By Shirley Li
What should I choose to read next? I'm halfway through The Bourne Identity and feel I need a change in genre, perhaps to one I don't usually read. A mystery sounds good even though I was never a huge fan of the Nancy Drew series or any of those detective books. On the other hand, there's hundreds of genres that I haven't had the chance to read much from yet.
My point is this - I want to move away from the typical types of books that I usually slide off of the shelves. Any suggestions? Whether they are autobiographies or "light", easy and quick to read novels, I would really appreciate some suggestions. Following Bourne's character around makes my head swim with facts and subtle details that I have to struggle keep up with, Everyone Worth Knowing bored me, and 1984 was just plain confusing until the end, so a lighter read sounds good.
It's not just the genre that I'm interested in, though. I'm big on how real the characters feel to me and should stress the fact that they should continue to develop throughout the story. Not only that, but the plot should be understandable yet unpredictable and interesting. The books that I tend to read more than once, often fulfill these expectations.
Also, as I have said before, I need to stray away from the action/thriller, chick-lit, classic, and "On the New York Times Bestseller list for..." books I've been reading the past few months... any suggestions?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Books I Want to Read by Jamie Farber
Books I Want to Read - A Blog
By Jamie Farber
Ever since the new “freedom of choice” summer reading program, I have realized that I actually enjoy reading. This is especially the case if there isn't homework attached to reading the book. Reading a book just for the sake of reading allows me the freedom to analyze as much or as little as I want, and eliminates the anxiety of worrying if I have the "right" answers the teacher expects. Unfortunately, due to homework, college applications, work, and other restraints, I don't have a lot of time to read - even though I've found myself stealing moments when possible. That's why I've decided to keep a list of future reads - the following is a list of the books I would like to read on my own time when I get the chance.
1 – Night by Elie Wiesel – This is an autobiography about the author’s experiences as a young Jewish person during the Holocaust.
2 – Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – This is a story about a woman and man who meet unexpectedly and spend time together driving to Tennessee.
3 – Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld – Prep is a story about a girl who goes to private school for the very first time. Also, the many intricate relationships that form between the girl and teachers, friends, and boyfriends are discussed.
4 – Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold – I am currently reading Alice Sebold’s Lucky and it is such an interesting book that I want to read another one of Sebold’s novels when I finish Lucky. Lovely Bones is a mystery about a murder that takes place and leaves the reader guessing to answer questions like why the character was killed and who murdered her.
5 – The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – I know that this story takes place in Afghanistan and I really think it would open my eyes to a different culture. Also, several teachers and friends have recommended this book to me!
6 – My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult – This is a story about a girl whose main purpose in life is to keep her older sister alive. Her parents only gave birth to her to serve as a donor to their other daughter - her sick sister. The book sounds interesting because it poses the question of “how far is too far?” in terms of distressing the life of one to save the life of another.
7 – The Pact by Jodi Picoult – In this story, a boy is accused of killing his girlfriend. It's told through the trial and details the affects that the accusation has on the two families, who used to be friends.
8 – High Fidelity by Nick Hornby – All I know about this story is that it has to do with music and “top five” lists. Since I am really interested in music, I figure I should at least start the book because I might really enjoy it.
9 – Dear Zoe, by Philip Beard – Originally, I was excited about reading this story, but after hearing a little about it from my sister, it sounds a lot like another book I read over the summer, The Usual Rules. Both books involve the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the impact that death has on the remaining family members, except that in Dear Zoe, the character dies in a hit-and-run car accident, not in the twin towers. Right now, I’m just not sure if I really want to read it anymore but I'll keep it on my list.
10 – The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie – I’ve read Agatha Christie’s mysteries before and they are always good. In this story, three people are found dead ; their letters are A, B, and C, in order of when they were found. Throughout the story, the reader tries to solve the murder mystery and prevent the next person (D) from being killed.
11 – My Brother’s Image by E. Pogany – This story is about two brothers who are born Jewish but raised Catholic during World War II. One brother becomes a priest and the other continues to follow his Jewish faith. I think this book would enlighten me on the differences between the two religions.
By Jamie Farber
Ever since the new “freedom of choice” summer reading program, I have realized that I actually enjoy reading. This is especially the case if there isn't homework attached to reading the book. Reading a book just for the sake of reading allows me the freedom to analyze as much or as little as I want, and eliminates the anxiety of worrying if I have the "right" answers the teacher expects. Unfortunately, due to homework, college applications, work, and other restraints, I don't have a lot of time to read - even though I've found myself stealing moments when possible. That's why I've decided to keep a list of future reads - the following is a list of the books I would like to read on my own time when I get the chance.
