Anytime I mentioned that I’d never read Vladimir Nabokov’s iconic and controversial classic, Lolita, I get gasps of amazement. Apparently, it’s one of those you-have-to-read-it-for-bragging-rights kind of books. So I decided it was high time to read it. I don’t want to give anything away for those of you who have not read the book but intend to at some point. But here’s the basic premise: Humbert Humbert is a European, having put behind a marriage and an academic career. His obsession with nymphets, girls […]
A haunting debut novel
As you know, I’m still reading books by authors from other countries as a means of enriching my curriculum. While my reading list is already set for this fall’s literature course, I am obviously building materials for future courses. On one of our weekly library trips, The Chancellor scouted this novel out. Correction: that would be a bi-weekly trip. Teachers on summer vacation get WILD. Anyway, this sounded really interesting, so I decided to check it out, hoping it wouldn’t disappoint me the way The […]
Out of our minds…but really IN them.
Several of the creativity-oriented books I’ve been reading have cited the work of Sir Ken Robinson, a prominent educator and public speaker. There are even mentions of his TED Talk being the most popular on the website. So I figured that it would be beneficial to read his book and gain more insight in developing my pedagogy. My teaching statement last year focused on vulnerability, and while I very much do believe in a professional sort of vulnerability, I believe that thinking about my work […]
The girls of summer
I want to read more young adult graphic novels, so that I can reference them in future courses and to my students who want something new or different. The Chancellor had recommended This One Summer as a book that came across several “best-of” lists. My library had it, so I thought I would give it a try. Mariko Tamaki, with her illustrator cousin Jillian Tamaki, creates a simple but unforgettable story that shows the power of rumor and suggestion, the uncertainty of family turmoil, and […]
Another rich book from Willa Cather
FINALLY! I am all caught up on my CBR Reviews!!! Now that I’ve celebrated, on to the review, eh? Last summer, I developed a bit of a lady-crush on Willa Cather. I read The Song of the Lark, O Pioneers!, My Ántonia, Death Comes for the Archbishop, and A Lost Lady in shockingly quick succession. It might have turned into a Barbara Pym readathon had I not gotten distracted by other books. So maybe I will be going through another phase this next term…you’ve all […]
Thanks to you Cannonballers for this recommendation!
While on vacation at my in-laws’ house, I read Wild and completely freaked out over how amazing it was. In the comments section, not one, not two, but THREE awesome people immediately recommended her advice column (“Dear Sugar”) and the book of compilation columns, Tiny Beautiful Things. So, being eager for more things Cheryl Strayed and in love with her writing, I promptly borrowed my library’s ebook. And then proceeded to read it greedily, tears pouring down my face half the time. Let’s start with […]
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