Sorry I didn't make it today. I was OVERSWAMPED with Newspaper stuff. Plus, I only read like half the book. I just couldn't get into it. :-(

Oops...kinda forgot this site existed for a while. :-) lol. I plan on reading The Wish List tomorrow since we have a half-day! Yea for half-days! :-D

http://www.livejournal.com/users/writergirl1988/

That's my writing site. I post my poems and snippets of stories there. Be warned, if you happen to go there, I don't hold back in my writing. Some of it is a little graphic, but those are always under cuts. You don't have to read them. :-) Any feedback on any of the poems I've written there are welcomed and appreciated.

On an actual book note, I just finished an absolutely dreadful book. I really didn't like the author...she just seemed to drag the story out. I didn't really enjoy the book. It was called "The Sinner" by Madeline Hunter. I don't know. She just doesn't do it for me.

What have people been reading? Anyone finish The Wish List, wht did you think? I would love to hear some feedback.

Just finished...
Dinner for Two by Mike Gayle
I enjoyed this book. It kind of reminded me of The Bridget Jones Diary but told from a male perspective and it was a lot cleaner (no swearing, etc.) Dave Harding is a music jounalist who really wants to be a dad. He ends up losing his job and starts working for a teen magazine as "Love Doctor Dave". Through this job he realizes he has a teenage daughter. The HHS LMTC does not own this book, but the La Crosse Public Library does.

Reading Currently...
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
It is a little bit slow going, but the author is creating this great tension between the father and the rest of the characters. The author is very descriptive. So much so that I can see the pictures very vividly in my head. The story is about a wealthy family in Nigeria. The tension in the book is definitely keeping me in the story.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (audio)
I just started this one last night and am only through chapter one, so I have no idea where it is going or whether or not I am going to like it.

Just finished...
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
I got to see Jodi speak last month in Edina, MN. She was very entertaining and interesting. One of the things that stuck with me the most was when she spoke about writer's block. She said that a writer should never have a block, they should always write something because even if it is garbage you can still revise garbage, but you can't revise nothing. Vanishing Acts was definately a page turner. I kept wondering what would happen next. The first chapter starts with you meeting the main character, Delia, and getting introduced to her family and friends. It ends with Delia's father getting arrested for Delia's kidnapping when she was 4 or 5 more than 20 years after the event. Jodi read this chapter to us when she spoke, oh it was so good!! I highly recommend this book, however, it wasn't my very favorite book by Jodi that place is still held by My Sister's Keeper

Maybe next...
Fat Boy Swim
The Kite Runner
The Sea of Trolls
Becoming Naomi Leon

I like it. :-) The new design is nifty and cool. I like it.

I'm reading a whole lot of nothing lately. Nothing. :-( That's sad. I want to go read The Wish List, but I can't. I guess I'm just not in the mood. Oh well. I don't really know.

On second thought, I am reading a book. Almost a Bride by Jane Feather. It's a romance novel. Started it like two weeks ago. Haven't finished yet. But yeah, I'm in the middle of it. Maybe I might go read that...

:-) What about the rest of you?

So what do you think of the new look. Hopefully it will function better then the old one. What are you reading these days.

We selected our new book--The Wish List by Eoin Colfer (the same author of the Artmis Fowl series).

More later on that and other stuff!!

Happy reading!!

Coolness. I might look into those books.

Yep, I'm from MD. Nice place. Can't wait to go back. :-) However, I think I'm gonna miss it here. It's a nice place.

:-) What books are you all reading lately?

:-) Who does the series?

I'll probably go to prom back home in Maryland next year and the year after. I'm only a sophomore so it's not like I would be going this year unless somebody asked me. Which is very unlikely. lol.

Are you going to prom with anybody?

Missing Persons series? Hmmm...never heard of it. Was it good?

I'm not going to prom. I wouldn't go to save my life. But that's just me...lol. :-)

At the risk of triple posting...

I finished The Brimestone Journals. I didn't like it that much. I don't know. It just didn't seem like it wrapped it up very well. Too neat, but also...it left some ends loose. Doesn't that sound weird?

Had anyone else finished it? Or started it? (the discussion is next week)

Didn't happen. Oh well. I tried though. I promise, I did. I just...couldn't. It's so boring! I'm gonna go to bed now. It's almost 1am...actually, it is right now! lol.

I hope your spring break is going well!

Happy Easter (if you celebrate that sort of thing)!

Well, I'm kind of hormone crazy so the sex thing in romance books doesn't really bother me. I absolutely LOVE Victoria Alexander, Mary Balogh, Jane Feather (although Chase the Dawn was the worst book I've ever read), and Lisa Kleypas. Those authors are just made to write romance novels.

Anyway, I just finished Keeping You a Secret. GOOD BOOK. I also completed the New Rules of High School. That one was okay. Not too bad. I'm wrapping up Empress of the World and I'm pretty sure it's the best book I've read in a while. It's by Sara Ryan so go check it out! :-)

I'm going to reread The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons. I'm kind of in that sort of mood. I don't know. I'll also be attempting to read Pride and Prejudice again. ::crosses fingers:: Wish me luck!

Wow. I couldn't think of ANYTHING that might be a school appropriate book for you to read. I'm a mushy-gushy romance fan so that's what I read a lot. If you like those kinds of books, let me know and I'll tell you my favorites. Gosh, I love romance books. :-) I'm most certainly a romantic. ::sighs:: lol.

Chels, did you ever read Truth or Dairy? I know HHS has it. It's by Catherine Clark. I loved it. It was funny. You'd like it.
Sorry i missed your IM the other day, too. My sister was on. Sorry.

I'm excited for the next book too. It looks good. I like poetry novels. Have any of you read One of Those Hideous Books Where The mom dies or something like that. the title gives away the beginning. And I like God Went To Beauty School, and Things My Mother Doesn't Know.

Yeah. so. later days.

