To Kill A Mockingbird

In case you missed it, I'm reading all of the books I should have read in high school but didn't for two reasons:

1) I grew up in a small farming community and my school never required me to read anything.
2) I majored in boys.

For the full list of the books, please read this post.

I'm really glad I started with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee because it is required reading in the 8th grade at the school my kids will attend in a few years.  I feel smarter already!!

In 6 years, I will be prepared to answer questions from my children about the book and to explain certain things about what the world looked like a long time ago; especially in the south.  I've never lived in that part of the country so like them, everything I know is from books or television.

Now that I've read the book, I'm also interested in watching the movie that was released December 25th, 1962 starring Gregory Peck.  Wow, they sure didn't waste any time making it into a movie.   The film won three academy awards:

• Best Actor ~  Gregory Peck
• Best Adapted Screenplay ~ Horton Foote
• Best Art Direction ~ Henry Bunstead, Alexander Golitzen and Oliver Emert

If you are a fan of historical fiction, I think you will enjoy this book.  I had several people tell me it is one of their favorites of all time and I can see why.  I feel a bit like I miss the characters and would like a chance to meet Boo Radley myself!

Have you read To Kill a Mockingbird? What do you like about it?

By the way, the next book I'm reading is A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.

Books I Should Have Read in High School

I was sitting in the school parking lot with my friend Margaret when we started talking about books.  She mentioned a few that she read in high school and I had not.  That got me thinking that there are a lot of books that I have heard about that were not required reading at MY high school.

Near as I can tell, the problem is that I went to school in Greeley, Colorado.  Greeley was a smallish cow town out on the prairie and I think it's possible that they thought we all wouldn't amount to anything so why educate us.  We were all going to just be farmers, clerks at Walmart or truck drivers.

My life long ambition was to get married.  That's night.  I majored in boys!

I'm decided that this can't go on any longer so I'm going to read all of the books that I should have read in high school if I had lived somewhere....like Denver.

Here is the list:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Lee Harper

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

1984 by George Orwell

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Whuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

I'll be starting To Kill a Mockingbird Next week!  If you'd like to join me click here.

The Light Between Oceans

This book has been on my Must Read List for a while now.  I was so excited when my Mom gave it to me that I promptly forgot about it and didn't read it for 3 months. In my defense, I was embroiled in much PTA shenanigans.

As soon as Christmas break began, I picked up the book and had a really hard time putting it down, except that my in laws showed up without warning four days before Christmas and I had to wait on them hand and foot when I was near exhaustion from serving Hot Chocolate to 624 elementary school children.

Finally....they left and I had a whole day to read while my family assembled 8036 LEGOS.

So...I don't know why but lately, I keep reading books that are set in other countries that I'll never ever visit.  I think I love this!

Oh.  The book!  I should tell you what the name of the book is!


The Light Between Oceans!

I don't want to give too much of the book away but you should know that it will pull at your heart strings if you're a mother.  If you've ever had a miscarriage, you'll weep.  If you've ever been curious about lighthouses and living without electricity, you'll love this book.

If you'd like to read this book.  Leave me a comment telling me what your reading goal for 2014 is (mine is 45 books) and I'll pull a winner on WEDNESDAY January 8th.

US residents only, please.

Favorite Children's Book of 2013

My kids read a lot of books.

Every Thursday, they each bring home two books and we also visit the public library frequently.  I love finding books that have just come out and requesting them at the library.  It's always a surprise to them when we walk up to the 'holds' area and there is a book waiting for them.

My favorite book of 2013 is The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt.  I love it so much that I bought a copy for my kids' school and we're donating it to the library when we go back to school in the new year!

Have you ever donated a book to your kids' library?  Did you know that they LOVE it?

October Book Club Selection

The winner of a copy of Mrs. Poe is Brittin!   Congratulations!

I don't know about you but I really enjoyed the last book?  The Aviator's Wife was such a good read and I feel like I learned so much.  It's no secret that I love historical fiction so I was excited to find this next book.

Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen

1845: New York City is a sprawling warren of gaslit streets and crowded avenues, bustling with new immigrants and old money, optimism and opportunity, poverty and crime. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” is all the rage—the success of which a struggling poet like Frances Osgood can only dream. As a mother trying to support two young children after her husband’s cruel betrayal, Frances jumps at the chance to meet the illustrious Mr. Poe at a small literary gathering, if only to help her fledgling career. Although not a great fan of Poe’s writing, she is nonetheless overwhelmed by his magnetic presence— and the surprising revelation that he admires her work. 