1 – Night by Elie Wiesel – This is an autobiography about the author’s experiences as a young Jewish person during the Holocaust.
2 – Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – This is a story about a woman and man who meet unexpectedly and spend time together driving to Tennessee.
3 – Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld – Prep is a story about a girl who goes to private school for the very first time. Also, the many intricate relationships that form between the girl and teachers, friends, and boyfriends are discussed.
4 – Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold – I am currently reading Alice Sebold’s Lucky and it is such an interesting book that I want to read another one of Sebold’s novels when I finish Lucky. Lovely Bones is a mystery about a murder that takes place and leaves the reader guessing to answer questions like why the character was killed and who murdered her.
5 – The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – I know that this story takes place in Afghanistan and I really think it would open my eyes to a different culture. Also, several teachers and friends have recommended this book to me!
6 – My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult – This is a story about a girl whose main purpose in life is to keep her older sister alive. Her parents only gave birth to her to serve as a donor to their other daughter - her sick sister. The book sounds interesting because it poses the question of “how far is too far?” in terms of distressing the life of one to save the life of another.
7 – The Pact by Jodi Picoult – In this story, a boy is accused of killing his girlfriend. It's told through the trial and details the affects that the accusation has on the two families, who used to be friends.
8 – High Fidelity by Nick Hornby – All I know about this story is that it has to do with music and “top five” lists. Since I am really interested in music, I figure I should at least start the book because I might really enjoy it.
9 – Dear Zoe, by Philip Beard – Originally, I was excited about reading this story, but after hearing a little about it from my sister, it sounds a lot like another book I read over the summer, The Usual Rules. Both books involve the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the impact that death has on the remaining family members, except that in Dear Zoe, the character dies in a hit-and-run car accident, not in the twin towers. Right now, I’m just not sure if I really want to read it anymore but I'll keep it on my list.
10 – The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie – I’ve read Agatha Christie’s mysteries before and they are always good. In this story, three people are found dead ; their letters are A, B, and C, in order of when they were found. Throughout the story, the reader tries to solve the murder mystery and prevent the next person (D) from being killed.
11 – My Brother’s Image by E. Pogany – This story is about two brothers who are born Jewish but raised Catholic during World War II. One brother becomes a priest and the other continues to follow his Jewish faith. I think this book would enlighten me on the differences between the two religions.
A Time to Kill by John Grisham
A Time to Kill by John Grisham
Reviewed by Anthony Rossi
I am still continuing to read the story A Time To Kill by John Grisham and I must admit, it's probably one of the best books I have ever read. Currently, I am on page 313 and plan to finish the book this weekend in hopes of presenting my classroom Book Talk on Monday. Almost every person I've spoken with who has read the book has given me positive feedback and also recommends that I watch the movie when I finish reading the book. I'm going to due just that, even though I can already picture the fictional characters in my mind, based solely on details from the story. Except for one, that is - I can only imagine Carl Lee portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson... that's probably because I keep seeing Jackson's face on the cover of my book. Plus, I admit to reading about Jackson's roll as Carl Lee in online movie reviews!
My predictions for the story are as follows: I think Carl Lee will not be convicted of capital murder for murdering the guys who killed his daughter, but will instead face a sentencing for accidentally shooting the leg off of DeWayne Looney, a peace keeping officer who got caught up in the crossfire. In addition, I predict that Carl Lee's lawyer, Jake, will become famous from this case - just as he hoped - and will gain many more clients to defend.
I must admit, however, that there are times in the story I feel the action and plot sequences could move faster and at times it bothers me that the author stresses details that the reader became aware of chapters back. That gives me another reason as to why I want to watch the movie when I finish reading this book - so I can compare which details the director decided to focus on and which details he chose to omit. I'm interested in seeing if the director's choices change the mood of the story evoked by the writer's words.
After reading this book, I hope I can read another book and do another book review. However, the first marking period is coming to an end, so I am not sure if I will be able to be finish another book in time to share with the class. As a result, I am looking into reading some essays, ones long enough to be informative and interesting for the whole class to learn about.
