...I started a blog :oP I could use some input on how to improve the blog's appearance or content. I'm just getting started but like lots of blog readers, I tend to go back into the archives of blog posts & find topics I'm on back in time when they were current to somebody else.
Anyway...I've spent way too much time searching out book blogs, joining up to follow them, and reading posts and haven't read anything in novel form today...I'm going to squeeze in some time now before I bug my eyes out completely at the vast screen of cyberspace.
Please add any ideas on layout, format, etc. I've been fiddling with the HTML a little and have made some progress. Maybe it's transparent, but it's there :oD
~Teacher/Learner~
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
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| Purchase: Amazon | Chapters |
Published: 2008
Length: 163 pages
ISBN: 978-1439153710
Genre: Humour, Memoir
Start date: Aug. 17, 2010
End date: Aug. 18, 2010 (boy, that must be a record for me!)
Where from: Chapters-Indigo
Why Read: I heard it was funny and I’ve always liked Carrie Fisher in When Harry Met Sally… and Star Wars (of course).
Summary: A memoir of vignettes written for a one-woman-show about the trials & tribulations of an actress growing up with famous parents (well, one famous parent anyway) and finding the humour in battles with drugs, bipolar disorder, and Star Wars.
Great Quotation: “I feel I’m very sane about how crazy I am.”
Review:
This was a quick but fulfilling read as many dark moments are shared and dealt with through humour, an attitude that can be awkward for some to accept, but after all, what better way is there to handle such a roller coaster of Hollywood existence?
I loved the hilarious tidbits about the relationship with her mother. Did you know she introduces herself as Debbie when she calls? Too cute :o) The entire book isn’t a laugh a minute and it’s not meant to be, but the scattering of laugh out loud moments make it a worthy read. Case in point: The dubious honour of having apicture of Princess Leia in the bipolar chapter of a psychology textbook.
If you’re looking for a memoir about Carrie Fisher’s film career, this isn’t it. Only Star Wars is considerably referenced (Fisher knows it’s impossible not to) especially concerning its reception in popular culture down to the ridiculous merchandising. The most hilarious entries describe the gross misuse of Princess Leia as a shampoo bottle with her removable head and the Pez dispenser that juts wafers out of her neck.
The chapters are short and breezy (even the less voracious reader may finish it in 1-2 sittings) and stories are sprinkled throughout in no particular order, though dish on the Debbie, Eddie, and Elizabeth love/hate triangle is covered earlier on. The humour is consistently self-deprecating, yet the clarity of her self-acceptance and ability to laugh through her darkest moments is a surprisingly entertaining combination. I think reading this aloud with a friend, as recommended by the EW review on the cover, with a couple of margaritas (hold the amphetamines) would make a hilarious romp.
Did anyone else notice the slanted font of the cover's title ala the scrolling Star Wars openers? This must be deliberate...or I'm morphing into a fanboy.
Rate: A- Highly recommend
My Bookshelf
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| Isn't this beautiful? I wish I had this many books...time will tell ;) |
Just a note to check out favourite books I’ve kept stocked in the My Bookshelf page. A more complete list of books I’ve read (but not necessarily kept) is in my Goodreads account. I love those little widgets :o)
Over time, I’ll retreat back into my memory & write reviews for previously read books on my bookshelf as I read & review new ones…yeah, can’t forget to do that to keep up a book blog :oD
Enjoy!
P.S. Thanks to the Papertrails Family for becoming my first follower! Aw…*shucks* :o)
Friday, August 20, 2010
How to Review Books or My Attempts at Amateur Anti-Critic Critique
On Inside the Actors Studio, host James Lipton asks each of his guests a set of questions as part of the “classroom” session at the end of each show. One question is “What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?” I am already a teacher, so my answer would be a book/movie reviewer. I hate the word critic, because it means something completely different and rarely comes off as a positive label. Reviewer balances the scales of justice in judging the quality of material to share ideas and benefit the public by thinking critically (aha, that’s more like it—there the word makes more sense—critique the critic!) about my printed opinions.
Before I go into how I’ll review books I read, I want to share a funny rating system I spotted on The Eclectic Reader book blog:
5 star - Best ever, a book to be buried with
4.5 star - Loved it
4 star - Thoroughly enjoyable, quite a few fireworks
3.5 star - Enjoyable
3 star - No problems putting down to get housework done
2.5 star - Disappointing
2 star - Equivalent to watching paint dry
1.5 star - Don't bother
1 star - Poke yourself in the eye with pencil
I like how it categorizes opinions about books, but I think any from 3-5 stars is considered recommendable, and where’s the vague area of “just okay” for the less than commendable, more than watching paint dry books? So, what that being said, I think I have a simpler solution below.
