“Oai deki te ureshii desu” (How are you today, beautiful?)

“The Best Book Club Ever” February read was, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford. Our group met for dinner last night and had a first-rate discussion of the novel.  This month since it was my book choice, I was compelled to research the subject of the Japanese Internment Camps since it played a main factor in the book. I felt it was important to discuss the fear which gripped the country after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States entrance into World War II.  I also brought along two books of interest, Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston & James D. Houston. It is the true story of a Japanese American family interred at the Manzanar camp. The other book is a children’s book which I read to students, Baseball Saved Us, by Ken Mochizuki. This is a fictional account of how a young boy finds something to look forward to during his time at an internment camp. Interestingly enough I found out the author’s parents were at the Minidoka internment camp in Idaho which is the same camp that one of the main characters, Keiko Okabe, and her family were sent to live.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet contains many elements which make it an excellent choice for book clubs to talk about. We were of the same opinion that cultural diversity and prejudices and loyalties were at the heart of Ford’s book.  The story is told from the past and the present. It alternates from Henry as a 56-year-old to Henry as a 12-year-old boy living in Seattle at the time of World War II. It revolves around Henry Lee, who is Chinese and his friendship with a Japanese girl, Keiko Okabe. It’s a story of young love and the lengths one will go for it.

It was informative as to the pride of the Chinese and how it played an important role in the book. Henry’s relationship with his father was a component of the novel we probably addressed throughout the evening because as the book proceeds to the present, the reader learns of Henry’s relationship with his own son, Marty.

Music, in particular, jazz, plays an integral ingredient as well. Henry becomes friends with jazz musician, Sheldon Thomas, which in turn introduces Henry as well as Keiko, to the music of Oscar Holden and the song, “The Alley Cat Strut.” The 78” record of this song we all felt was very symbolic also.

The Panama Hotel seemed to be a character in itself throughout the book.  Our group felt this is where “the bitter and the sweet” converged from beginning to the end.

We all agreed our favorite quote from the book, referring to Henry’s father, was, “His father had said once that the hardest choices in life aren’t between what’s right and wrong but between what’s right and what’s best.” (p. 204) Without giving anything away, we liked it because it too many of us, it was the heart of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

It’s my hope you will also find this story as moving as I did. Domo! (Thank you!)

A Worthy Cause: The Inbound Marketing Book Charity Challenge!

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!—When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” – Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)

One of my favorite quotes as a librarian! If you are an avid reader, how important it is to have our own collection of books! I’m sure many of you, like me, when you were growing up, frequented your local public library.  How lucky we were and still are to have a local public library, I suppose we take it for granted. On the other hand, there are places where such things just don’t exist.

Yesterday, my daughter, Sarah Evans, told me about a cause which she knew I would be quite interested in. It is, “The Inbound Marketing Book Charity Challenge”. In conjunction with the popularity of their new book, Inbound Marketing, authors, Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah were inspired by the Room to Read organization. Their mission is to boost literacy throughout the world by delivering books to countries in need.  Halligan and Shah would like to raise $12,000.00 to establish three libraries in emergent countries with your help.  Here’s what you can do to lend a hand.

Please tweet about the article: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5629/The-Inbound-Marketing-Book-Charity-Challenge-Please-RT.aspx and persuade other people to tweet as well.

There is also of list of VIP’s at the mentioned site which you are encouraged to request them to tweet about the challenge.

The deadline for the challenge is, Midnight Sunday, February 28^th, 2010.

Kindle tip #2

Are you an educator using the Amazon Kindle at your school or investigating the possible uses of the Amazon Kindle? If you haven’t discovered the Kindle website, Edukindle, a Kindle Educators Group created by Will DeLamater. Will is a former teacher and principal. He first started the blog, and the Ning as a result of his original site.  At the site there are forums, blog posts, e-book news, and the ability to connect with educators.

As I began to research the possibility of developing a Kindle program for our middle school, DeLamater was an excellent resource person for me! He would always respond promptly to all of my questions. Without his help and expertise our program would not be as successful as it is today. I’m quite excited to say our program will be growing by leaps and bounds for the upcoming school year!

New Books of Interest!

