Reading, Writing and Chocolate: My three favorite things ...: books

Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Monday, August 15, 2011

Currently Reading - Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

Monday, August 8, 2011

Reading Out of Your Comfort Zone


Get Out of that Comfort Zone

Today, when I left for work, I did something totally radical. I took a different route.

My new route is largely due to being at a different school, but hey I changed what I normally did. The drive this morning was AMAZING! I mean, like Hallmark Card quality driving.

First, there were deer. As in Bambi and his mom, adorable deer.

The drive includes fountains, small hills and beautiful houses. I was worried about this new route taking me longer then the old drive, now I wish it would have taken me longer. My moving from my regular routine I found something truly beautiful, even amazing that I never would have known existed without being forced from my comfort zone.

Recently, a friend of mine tweeted about a book that she'd read. I admit, I'm a YA reader, so other then the occasional adult novel, I never take the time to read picture books. Like my drive this morning, I was forced out of my comfort zone.

I forgot how much I loved the high quality picture books that are available. The stories are rich in meaning and have so many applications to the real world. As a teacher, many of the high quality picture books can help students grasp concepts without taking the time involved in reading longer pieces of work.

I encourage you to consider reading out of your comfort zone. Pick up that book that you'd normally skip over and give it a try. You might be surprised how that one change in your daily routine can open your eyes to something beautiful.

Enjoy your week. For my friends and family in education, welcome to another year!!

Doris
Support my Walk to end Alzheimers

Friday, August 5, 2011

Chai Lattees a Demon and a Crutch - My Friday Finds

So, I can't believe that summer is almost over.

Actually, no I can't believe the school year is almost here. It's been over 100 degrees every day. I pray that summer is almost over.

On Monday, I have to go to work and bring something that represents my summer. Since I spent so much of the summer watching Hubbie heal from his ACL/Meniscus tear and the following surgery, I don't have anything really exciting to talk about.

I think I'm bringing a crutch.

On a less whiny note, my Friday Finds this week have brought me great joy. If you did not know, I bought a Kurig Coffee maker this summer.

I am not going to sit here and shout the wonderfulness that is the Kurig - OMG THIS IS THE BEST COFFEE POT EVER.

Sorry I shouted a little!

In case you have not experienced it, this is how the magical Coffee-Genie that is Kurig works. Get ready for my brief and not very scientific explanation.

You put your KPack (that is what the coffee comes in) into the machine, your water and press a button. That is it people! Sounds kind of normal doesn't it?

Then, magic happens. Steam comes from the pot, coffee is dispensed in a cup, and for a short time, I'm in coffee heaven. (This all happens in one minute) But again, I'm not raving about my Kurig, I'm raving about something new and exciting I found because of my Kurig.

OK, actually I raved about the Kurig.

Thanks to the awesomness that is my Kurig - I found Chai Lattes.

*Sigh* My new love! *Sigh*

Seriously, how did I NOT know this yumminess existed?

Spicy goodness, enveloped into a warm tempting morsel of black tea. My life is complete! The first time I drank one I thought it might just be a fluke, the second one was equally as filled with awesome! I have a new favorite drink in the morning.

If you have not tried Chai Lattes, then run to your local coffee shop and try it. If you have, then you should have told me about it sooner.

One teeny warning. Apparently black tea has TONS of caffeine in it. So, yeah be prepared. Drinking four or five a day can give you quite a jolt!

My Friday Finds book suggestion this week is The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan. While this book has been out for a while, I am just getting around to reading it. It's the first in a trilogy and is totally awesome.

If you've read my blog then you know I'm working on a group of fun lesson plans that focus on YA author studies. My goal is to create sets of fun projects that are technology based that will work with students who are reading in literary circles.

Sarah's trilogy is one I can see fitting in nicely to a lit circle. First, her website is filled with information about her life, her book signings and help the reader grasp who she is as a person. When looking at an author study, it helps those reluctant YA readers want to read if they feel a closeness to the writer. (You can follow her on Twitter here)

These lessons are designed to be fun, so of course the reader needs something that is engaging to read. I've not completed the series, but the books are so exciting, with the right blend of magic, humanity and action. The characters are so richly developed that you feel the connection with them and Sarah's detailed descriptions of the setting really help the reader visualize the story as it happens.

If you've not checked out her trilogy do so. Two of the books are in paperback, so they are not expensive. All three of the books were easy to locate in my public library, so for kiddos who can't purchase their own books, there is an option for you. I read the books on my Kindle.

I'm spending the afternoon with boy #3 and hubbie on a college visit. Hopefully I can persuade them into a Cheescake factory run for dinner tonight!

Enjoy your weekend, stay cool and drink Chai Latte.

Doris

Check out my GoodReads reading log for 2011.

Monday, August 1, 2011

July Reads

Vacation is over and work begins next week! I always love the start of a school year. Great plans, great people and new goals make me feel so efficient. If I could end the year with the energy that I have at the start of a year I'd be unstoppable! (and quite possibly annoying)

This month gave me so much time to focus on writing and reading. I've loved using the time to focus on some of my long-term writing projects, and to knock out some serious reading.

