This is Where I Leave You

by Jonathan Tropper

It's been a while since I read a book meant for adults that didn't suck.  I liked this one.  It was funny.  It was heart breaking.  It was shocking.

This is the story of Judd Foxman.  His father is dead.  He caught his wife in bed with his boss.  And his siblings are in the same house for the first time in years to sit shiva with their mother.  Look up dysfunctional in the dictionary and you will see a picture of this family.  Oldest brother Paul lost a baseball scholarship after being mauled by a dog, which he blames on Judd, so he went into the family business... a sporting goods store.  He's married to the woman Judd lost his virginity to years ago (it wasn't casual, they were in a relationship).  They're trying to have a baby but can't.  Wendy is the only sister.  She has three small children by an obnoxious husband who treats her like crap.  And then there's the youngest brother Phillip.  No one has talked to him in years, so they don't even know if he's coming to the funeral.  Any time they do hear from him, it's usually to bail him out of some jam.  Oh, did I mention Judd's wife is pregnant?  And she was pregnant before?  But the baby died weeks before delivery... strangled by the umbilical cord.  Now we have an idea where their marriage got off track.

I liked this book.  I didn't love it.  But I liked it.  Thank goodness because if I read another book that sucked...  If you're entertained by the misfortunes of others (I guess I am), then go ahead and read this one.


3.5 out of 5 stars.

Currently reading:  The Dog Who Couldn't Stop Loving by Jeffrey Masson

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

  by Kate DiCamillo

I have read several books by Kate DiCamillo and loved them all.  This is no exception!

This is the story of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit.  A child's toy.  He begins his life as a cold-hearted and proud toy living with a little girl.  He does not know how to love.  Until he looses the little girl.  Throughout the years, from one home to another, Edward learns to love a little more from the hurt involved in each loss.  The story ends with Edward spending years on the shelf of an old doll store, waiting for someone to buy (love) him.  He says he never wants to love again because it just hurts too much!  I won't spoil the ending, but it couldn't have been a more perfect ending!

This book had me on the verge of tears many times.  Not that it was so sad.  It was just so sweet!  It's meant for children, but as an adult, I enjoyed it immensely!  And you will too!

5 out of 5 stars.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

                 

 by Jeff Kinney

I read these books because my elementary school boys LOVE them.  We have 5 copies of all but the latest and they are NEVER on the shelf!  I read them for the same reason I read Harry Potter; I needed to be familiar with what my students are reading.  Plus, I like to laugh and if these are as funny as advertised, then count me in!

These are the diaries of Greg Heffley.  He writes about every day life as an elementary/middle school student... fights with his best friend, being the middle child and school conflicts.  They are funny... if you're an 8 year old boy.  There is little to no appeal for girls, but looking at them, I think that is to be expected.  Greg Heffley writes about things that are important to him.  And remember... these are diaries.  He does not intend for anyone to read these. 

A few years ago, I went to a book festival where Jeff Kinney was one of the featured authors.  His sessions were over flowing with 8 year old boys!  And I think this was before the second book came out.  Even before there was talk of the movie being made.

Unless you're a parent to a young boy, there is no reason for you to read these.  You are not missing anything.  If you're wondering if they're appropriate for an older elementary aged boy, absolutely.  They have the usual fart jokes that boys that age enjoy.  Let them read it.  If they're reluctant readers, these books just might be the hook they need to get them reading!

2 stars out of 5.
(Because I'm not an 8 year old boy!)

World and Town

by Gish Jen

I finished this a few days ago and have been stalling in writing this.  I just don't know what to say about it.  It was ok.  I don't think I would really recommend it to someone unless there was something in their background that made me think they'd like it.

It's basically about an older lady, half American half Chinese and raised in China, mourning the loss of her husband and her best friend, who both died within a year of each other, when a previous love comes back to town.  Oh, and a Cambodian family with major problems moves in next door.  It's about Hattie's interaction with this family, the former love and the rest of the towns people.

I had a hard time following everything going on.  And I just didn't know where this was going.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Currently Reading:  This is Where I leave You by Jonathan Tropper

Mo Willems

         

 
Today I began author studies with all my classes.  With first grade, we are learning about Mo Willems.  Have you ever read a book by Mo Willems??  I know, you're not a kid.  But trust me!  He's hilarious!  With stories like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny and Elephant & Piggie, you can't go wrong!

The first time I really looked at one of his books, I didn't really know what to expect.  Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus was a finalist in a contest we were participating in, so I had to read it to every class (19 in total).  I looked at it and wondered, "How the hell am I going to read this out loud?"  It just doesn't look like the type of book that would work that way.  But I had to do it.  And I did.  And the laughter!!  Holy crap!  I was laughing so hard at the kids laughing!  So I looked at the rest of his books and decided they were decent enough to make into a unit.

This year, I'm in a new school, and the kids knew the pigeon books, but they didn't seem to appreciate them.  So now we're at the time of the year for author studies.  I showed the kids a Barnes & Noble "Meet the Writers" video, where he talked a little about why he does what he does.  He also tells them a secret!  The pigeon is in EVERY Mo Willems book!  Even those not about the pigeon!  Let the fun begin!!

I don't think there are any Mo Willems books left on the shelf.  A shipment of new books just came in and there are a few in there, but they aren't quite ready for check out.  I have 4 more classes this week.  The first class seemed to take all of them.  To actually read or to find the pigeon, I'm not sure.  But I'm not sure it really matters.

5 stars out of 5.