Ohhh!!! I have suggestion! Have either of you read any books by Jodi Piccoult? The two I have read are Plain Truth and My Sister's Keeper. Plain Truth is about a teenage Amish girl who is accused of murdering her newborn baby, but she denies even being pregnant. My Sister's Keeper is about a 13-year-old-girl whose parents conceived her to be an umbilical cord fluid donator for her sister who has a rare form of Lukemia. The girl is now sueing her parents for medical emancipation. Ohhh it is so good!!! I haven't read anything else by this author, however, I think The Pact looks really good.

Just as an FYI we read Plain Truth for book club a few months ago and there is a link on the left for a better description.

By the way it is also good to see you guys posting!

Happy Reading!!

Hey Chels! Do you have break this week too? We are done with school for the next four school days. :)

Alright, well, I'm gonna find something that I know you'll like. Just give me the day and I'll find SOMETHING. I've read a lot of books and you've kind of put me up to a challenge. I'm gonna find some books.

I totally recommend Perks of Being a Wallflower. I don't remember who it's by but once I find out, I'll post it here. Anyway, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mittchel, if you haven't read it yet, is an excellent book. It's sequel, Scarlett by Alexandra Hamilton, is much better.

Also, the Fearless series by Francine Pascal is phenomenal. It's basically about this girl who doesn't possess the gene of fear. She doesn't feel that emotion. Pascal is a brilliant author. She also wrote the Sweet Valley series.

I also loved Nicholas Sparks's A Walk to Remember. Although I felt the movie was better, I do enjoy rereading it on occasion. His book Messenger in a Bottle was excellent. Sparks is a favorite author of mine.

If that's not enough suggestions for you, I have just one more. If you haven't already, pick up The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Both are books I loved. If you into a mystery murder type of thing or are interested in theologies or ancient cultures, these books are must-reads.

Hope that helps!

I really can't wait for that book. It looks really good. Hehehe...course lots of books look good and then end up being really bad. Ugh. I hopet this book isn't like that. I really don't like those books.

Anywho, it turns up that I really did have a blogger....I had just forgotten about it. Oh well.

P.S. Finished Perks of Wallflower and have started Empress of the World. It's good so far, but I'm only in the first chapter.

Thank you to those of you participated in the discussion of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. The in-person discussion occurred yesterday during all lunches and from what I understand it went well during all three lunches (I only participated in 2nd and 3rd lunch discussions). We even had special guest join us during 3^rd lunch, so watch the Holmen Courier…

The book we have chosen for April has a unique format. It is a novel in free verse (or poetry). The Brimstone Journals, by Ron Koertge, is told from multiple perspectives of students who attend Branston High School. Each student tells the story from their unique perspective.

I just finished The Brimstone Journals and am excited to hear what you think and look forward to another great discussion. The books should be arriving from other libraries in the next couple of weeks.

bee

Yessssss! I finally know someone else at this school who sees the genius in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. You rock, Kailei.
the discussion was good. it was nice to talk to someone besides Bee. Not that i don't like it, it's just cool to shake things up.
I must say that i am not used to reporters watching us.... hmmmm...
So, what is the next book? I'll check it out tomorrow. I've got to get back to homework. later days.

New here. Recently moved from MD. I really liked The Lovely Bones. Alice Seabold did a wonderful job in writing it. There were only two or three things I didn't like. I can't wait for the next book.

I have been reading a lot lately. Started The Perks of Being a Wallflower today. It's great book. To anyone who hasn't read it, as soon as I'm done (and I'm already halfway through it), go check ito out. You won't be sorry.

Hello All!
Thanks for posting! It is good to see some posts besides mine :)

I finished See You Down the Road it was an interesting read about a culture of people within the United States. This group of people, Irish Travelers, live in their trailors and scam people to earn a living. I found it hard not to like the main character because of her personality and her questioning of her family's life style. I would recommend this to all of you.

Happy Reading!!

I've started reading The Lovely Bones. I'm on page 23 as i type. It's really sad so far. I mean, she flaming dies at the begining. How happy is that?

I read How I live now, and i liked it, but i didn't like the whole thing with Daisy and her cousin.... eeeewww! gross. yucky yucky yuck.

On my own, I'm reading Romeo and Juliet again, and I'm going to try to read some of Nathaniel Hawthorne's works. i'm going to go to Forensics practice now. Peace out

laura

Just finished...
how i live now by Meg Rosoff--It just one the 2005 Printz Award. Daisy travels to England to live with her cousins there because she does not get along with her step-mother and father. While there, a war begins. Daisy's aunt is stuck in another country so the kids must survive on their own. The novel follows Daisy and her cousins' survival through being separated and reunited.

I was slightly confused and disappointed by the book, but also impressed by the quality of the writing. I can't wait to hear what others think of this book. I think this would be a good discussion book, however, because I didn't like I think I would have a hard time trying to convince others to read it.

The Wish List by Eoin Colfer (Audio)--Meg Finn is in trouble. She's dead, but not at peace--she's in limbo, her good deeds perfectly balanced against her bad deeds; Heaven or Hell wait, a tip of the scale away. So she's back on Earth trying to tip the scale to the good by helping her last victim, and her former "partner" is also back, trying to force her to tip the scale to the bad.

I enjoyed this look at an alternative afterlife scenario, although it goes against what I personally believe. I found it very interesting to imagine what would the characters looked like. I think Colfer did an amazing job describing Belch (I may have spelled that wrong, I didn't see it in print--audio book) and making him come to life. I would love to see this one made into a movie.

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis (Audio)--Deeply involved in his cold and manipulative mother's shady business dealings in Flint, Michigan, fourteen-year-old Luther keeps a sense of humor while running the Happy Neighbor Group Home For Men, all the while dreaming of going to college and becoming a philosopher.

I like this book, but I didn't think it was great. I think the audience is a little bit younger then what I originally thought. I also thought it was a little far fetched. Who wouldn't notice a thirteen-year-old running and old folks home and driving? Could the Sarge really get away with all that she does?