A Primer for Reviewing Books:
1) I am going to borrow a colour-coding system from L’s Book Blog which I think sends a clear message at a glance:
Green= recommended
Yellow= just okay
Red= don’t recommend
I may add a comment, such as “highly recommend” or “avoid at all costs” as is the case. This will be at the bottom of each review.
2) I’ll review any books I attempt, even if I don’t finish them. The comment at the bottom will reflect this in red: Didn’t finish. Don’t recommend.
3) I’ll give a short synopsis of the book without any spoilers and briefly give some insights about the book I really connected with, such as a description of an event, but instead of giving away an obvious spoiler, such as “The character dies,” I will simply use a phrase like “a shocking climax,” much like professional reviews.
4) Most reviews will be kept short and include:
P.S. On another note, does anyone have this problem with their iPod? It's a cool phenomena, albeit a glitch: My earbuds are probably going kaput, because when I put the L bud in the R ear (ha ha), some songs appear to have an acoustic sound and some of the instruments are clearer than usual, whereas others are barely audible. I'm listening to "Wild Horses" by the Stones and it's so awesome to hear with my earbuds reversed!
P.P.S. Edited: I have a different rating system now. See Book Blog FAQ/Review Policy.
Before I go into how I’ll review books I read, I want to share a funny rating system I spotted on The Eclectic Reader book blog:
5 star - Best ever, a book to be buried with
4.5 star - Loved it
4 star - Thoroughly enjoyable, quite a few fireworks
3.5 star - Enjoyable
3 star - No problems putting down to get housework done
2.5 star - Disappointing
2 star - Equivalent to watching paint dry
1.5 star - Don't bother
1 star - Poke yourself in the eye with pencil
I like how it categorizes opinions about books, but I think any from 3-5 stars is considered recommendable, and where’s the vague area of “just okay” for the less than commendable, more than watching paint dry books? So, what that being said, I think I have a simpler solution below.
A Primer for Reviewing Books:
1) I am going to borrow a colour-coding system from L’s Book Blog which I think sends a clear message at a glance:
Green= recommended
Yellow= just okay
Red= don’t recommend
I may add a comment, such as “highly recommend” or “avoid at all costs” as is the case. This will be at the bottom of each review.
2) I’ll review any books I attempt, even if I don’t finish them. The comment at the bottom will reflect this in red: Didn’t finish. Don’t recommend.
3) I’ll give a short synopsis of the book without any spoilers and briefly give some insights about the book I really connected with, such as a description of an event, but instead of giving away an obvious spoiler, such as “The character dies,” I will simply use a phrase like “a shocking climax,” much like professional reviews.
4) Most reviews will be kept short and include:
- Cover picture, Title, Author (duh?)
- Published year, length, ISBN, genre
- Links to Amazon and Chapters to purchase
- Start date, finish date (just to show how slow a reader I am!)
- Where From (library, Chapters, course, gift…)
- Why Read (reason for reading it)
- Summary (synopsis without spoilers)
- Review (thoughts, comments, grumbles...)
- Rank5) All books I review will be listed alphabetically by title under Books I’ve Reviewed on the right side of the page.
Hope you enjoy the reviews…coming soon!
P.S. On another note, does anyone have this problem with their iPod? It's a cool phenomena, albeit a glitch: My earbuds are probably going kaput, because when I put the L bud in the R ear (ha ha), some songs appear to have an acoustic sound and some of the instruments are clearer than usual, whereas others are barely audible. I'm listening to "Wild Horses" by the Stones and it's so awesome to hear with my earbuds reversed!
P.P.S. Edited: I have a different rating system now. See Book Blog FAQ/Review Policy.
Reading Questionnaire
I came across this on my book blog surfing (a new hobby I’m really enjoying & hoping to attract more traffic here, of course, LOL!):
1. Favorite childhood book?
I was into series: Babysitters Club, Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins; and read favourite authors, such as Ann M. Martin, Monica Hughes, Paula Popowich. As for individual titles, too many to name or remember! Check out my blog post on books read in school.