One of the favorite aspects of being a librarian is I’m able to read many book reviews from several sources. I’ve gathered several I’d like to feature today. I’ve not read them yet, but the reviews sparked an interest for me. One title in particular is of importance to me personally, Radium Halos: A Novel About the Radium Dial Painters, by Shelley Stout, because I had two relatives who actually were radium dial painters in Ottawa, Illinois. The titles listed below range from adult to children’s books both fiction and non-fiction. To read more about these books I’ve linked them to www.Goodreads.com

Happy Reading!

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, by Seth Grahame-Smith will be released in March.

Ashes, by Kathryn Lasky

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, by Heidi W. Durrow

The Highly Effective Detective Plays the Fool, by Richard Yancy will be released in March.

Imperfect Birds, by Anne Lamott will be released in April.

Love in Translation, by Wendy Tokunaga

Radium Halos: A Novel About the Radium Dial Painters, by Shelley Stout

Stink: Solar System Superhero (Book 5), Megan McDonald will be released in March.

This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All, by Marilyn Johnson

A Superb Book to Read: Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman

A Superb Book to Read: Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman

I first heard of this book via Twitter. After reading a few reviews I knew this book was one I definitely had to read! Amazon compared it to “Steel Magnolias meets The Help!” That comment sold me as well. The author, Beth Hoffman, shares a CeeCee Honeycutt’s young life story with us and it’s one you won’t easily forget! You will laugh, cry, and be awestruck by what CeeCee has to endure as young girl of twelve.

CeeCee is caring for her mother, Camille, who is mentally unstable and the laughing stock of the town. Her father cannot handle the difficulties Camille’s illness so he is absent much of the time. Just when you think CeeCee can bear no more, her mother is killed by an oncoming truck as she crosses the street.

Enter, CeeCee’s great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell, to take her to live with her in Savannah, Georgia. During her summer in Savannah, CeeCee’s life is suddenly transformed for the good. There are many women who enter her life, for one, Tootie’s wise housekeeper, Oletta Jones, who becomes a friend and confidant to CeeCee.  She decides early on which of Tootie’s unusual neighbors, Thelma Rae Goodpepper and Violene Hobbs, is trustworthy and enjoyable and which one is prejudicial and unpleasant. CeeCee has lost her mother, but through this loss, gains a wealth of love from some wonderful women! I must say, I laughed until I cried, while I read one particular episode in the book! I won’t give it away but it has to do with a camera and a brassiere –hilarious!!!

You will be touched and affected by CeeCee’s innermost thoughts, her favorite books, feelings, opinions, and most of all her, “Life Book!”  My favorite quote from the book: “Life is full of change, honey. That’s how we learn and grow. When we’re born, the Good Lord gives each of us a Life Book. Chapter by chapter, we live and learn.” (Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, Beth Hoffman)

Thank you Beth Hoffman for sharing a part of CeeCee’s  life with us!

Two books for you…

Today I’d like to feature two books which would be excellent read-alouds for your students or children in grades Kindergarten through 3^rd grade. One of my favorite parts of my job as a school librarian is to see the excitement in the eyes of the students as I read to them each week. So many times I’ll tell the students, “this is one of my favorite books,” which they always seem to respond, “Mrs. Parker, they are all your favorite books!” I explain if I didn’t love a book I wouldn’t enjoy reading it over and over again and some books I’ve read aloud for the past 33 years! They must be wonderful book then!

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly, by Alan Madison and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, is a delightful read-aloud for children! It is one of this year’s, Illinois Monarch Nominee Books! Velma is the youngest of 3 sisters. When each of her two older sisters was in first grade they both shined in different areas. One excelled at singing and the other one excelled at running. Now that Velma is in first grade, she too wants to be great at something but she goes about it the wrong way at first until she discovers it through a monarch butterfly! The third-grade students whom I read this to enjoyed it tremendously since they had recently learned about butterflies and many of the terms used in the story. It was quite funny how Velma heard and pronounced such words as, “migration” but to her it sounded like, “my-gray-sun!

Chicks and Salsa, by Aaron Reynolds Chicks and Salsa, by Aaron Reynolds, is another Illinois Monarch Nominee Book. The Kindergarten students were hungry for Mexican food once the story was finished! The chicks along with a few other barnyard critters are tired of eating the same old food on Nuthatcher Farm. The rooster discovers a way to change it and the fun & food begin! By the end of the book you’ll be planning a Mexican meal and shouting, “ole!!”