I will continue this post later, I must have been busy reading this past month because I have at least one other book that I just finished and I need to mention the books I am currently reading. Happy Reading!

Just Finished...
Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood by Benjamin Alire Sáenz--Sammy and Juliana are seniors in high school in a neighborhood in New Mexico called Hollywood during the late 1960s. Hollywood is a poor neighborhood primarily made up of Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Sáenz tells the story of Sammy and his friends; the discrimination they face as a minority, the poverty, losing friends to drugs and the war. The characters face tragedy around every corner, some survive while others give in to the challenges they face.

I like the story and it was very well written, however, at times it was hard to understand because the characters used a lot of Spanish that the reader couldn't figure out within in the context of the word or sentence. I would definitely recommend this one to others, but I also would recommend a Spanish-English dictionary to be checked-out with it, unless you know Spanish :) Rating: 4Q 2P

Airframe by Michael Crichton--A large airplane suffers an unusual accident while in air. More than three people are killed and more than fifty are injured. Crichton allows the reader a peak into what happens when something unusual occurs on an aircraft. The main character, Casey Singleton, is part of the team investigating the accident. There is more to the accident then what is on the surface, but she can't quite put her finger it on it.

This is definitely a page turner (or in my case a CD switcher, I listened to it). At times Crichton used a little too much detail when describing the airframe or other technical parts. I have noticed this about Crichton in the past on other books, like Timeline, but it is still definitely worth the read. Rating: 3Q 3P

Currently reading...
The Wish List by Eion Colfer (Audio)
Meg Finn is in trouble. She's dead, but not at peace--she's in limbo, her good deeds perfectly balanced against her bad deeds; Heaven or Hell wait, a tip of the scale away. So she's back on Earth trying to tip the scale to the good by helping her last victim, and her former "partner" is also back, trying to force her to tip the scale to the bad.

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis (Audio)
Deeply involved in his cold and manipulative mother's shady business dealings in Flint, Michigan, fourteen-year-old Luther keeps a sense of humor while running the Happy Neighbor Group Home For Men, all the while dreaming of going to college and becoming a philosopher.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
Twenty-eight-year-old Maggie Feller, who goes from job to job on the fringes of show business, and her older sister Rose, a lawyer, have had no contact with their grandmother, Ella, since their mother's death years ago, but all three need to find each other to reach happiness.

What to read next...
Wicked by Gregory McGuire (re-read for book group)
God Went to Beauty School by Cynthia Rylant (recommended by a friend)
The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon (This one is a true story)

Oh by the way the rating system I used is from VOYA http://www.voya.com/WhatsInVoya/reviews.shtml#bookreviewcodes

What are you reading?

I just finished My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. If you want to read a book that will make you think and keep you wanting to read the next page this is it. I listened to it and would sit in my car for an extra five minutes even after I arrived home. It was so good. Anna is 13 years-old. Her parents used genetic treatment to conceive her so she would be a genetic match to her sister, Kate who has leukemia. Now Anna wants to make her own medical decisions, and sues her parents for those rights. Ohhh!! This is a must read. Rating: 3Q4P

I also just finished Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Can you believe it I made it through high school and college without reading it. I can't say that it was my favorite book of the year, but at least it was well written and a quick read. Have any of you read it? Rating: 4Q2P

I am currently reading No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull. This historical fiction title looks at a Quaker girl and an English boy's relationship during the 1660s in England. At this time the Quaker way of life was not acceptable to the English government and to most people. Every other chapter is told by Susanna, the Quaker girl, and Will, the English boy. It is very interesting getting the different perspectives on the relationship.

I am currently listening to Airframe by Michael Crichton. Another very good one. It is kind of technical, but very good. There has been a couple of airplane crashes and problems where passengers and crew have been killed and injured. The main character Casey is on the team of investigators trying to figure out what is causing the accidents.

What would I like to read next?
Second Glance by Jodi Picoult
The Year of My Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty
The Burn Journals by Brent Rnyon (This one is a true story)

Oh by the way the rating system I used is from VOYA http://www.voya.com/WhatsInVoya/reviews.shtml#bookreviewcodes

Hello All!!
Just a friendly reminder that this Friday is the discussion for Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. I hope you all are enjoying this entertaining holiday read.

For December, we have chosen Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, a thought provoking novel about an Amish teenager believed to be pregnant and accused of killing her baby who is found dead in her family's barn. Copies of this book have already started arriving, so you can pick them up whenever you get a chance.

Happy Reading!!

What are you reading? I just finished Double Helix, oh it was so good!! We have it at HHS LMTC, so you should check it out.

Skipping Christmas is in. Stop by today to pick up your copy.

In the next couple of days the Reading Guide will be posted as well!

Happy Reading!
b

The decision has been made. Description 2 was chosen :)

We will be reading Skipping Christmas by John Grisham for November/December's discussion. A movie based on that book will also be coming to theaters in the end of November. Maybe we'll have to plan an outing after we finish the book.

I'll let you know when we have copies available for check out. Have a great day!!

happy reading...

Hello All!! I need your help!
We are picking the new book for November/December...
Based on the following descriptions cast your vote...

1. Santa tells the story of his life, from his childhood in fourth century Turkey to the present, and recounts his experiences with some of his many helpers including Atilla the Hun and Teddy Roosevelt.

OR

2. Luther and Nora Krank decide to opt out of Christmas, choosing instead to set sail on a Caribbean cruise on December 25, but they learn there are consequences to pay for trying to ignore the holiday frenzy.

Drop me an email recbec@mail.holmen.k12.wi.us or post here or stop by!! I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy reading!!

When you first read about the dead dog who did you believe killed it?

I couldn't believe someone would actually kill a dog like that. It seems so cruel to me. At first I believed it to be random act and that Chris would never find out who did it. Then I thought it might be the neighbor's ex-husband, but I didn't really get at who really did it until just before the author revealed it.