2. What are you reading right now?
On Writing- Stephen King
The Bear Came Over the Mountain- Alice Munro (short story, adapted into the movie Away From Her)
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None. Haven’t used the library since my local one downsized considerably :o(
4. Bad book habit?
Reading parts of the ending ahead of time! And spending too much money on them.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
None. See #3.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
No, and I don’t plan to until they stop printing books on paper. I’m an old-fashioned words-on-the-page reader!
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
Usually one at a time, though I’ve started books, put them down, and tried to start another while I let a more challenging one sink in, then decide which one to continue with. Only in university English courses did I have to read more than 1 book at a time :o)
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
I just started my blog this month, so it’s too soon to tell. I haven’t taken any recommendations yet, since I have a huge list to work off of, but time will tell!
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
Julie & Julia by Julie Powell.
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
About 1/3 of the time. I try to take risks and it pays off about that much of the time. For example, I read Oliver Sacks out of interest and it was such a fascinating read (The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat).
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Anything from the 19th century on.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, thank goodness. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to get any reading done in university on my hour-long commute each day (2 ways, 2 hours, lots of reading!) :oD
14. Favorite place to read?
In bed. So comfy, and I rarely fall asleep while reading.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Never done it, but I’ve lent DVDs and it often takes some nudging from me to get them back after several months!
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No, I hate that. I’d rather use sticky tabs for passages or bookmarks to mark my place.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Rarely, unless I’m planning to teach the material.
18. Not even with text books?
Oh yes…highlighting & notes in the margin was my study guide for 4 years!
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English…that’s the only language I've learned.
20. What makes you love a book?
Unique writing style, favourite author, atypical characters, and fascinating setting & tone of the book.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
If it changed my perspective on something, profoundly affected me, or was simply a fantastic read.
22. Favorite genre?
Fiction! Ha ha…Coming-of-age is beautiful.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Historical fiction and science fiction. Most of these tend to be either too dull, too weird, or classics that I simply love.
24. Favorite biography?
Ghosts of Mississippi by Maryanne Vollers.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Sure, but not lately. They usually tell you what you already know.
26. Favorite cookbook?
A homemade book of dessert recipes from my mom’s school they sold as a fundraiser.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. An amazing eye-opener to the world of a young boy with Asperger’s.
28. Favorite reading snack?
I usually read before bed, so I tend not to eat then, but when I do, I love cheese (with or without wine)!
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
I’ve tried a couple of Oprah's book club choices and not liked them: She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb and The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I usually read reviews long before reading the book, so by then I’ve forgotten the critics!
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I’m comfortable with speaking my mind and remain fair to weigh the good & bad sides of a book, then rank my overall judgment of it. It’s just an opinion, so why be afraid to not voice it?
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
French. There are so many classic French works—Balzac, Baudelaire, de Laclos…ooh la la!
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Positively or negatively? I would say, positively, Times Square Red, Times Square Blue by Samuel R. Delany, which I read for a course called Gender & Sexuality. Fascinating read, despite catching you totally off-guard at first! Negatively, it’s hard to think of one.
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m stalling on starting it after hearing so many mixed reviews about it. I bought it, so I'm determined to read it...eventually :oD
35. Favorite Poet?
Percy Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats, Robert Frost
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
I used to check out 4-5 because I was so indecisive about what to take home :oD
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
Only once or twice. I renew books to the maximum borrowing time first.
38. Favorite fictional character?
Wow…probably Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables because she was so carefree, feisty, and wonderfully imaginative. Morag Gunn in The Diviners by Margaret Laurence was also a keen storyteller, able to weave words, stay passionate about writing but also remain highly self-critical.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
The Big Nurse in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Anything new I want to read!
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Probably 2 days.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I’ve had a few I discuss in my blog.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
TV or phone
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
The Green Mile by Stephen King
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Well, this isn't exactly a dissapointment since I knew it would not be as good as the novel from the beginning (that isn't exactly fair), but The Time Traveler's Wife.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
$100-200.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Rarely. Only if it has pictures :oD
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Boring characters or plot, jarring or confusing style of writing, uninteresting subject matter, or if it simply wasn’t what I thought it would be.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Sort of. I shelve books by the same author or of a similar subject matter or genre together. If I gather a large collection over the years, I might organize them differently.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I keep any book I really liked. Any I don’t like get donated to charity or someone interested in them.