What follows is a flirtation, then a seduction, then an illicit affair . . . and with each clandestine encounter, Frances finds herself falling slowly and inexorably under the spell of her mysterious, complicated lover. But when Edgar’s frail wife Virginia insists on befriending Frances as well, the relationship becomes as dark and twisted as one of Poe’s tales. And like those gothic heroines whose fates are forever sealed, Frances begins to fear that deceiving Mrs. Poe may be as impossible as cheating death itself. . . .

Enter to win a copy of Mrs. Poe by Sunday at Midnight!  A Winner will be chosen on Monday morning.  Open to US residents only.


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Fall Reading List

The leaves are turning and my fundraising drive at school is about to come to a close for a few months.  That means more time for the things that I want to do and I want to read!

Here are the books I'm hoping to read in the next 11 weeks.  What is on your winter reading list?

Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

The Light Between Oceans: A Novel

Sisterland: A Novel

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book II: The Hidden Gallery

Bonding with Grandma

When I was growing up, every weekend you'd find me in the living room....sitting on the green couch with a book in one hand and a Pepsi in the other.  I'd read all weekend!

You'd often find my Mom doing the same thing.  We were both vivacious readers and we'd often share books.  Danielle Steel was our favorite back then.

My daughter has caught the reading bug and I was thrilled to see Meghan and her Grandma engrossed in books together.

We're got another reader in the family!

My First Flight and a WINNER

My first airplane ride was with my Dad when I was 10 years old.  He had been working on his pilot's license for two years and I'd spent hour upon hour at the Weld County Airport looking at airplanes and watching him take off and land.

I was his first passenger after he got his license, I remember feeling so small in the big leather seat.  He flew a Cessna 150 back then so I'd crane my neck to see out of the window and down to the earth below.  I love the smell of airplane fuel and my Dad let me help him with the check list.

The best part was when he let me hold the yoke and fly the airplane!  I couldn't believe that I was really flying and I loved every moment of it.  Year later, I'd try to get my pilot's license but I started getting air sick.  I've got a log book with a bunch of take offs but no landings.  

The winner of a copy of The Aviator's Wife is.......

Ricki from Art @ Home!!

August Selection: The Aviator's Wife

I love when I put a book on hold at the library and it comes up quickly for me to read! I've been wanting to read The Aviator's Wife for quite some time now.

 I first read about it in the newspaper one lazy Sunday. I love historical fiction so I thought it might be the perfect book for me.  I'm a couple chapters in....and I realized that THIS is the book I want to pick for the August Book Club selection!

With both of my kids in school all day, it looks like I'm going to have a lot more time to read!  I'm so excited about this that I can barely contain myself.

If you would like to read The Aviator's Wife: A Novel with me, then please leave me a comment telling me when you rode in an airplane for the first time.

I will take entires until Wednesday, August 21st and then a winner will be selected!  Only readers from the US please.  

Eleanor and Park

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.

So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.

I’m not kidding, he says.

You should be, she says, we’re 16.

What about Romeo and Juliet?

Shallow, confused, then dead.

I love you, Park says.

Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.

I’m not kidding, he says.

You should be.

I have to give all of the credit for the selection of this book to Mimi.  She had mentioned it a few months ago and I put it on my list of possible book club selections.  I am so happy that y'all picked this book because I think I love it!

I take that back.  I know that I love it!  I started reading this book a few days after my brother Robert passed away and it was the perfect distraction.  I was able to escape to 1986 for an hour or so each night and savored every page.

In some ways I could relate to Eleanor with her soft, full body and not right clothes.  Being different when you are a teenager is a curse and hard to overcome.  I dang near had a panic attack every time the book found Eleanor in her house with a Mom that wouldn't protect her.  I worried for her and her siblings.

The oasis in Eleanor's life was her relationship with Park and the refuge at his parents house where she was able to see what a real family looks like.  Even thought park and his Dad had their differences, his Dad still loved him and trusted him.

The ending.....left me wanting more.  

Have you read Eleanor and Park?  We've been discussing the book in our facebook group.  Join us!

July Book Club Selection

You've voted and chosen the book for July and it is.....

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell! 

Do you want to win a copy of the book?  

All you have to do is run over to the facebook page and answer the question.