I miss all of you discussing...

Are you out there...Chels, Jess, Laura, Foster?????????????????????????

The new reading guide to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is posted. Check it out and get reading.

Do we have any suggestions for the November Book?

The October book has been chosen!!

We are going to read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. Christopher Boone discovers his neighbor's dog dead in her front yard. Christopher decides he must solve the crime, but his father does not want him to get involved. Christopher has asperger syndrome and doesn't always act properly in social situations. Check out this interesting and unique novel!! Find out who killed the dog and what Christopher's father has been hiding from him...

I know a couple of you have read this one, so talk to your friends and family. It is a great read.

What are you thinking about First Part Last? Have you taken a look at the book guide?

Mrs. Foster and I discoverd a new reading opportunity for you. Check out WI's Book Club

http://readon.wisconsin.gov/

Hey Chels! Have you made friends with the librarian at your new school yet? What are you reading for class?

From what I understand the a lot of the rest of you are reading The Great Gatsby for class. How is that going? Any comments on that one...

Hey you guys!!
Are you glad to be back in school? Well, First Part Last is the next book we are discussing. I finished it earlier this week, it was great. Hopefully, by the end of the week I will have a reading guide posted. For those of you at HHS stop by and pick up your copy today.

I just finished Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding. Fielding has a way of making you believe her stories could actually happen. Olivia is a freelance writer who is convinced that she met Osma bin Ladin or at least someone from al Qaeda. The magazine she currently works for never believes some of her far out story ideas, so she creates another one she can work on while she gets to know the Osma look alike. The story continues getting more far fetched and hilarious with every page turned. I would highly recommend it, especially if you read and like Bridget Jones's Diary also by Fielding.

Onto Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials and Breaking the Da Vinci Code.

Have any of you started Witch-Hunt?

Just to let all of you know, I am back at HHS working my regular hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., so stop by and say hello.

The Perks of being a Wallflower is an AWESOME book!!! I'm so glad someone besides me and my sister Sarah is reading that.
But you should definitely read The House of The Scorpion. It's not as stupid as it sounds. Trust me. I completely loved it.
Some books that you should check out:
Girl by Blake Nelson
Pure by Rebecca Ray (not really "school appropriate" but the lesson that the main character learns is worth reading it! plus the author dropped out of school to write this, so you know it HAS to be worth the time!)
girlfight by Frank Lauria (based on the movie. I haven't seen the movie yet, but the book is awesome. It's 100% girl kicking butt. GREAT story!)
Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn (an amazing book. This girl is kicked out of boarding school and sent back to her super rich and stuck up mom and dad. Her mom gets sick of her and sends her to spend the summer with her biological father. amazing.)
Nothing Feels Good: Punk Rock, Teenagers and Emo byt Andy Greenwald (you all know I'm way into music. Blender magazine calls it Catcher in the Rye with guitars. It's a basic history of "emo" music I.E. Dashboard Confessional, Jimmy Eats World and other awesome bands. You guys might like it)
Villette by Charlotte Bronte (I just got it. I'm not too far into it, but it's by Charlotte Bronte. It'll be great)


I can not wait until school starts. I've missed the LMTC sooo much. Plus I have an AWESOME homeroom. Chels, I checked out your site. Tres chouette! do you have AIM?? I am now in the mood to talk about books. hmsklrsrockmysox is my SN if you do. later everyone!!

<3 Laura

Sounds like you have been busy Chels...

The website looks fun... The V-Club is one of the ones we purchased last spring, I have it home this summer, but haven't had a chance to read it yet. You'll have to let us know how it is.

Well it is August, has anyone read Witch-Hunt.

Hey there!
So, has anyone besides Chelsey read The Earth, My Butt...

Chels...
I couldn't believe what Virgina's dad would say. I can't ever imagine my dad being forward when talking about someone on TV, I mean I know he has said so and so is cute, but not in the way that Virginia's father did.

Do you think that the family lifestyle and culture seems so different due to our geographic location, finacial situation, etc?

Hey Foster...
Good to hear from you!! Can I say I told you so :)
Sorry I had to.

I am really glad that you enjoyed The House of the Scorpion.

Anybody else think they will pick it up based on Mrs. Foster's change of heart?!?!?

I am currently reading The DaVinci Code (audio) and The Virgin Suicides (5 minutes before bed or until I fall asleep)

The DaVinici Code I don't ever want to turn off. I have made two trips to the WI Dells to help a friend with her new business and would hop in my car again tomorrow if I could :)

Happy Reading...
b

Hi y'all, just jumping in now.  I have been so busy this summer reading about 2 books every week.  I have a whole stack still sitting on my floor.  I will have a ton of books to recommend in the Fall.  I am still reading The earth, my butt, and... I had to read required stuff first.  I will try and be done by this week. 

By the way, I opt. out of House of the Scorpion when we read it last year because I thought I would hate it.  I read it for the class I am taking and I loved it! It was a quick read and very interesting to say the least.  I would recommend if you were like me and pooped out the first time around, you try it.   I would be interested to hear what you guys have to say. 
Hope you are all enjoying your summer.  See you in the Fall. We have 2 full carts of new books! : )
By the way, Laura, did you get that job?

I thought some of you might be interested in this link (if you haven't seen it yet)...
http://www.bookdivas.com/newsletters/teenidol_spotlight.html

Hey!!
This summer I am not doing official reading guides because I am not officially working and they take a bit of work, but here are some questions for The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things:
1.  Do you think Virginia's family is having a healthy impact on her?  Why or why not?
2.  Can you relate to Virginia's situation, if so in what ways?
3.  How are Brie (not our Bri :)) and Virginai a like?
4.  Have you rebeled against your family? friends? anyone? How did you feel afterwards?
5.  Virginia feels as if she doesn't fit with her family?  Have you ever felt this way?  Describe.
6.  Overall, how did this book make you feel?
7.  Have you read anything else by Carolyn Mackler?  Did you like it?
 