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Early literature, such as Plato, Aristotle, Aeschylus…I want to read them, but I haven’t mustered the courage to attempt it yet.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker. The book was an amazing read, but the hardships and the abuse Celie endured under Albert/Mr. riled me. Danny Glover adapted him brilliantly in the film version.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton, because I heard the ending was shocking, and it was, but the character of Ruth was so captivating that it surprised me how much I liked it.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb. I heard so many positive reviews about it, that I figured I would ease into it, but I could not stay with it before giving up.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
People magazine :oD And John Grisham.
1. Favorite childhood book?
I was into series: Babysitters Club, Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins; and read favourite authors, such as Ann M. Martin, Monica Hughes, Paula Popowich. As for individual titles, too many to name or remember! Check out my blog post on books read in school.
2. What are you reading right now?
On Writing- Stephen King
The Bear Came Over the Mountain- Alice Munro (short story, adapted into the movie Away From Her)
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None. Haven’t used the library since my local one downsized considerably :o(
4. Bad book habit?
Reading parts of the ending ahead of time! And spending too much money on them.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
None. See #3.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
No, and I don’t plan to until they stop printing books on paper. I’m an old-fashioned words-on-the-page reader!
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
Usually one at a time, though I’ve started books, put them down, and tried to start another while I let a more challenging one sink in, then decide which one to continue with. Only in university English courses did I have to read more than 1 book at a time :o)
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
I just started my blog this month, so it’s too soon to tell. I haven’t taken any recommendations yet, since I have a huge list to work off of, but time will tell!
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
Julie & Julia by Julie Powell.
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
About 1/3 of the time. I try to take risks and it pays off about that much of the time. For example, I read Oliver Sacks out of interest and it was such a fascinating read (The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat).
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Anything from the 19th century on.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, thank goodness. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to get any reading done in university on my hour-long commute each day (2 ways, 2 hours, lots of reading!) :oD
14. Favorite place to read?
In bed. So comfy, and I rarely fall asleep while reading.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Never done it, but I’ve lent DVDs and it often takes some nudging from me to get them back after several months!
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No, I hate that. I’d rather use sticky tabs for passages or bookmarks to mark my place.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Rarely, unless I’m planning to teach the material.
18. Not even with text books?
Oh yes…highlighting & notes in the margin was my study guide for 4 years!
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English…that’s the only language I've learned.
20. What makes you love a book?
Unique writing style, favourite author, atypical characters, and fascinating setting & tone of the book.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
If it changed my perspective on something, profoundly affected me, or was simply a fantastic read.
22. Favorite genre?
Fiction! Ha ha…Coming-of-age is beautiful.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Historical fiction and science fiction. Most of these tend to be either too dull, too weird, or classics that I simply love.
24. Favorite biography?
Ghosts of Mississippi by Maryanne Vollers.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Sure, but not lately. They usually tell you what you already know.
26. Favorite cookbook?
A homemade book of dessert recipes from my mom’s school they sold as a fundraiser.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. An amazing eye-opener to the world of a young boy with Asperger’s.
28. Favorite reading snack?
I usually read before bed, so I tend not to eat then, but when I do, I love cheese (with or without wine)!
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
I’ve tried a couple of Oprah's book club choices and not liked them: She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb and The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I usually read reviews long before reading the book, so by then I’ve forgotten the critics!
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I’m comfortable with speaking my mind and remain fair to weigh the good & bad sides of a book, then rank my overall judgment of it. It’s just an opinion, so why be afraid to not voice it?
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
French. There are so many classic French works—Balzac, Baudelaire, de Laclos…ooh la la!
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Positively or negatively? I would say, positively, Times Square Red, Times Square Blue by Samuel R. Delany, which I read for a course called Gender & Sexuality. Fascinating read, despite catching you totally off-guard at first! Negatively, it’s hard to think of one.
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m stalling on starting it after hearing so many mixed reviews about it. I bought it, so I'm determined to read it...eventually :oD
35. Favorite Poet?
Percy Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats, Robert Frost
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
I used to check out 4-5 because I was so indecisive about what to take home :oD
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
Only once or twice. I renew books to the maximum borrowing time first.
38. Favorite fictional character?
Wow…probably Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables because she was so carefree, feisty, and wonderfully imaginative. Morag Gunn in The Diviners by Margaret Laurence was also a keen storyteller, able to weave words, stay passionate about writing but also remain highly self-critical.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
The Big Nurse in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Anything new I want to read!
