Book Review: Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo

Cockroaches by Jo Nesbø
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm digging this series! Harry Hole is a protagonist that has you shaking your head while simultaneously rooting for him, though I don't think I'd want to be in his close circle, given the frequency with which they meet untimely ends! Nesbo tackles real issues (in this case child prostitution and pornography) in a way that is realistic but also manageable. Can't wait for the next book!

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Book Review: The Peripheral by William Gibson

The Peripheral by William Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

William Gibson never disappoints me. As with most of his books, you are immediately immersed in an unfamiliar world and have to just keep reading until his novel terminology and the weird situations are clarified. I enjoyed this look at a future that may not be far off for us and a non-run-of-the-mill approach to time travel. Gibson creates a world with technology that seems simultaneously familiar and alien - some place and time in which we could find ourselves. I also found the characters engaging (as usual). Flynne is a fun protagonist. I can't wait to read the second novel in this series, which just came out.

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Book Review: In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods by Tana French
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Such mixed feelings about this book! I loved the pace of the narrative and the "current day" mystery, though I figured it out well before Rob/Adam did, but I am with the readers and critics who did not like the lack of resolution of the "historical" mystery. I know, I know, authors don't have to tell us everything about a character's back story, but I thought it was weak... If the author "doesn't know," then that's problematic - a failure of imagination in an author isn't a good thing. If the author does know, why not share with the reader? I don't buy the "it's more like real life" argument - if I wanted that I'd read true crime (which I do), not a novel. Bah...

Setting that aside, I loved French's descriptive writing and strong character development, and I will definitely check out her other books.

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Book Review: King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This National Book Award winner for young people's literature is a powerful and beautiful look at grief, self-acceptance, and courage. King is the protagonist that every tween/middle grades reader needs - an authentic kid who makes mistakes, questions the world, and feels and loves strongly. I had a hard time putting it down.

One minor, minor quibble: it just isn't THAT hot in Louisiana in January. Yes, I know it's warmer than many places and of course we get the occasional oddly warm winter day, but as a native of the south, I say southerners don't go around sweatin' quite that much in the middle of the winter. ;)

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Book Review: The Bat by Jo Nesbo

The Bat by Jo Nesbø
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excited to start another engaging thriller/mystery/procedural series! I enjoyed the pacing and that Nesbo doesn't give away the case too early.

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Book Review: Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram

Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Darius the Great Is Not Okay was my favorite book in 2019, so I was excited to catch up with Darius in this second book. I celebrated and ached right along with him as he navigated first love, first job, first loss of a loved one as well as the minefields of daily relationships with family and friends and mental health. I hope Adib Khorram has more of his beautiful writing in store for us!

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Book Review: Conspiracy of Bones by Kathy Reichs

 

A Conspiracy of Bones by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another rollicking ride with Tempe! These books always scratch my itch for a good thriller/procedural. I always enjoy the current events aspects and forensic knowledge that Kathy Reichs brings to her books.

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Wrapping up a semester...

It’s the last week of graduate school classes for this semester, and I am reflecting back on my experience.  While it has been a weird semester of online learning for my middle school students, I confess that the virtual learning experience has been business as usual for me!  When you are attending an online program, virtual learning is nothing new!

Even so, Information Technologies for the School Library Program has been a class that has pushed me to expand my technological boundaries.  When I think about information technologies, I am my own worst enemy because (a) I am someone becoming a certified librarian because I love books, not technology, and (b) I have a fantastic ITS partner at my school, which makes it easy for me to say “not my job.”  

HOWEVER, I also love learning, and I am passionate about anything that will help my students become lifelong readers!  As a result, I tried to approach even topics outside my wheelhouse with an open mind and an attitude of inquiry (and the clear understanding that just because something isn’t my job NOW doesn’t mean it won’t be in the FUTURE).

My key take-away from the semester: 

Not in a braggy way but in a “wow, this is fun and I can do this” way!  This class reminded me not to get too stuck in my bookish ways but to embrace new ways of learning and growing as a reader!

Specifically, I have learned how easy it is to use a variety of technological tools to build interest in reading, library programming, and the library as space as well as to support the work of my fellow teachers.  Whether the tool is an engaging website full of information on the library or a padlet of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion resources, technology enriches the work that I do as a librarian, allowing me to expand the world of reading for more students.  So, bring on the technology!  I'm ready to learn more together with my fellow librarians, teacher colleagues, ITS, and students!

Book Review: Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In rereading this book that I first read 25 years ago while doing an independent study on the philosophy education and democracy, I realized two things: (1) how much Freire's thoughts shaped mine on education, power, democracy, and learning, and (2) how relevant this book remains today. I firmly believe that Freire's work is a necessary read for anyone who wants to think critically about the intersections of our educational systems and our governmental systems.

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Book Review: Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead

Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel by Colson Whitehead. I previously read his book Zone One, which, while completely different in theme (zombies!), had the same strong voice and character development. There's no strong plot, but I finished this book feeling like I had had a look into Benji's inner life. It was such a satisfying read even though you don't get all your questions about Benji's life answered. Can't wait to read more by Colson Whitehead.

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