Kill the Possum by James Moloney
‘Kill the Possum’ is like ‘Our Little Secret’ in some ways. It lets you into a world where young people are trapped in secrecy and powerlessness. It is a very thought provoking book and filled me with anguish in parts. I could feel the pain and desperation in the young teenage males who had no where to go to save the people they loved. It was frightening they were contemplating murder, yet at another level, understandable. The conclusion was very cleverly written, although not what I wanted to read, it added to the credibility of the story. It was great storywriting.
James Moloney creates such believable characters. He draws you in compassionately and this novel reminds me of the empathy I felt for Karl and his desperate life, in ‘Bridge to Wiseman’s Cove’. I enjoyed these two books but I enjoyed doesn’t seem the right word. They move you, they open you to the shadowy figures around school that you wonder about. They remind you that there are often things going on in lives that you have no idea about. I enjoyed Moloney’s ‘Book of Lies’ and it’s sequel more. I read on his site that he’s releasing the conclusion of that series on July 6. The protagonists in these books endure and face evil, the same, yet the alternate setting makes it more bearable for me.
This novel is for an older reader though and I think when I take it back to the junior campus library, I’ll recommend it goes to the senior campus. There are moral issues that require a mature consideration. There are dilemmas that would be beyond a younger reader I would hope.
Popularity: 7% [?]
Our Little Secret by Allayne Webster
‘Our Little Secret’ is very popular with the girls at school. Now that I have completed it, I can see why. It’s set in a small community and unpretentiously reveals some of the hardships teen girls grapple with. The position the young, innocent heroine finds herself in is described with a clear youthful voice. It was very believable and I’m confident this book would be a great aid to young women who find themselves manipulated and abused in this way. I would even go so far as to say it could protect and help to heal some of the damage done to girls who find their sexual behaviour going too far too fast. It reveals the insecurities and vulnerabilities with a gentle and considered approach. I recommend it for young women.
Read a review on Inside a Dog. The writer Allayne Webster’s story is an interesting read also.
Popularity: 7% [?]
Loathing Lola by William Kostakis
I loathe reality TV. It has always fascinated me that anyone can believe it’s not constructed. This novel ‘Loathing Lola’ was a fun read about a teenager who is ‘selected’ for a reality TV show. There is nothing very surprising to me in it about the way she is treated and the experiences she has with the production company. I hope young people who are deluded about the genre read this book.
It was an easy and fun read. The characters and setting were believable at times. I found it a little unrealistic in parts and sad but real in others. The website for this book is http://www.loathinglola.com/. If you want to read what other young people thought of it Inside a dog has some reviews.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Yes, I’ve finally finished the ‘Twilight’ series. If it weren’t for the enthusiasm of the young people I surround myself with, I don’t think I would have got to that happily ever after ending, it was. I really didn’t see how it was all going to turn out. I’m not going to spoil it and give it away. It all tied up quite nicely. I was quite pleasantly surprised to be happy with the outcome when it all seemed so grim and impossible to me.
I think at least one of the books was a waste of my time. It could have been trimmed, but having said that, I’m happy with the journey of the story and I have to admit I am partial to brevity in storytelling, just like meetings at work…. cut to the chase!
Popularity: 9% [?]
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
One great thing about being without the Internet was that I got to read more. I am nearly finished the ‘Twilight’ series.
‘Eclipse’ like the previous two books was very long and in parts seemed to drag for me. I know many of the young people I teach think these books are just wonderful, but I find only parts of them good to be honest. I am not the target market and Stephenie Meyer has certainly reignited an interest in reading that I haven’t seen since the Harry Potter books. I enjoyed them more though.
Having said that, I am curious enough to find out what the fate of Bella, Jake (who was always my preference, again contrary to the young people I know) and Edward will be to continue trudging through ’Breaking Dawn’. I think I prefer Jake because I hate the cold and I can’t imagine how someone whose skin felt like cold, hard stone could be remotely appealing.
I have some other books to read and I wonder if I am not making good use of my time by persevering at times.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Not Motivated
Today I’ve achieved nothing. It feels like the first normal day for a month! I had a few things to do, but the Post Office was closed and then I gave up on the list. I’ve watched a few DVDs and just felt lazy and ‘can’t be bothered’. I haven’t even unpacked from my trip to the beach.