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Probably 2 days.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I’ve had a few I discuss in my blog.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
TV or phone
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
The Green Mile by Stephen King
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Well, this isn't exactly a dissapointment since I knew it would not be as good as the novel from the beginning (that isn't exactly fair), but The Time Traveler's Wife.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
$100-200.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Rarely. Only if it has pictures :oD
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Boring characters or plot, jarring or confusing style of writing, uninteresting subject matter, or if it simply wasn’t what I thought it would be.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Sort of. I shelve books by the same author or of a similar subject matter or genre together. If I gather a large collection over the years, I might organize them differently.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I keep any book I really liked. Any I don’t like get donated to charity or someone interested in them.
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Early literature, such as Plato, Aristotle, Aeschylus…I want to read them, but I haven’t mustered the courage to attempt it yet.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker. The book was an amazing read, but the hardships and the abuse Celie endured under Albert/Mr. riled me. Danny Glover adapted him brilliantly in the film version.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton, because I heard the ending was shocking, and it was, but the character of Ruth was so captivating that it surprised me how much I liked it.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb. I heard so many positive reviews about it, that I figured I would ease into it, but I could not stay with it before giving up.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
People magazine :oD And John Grisham.
I Write Like...
Came across this fascinating site that analyzes your writing and compares it to the style of a famous writer. I have no idea how they do this or what criteria is used, but I tried it & came up with the following:
I'm honoured, albeit skeptical :o) I just hope it's only Wallace's writing that is similar to mine...he was a rather depressed person. I also tried a snippet of a story I've been writing on & off for a couple of years & supposedly it's like James Joyce. Don't quite understand that one...even I don't get much of Joyce!
I write like
David Foster Wallace
David Foster Wallace
I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!
I'm honoured, albeit skeptical :o) I just hope it's only Wallace's writing that is similar to mine...he was a rather depressed person. I also tried a snippet of a story I've been writing on & off for a couple of years & supposedly it's like James Joyce. Don't quite understand that one...even I don't get much of Joyce!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Harking Back...Part II: High School
Grade 9-
Twelfth Night- Shakespeare
An excellent play to jumpstart a Shakespearian education in high school, in which we covered a play per year, as is the practice even nowadays. I enjoyed this play thoroughly and was able to understand it, despite the language barrier that turns off many students (and even adults!). As with most Shakespeare classes, I saw the film version with Helena Bonham Carter, which was a good interpretation of the play, even without Kenneth Branagh at the helm. I am still tickled by Shakespeare’s and Oscar Wilde’s comedies, which stand the test of humourous time.
Rank: (A)- Highly recommend
Lord of the Flies- William Golding
A brilliant philosophical tale, albeit told through the eyes of children, but stemming from deeper political and psychological means. The tragedy of succumbing to influence struck me even then, and I still believe it to be very relevant to misgivings in society today.
P.S. The edition at Chapters is the one I read & the cover is really disturbing...Freaked me out for a few weeks!
Rate: (A)- Highly recommend
Romeo & Juliet- Shakespeare
Who’s on First?- Abbott & Costello (during class :oP)
Inherit the Wind- Jerome Lawrence & Robert Edwin Lee
A play based on the controversial Scopes evolution-in-education trial. Being in a public school, it seemed like a no-brainer to teach Darwinian theory in science since it gave a secular viewpoint on the history of mankind free from religious bias. That being said, there was very little debate about the subject matter as we were basically all in agreement, which stifled (and likely shortened) the unit on this play, but it tied in nicely with the popular law course. Again, we saw the film versions: Spencer Tracy & Fredric March in 1960, and Jack Lemmon & George C. Scott in 1999.
Rank: (A)- Highly recommend
Animal Farm- George Orwell
Macbeth- Shakespeare
Again, this was taught by a student teacher who didn’t make it very understandable. It is supposed to be Shakespeare’s most appealing tragedy to teenagers because of its profound violence & sexuality, but it came off to me (at 16 years old!) as vulgar. I want to insist that I wasn’t being prudish at all—I couldn’t stand most excessively violent movies until I was about 18—but again, I feel that having a teacher’s direction would have improved my experience reading this play. I may try rereading it some day, but until then it remains my least favourite Shakespearian work. On top of all this, we watched some of the Roman Polanski-directed film, which includes the disturbing image of all the dead children, eerily similar to photos of Holocaust victims’ mass graves.
