The books I’ve read during the last couple of months have been all over the place.  They’ve taken me from Pakistan to Hollywood, Massachusetts to war-torn Russia, then to some future version of North America called Panem.  I’ve been inspired, entertained, and intrigued.  But enough about me… Here’s a little bit about some of the books I’ve read recently.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

This book had been on my shelf awhile and I’d put off reading it.  I’m not sure why.  Maybe I thought it would be too educational or “do-goody” to be really interesting.  I was wrong to wait.  It was an easier and more satisfying read than I expected.  Although Greg Mortenson is definitely admirable and, at times, heroic, this book is candid about his shortcomings as well.  I found that refreshing.  His story also offers many insights into the culture of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan.  Good stuff.  While this book was written for an older audience, Mortenson has since published his story in two additional formats:  Three Cups of Tea for grades 3-6 and Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and the Three Cups of Tea for grades K-3.

After by Francine Prose

I picked this book up while on vacation.  I hadn’t heard of it but it was a staff recommendation in a great little book store on Venice Beach.  Cool, huh?  I love finding little independent book stores when I’m out of town, even if it means I have to beg my kids to carry my purchases back home in their luggage.  This one was hard to put down, mainly because I kept thinking something was about to happen.  This story explores how a high school changes after a tragic school shooting at a neighboring high school.  Even though the story seemed to contain more suspense than action and raise more questions than answers, I think it will appeal to young adults.  They will appreciate that the school administrators are the “bad guys” and the teachers are powerless.

City of Thieves by David Benioff

While I was checking out at that little book store in Venice Beach, a customer came in, picked up this book, and exclaimed that it was the best book he’d ever read!  I wasn’t sure he was serious, but figured I should buy the book anyway.  I wouldn’t want to pass up the best book ever!  Ok. I can’t say it’s the best book EVER, but it’s great!  I thought it was interesting (it’s set in Russia during World War II) and surprisingly funny (it’s set in Russia during World War II).  I became very attached to the two main characters, a rather shy teenage boy who is arrested for looting a dead German soldier’s stash and a dashing, charismatic, witty Russian soldier who is arrested as a deserter.  The pair is released from jail on the condition that they find a dozen eggs for the General’s daughter’s wedding cake.  Given that their war-ravished city no longer contains food fit for human consumption, they are forced to venture toward the front lines.  I couldn’t put it down.  It’s horrifying and hilarious.  It’s also definitely for an adult audience.  I wouldn’t put this one in the school library.  NOTE:  It was nominated for the 2009 Best Indie Book Buzz (Fiction) Award from the American Booksellers Association.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This book comes highly recommended by Kim Ford, the beloved librarian at Cypress Middle.  Enough said.

Ok.  I guess I’ll put my two cents worth in as well.  I loved it!  It has the whole future-world thing going for it but it’s nothing like the Jetsons.  It’s more like the Coal Miner’s Daughter meets Survivor in the Truman Show.  North America is structured into twelve districts that are increasingly more impoverished the further they are from the Capitol.  The Hunger Games is an annual competition of twenty-four participants (two from each district).  The one winner receives food for their district for the coming year.  The losers die.  I know, it sounds like a real “downer” but it’s not!  In addition to the obvious suspense, there is humor and romance.  I think you and your students will love it!  NOTE:  It was nominated for the 2009 Best Indie Young Adult Book Buzz (Fiction) Award from the American Booksellers Association.

Keep reading and keep learning!