Meeting Melanie Benjamin, author of “Alice I Have Been”

As I child I loved watching Disney’s, “Alice in Wonderland.” I was quite fascinated by the characters Alice meets on her journey. Eventually I read, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Little did I realize as I read this delightful tale there actually had been a real life Alice whom Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) based his story on.

Recently I was fortunate enough to attend Melanie Benjamin’s book signing and launch party in January at Anderson’s Book Shop, in Naperville, IL. Her new novel, Alice I Have Been, is the fictional account of Alice Liddell Hargreaves’s life and her encounter with Charles Dodgson – aka – Lewis Carroll. At Oxford, Alice’s father was the Dean of Christ Church.  Alice and her family were friends of Charles Dodgson who was a professor there. Dodgson spent time with Alice and her two sisters and told them many stories. One in particular, Alice asked him to write about. It was of a young girl falling down a rabbit hole. For unknown reasons, the Liddell family abruptly broke off their association with Dodgson. There is no available information concerning what happened. For Benjamin, this was her chance to write what she thinks happened, as she says, Alice I Have Been, is Alice’s story.

Benjamin’s words transported me back in time to Alice’s world. She has spun a superb tale. Alice, at the age of 11, wanted Dodgson to write the Alice story because she would then be forever young. Do we all secretly wish the same – our youth? I was brought to tears as Alice, as an older woman, reflected on her life. It made me stop to reflect as well. Alice I Have Been is a treasure waiting to be open and enjoyed! I now am re-reading, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to discover a bit of Alice!

Coincidentally the new, “Alice in Wonderland,” movie starring Johnny Depp, will be released on March 5, 2010. I think I’ll be seeing it as well!

One of my favorite things to do is meet authors. I recently had an opportunity to meet Melanie Benjamin, author, Alice I Have Been. Thank you to Barb Rozgonyi (@wiredprworks) for making this a great experience (and for the pictures)!

Melanie and I

Melanie, Barbara and I

Parker’s Picks, February 2010

PARKER’S PICKS

FEBRUARY/MARCH – 2010

13 ½,   by Nevada Barr

First of all, I read this book in one day!! That’s how exciting it was! The story begins with nine-year old Polly experiencing a nightmare which is sadly real. Polly gleans from this event, an excellent understanding of survival skills as an adult & mother. Next, advance to another main character, Dylan “The Butcher Boy.” He is charged with axing his parents and sister to death. His brother, Rich, badly wounded, survives the ordeal. Abruptly the story switches to the Marchand brothers, Marshall and Danny. Eventually all of these characters and their stories tie in together for an action-packed, exciting, thrilling ending!

The 13^th Hour: A Thriller, by Richard Doetsch

Amazing book!! It starts with the 13^th chapter and ends with the 1^st chapter. I loved the writing concept of the story. Nick Quinn is accused of killing his wife, Julia. As he is being interrogated by two detectives, they leave the room and in walks an elderly well groomed gentleman. He gives Nick a gold watch, a letter, and the opportunity to undo his wife’s death! Nick takes the offer and his journey back in time begins.  I highly recommend this book. It was the first book I read in 2010!

31 Hours, by Masha Hamilton

Jonas’ parents, girlfriend, and sister haven’t heard from him in some time – they fear something is amiss.  21 year-old Jonas is in hiding in New York City. He is reflecting on his change to Islam, his time spent in Pakistan, and the event he will partake in 31 hours. This is a page turner! If you are in a book club, it was recommended by Flashlightworthybooks.com as a one of their choices for Best Book Club Selections of 2009.

Half-Broke Horses: A True Life Novel, by Jeannette Walls

Another stellar book written by the author of, The Glass Castle!  Even though Walls tried to originally write it as a biography of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, the information was too sparse that she changed it to a novel. What a woman Lily was! She was strong-willed, decisive, and determined. Follow her life’s journey in the early 20^th century growing up in the west as a young girl, her years as a teacher, living on a cattle ranch, and learning to fly a plane. Most amazingly, at the age of 15, Lily travels 28 days by herself on horseback to her first teaching job!!

Heaven Looks A Lot Like the Mall, by Wendy Mass

A student recommended I read her copy of this book and I’m so glad I did! 16-year-old, Tessa, gets hit in the head by a dodge ball and has a near death experience. Tessa thinks she is in heaven which resembles her local shopping mall! On her journey she is meets a young man (with a drill bit in his head!) who escorts her.  If you are a fan of the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you will see some similarities.  Tessa reads a message written to her, taped on a counter as she first arrives: “Tessa Reynolds (that’s me!). Welcome to The Mall of Heaven. Hang on to the ride of your life. – The Mall Manager.” This is a book in verse which will appeal to many readers. It’s a reality check of life for Tessa. Enjoy!