Rank: D (Don't Recommend)\
Grade 12-
The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald
 |
| Purchase: Amazon | Chapters |
An excellent play to jumpstart a Shakespearian education in high school, in which we covered a play per year, as is the practice even nowadays. I enjoyed this play thoroughly and was able to understand it, despite the language barrier that turns off many students (and even adults!). As with most Shakespeare classes, I saw the film version with Helena Bonham Carter, which was a good interpretation of the play, even without Kenneth Branagh at the helm. I am still tickled by Shakespeare’s and Oscar Wilde’s comedies, which stand the test of humourous time.
Rank: (A)- Highly recommend
 |
| Purchase: Amazon | Chapters |
The Chrysalids- John Wyndham
This was a love it or hate it novel. Having not read a science-fiction novel with my class and only having read about two Monica Hughes novels up to that point, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I haven’t read it since Grade 9, however I remember some details of it and how it tried to appeal to a younger audience with its characters, though I don’t remember the themes suggested in most online forums. At the time, I found it “just okay.”
Rank: (C)- Just okayGrade 10-
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A brilliant philosophical tale, albeit told through the eyes of children, but stemming from deeper political and psychological means. The tragedy of succumbing to influence struck me even then, and I still believe it to be very relevant to misgivings in society today.
P.S. The edition at Chapters is the one I read & the cover is really disturbing...Freaked me out for a few weeks!
Rate: (A)- Highly recommend
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Not the most memorable time spent in studying this play, but nonetheless it is hard to resist the romantic/tragic underpinnings of the star-crossed lovers. At least it is for girls :o) We saw both the Olivia Hussey-starring, Franco Zefferelli directed version from 1968 and the highly popular Leonardo DiCaprio-Claire Danes version of 1996, which Baz Luhrmann directed in a sparkly, flittingly spasmodic style a la Moulin Rouge, which was a much better film IMO. I preferred (and still prefer) the Zefferelli interpretation, which gives a rich backdrop to Verona with amazing detail and elegant costumes. R + J was set contemporarily, I realize, but lacked much depth and was more a star vehicle that pairs nicely with Titanic in its themes and its beautification of Leo.
Rank: (A)- Highly recommend
Rank: (A)- Highly recommend
Sorry to Mr. Williams, my long-retired Grade 10 English teacher, but I’ll admit that I snuck a glance through our anthology textbook and came across this classic that has always been my favourite comedy routine. View it on YouTube for major laughs! I nearly laughed out loud reading this during class. As a teacher, I cringe a bit at my behaviour, but I feel that this material could have been much more appealing than what was averting my attention to it.
Grade 11-
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To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee
Still remains a coming-of-age milestone in literary education. At the time, I felt that the first half of the book was rather tame with not much occurring, but my teacher insisted (and was correct) that the second half was so powerful it was worth the trek. As usual, we also viewed the Gregory Peck-starring film, a very worthy adaptation that next to Lord of the Rings, The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile…is probably the greatest book-to-film piece ever made. Any others that come to mind?
Rank: (A+)- Instant favourite
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A play based on the controversial Scopes evolution-in-education trial. Being in a public school, it seemed like a no-brainer to teach Darwinian theory in science since it gave a secular viewpoint on the history of mankind free from religious bias. That being said, there was very little debate about the subject matter as we were basically all in agreement, which stifled (and likely shortened) the unit on this play, but it tied in nicely with the popular law course. Again, we saw the film versions: Spencer Tracy & Fredric March in 1960, and Jack Lemmon & George C. Scott in 1999.
Rank: (A)- Highly recommend
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At this point in Grade 11 English, we had a student teacher who was less than effective and didn’t offer much, if any, insight to the socio-political entanglements of the novel. I was very confused by its themes, but I’d like to reread it some day, as I am determined to get a better hold on it. Since then, it’s been a turnoff. The animated film versions of 1954 & 1999 supposedly aren’t much better.
Rank: (C)- Just okay
Rank: (C)- Just okay
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Again, this was taught by a student teacher who didn’t make it very understandable. It is supposed to be Shakespeare’s most appealing tragedy to teenagers because of its profound violence & sexuality, but it came off to me (at 16 years old!) as vulgar. I want to insist that I wasn’t being prudish at all—I couldn’t stand most excessively violent movies until I was about 18—but again, I feel that having a teacher’s direction would have improved my experience reading this play. I may try rereading it some day, but until then it remains my least favourite Shakespearian work. On top of all this, we watched some of the Roman Polanski-directed film, which includes the disturbing image of all the dead children, eerily similar to photos of Holocaust victims’ mass graves.
