Quick Summer Reading Recap!

I'm already like 5? weeks into summer! So sad. I don't get to read as much during the school year, but I've knocked out a few so far. I always am listening to an audio book in the car, reading a fiction book (which I usually read really quickly) and a non-fiction book (which usually takes me forever). 



The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)

Summary: Starr, a 16 year old, lives in the "ghetto" of Chicago and is with her friend when they get pulled over and he is wrongfully shot. The book explores how Starr reacts, conflicting feelings about race (she attends a 99% all white private school in the suburbs which adds an interesting layer to the story), her boyfriend, gangs, changing family dynamics, etc.
My take: Interesting story with a valuable perspective to such a hot-button topic in society today, but it has WAY too much language for me to feel comfortable recommending it to a 9th grader. (I'd say 11th grade+).



Girls on the Edge by Leonard Sax (2010) -- per Hannah's rec

Summary: Sax shares the four issues plaguing girls in today's society: sexual identity, the "cyberbubble," obsessions, and environmental toxins. He uses a mixture of real stories from patients he's had over the years and backs his qualitative observations up with studies and quantitative data.
My take: Such a great read! I couldn't stop talking to other people about random little facts and insights he shared about girls in today's culture. If you have a daughter or work with teens (or younger) girls, I would highly recommend this book!



Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (2011)

Summary: Wade Watts is a teenager living in 2044 world that is much different than today's. Most people "live" in the OASIS, a virtual reality video game that is much better than his real life. The billionaire that created the game dies, but leaves behind an "easter egg" with a series of clues and whoever finds it first--- will inherit those billions of dollars. Wade Watts gets close, but then the evil corporation steps in and things get messy.
My take: There are a LOT of 80s and video game references that was interesting, but could feel long and dragged out if you're not into that. Trying to figure out who to trust and what would happen in the end kept me engaged, plus I found his explanations about life in 2044 to be fascinating.

Also read:
Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand (typical beach chick lit read)
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand (yep, typical beach chick lit read)
A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller (mystery/thriller... didn't love it)

Currently reading:
A Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (audio)
Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon (non-fiction)
Ghost by Jason Reynolds (fiction)


Tried to read but gave up:
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda (I listened to this... and all but the last two CDs, but then I just lost interest)
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (2nd time trying this... just nope.)
The Woman in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck (just couldn't get into it since it's historical fiction...)
We are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson (This author Skyped my YA Lit grad class, but masturbating was mentioned like once every other page for the first 5 chapters, so I bailed because I wouldn't recommend it to my students.)



What are YOU reading???

Comments

  1. Hannah GokieJuly 1, 2017 at 7:57 AM

    So glad you read & liked Girls on the Edge! I can't stop thinking about it either and it's been a month since I've read it. I might have to re-read and take some detailed notes this next time around. :)

    ReplyDelete

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