Reviewed by Anthony Rossi
I am still continuing to read the story A Time To Kill by John Grisham and I must admit, it's probably one of the best books I have ever read. Currently, I am on page 313 and plan to finish the book this weekend in hopes of presenting my classroom Book Talk on Monday. Almost every person I've spoken with who has read the book has given me positive feedback and also recommends that I watch the movie when I finish reading the book. I'm going to due just that, even though I can already picture the fictional characters in my mind, based solely on details from the story. Except for one, that is - I can only imagine Carl Lee portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson... that's probably because I keep seeing Jackson's face on the cover of my book. Plus, I admit to reading about Jackson's roll as Carl Lee in online movie reviews!
My predictions for the story are as follows: I think Carl Lee will not be convicted of capital murder for murdering the guys who killed his daughter, but will instead face a sentencing for accidentally shooting the leg off of DeWayne Looney, a peace keeping officer who got caught up in the crossfire. In addition, I predict that Carl Lee's lawyer, Jake, will become famous from this case - just as he hoped - and will gain many more clients to defend.
I must admit, however, that there are times in the story I feel the action and plot sequences could move faster and at times it bothers me that the author stresses details that the reader became aware of chapters back. That gives me another reason as to why I want to watch the movie when I finish reading this book - so I can compare which details the director decided to focus on and which details he chose to omit. I'm interested in seeing if the director's choices change the mood of the story evoked by the writer's words.
After reading this book, I hope I can read another book and do another book review. However, the first marking period is coming to an end, so I am not sure if I will be able to be finish another book in time to share with the class. As a result, I am looking into reading some essays, ones long enough to be informative and interesting for the whole class to learn about.
ESPN Magazine Article Review
By Michael Ignasiak
I recently read an article in ESPN Magazine entitled "Happiness is a Warm Gun". The article is about a football player named Tank Johnson who found himself in a bit of a predicament last football season when he was sent to jail for violating parole and possession of guns. One of the most talented defensive tackles in the NFL, Johnson was released by the Chicago Bears due to his bad record and subsequently picked up by the Dallas Cowboys. Now trying to start over, Tank Johnson is getting a chance to play ball for a great team, a team that happens to have one of the best defensive lineups in the NFL. A well written story, the ESPN magazine article was packed full of interesting details and shed light on one of the NFL's most controversial characters.
ESPN Magazine is my favorite magazine - not just because each month it contains numerous sports articles to satisfy even the most avid sports fan, but because those articles are well written and provide factual information about the most pressing issues in the sports world today. If you are a sports fan who normally steers clear of reading, give ESPN Magazine a try, you'll be surprised at what a good job it does going "Outside the Lines"*.
* Outside the Lines is one of ESPN's sports talk television broadcasts
I recently read an article in ESPN Magazine entitled "Happiness is a Warm Gun". The article is about a football player named Tank Johnson who found himself in a bit of a predicament last football season when he was sent to jail for violating parole and possession of guns. One of the most talented defensive tackles in the NFL, Johnson was released by the Chicago Bears due to his bad record and subsequently picked up by the Dallas Cowboys. Now trying to start over, Tank Johnson is getting a chance to play ball for a great team, a team that happens to have one of the best defensive lineups in the NFL. A well written story, the ESPN magazine article was packed full of interesting details and shed light on one of the NFL's most controversial characters.
ESPN Magazine is my favorite magazine - not just because each month it contains numerous sports articles to satisfy even the most avid sports fan, but because those articles are well written and provide factual information about the most pressing issues in the sports world today. If you are a sports fan who normally steers clear of reading, give ESPN Magazine a try, you'll be surprised at what a good job it does going "Outside the Lines"*.
* Outside the Lines is one of ESPN's sports talk television broadcasts
The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard
The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard
Review by Jamie Farber
The flyer reads, “Last seen on her way to… Tower 1… eighty-seventh floor. Brown hair, hazel eyes… Any information at all,” but this flyer is no different than the other bulletins in the city posted by people searching for their missing loved ones (Maynard 41).
Thirteen-year-old Wendy, her step-father, Josh, and her half-brother, Louie, are torn apart by the news of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, especially since Wendy’s mother works in one of towers. After a stagnant seven-week period since her mother’s “disappearance,” Wendy comes to the realization that her mother is no longer “missing,” but instead dead, like the majority of the missing victims of the attacks.