The Winner will be chosen on Monday morning by my kids.  The answer that they like the best is the winner.  Think carefully before you answer!  Good Luck!

Vote for July's Book

I've been devouring books lately.  I love the easy summer days and hours lost in a book!  I may not want my kids to go back to school!

Please come over to the If You Give A Blogger a Book....Club Facebook page and vote for the book for July!

Here are your choices:




I'll be giving away ONE copy of the book on our facebook page.  Stay tuned!

Book Drive at Elitch Gardens

On Friday, June 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., the Denver Public Library and Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park are celebrating Summer of Reading with a book drive and special discounted park admission. Guests who bring a donation of a new children's book to the Reading Rocket Bookmobile at the entrance of Elitch Gardens will receive $12 off Main Gate admission - Elitch Gardens best discount offered - to enjoy a full day of rides and entertainment on June 28. Families will also be able to sign-up for the Summer of Reading program at the Bookmobile parked near Elitch Gardens' Front Gate, as well as on Main Street by the Big Wheel. Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park has proudly partnered with the Denver Public Library for over 20 years. Each year, Elitch Gardens generously donates more than 20,000 free admission tickets, which are given as one of the many prizes families can earn throughout the Summer of Reading program. DETAILS What:             Denver Public Library's Summer of Reading Book Drive Where:           Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park                       2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, CO 80204 When:            Friday, June 28, 2012 Event Time:   10 a.m. - 3 p.m.                       Park is open until 8 p.m. URL:               www.summerofreading.org                        www.elitchgardens.com  About Summer of Reading Denver Public Library's Summer of Reading Program provides free summer activities, suggestions for summer reading, and cool incentives for all ages. It's a fun and easy way to incorporate reading and related activities into summer family time. Visit us at summerofreading.org or any of our 25 locations to learn more. About Elitch Gardens Elitch Gardens is America's only Downtown Theme and Water Park. Since 1890, visitors have been creating memories worth repeating right in the heart of Denver. The park is open May 4 through October 27 with 53 rides, live entertainment, thrilling roller coasters, and an entire water park. Guests can enjoy all the rides, slides and shows at Elitch Gardens, all season long, with an Economy Season Pass now available for $79.99 or a Premium Season Pass for just $89.99 including added perks like free Season Parking and three free tickets for friends. Visit elitchgardens.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

School Summer Reading Program

I think I was a Librarian in another life.

A strange calm comes over me whenever I'm in a book store or library and I become giddy when I buy a new book.  The feeling I can't seem to control is my urgency to finish a book so that I can move on the next one.  So many books!  So little time!

I need to find a job where I read for a living.  Oh wait...I already have that job.  What I meant was, I need to find a paying job that lets me read.  That's a dream job right there!

Several months ago, I discovered that the Summer Learning Chair in my PTA was vacant. I know first hand how important it is to keep the kids engaged over the summer.  The Summer Slide is a real problem and I could see it being an even bigger problem in our extremely rigorous school.  The kids work so hard all school year, it'd be a shame for them to lose ground over the summer.

I formed a committee of other Kindergarten Moms that are as passionate about our school as I am.  We planned a number of things...the sale of Summer Bridge Books, Summer Field Trips and my favorite part; a Summer Reading Program!

We picked a theme: Books Are a Hidden Treasure.  This theme for our first Summer Reading Program was special to me because our principal calls our kids treasures, so it seemed appropriate.  I had posters made and I was so excited when I found a pirate cut out that looks remarkably like our principal!  The kids loved having their pictures taken with Pirate Curtis.

Students were asked to sign up for the reading program by filling out a slip and returning it to the office.  When they did this they would receive a packet that contains a reading log, a suggested reading list compiled by their teacher, the PTA and the librarian, a pencil, bookmark, gold coin and a sticker.  All of the goodies and bags were purchased at Oriental Trading Co.

Students are asked to track their daily minutes of reading on their log (K-3rd grade can count minutes of being read to by an adult).  They can also log their weekly minutes on the PTA website and having a friendly competition with their classmates!  Students that turn in their completed log sheets during the first week of school will be invited to an ice cream party during school and will be eligible for a drawing to win a Kindle.  Top readers in each grade will win Barnes and Noble gift cards.

I was so excited when 245 students signed up for our reading program!  I loved delivering the pirate bags and hearing the kids so happy about what was in their goodie bag.  I hope it encourages them to read all summer and turn in their logs.

I think I'll dress up like a pirate for the ice cream party!