Alright, I look forward to hearing your responses. 
 
Happy reading!!
b
 

I read it last november i think. it was good. I still think we should've done This Lullaby or Jane Eyre....

back in holmen area. I'm gonna make my mom get me a library card. Does the holmen library have The Earth...? later days. I.H.n.

<3 Laura

If you are talking about The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things I don't know. How are you liking it? I talked to Mrs. Foster last night and she is planning on reading it soon.

If you are talking about Pride and Prejudice I thought we were done discussing it. It is July :)

I do have questions ready to go for The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things, but I wasn't sure if anyone was reading it so I didn't post any questions yet.

I just finished The Face of God by Bill Myers. If you want a book to make you think and like suspense you should definately pick it up.

Yes, it really is the time that it says. I just finished reading The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things (even though I should have been reading about the East Asian Civilizations I need to write an essay on for next week). Oh what a great read!! I can't wait to hear what you guys think of it. I can understand why you might not have picked up Pride and Prejudice (I was even a little skeptical), however, this was quite great and I can understand why it received the Printz Honor Award. So, rush to the library and get it. I will be returning the copy I got from La Crosse PL in the next week!! For those of you who like to buy books, it is even that good (I believe it is out in paperback) Enjoy!!

Happy reading and good night!

I haven't been able to go to the library and get the book. I'm trying to get a job right now, and I'm really working on guitar. I plan on getting voice lessons and maybe putting out a cd if I can afford it. So I haven't really had time to look for it.

Besides songs, I'm not really reading anything. I will probably start reading Wuthering Heights in the next couple days.

How is everyone else doing??

<3 Laura

I agree the Bennett (this is the right spelling, I looked it up) family seems to be a bit disfunctional. If I had a mother like Mrs. Bennett I don't think I could have handled it. She stuck her nose in everyone elses business, didn't think about what she said or did and how it would affect her daughters. I felt that Elizabeth and her oldest sister were the most normal.

I am not sure that I would have liked living during that time period, I have to admit the balls and socializing would have been a blast, however, as a woman you couldn't really do as you choosed only as your husband or family chose. How would you feel about this? Would you want to stay at home and just have to entertain? What if you were part of a lower class and had to actually work?

The narrator for the book I listened to is Nadia May.

Are Chelsey and I the only ones reading this???

At the moment I have moved on to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone . I have never listened to it on audion before, but I am enjoying it a great deal. The narrator is OK, but of course the story is still good.

Happy Reading!!

Chels, I think you got the abridged edition because the one I listened to was about 11 CDs and 12 hours or so. I enjoyed my narrators voice and change in characters' voices as well. You know a narrator when listening to an audio book can make or break the book.

Happy reading!!

Yahoo!!! I finished Pride and Prejudice yesterday! Susanna you were right it was a very good book. I am glad I listened to it on audio, I don't think I would have ever finished it in time had I not. How would you describe the Bennet (excuse my spelling, if it is wrong, remember I listened to it) family? Normal? Disfunctional? Would you have wanted to live during that time? Why or why not? I leave you guys with those questions for now, so if you haven't read it I won't spoil it for you :)

Have a great day!!

I found Pride and Prejudice on audio, I will get to read it before the end of the month!! Has anyone started it? Does anyone have anything to say/discuss? I'll be finishing up The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which is a very interesting story of a 15 year-old boy who is mildly autistic and pretty well functions as a "normal" kid, but has some very unusual habits and mannerisms. The book centers around him discovering his neighbor's dog dead on her front lawn and wanting to find out who did it. Along the way he is discovering a few other things. I would highly recommend it. It is a short and quick read! Happy Reading!!!

No prob, Bee. Did anyone go to the Hollywood Theatre thing? I saw a lot of Holmen people there.

I just finished The Old Man and The Sea tonight. I loved it. The entire struggle he went through and the ending is just.... Well, I don't want to ruin it for any of you. But definitely read it. It's by Ernest Hemingway, if you guys didn't know.

Hey Chelsey, I heard there was Princess Diaries 2 coming out. Actually, I just saw it on Disney, started freaking out and thought of you. but email me or post on here. I'm gonna go watch Zenon. Peace out.

<3 Laura

Sorry Laura! I didn't realize you were living in La Crosse this summer... Do you have internet access at home, you can check to see if the South Branch has the books you are looking for by going to the site http://lplcat.lacrosse.lib.wi.us/

This site also allows you to put holds on materials that are at the north branch and the main branch as well as a few others and they will be shipped to your local library, all you need is a library card!! Happy reading...

I will be unable to get together on Thursday, but I would highly reccommend it, have fun.

How is La Crosse, you mean for me?

the days are long, hot and humid, and my friends aren't talking to me. my only friends
are about an inch thick and have a billion words in them. summer is GREAT!!!

do you guys know if the south side library has the books? because it's only three blocks away. the only good thing so far. I'm reading The Old Man and The Sea right now. interesting. But i will definitly find Pride and Prejudice in the next week.

so... what are all of you doing this thursday?? oooo! Idea! we could meet up at... jules coffee or the book store on pearl, and then maybe go to a little something at the Hollywood Theatre... just an idea. i gotta get to sleep now. night!!

<3 Laura

Reality Check!! I started my summer school class yesterday...East Asian Civ. at Winona State. Oh my goodness I bought 6 books, the class is only 5 weeks long!! This bums me out I am going to have to find Pride and Prejudice on CD or I am never going to be able to read it before the end of June!!

I missed you guys while I was out of the country. How is Chippewa Falls, Chelsey? How is Sweden, Susanna? How is Holmen, for the rest of you?

Stop by if you want, I am at HHS in the morning and Mrs. Foster and Mrs. Blank are here all day for the next couple of weeks.

