may hit some store shelves early, maybe you can spend your 30 minutes reading it. I’m collecting “Where I read The Ride” photos. Please send me a picture of you reading the book, so I can post it on website and/or FB page. (www.lornaseilstad.com)

Posted on March 23, 2012 - by Kav

Trailers…the New Book Cover?

We have had an in-depth look at book covers over the past two weeks and I thought it would be fun to explore the next step in publishers’ attempts to entice new readers. These days it’s not enough to have a flashy book cover (though we’ve found that it certainly helps!) Book trailers are the cutting edge of the industry. The goal – to captivate fans with sound bytes and images. The end game – to make that all important sale.

Here are a few books that I found proved to be as delectable as their covers – both real and virtual.

The Key on the Quilt

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

I am just coming to the end of this book and all I can say is run don’t walk to your nearest bookstore! The premise is unique and the inspirational depth fathomless. I get goosebumps just thinking about it! The book cover is understated but elegant and holds some key elements to this incredible tale. It soothes even as it intrigues me.

The use of real period photographs give an air of authenticity to the images in this book trailer. Check out the ambiance and the story and see if it captivates you as much as it did me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMGNtoU66BA

 

 

The Irish Healer

by Nancy Herriman

Exquisite debut novel. If you love Julie Klassen and Laurie Alice Eakes, you will adore The Irish Healer. It’s hard to tell by the photograph, but the book cover is all decked out in soft greens. Subtle yet eye-catching and brings the freshness of the Irish countryside to mind.

The soft, lilting voice backed by a haunting Irish melody sets the scene for this book trailer and promises a delightful read. It definitely doesn’t disappoint!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxLa0YILakE

 

The Guardian Duke

by Jamie Carie

This book cover screams “Notice me!” And I did. That swatch of red had the same effect on me as a matador’s cape does to a bull. I zeroed in on the target and scooped it up.

The trailer exudes an air of mystery and put me in mind of a Jane Austen movie. Everything from the cultured British accents to the detailed costumes exude authenticity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyTk2MQw04s

 

Now it’s your turn. Have you seen any memorable book trailers? Are they taking the place of book cover browsing when you’re shopping online?