Does your school have a Summer Reading Program?

On Hold: Children's Summer Reading List

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Yesterday was our first day of Summer Vacation!

No more pencils no more booksNo more teacher's dirty looksOut for summerOut till fallWe might not come back at allSchool's out foreverSchool's out for summerSchool's out with feverSchool's out completely

My son's teacher made a slide show that we watched in the classroom for Kindergarten Graduation and she used the Alice Cooper song in it.  You've got to love a teacher that does that!  It was also funny to see how many of us 'older parents' knew all of the words and sang along! 

My kids and I spent our first day of break at the book store picking out a few books.  My son is obsessed with Annie and Jack so we got two more of those and I found a cool book that I we'll read during storytime (4pm each day).  

What?  You don't have story time at your house?  Why not?

Here are a few books that we're checking out from the library this summer!



The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt (Released June 27, 2013)

The Dark by Lemony Snicket

Again! by Emily Gravett

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani (for story time)

What do you have Oh Hold at the library this summer?

Connie's Summer Reading List 2013

The kids are out of school in less than two weeks and that means....Mommy gets a break!  I love summer.  We don't plan a ton of stuff, instead we take it easy and do fun things around the house and swim a lot.

My favorite thing to do in the summer is read.  The patio is my favorite spot, with an icy cold beverage and a book.  This year, I won't have quite as much time, because I'll be planning for the next school year and we're going on an 11 day vacation to California.

There are 11 weeks of summer vacation!  I'm picking 8 books to read....I'm confident that I can accomplish this, and it will encourage my kids to read too.

I created the Summer Reading Program at my kids' school this year so I'd really like them to make me look good and read as much as they can.

What are you reading this summer?

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

 

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table by Shauna Niequist

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

The Tao of Martha: My Year of LIVING; Or, Why I'm Never Getting All That Glitter Off of the Dog by Jen Lancaster

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

April Book Club: The Kitchen House

I've made this announcement on facebook and twitter but if you missed it......

Congratulations to Christina and Jen for winning a copy of The Kitchen House!

Thank you to everyone that entered and tweeted our giveaway.  I have good news for you.

The Kitchen House is available on Kindle right now for $5.83!  Please consider purchasing the book and joining the book club this month.

You can find it here.




 We will begin discussing the book on May 1st!  Don't forget to join our facebook group.

April Book Club Selection

Hey Y'all!

I've been to Texas recently and now I'm craving Bar Bee Q and talking with a drawl. My kids got stick horses and cowboy hats and they are calling everyone partner!

Thank you to everyone that voted for our next book club selection!  The book that had the most books was....The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom.

I will be giving away TWO copies of this book so please leave a message telling me what you did for Spring Break this year. Contest ends on Friday, April 5th.  Entry today!



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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

“Dear God," she prayed, "let me be something every minute of every hour of my life. Let me be gay; let me be sad. Let me be cold; let me be warm. Let me be hungry...have too much to eat. Let me be ragged or well dressed. Let me be sincere - be deceitful. Let me be truthful; let me be a liar. Let me be honorable and let me sin. Only let me be something every blessed minute. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost.” 
― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn


Books like this are why I love historical fiction. I love the story telling of a time so long ago, the hardships and fears that made our ancestors so strong and resilient. 

Francie broke my heart and made me yearn for something more for her. I wanted so desperately for her to get a break. No matter what came her way, she found a way to make her circumstances better. I love that her most prized possession was her education and the lengths she went to to make it successful. She excelled at everything she tried and put all of her heart into it. 

Now that the book is over, I miss her and wonder what she's doing. Is there a sequel to this book? I wish there was.....



“From that time on, the world was hers for the reading. She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood. There was poetry for quiet companionship. There was adventure when she tired of quiet hours. There would be love stories when she came into adolescence and when she wanted to feel a closeness to someone she could read a biography. On that day when she first knew she could read, she made a vow to read one book a day as long as she lived.” 
― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Must Read List

So many books.....so little time!

My must read book list continues to grow and picking one for the book club is becoming harder and harder for me and Mimi.

Which means we need YOUR help picking our next book.  We need YOU to give us recommendations.  What books are on your must read list?  Is there a classic that you haven't tackled yet?  A new best seller that everyone is reading?  Tell us!

We'll pick a couple from the comments and we'll each pick one from our list and then we need YOU to vote for our next book.

Let's hear it?  What are you excited to read?