Welcome Dani!! We are all excited to hear a fresh voice!

I hope you had a great week!! Has anyone started reading Pride and Prejudice? I haven't, but I did just finish Glorious Appearing by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. For those of you who have read the rest of the Left Behind series you are in for a treat, it is very interesting, even though sometimes it goes into too much detail.

The next book I am going to read is The Curious Incident of the Dog and the Night Time (at least I think that is the title). I let you guys know what it is about and if it is good or not :)

Hi ladies! It's Mrs. Foster (aka, the librarian) I am glad you have so much fun posting :) I just want to let you know that I will be in the library almost all summer so if you are bored and need something to read, come on in and check out! We should be getting a bunch of new stuff in over the summer. Also, if you need the book club books, we have one copy of each. So, first come first serve. The Holmen Public will be getting in multiple copies of each as well for your convenience. Hope to be bloggin' this summer with you! Talk to you soon. Don't forget to say "goodbye" before the school year is out!

LORD OF THE RINGS!! Wooooooo. She's cool with me. i gotta go bother someone, but i shall edit this post later so it's meaningful.

Oh yeah, bee. Whatever happened to me helping you out???

I.H.n.

<3 Laura

Just to let you know, we did have a couple current freshman pick up info for the summer reading and online club, so we do have some interest :)

If you guys want to help with promotions I would love it!! So come on in and we will see what we can come up with :)

I would say something lovingly sarcastic, but we all know we're being censored.

Truth or Dairy is about this girl who works at a ice cream shoppe called Truth or Dairy. Thus the title. I remember that a lot of different things happened to her, and she talked a little about what happened before, but it is diary form. I don't remember exactly what happens, just that I liked it enough to write a book review. It's in the binder, so you can read what i wrote on Monday.
I could help redesign the informational sheets to make it look more appealing to frosh. it is a little blah. but very good information on it. Yay, Bee! lol. I gotta get to sleep so i can get up early tomorrow. Peace out! I.H.n.

<3 Laura

For the book club summer reading list, I suggest This Lullaby, and Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is a little heavy, so I guess Wuthering Heights might be better. Truth or Dairy is a good book, and it's diary form, so i know Chels would like it. I gotta go to Geometry now. Later days!

<3 Laura

Well, I was talking to a few people about books today and they compared the Mates, Dates and... to the Princess Diaries so Chelsey and Jessie you might want to try those out. Remind me I have a couple of things you guys should look at get a few ideas for the next great summer read!

Chelsey--have you read Fever,1794 by Laurie Halse Anderson? That is a pretty good historical fiction book.

Laura has recommended This Lullaby in the past, so that might be one to try, I have never read it, but it seems to be checked out a lot.

Well, it is off to bed for me, Good night!!

I like the Left Behind series. It isn't too hard to keep up with the main characters, like Buck, Chloe, and Rayford. But the smaller characters that are mentioned once every couple books can semi-throw you off if they become an important character.
My summer reading list is the rest of the Left Behind series, The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, The Importance of Being Earnest, and rereading Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.
i'm a bit into classics right now. i don't know why. but it'll probably save me some time for next year, when i'm taking Honors 11 and probably in college lit classes. so woohoo.

oh hey, blogger news. thehomeschoolers.blogspot.com rocks. it's mass chaos in the form of me. i have a nifty comment feature on it, so you guys should all write a comment on it. it'll be great fun. bwahahahaha! later!

So what did those you think of the Left Behind series? Did it make you think?

What is on your summer must read list? Should we read the some of the same books so we have something to discuss this summer?

I just finished Kiss the Girls by James Patterson. This is the second novel in the Alex Cross series, it was also made into a movie. I saw the movie a long time ago, but couldn't really remember it, except Alex Cross was played by Morgan Freeman. This book is definately quite a page turner. Women are disappearing in the South from various places and in LA women are being brutially murdered. There are barely any clues and the Alex's niece disappears, so he decides he must help the FBI and local police force with the investigation. Alex is a police detective in Washington, DC he is also a Doctor in psychology (I believe).

Have a great weekend!! Is anyone else going to see President Bush speak?

I am looking forward to reading the The Glorious Appearing, but I haven't had the opportunity yet. Did you like the second book as well as the first one? I like the first 4 books the best and then there was a little bit of a rut, but the 2nd to last one was on the same level as the first few (at least that is what I think). Do you have a hard time keeping track of all the characters?

What is everyone else reading these days?

i'm reading the Left Behind series right now. I cried when the person died at the very end of the book. I knew he would, but i didn't expect it. I wish I could've been at school today to check out the third and fourth one. And I'm really trying to not read the one i got from the coolest lady i know. lol. gotta go. later days everyone! And remember: you all remind me of a spam kitty!

<3 Laura

Ok, if you aren't reading Mama's Babies, what are you reading?

I just finished another book by Meggin Cabot, She Went All the Way, it was a funny romance set in Alaska. For all of you Meg Cabot fans check it out (It is at the LaCrosse PL). I am currently reading 3rd Degree by James Patterson. It is the 3rd book in the Women's Murder Club series (HHS has the first one 1st To Die). If you like murder mysteries this series is a must read. On CD I am listening to Babylon Rising, it kind of reminds me of Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Enjoy the beautiful weather!!
b

I started to read the book, but i forgot it in America. It looks good. I meant to submit a bookmark thing, but i forgot on friday. i'm really forgetful. I really have to get going right now, so i will see all of you on tuesday. France is AWESOME, just to let you know. Chels, you really should have come. Gotta go. REALLY. buh bye!!

<3 Laura

Chels...

Thanks for the offer of lending us the other books in the PD series. I need to read the middle ones yet. I have only read the first one. Sounds like a good summer reading plan :)
b

I think Sarah and Will were intially just friends that cared for each other and maybe it developed into young love at an early age.