Rank: D (Don't Recommend)\
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I learned a great deal about imagery and metaphor from this novel—the glasses overlooking the Valley of Ashes is a memorable motif with Orwellian “Big Brother” allusions—and the juxtaposition of class influenced a number of later (perhaps even better) works, but overall I failed to connect with the entitled, upper class society and could not sympathize with most characters. Like the follow-up to Gone With the Wind (The Wind Done Gone from the point-of-view of the slaves), the novel may have been more interesting if it was from Myrtle’s point-of-view. To be fair, I did think that Nick Carraway was a worthy narrator, considering he was as much of an outsider as the reader is, and it wasn’t as cheap a decision as, say, Gatsby being the narrator. Frankly, I don’t understand why this novel continues to be taught in high school as there isn’t much teenagers can come away with from it. Maybe I’m biased due to my bland experience with Gatsby, but it doesn’t seem relevant to the age group studying it. Am I missing or forgetting a key aspect of the novel that does relate to high schoolers? As for the more familiar 1974 film adaptation with Robert Redford & Mia Farrow, we saw it but it didn’t bowl me over, either.
Rank: (C)- Just okay
Hamlet- Shakespeare
Rank: (C)- Just okay
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Like Romeo & Juliet, this is Shakespeare’s most relatable play to be taught in high school. The protagonist is indecisive, moody, high-strung, and bitterly wry to all but his best friend—sounds like the ages of 13-18! This is the first Shakespeare tragedy I enjoyed reading and the language continues to be quoted in many forms. BTW, I can recite the first half of Hamlet’s famous “To be or not to be” monologue on command :o) The only drawback is the lack of time devoted to the hilarious gravediggers, and the suspicious dismissal of “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are dead” (a deus ex machina, no?), which Tom Stoppard has infamously used to great success. Maybe a play about the gravediggers is in order? I have never seen Laurence Olivier’s film version, but Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation is absolutely fantastic and, with Henry V coming close, is his best Shakespearian work.
Rank: (A+)- Must-read (the best Shakespeare tragedy I've read)
Death of a Salesman- Arthur Miller
Rank: (A+)- Must-read (the best Shakespeare tragedy I've read)
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This play reminded me of Paul Zindel’s The Pigman from Grade 7 with its comparable title subjects: sad, pathetic, washed-up men who glow optimistic in the light of youth. For the Pigman, it was John & Lorraine; for Willy Loman, it was his sons. The differences are few; they both end tragically. We also saw the Dustin Hoffman TV movie version, which he played splendidly. It is a comic tragedy that conveys sympathy for unusual people like Willy Loman, who we often encounter but rarely pay mind to. The play alludes to this kind of ignorant attitude and creates meaning in people who are otherwise thought disposable.
Rank: (B)- Recommend
Rank: (B)- Recommend
Coming soon...Part III: English University Degree Course Selections
Between the copies I kept, what I can remember, and what I Googled haphazardly until I pieced together the missing links, I have a nice selection of novels that were read amongst the countless theories & articles. Not a single textbook bought after my 1st year...!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Harking Back...Part I: Grade School
To respond to my last comment about format & appearance of this blog, I am much happier with how it looks now. After fiddling with the layout and changing some template colours, I am liking it. Formatting posts with pictures on the other hand isn't always WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) :oP
All right...time for some nostalgia. I have been reading since age 2 or 3, engrossed in books such as Follow That Bird and Disney picture books. I was not the generation raised on the Dick & Jane series, and in some ways that is a relief as the repetition would have driven me absolutely batty. The earliest book I remember reading in school was Curious George Goes to the Hospital in kindergarten, which I reread to near memorization.
Grade 1-
I was taken aside to read from a grade 8 science test as either an informal test or bragging rights (not sure which). Other than that, I can’t remember anything I read that year.
Grade 2-
Grade 5-
Grade 6-
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
Every Gr. 6 class in North America likely read this book and many still do. Vague memory of it, but I bought it for my (future) classroom library and hope to reread it...eventually.
Grade 7-
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
(Actual cover from the time I read it; kind of dull, no?)