It is at this point in the novel that Wendy is faced with a tough decision: continue to live with Josh and Louie during this critical time of emotional healing or move miles away to live with her “real” father who abandoned her years ago. After much soul searching, she decides to visit her father, Garrett, in California.
Attempting to cope with the death of her mother while living far away from her remaining East coast family and friends, Wendy skips school, wanders the city, and befriends a kind bookstore owner. More importantly, however, during this time in California she realizes that her “real” father is not Garrett, her birth-father; instead, she finally makes the connection that her stepfather Josh owns that role and it's Josh and her brother whom she needs in order to navigate through the tough times after her mother’s death. Remaining in California, however, by the end of the school year, Wendy manages to forge a stronger relationship with Garrett while gaining a better understanding of the family dynamics between her, Josh and Louie back home in New York.
The character Wendy in The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard is a personable girl in a realistic plot about coping with death. Throughout the novel, Maynard's writing style allows the reader to easily identify with the struggles in Wendy’s life. Maynard successfully allows the two settings of the story, Brooklyn and California, to reveal the many interesting characters who influence Wendy and who help her most in her time of need.
Review by Jamie Farber
The flyer reads, “Last seen on her way to… Tower 1… eighty-seventh floor. Brown hair, hazel eyes… Any information at all,” but this flyer is no different than the other bulletins in the city posted by people searching for their missing loved ones (Maynard 41).
Thirteen-year-old Wendy, her step-father, Josh, and her half-brother, Louie, are torn apart by the news of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, especially since Wendy’s mother works in one of towers. After a stagnant seven-week period since her mother’s “disappearance,” Wendy comes to the realization that her mother is no longer “missing,” but instead dead, like the majority of the missing victims of the attacks.
It is at this point in the novel that Wendy is faced with a tough decision: continue to live with Josh and Louie during this critical time of emotional healing or move miles away to live with her “real” father who abandoned her years ago. After much soul searching, she decides to visit her father, Garrett, in California.
Attempting to cope with the death of her mother while living far away from her remaining East coast family and friends, Wendy skips school, wanders the city, and befriends a kind bookstore owner. More importantly, however, during this time in California she realizes that her “real” father is not Garrett, her birth-father; instead, she finally makes the connection that her stepfather Josh owns that role and it's Josh and her brother whom she needs in order to navigate through the tough times after her mother’s death. Remaining in California, however, by the end of the school year, Wendy manages to forge a stronger relationship with Garrett while gaining a better understanding of the family dynamics between her, Josh and Louie back home in New York.
The character Wendy in The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard is a personable girl in a realistic plot about coping with death. Throughout the novel, Maynard's writing style allows the reader to easily identify with the struggles in Wendy’s life. Maynard successfully allows the two settings of the story, Brooklyn and California, to reveal the many interesting characters who influence Wendy and who help her most in her time of need.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Reviewed by Sumedha Guha
I have tried reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin many times. I always stopped, though, and never made it very far. The first time put it down, it was because I couldn't understand the language. The second time, it was because I started another book (because I didn't have this one with me) and was side tracked and never got back to it. The third time I stopped reading, however, was because of Mrs. Bennett - she annoyed me so much I put down the novel in frustration!
Well, I'm trying again. This time, I was inspired because I just saw the movie (the newest version) a few days ago and I decided to give it another go. Fortunately, this time I'm really getting into it. Pride and Prejudice is about a girl named Elizabeth Bennett, who goes by Lizzie, living in the eighteenth century. One day, Mr. Bingley, a rich bachelor, along with his sisters and his best friend, Mr. Darcy arrive in Lizzie's town. Mr. Bingley falls in love with Jane, who is Lizzie's eldest and closest sister and that's where the fun begins.
Admittedly, I haven't gotten too far - I am up to the part right after Jane and Bingley fall in love, the part where Mr. Darcy starts taking an interest in Lizzie. While I'm reading, I keep picturing the actors from the movie as the characters. Well, except for Mr. Darcy, who I envision as Colin Firth because of the six hour television version of Pride and Prejudice and who also acted in the film version of Bridget Jones' Diary in the role of Mark Darcy. I can't tell if the character casting going on in my head is good thing or not yet, but I do really like the book this time and think I might finally finish it!
Reviewed by Sumedha Guha
I have tried reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin many times. I always stopped, though, and never made it very far. The first time put it down, it was because I couldn't understand the language. The second time, it was because I started another book (because I didn't have this one with me) and was side tracked and never got back to it. The third time I stopped reading, however, was because of Mrs. Bennett - she annoyed me so much I put down the novel in frustration!