Homer and Langley, by E.L. Doctorow

I found this to be a fascinating and captivating fictional account of Homer and Langley Collyer. They lived as recluses in their Fifth Avenue mansion. Homer was blind and Langley was somewhat mentally unbalanced because of his exposure to mustard gas during World War I. I kept thinking of Edith “Big Edie” Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale, who were relatives of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. They too lived as recluses who once were rich like the Collyer brothers. The story follows their lives through the 20^th century. Such a sad account but it kept me captivated!

The Last Child, by John Hart

What an excellent book by author John Hart! This is one book you won’t be able to put down. I was drawn into the story right away. Johnny Merrimon’s twin sister, Alyssa, disappears one day. This turns Johnny’s world upside down. His father leaves because his mother blames him for Alyssa’s disappearance and his mother begins to shut life out. Johnny takes it upon himself to search for his sister in places that could cause him great harm. There is one person who is there to help and protect him, Detective Clyde Hunt. He is also still looking for Alyssa as well. Johnny and Clyde work individually to find out what happened to Alyssa. Fantastic book to begin in 2010!!

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County, by Tiffany Baker

One of the best books I’ve read! You will be captivated by the main character and heroine, Truly Plaice! She is a survivor and makes the best out of life’s challenges that are sent her way. Truly is born large and continues to grow because of an overactive pituitary gland.  She is made fun of by many and at the same time loved by many as well. The town of Aberdeen almost seems like a magical place as you read about the history of the town.

“Everything in the world has its two faces, however. Weeds sometimes blossom into artful flowers. Beauty walks hand in hand with ugliness, sickness with health, and life tiptoes around in the horned shadow of death. The trick is to recognize which is which and to recognize what you’re dealing with at the time. At any given moment, you can tip the balance just a little, one way or the other, if you’re paying attention…”

I actually did NOT rush through this book because I didn’t want it to end!

Making Toast: A Family Story, by Roger Rosenblatt

This was a GoodReads First-Reads Selection…and what an excellent book! I don’t know where to begin raving about it. It’s a memoir of Roger Rosenblatt’s 38-year old daughter, Amy, who died suddenly from a heart problem. Roger and his wife move in with Amy’s husband, and their three young children. What special people Roger and his wife Ginny were to not even hesitate to come to the aid of their son-in-law! I cried in so many parts of the book. Roger shares his family’s life and celebrates Amy’s life and her legacy. Roger would post a “Word of the Day” for the two older grandchildren in the morning. What a smart way to introduce words and how they could relate to the grandchildren. One of their family customs was to always say, “Love you” at the end of a phone conversation. I was so touched by this because it is one of our family traditions as well that we have passed onto our three daughters. Lastly, on Amy’s twenty-first birthday, Ginny wrote her a letter. Again I was brought to tears by her wish for her daughter. I thought of my three daughters as well. “I wish you work that matters. I wish you the joy of great love in marriage. I wish you the beauty and fulfillment that comes from being a mother.” Pick up this wonderful heartfelt book!

Pop, by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman has written a superb coming of age novel which deals with the issues of football, making choices, and the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, in Pop.  The story deals with high school football player, Marcus and his relationship with his friend, Charlie, who is a retired NFL football player. Charlie was named, “the King of Pop,” because when he hit opposing players he used power-packed jolts. Charlie works with Marcus and it pays off on the football field! Marcus notices though that something is wrong with Charlie.

Favorite Books Read in 2009 from Family and Friends

This is a Favorite Books Read in 2009 from Family and Friends. Some titles might look familiar to you and others not. I’ve enjoyed compiling all of the reading lists. I’ve received numerous emails commenting on so many of the books my co-workers, friends, and family would like to add to their “list of books to read!”  I’m glad I could pass along some “good reads” recommended by other people!

Challenge yourself in 2010:  1) Increase the number of books you read in 2009.

2) If you haven’t picked up a Young Adult, Middle Grade, or Children’s Book in a while – add one to your list for this upcoming year. Find out what their reading.

3)Read a book from a genre your not familiar with.