My dad had taught Gr. 7s this book for several years, along with The Pearl and Sounder. I think it was another trend. I adored this book. It's a testament to humanity, especially during the teenage years when taking advantage becomes second nature to gaining popularity. Like teaching Hamlet to teens, I think this is an "older book" (to quote students who think anything before today is old) that stands up. I remember writing to Paul Zindel a few years later but received no reply :o( I also read the sequel, The Pigman's Legacy, which didn't quite measure up to the first book. Then again, sequels rarely do...
Grade 8-
Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker
(The cover was different but I like this one, especially the grainy appearance like aged wood)
We read this as part of a civil rights unit, another typical amenity in Gr. 8, but a worthwhile one to teach & learn. We had finished a poetry unit, then read this novel, and wrote poetry to accompany the story, which was a great idea and something I'd like to try with my class.
Wow! I'm surprised at how much I remember, but then again it wasn't more than 20 years ago that I was there, so the memory bank is still fresh. Hope it stays that way right to the end!
Please, if you're out there reading this, post a comment, even if it's just to say hi. While I write this blog mainly for myself, I'd like to know that it is reaching others out there as well.
Coming soon: Part II- High School
Teacher/Learner (P.S. My real name is Megan).
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Grade 1-
I was taken aside to read from a grade 8 science test as either an informal test or bragging rights (not sure which). Other than that, I can’t remember anything I read that year.
Grade 2-
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Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin. I collected the whole series and read every book from about age 7 to 13. Yup…obsessed. Also read others by Martin: Slam Book, P.S. Longer Letter Later, Ten Kids, No Pets, Ma & Pa Dracula, Bummer Summer, and probably more. As for the rest of Grade 2, I think there was a poem about apples in there somewhere :oP
Grade 3 & 4-
Grade 3 & 4-
Fuzzy recall...
Grade 5-
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From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E.L. Konigsburg
We learned about ancient Egypt, particularly the mummies, and lots about New York. The museum-set story is a wonderful adventure for many ages!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Before Google (before the Internet, even), I could not for the life of me remember this book’s name, but all I could remember is the Kleenex-worthy ending. My language arts teacher's college instructor admitted to crying while reading it aloud to students years ago. It’s likely well-known what I'm referring to, but I can’t bring myself to retell it. The book is a childhood Mecca- for imagination, for pre-puberty boy-girl friendships, for true love before you even know what love means.
Grade 6-
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This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall by Gordon Korman (the cover was different than this one, same artist as Go Jump in the Pool cover below)
Korman is a hilarious Canadian author now involved in the popular 39 Keys series. This is the 1st book in a series. My teacher read this aloud to us during the first week of school and I still remember how it hooked us with its honest humour and insights on school. Bruno & Boots are the main (male) characters, which appeals to young boys reluctant to read, a bonus for any teacher.
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Go Jump in the Pool!
by Gordon Korman
(This cover is the old one I remember!)
Sequel to above book. I remember now that the school’s headmaster was named Mr. Sturgeon, which made me picture the “fish-face.”
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Every Gr. 6 class in North America likely read this book and many still do. Vague memory of it, but I bought it for my (future) classroom library and hope to reread it...eventually.
Grade 7-
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| Purchase: Amazon | Chapters |
(Actual cover from the time I read it; kind of dull, no?)
My dad had taught Gr. 7s this book for several years, along with The Pearl and Sounder. I think it was another trend. I adored this book. It's a testament to humanity, especially during the teenage years when taking advantage becomes second nature to gaining popularity. Like teaching Hamlet to teens, I think this is an "older book" (to quote students who think anything before today is old) that stands up. I remember writing to Paul Zindel a few years later but received no reply :o( I also read the sequel, The Pigman's Legacy, which didn't quite measure up to the first book. Then again, sequels rarely do...
Grade 8-
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| Purchase: Amazon | Chapters |
(The cover was different but I like this one, especially the grainy appearance like aged wood)
We read this as part of a civil rights unit, another typical amenity in Gr. 8, but a worthwhile one to teach & learn. We had finished a poetry unit, then read this novel, and wrote poetry to accompany the story, which was a great idea and something I'd like to try with my class.
Wow! I'm surprised at how much I remember, but then again it wasn't more than 20 years ago that I was there, so the memory bank is still fresh. Hope it stays that way right to the end!
Please, if you're out there reading this, post a comment, even if it's just to say hi. While I write this blog mainly for myself, I'd like to know that it is reaching others out there as well.
Coming soon: Part II- High School
Teacher/Learner (P.S. My real name is Megan).
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