But I think that the author just left that out of the story to keep the story focused on the issue at hand. I for one would have enjoyed a little bit of romance. I do think Will was very good for Sarah. What would have happened had Will not pushed the issues he noticed and shared with his Mother. I think Will and Sarah's love devloped from this caring attitude that Will had.

Do I need to break you two up?!?

How would you describe Will and Sarah's relationship?
I think that Sarah and Will are almost betrothed(or however you spell that) from the beginning. I knew they would be together! What do you guys think?

Chels-the point I was trying to make is that our mom's do a lot of stuff for us that they wouldn't have to. not that your dad doesn't fold your laundry!!!!!

I finally finished mama's babies. I think that once sara saw how mrs.quaver treated will she realized that she was being oppressed, don't ya think? Once sara's real mom took her back I think that she was very greatful:1.to have finally found her 2. Because she gave sara love, which she didn't get from mama pratchett 3.because they obviously had a lot of fun together and shared similar interests. I think that we take our own mom's for granted sometimes. I mean, they do our laundry, and fold our laundry, cook for us , clean for us, give us advice(sometimes without us asking for it!) and care for us and love us 24/7 365 days a year, 52 weeks a year. I think that it was weird how sara reacted when they gave the death sentance to mama pratchett. She knew that mama hated her during the whole trial. She obviously didn't want to live with mama anymore, because she was afraid and disgusted.

When I think about Mama's lifestyle and compare it to the children's I get so upset!!! These are innocent children...
First of all their mother's basically abandoned them when they were born for whatever good reason they thought of. Secondly all they wanted was love, not fancy clothes or gourmet food...LOVE! But Mama only gave her love to the babies because they were the ones that were currently paying for her lifestyle.

Do you think this happens today? Do you think their are foster parents and/or adoptive parents that are doing it purely for a better lifestyle for themselves and not helping the children?

I think that sarah new what mama was doing, there was so much evidence, like there wasn't a doctor in Peachester, and mama not letting the kids play near her garden, and kids getting deathly ill overnight! I think she knew but didn't want to believe it so she just blocked that option from her memory. Do you think that Sarah was afraid she'd be next? or was mama so reliant on her that she couldn't kill her? Couldn't she have just gotten the second oldest girl to help her out?

Your wish is my command...

Ok, the new reading guide is posted. Check it out and start a discussion Chelsey. I have read the book and would love to join you and anyone else who has read it in discussing it.

Well--I am working on getting the reading discussion guide for Mama's Babies posted. I just finished it and it should be posted in the next day or two, so what out!!

Welcome Susanna!!

Have any of you started reading Mama's Babies?

Hi everyone!

P.S. CHELS IS THE DORK!! just kiddin'

Laura, have you ever considered that you don't have to be on anyone's side as far as culture goes. You're American. You can just leave it at that if you want. I don't have the conflicts of being half African American or half Native American or anything like that, however I am proud of my Irish heritige, that is why I wear a claddaugh ring. It sybolizes Irish pride. You don't have to give up one side and completely go to the next. Know what I mean? You can basically choose for yourself who you want to be. If you just want to be American then that's cool, you could say you are Native and European American if you wanted! Be proud of your heritige. Just remember....you are Laura, and not anything else! "I YAM WHAT I YAM AND THATS ALL THAT I YAM!"

"How can you relate to Dimple's confusion about her herritage? Do you make a compromises with your parents? Do you run away from it as Dimple tried to do?"

It's hard for me, especially now. My mom is really forcing Native American schlank on me, and i'm just kind of like "hey, I'm not just Native American. I'm German and Irish and Welsh too!" I'm basicly running away, as fast as I can go. I don't know what i'll do when I'm older. I figure I should just get through high school.

I haven't been on here for awhile. I've mostly been concentrating on one of my other blogs (thehomeschoolers.blogspot.com) so i.. yeah. Hi to Suchita and Chels and Brianna. what is up my sistas? lol. I gotta go do some other stuff. later!!

<3 Laurz

I would like to bring this back to Born Confused for a little while...

Question for Chelsey and Bri...How do you overcome your competitiveness? Do you let it get out of hand has Dimple and Gwyn did or do you usually recognize it and take care of it? This was one thing I thought was interesting in the book...it seemed like if only Gwyn, Dimple and Karsh talked to each other they wouldn't have had half the misunderstandings they did? Did anyone else want to shake the characters up and say "Talk to each other!!!"

Question for Laurz and Suchita...How can you relate to Dimple's confusion about her herritage? I know for me it is confusing enough trying to figure out what I want to do with my life and decisions that I need to make without have that added variable of a different cultural influence then that of the mainstream. Do you make a compromises with your parents? Do you run away from it as Dimple tried to do?

Also if anyone else has any more questions, comments or thoughts regarding Born Confused lets try to post them in the next week, then we can start posting for Mama's Babies.

Have a great weekend!!

Here are some non-fiction ideas for you!
Gantos, Jack. Hole in My Life.--The author relates how, as a young adult, he bacame a drug user and smuggler, was arrested, did time in prison, and eventually got out and went to colleg, all the while hoping to become a writer.

Roach, Mary. Stiff: the curious lives of human cadavers.--Explores how human cadavers have been used throughout history, discussing how the use of dead bodies has benefited every aspect of human existence.

Schlosser, Eric. Fast food nation: the dark side of the all-American meal.--Traces the history of the fast food industry and discusses how it arose in postwar America.

Hawk, Tony and Sean Mortimer. Hawk: occupation: skateboarder.--Internationally known American skateboarding champ Tony Hawk chronicles his life and his very eventful involvement with the sport.

Murphy, Jim. An American plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793.--Provides an account of the yellow fever epidemic that swept through Philadelphia in 1793, discussing the chaos that erupted when people began evacuating in droves, leaving the city without government, goods, or services, and examining efforts by physicians, the Free African Society, and others to cure and care for the sick.

