I joined a book group this fall. I worry sometimes that I am not reading "grown-up" books very much anymore. The theme of the reading list is "Faith in Literature." Overall I have enjoyed the selections. It was terrific to re-read To Kill a Mockingbird. I might have never read The Kite Runner (actually, I listened to it- excellent!) without this motivation. I thought two of the selections perfectly mediocre (The Memory Keeper's Daughter and Blessings) but I thought Pope Joan was a terrific piece of historical fiction.
Last fall I was fortunate to meet author Phil Bildner while subbing at a school library. Talking to him about "good books" he commented that The Kite Runner works as a YA books in many ways. His comment has made me reflect on this list and having just finished Pope Joan, it occurred to me that it has YA aspects too. Of course, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic on all levels but is also on high school reading lists. I don't think it is a coincidence that the reads I have found the most rewarding from the list also work in the YA category.
It is a real pleasure to discuss books. It has been a great experience to meet new people who, like my childlitosphere friends, share a love of reading. Like most book lists, I find my mind has been stretched and strengthened by trying new titles I would not ordinarily read. Even the books that did not hit a homerun with me have made me reflect on what I think a good book is.
So I have to say I am looking forward to the book discussion group being formed by Michele at Scholar's Blog Spoiler Zone. The discussion of Susan Cooper's King of Shadows will commence February 6.
4 comments:
Oooh! I loved King of Shadows! HCPL doesn't have the March book, though. Drat!
I am going to have to re-read since it has been several years since I read it. Have you read Cooper's Victory? It is excellent.
Camille, thanks for the plug !
Sockbug, I hope you can find a copy of The House In Norham Gardens, it's a marvellous book...
I enjoyed reading To Kill A Mockingbird. I t was the best book i have ever read and I wolud like to meet the author. Is there any one out there who has read this book I was Reading it with my 9th grade English teacher Ms. Hirsch at Ritenour High School. She is the best teacher in english i have ever had. I enjoy having her as a teacher and she does a good job at what she does. What she does is what she does best.
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