My son and his friend both bought ‘Twilight’ today and have read most of the day. I think that book has hooked them into reading almost as the Harry Potter books did. All the kids are reading it. I find it interesting that something comes along like this and suddenly they all want to read! I haven’t yet got my hands on the rest of the books after reading the first one, but I’m sure they will be lying around in abundance after the kids have rapidly consumed them.
I’ve started reading a collection of Stephen King short stories. I haven’t been getting into any of the books I’ve started lately. I’ve tried all kinds of things.
I am out of routine.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
I read this book before school ended because a student insisted I would love it. I am not sure if I was just too busy but I really didn’t get into until the last few chapters. There was not a lot of action I felt. I was unaware of all the hype and that there was a film. I didn’t even know what the series was about.
I only took the book because of continual insistance (nagging) by the student, so that could possibly have caused some unconscious resentment also! I avoid borrowing newish books from students because I am not a careful reader. I read everywhere and prefer a well protected library book.
I have noticed a lot of bloggers have read it and reviewed it favourably so perhaps it was just due to the pressure to read it before the end of the year and my busyness. I think the circumstances that surround you when you read have an impact. What do you think?
Popularity: 7% [?]
Surprise! by Karen Andrews
I got my copy of Surprise! last week. I really enjoyed it (being a big kid at heart). It is a refreshing and beautiful story, that embraces the ‘random acts of kindness’ and connectedness themes. It’s perfect for this season of Christmas.
My daughter, who is studying to be a Primary school teacher also really enjoyed it. I watched her read it and smile. Then, like myself she began rattling off ways to use it in the classroom.
This last week of school, we’ve had no text books. The students hand them in to the second hand sales. They know their reports are already written, so it is sometimes a challenge to keep them engaged in learning. There are also lots of interuptions. This activity kept most of them quite interested.
Last week we read and discussed Christmas stories ranging from different cultures, traditions, films and our own personal stories. I had a huge experience with that, which I will share down the track. This week I read them ‘Surprise!’ They loved it too. They were inspired and it led beautifully to the activity for them; to make a Christmas picture book for younger children to be included in the Christmas Hampers each class puts together for our local Vinnies to distribute to the community. They got a lot of pleasure from making the books and put effort into their work.
‘Surprise’ is written by Karen Andrews and illustrated by Kim Fleming. Karen has self published this book. Her blog Miscellaneous Mum has allowed me to follow her journey to share this gorgeous story with the world.
It’s Karen’s (the author) birthday today. She is 30 years young. Karen is a Sagittarian too! I think the optimism of the sign comes through in this book and I think it is a remarkable accomplishment that will bring joy to many. Happy Birthday Karen and thanks for ‘Surprise!’
Popularity: 11% [?]
Emil and Karl by Yankev Glatshteyn
I read ‘Emil and Karl’ in a day. I forgot to bring a book to one of my reading classes in the library and picked it up and couldn’t put it down… all day! When I checked it out the librarian said she’d found it captivating also and had read it in a day. In all fairness, it is a small book.
‘Emil and Karl’ is set in Vienna in 1939 and is the story of two boys whose parents are taken by the Nazis. It’s well written and has an interesting story in that it was written at the time and is one of the first books to be written about the Holocaust. I think it reveals the most frightening aspect of it, which is how quickly the neighbours and people in these young boys world turn against them in a new climate. To balance this horror it also tells of the brave and courageous strangers who are compelled by human decency to care for them.
The writing is very beautiful. The first scene reveals the bond between Karl and his mother with such clarity and simplicity. It launched me straight into it and I couldn’t leave.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Extras by Scott Westerfeld
The last book I am aware of in Scot Westerfeld’s Uglies series is Extras. A new central character is introduced and Tally arrives part way through the novel to save the day. The world has changed and no longer are standards of beauty imposed and brains numbed to accept it. The currency for this new place is fame or popularity and credit is supplied on the basis of face rank.
It is a very interesting idea when reflecting on the rankings that occur on the Internet currently. The protagonist is a young ugly who plots and lusts after fame and finds the reality of it a bit of a rude shock. Her love interest is a young person whose fame was created from introducing a new clique that has had ‘surge’ to prevent him from lying. The truth and fame create all kinds of complications for them in another fast paced adventure.
I enjoyed this book the most of the series. I recommend this series though not only for the interesting way Scot Westerfeld has taken some of the technologies we have already to further levels, but also for the characters and relationships. Many of my students have enjoyed these books and it is difficult to get the first in the series in our school library.
Popularity: 7% [?]
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