Pelzer, Dave. A child called "it", The lost boy, and A man called Dave--Chronicles the life of the author as he grows up as an abused child moved into foster care and then eventually his life as an adult.

Tarbox, Katie. Katie.com: my story--Katie Tarbox explains how and why she bacame involved, at the age of thirteen, with an Internet stalker, a middle-aged man who had tolder he was welthy twenty-three-year-old; and shares the story of her ordeal after she realized, almost too late, that he was a sexual predatorl.

Of these I have only read the first one, however, I have heard good things about them all from various students and staff. So try them out and write us a review to put in our binder and post here. I'll come up with some good historical fiction later...

I'm gonna try to find some good non-fiction and historical fiction(like mama's babies)books to read over the summer..k? Can anyone else recomend a good non-fiction book??? If anyone likes non-fiction you should read the darwin awards books...they are hilarious.... and true! Also "Duh: The stupid history of the human race" is a good one, it's the same concept of the darwin awards.....let me know if you find a good book!! Happy reading! Bri

YAY!! MY BLOGGER ACCOUNT IS FINALLY WORKING!!! I've started reading Mama's Babies,but haven't read that much of it. I'm planning on finishing it this weekend or at least getting a lot of it read. I'll keep you posted! Does anyone else like non-fiction?

For those of you interested in starting the next book Mama's Babies, a couple copies came in today. Stop by the LMTC to pick it up.

How exciting for you, Chelsey!! I just signed up as well :) Good Luck!!!

Hey Chelsey, you asked if we had any recommendations for books to read for you. In historical fiction, my personal favorites are Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.... but then again, they are classics and I'm not sure if you like that kind. Realistic fiction... well I just finished reading Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code (both by Dan Brown) and they were amazingly good...I couldn't stop reading either of them. I would definitely recommend both of them to anyone. Also, John Grisham, Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy...all great authors (adventure/mystery/realistic fiction). For science fiction... The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury, 1984 by George Orwell, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley....again classics but I loved them.
But for a quick and quality read, I would go with Love Story by Erich Remarque....its short but it packs a lot of punch. Those are just my opinions....I'm more of a classics kinda person so I'm not sure if these recommendations will help you.

Hello All!!
We've had a few more people join in the last couple weeks!! Welcome to Chelsey, Suchita and Brianna!

Be thinking of ideas of what we can do for summer reading fun!

Hey everybody...I'm Suchita. I kinda liked Born Confused and then I kinda didn't. I really liked the entire situation that the author created, with the whole Dimple/Karsh/Gwyn thing, and also the being confused about being Indian part (I can relate a lot to that). I know the author was trying to show Dimple learning from everything and being exposed to everything new, but I really didn't think that the author had to include every possible thing that could be "a learning experience" and create every character with some kind of issue...I felt like that part was a little overdone. Other than that, I thought it was good overall... I couldn't put it down! And I liked the characterization of Gywn because I know I have friends like her, that no matter what, I always feel like they're showing me up or something like that. And like Dimple, I'm always worried about what others would say or how others view me. But I was really glad that she found a way to express herself and be her, through her photography. I guess I'll save more comments for later...

Since Chelsey mentioned it...We are looking at doing Mama's Babies by Gary Crew for the next book discussion.

"First published in Australia by Thomas C. Lothian"--T.p. verso. This novel based on the cases of three murderous "baby farmers" of the 1890s, a nine-year-old girl suspects that her "Mama" is not truly her mother and that the infants she has taken in lately have not died of natural causes.

Let me know what you guys think...Oscar and Chelsey have already given good vibes for it so I think we will try it unless someone has any huge objections!!

By the way this will be our last actual discussion for this school year. We are considering some different things for the summer, so if any of you have some ideas let us know... Some things we thought of were creating a list of books for discussion both non-fiction and fiction and hopefully some of us would read the same ones or if one of us read a really good one we could recommend it to the rest of us. This might also appeal to others who do not currently participate. So stop with some ideas or post them here. We want them!!

Have a great weekend!

I don't think I've ever liked the same girl as my friends... I don't think I've ever liked a girl. But seriously, maybe once with the guy thing. I had a crush on Travis (Fischer) and my cousin was obsessed with him. That could kinda count, couldn't it? gotta go. later

<3 Laurz

Laurz--Hey I'm not that bad! ;)

Did you learn anything from the relationships between Karsh, Dimple and Gwyn? It amazes me that Gwyn and Dimple can be such good friends and not be able to communicate very well. Have you ever gotten a situation where you like the same boy/girl as your best friend?

I have seen Bend It Like Beckham. That movie rocks. I haven't seen in in months though, so I can't really remember if there are similarities between BILB (add an O and it's a hobbit!) and BC.

Hey, I'm Laura. What is up. I figured since I pushed for BC to be read, I should post on here. Plus, Bee was pressuring me. It was horrible. lol.

I could relate to Dimple in the fact that:
We both feel like we aren't American enough for the Americans and atleast i'm not NA enough for native americans.
we love photography.
I have some friends that can be like gwen at times.

gotta go. peace out.

Laurz

Ask me about italics tomorrow when you come in...

When I first started Born Confused I had a hard time getting into it, however, once into it and about one third of the way through I couldn't put it down. I could relate to Dimple in the fact that she doesn't really know what she should do with her life...Should she live as her parents want--a traditional Indian girl or should she push it and become a photographer. I sometimes I question my career path--Should I go back to school? Should I try something completely new and be a photographer?

What did you love about it? I loved learning about Dimple's Indian background. It was so interesting because I know nothing about Indian traditions.

After I read this book I saw the movie Bend it Like Beckham(I am not sure I spelled that right??) Anyways, the main character in the movie is struggling with her identity as a traditional Indian girl and her love of soccer. Have any of you seen the movie? Are there similarities to Born Confused?

So Oscar...what do you think of Born Confused? Do you think it was a good choice for book club? Can you relate to Dimple?

Keep posting, I look forward to hearing what you ALL think!!