4) Not a member of Goodreads yet? Join today! www.goodreads.com

FAVORITE ADULT FICTION:

• The Girl Who Played With Fire, by Stieg Larsson – submitted by Kathy Parker and Ann Eckert
• The Help, by Kathryn Stockett – submitted by Kathy Parker, Steve Parker, Ann Eckert, Fran Rivett, Ronnie Uebel,and Kim Groleau
• Beat the Reaper, by Josh Bazell – submitted by Amy Novario
• The Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick – submitted by Laura Lamps
• The Thirteenth Tale, by Dianne Setterfield – submitted by Marcie Koehler
• Sarah’s Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay – submitted by Kim Groleau and Fran Rivett
• The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson – submitted by – Jane Riva and Ann Eckert
• The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, by Henry Fielding – submitted by – Gordon Duguid
• Testimony, by Anita Shreve – submitted by – Ann Eckert
• Heaven’s Keep, by William Kent Krueger – submitted by – Linda at Marianslibrary’s Blog

FAVORITE ADULT NON-FICTION:

• For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago, by Simon Baatz – submitted by – Kathy Parker
• Still Alice, by Lisa Genova – submitted by – Amy Novario
• The Audacity to Win, by David Plouffe – submitted by Laura Lamps
• Trust Agents, by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith – submitted by Anne at Marianslibrary’s Blog

FAVORITE YOUNG ADULT BOOK:

• Prophecy of the Sisters, by Michelle Zink – submitted by Kathy Parker
• Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins – submitted by – Amy Novario and Jen at Marianslibrary’s Blog
• Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer – submitted by – Laura Lamps
• The Graceling, by Kristin Cashore – submitted by – Anne at Marianslibrary’s Blog

FAVORITE MIDDLE GRADE READ:

• The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman – submitted by – Kathy Parker
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling – submitted by – Laura Lamps

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK:

• The Gingerbread Pirates, by Kristin Kladstrup – submitted by – Kathy Parker
• The Journey to World’s End Storybook with Compass, by Tisha Hamilton – submitted by – Laura Lamps
• And the Cow Jumped Over the Moon – submitted by Jane Riva

Seneca High School’s Favorite Books of 2009

Today I’ve devoted my blog for the Seneca High School Staff’s Favorite Books Read in 2009. There’s a very nice variety of fiction and non-fiction for your perusal. As with yesterday’s post you might discover a book you might enjoy to read!  Remember to go to www.goodreads.com find out what people have to say about these books.

Tomorrow I’ll post Favorite Reads of 2009 from Family & Friends!

Happy Groundhog’s Day – looks like we’ll have 6 more weeks of winter.

FAVORITE ADULT FICTION:

• The Help, by Kathryn Stockett – submitted by – Kathy Parker and Janice Johnson
• The Girl Who Played With Fire, by Stieg Larsson – submitted by – Kathy Parker
• Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley – submitted by – Kathy Parker
• My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Piccoult – submitted by – Fran Ogden
• Virgin Earth, by Philllipa Gregory – submitted by – Nichole Olson
• The Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown – submitted by – Kirk Houchin
• The Twilight Series, by Stephenie Meyer – submitted by – Jenna Maierhofer ,Margaret Wrublik, and Kerri Johnson
• The Last Song, by Nicholas Sparks – submitted by – Kim Sedlock
• The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold – submitted by – Margaret Wrublik

FAVORITE ADULT NON-FICTION:

• Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson – submitted by – Fran Ogden
• Marley and Me, by John Grogan – submitted by – Fran Ogden
• For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago, by Simon Baatz – submitted by – Kathy Parker
• Cold Tangerines, by Shauna Neiquist – submitted by – Nichole Olson
• Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, by Donald Miller – submitted by – Nichole Olson
• Mirroring People: The New Science of How We Connect with Others, by Marco Iacoboni – submitted by – Andy Jackson
• Dreams from My Father, by Barack Obama – submitted by – Cathy Bergstrom
• The Professor, the Banker and the Suicide King: Inside the Richest Poker Game of All Time, by Michael Craig – submitted by – Jeff Stenzel
• In the President’s Secret Service, by Ron Kessler – submitted by – Mary Martin
• Kiss and Sell: The Making of a Supergroup, by C.K. Lendt – submitted by – Chris Jackson
• Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (Paperback)
• Marley & Me Illustrated Edition: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (Hardcover)