Well, I'm trying again. This time, I was inspired because I just saw the movie (the newest version) a few days ago and I decided to give it another go. Fortunately, this time I'm really getting into it. Pride and Prejudice is about a girl named Elizabeth Bennett, who goes by Lizzie, living in the eighteenth century. One day, Mr. Bingley, a rich bachelor, along with his sisters and his best friend, Mr. Darcy arrive in Lizzie's town. Mr. Bingley falls in love with Jane, who is Lizzie's eldest and closest sister and that's where the fun begins.
Admittedly, I haven't gotten too far - I am up to the part right after Jane and Bingley fall in love, the part where Mr. Darcy starts taking an interest in Lizzie. While I'm reading, I keep picturing the actors from the movie as the characters. Well, except for Mr. Darcy, who I envision as Colin Firth because of the six hour television version of Pride and Prejudice and who also acted in the film version of Bridget Jones' Diary in the role of Mark Darcy. I can't tell if the character casting going on in my head is good thing or not yet, but I do really like the book this time and think I might finally finish it!
What to read to succeed...
What to Read to Succeed in the World of Business - Three Books to Get Your Business Going
By Eric Revich
Business ethics play a huge role in the success of any company and I am here to tell you which books you should read to learn how to successfully navigate through the vast world of business ethics.
Fish will change the way you think. No, I am not talking about the one that swims though water, I am talking instead about the widely popular book. Let’s face it - “People are dying to bring their passionate, authentic selves to their jobs”, however their jobs won’t let them. According to this book, passion is the key component for success. Whether you are a stockbroker or a high school student, if you don’t show passion you will not succeed. Most organizations are based on the successes of its individuals. What if there was a way for people to show their true, passionate selves in their work environment and still maintain a controlled workplace? Well, the novel Fish may explain just how to do that.
To stay competitive in the business world, you must play Hardball. This book tackles the struggles of competing against other companies and reveals strategies that can help you “win the game.” There is no compassion in the world of business, so clever strategies must be employed to beat the competition. Hardball focuses on looking back on the great businessman of the past in order to stay ahead of the competition of tomorrow. The book examines the clever tactics of great men such as Henry Ford and William Carnegie. If you’re looking to compete in the business world and want to study models of success, then pick up this book.
Many companies fail, but there are ways you can prevent this from happening to yours. The book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't takes an interesting look into why some companies become successful and others just flat out fail. This book states that neither technology nor CEO’s are the sole reason for the success of a company; instead, it's the people who work for the company that drive its success. If the employees have a good work ethic and talent, then a company can go far.
If you are looking to someday start a company, or perhaps you're already running your own small business, then look into buying any of these books. They are great reads to get a sense of what it takes to have a successful business.
By Eric Revich
Business ethics play a huge role in the success of any company and I am here to tell you which books you should read to learn how to successfully navigate through the vast world of business ethics.
Fish will change the way you think. No, I am not talking about the one that swims though water, I am talking instead about the widely popular book. Let’s face it - “People are dying to bring their passionate, authentic selves to their jobs”, however their jobs won’t let them. According to this book, passion is the key component for success. Whether you are a stockbroker or a high school student, if you don’t show passion you will not succeed. Most organizations are based on the successes of its individuals. What if there was a way for people to show their true, passionate selves in their work environment and still maintain a controlled workplace? Well, the novel Fish may explain just how to do that.
To stay competitive in the business world, you must play Hardball. This book tackles the struggles of competing against other companies and reveals strategies that can help you “win the game.” There is no compassion in the world of business, so clever strategies must be employed to beat the competition. Hardball focuses on looking back on the great businessman of the past in order to stay ahead of the competition of tomorrow. The book examines the clever tactics of great men such as Henry Ford and William Carnegie. If you’re looking to compete in the business world and want to study models of success, then pick up this book.
Many companies fail, but there are ways you can prevent this from happening to yours. The book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't takes an interesting look into why some companies become successful and others just flat out fail. This book states that neither technology nor CEO’s are the sole reason for the success of a company; instead, it's the people who work for the company that drive its success. If the employees have a good work ethic and talent, then a company can go far.
If you are looking to someday start a company, or perhaps you're already running your own small business, then look into buying any of these books. They are great reads to get a sense of what it takes to have a successful business.
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