This past month afforded me tons of time to read. I was worried I'd fall so far behind my reading goal of 100 books this year, but July gave me time to get a little ahead. I also started the #bookaday reading; focusing on one children's book a day. This has allowed me to broaden my reading horizons and given me some great ideas for lessons in the future.

This week I'll be speaking at UHCL to writing teachers. I'm looking forward to spending time with them. The National Writing Project and the Greater Houston Area Writing Project has been one of the most inspirational things I did as a writing teacher. I adore working with them.

Following are the books I read for this month.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (This was a reread, but it is one of those books I find very inspirational.)
Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by: Sally Walker
Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Jacky Davis (great book for pre-readers)
French Colonial Louisiana And The Atlantic World by Bradly Bond (book for a research project I'm working on. Very interesting if you are a history buff)
Real Revision: Authors' Strategies to Share With Student Writers by Kate Messner (awesome book for writing teachers)
Parcours De L'Ombre: Les Trois Indecideab by Sernin (More research, but reading in French is not easy!)
Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy by Jacky Davis
The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning by Mike Schmoker (great book with new ideas on improving student achievement)
Hydra's Secret by John Stancik
A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5) by George RR Martin
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen (great book with one of my newest favorite characters)
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zabin
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
All the World by Elizabeth G Scanlon
Bad Taste in Boys by Casandra Harris (READ THIS! You will love it)
The Stinky Cheese Man 10th Anniversary by Jon Scieczka
The Emerald Atlas (The Books of Beginning #1) by John Stephens
Wolfsbane by Andrea Creamer
The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant by Michelle Cuevas
On What Grounds (Coffeehouse Mystery, #1) by Cleo Coyle
Journal of a Schoolyard Bully: Notes on Noogies, Wet Willies, and Wedgies by Farley Katz

Since I was traveling on Friday, I did not post my Friday Finds. I'll go back to my normal schedule this week, so you can look forward to Wordless Wednesday and my Friday Finds this week.

Have a great week!

Doris

Monday, July 4, 2011

Fireworks, French and Writing

Happy Independence Day
I adore the 4th of July. First, we're a country based on freedoms that are assured to us in writing in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (That all by itself rocks!) We are also a county of people who believe that everyone, regardless of their race, creed or religious beliefs has the same rights.

Strangely enough, we don't have personal fireworks displays this year. This is because of the drought and totally makes sense, but it seems weird not to light a sparkler or something. We are planning on going to Kemah Boardwalk's Public Display!

Books and Reading in French (sort of anyway)
I'm currently working on research for a project I've worked on for a few years. Unfortunately, I'm at a point where all of the books I've found regarding this research are in French.

Parcours De L'Ombre: Les Trois Indecideab is my current research material. (seriously, I'm not joking!) For my friends who are wondering when I learned to read French, well I can't. (Small problem I know) Luckily, my Cajun heritage has given me some insite into the French language, and when I'm totally stuck I can Babel Fish it!
I love research. It is like the quest I never finish. I can delve deeper, look further and when I get to the point that I feel like there is nothing new to find out, I find more. I love that.

Writing:

I'm taking a couple of weeks off from work. I will be helping out at The Greater Houston Area Writing (GHAWP) project again this year. Part of the National Writing Project, GHWAP trains writing teachers. It is such a fascinating program, building the teacher as a writer so he/she can promote writing within students. Since writing education is where my passion is, I feel that this is one of the best things I do all year.

Currently Reading

Currently Reading:

For research
Parcours De L'Ombre: Les Trois
French Colonial Louisiana and The Atlantic World
For fun:
Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different

Have a wonderful 4th for those who celebrate it. Make sure you thank the service men who have made this freedom possible!

D

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

June Reading List

The month of June gave me time to catch up on my reading. My goal is still to read 100 books in 2011. I've read 53 of 100 books so far.

I took a notable stroll down Laurie Halse Anderson Lane in my reading this month. I picked up Chains, and found that I could not get enough of her writing. If you've only read Fever1793 (which I revisited and LOVED) then you need to read more of her. She is my suggested author this month!

The most recent book review made to me is 13 Reason Why by Jay Asher. I've read this book before and LOVE it! I suggest this book to anyone who likes reading a brilliantly written piece with alternate narrators.

The books I read this month follow. If you decide to do a Laurie Halse Anderson study, read her books in order and look at her evolution as a writer.

Fever1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Forge (Seeds of America, #2) by Laurie Halse Anderson

Houses: a novel by Cynthia Rogers Park

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

If You Were Here: A Novel by Jen Lancaster

Selling Hope by Kristin O'Donnell Tub

Search for the Shadowman by Joan Lowery Nixon

Healer by Carol Cassella

If you want to keep up with what I'm reading check out my page on Goodreads.
my read shelf:

Doris Herrmann's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

Enjoy your summer reading!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Singing in the Rain - If you Were Here

This odd wetness if falling from the sky. I have a vague memory of what this stuff should be called.

Rain - yes glorius rain!

After going without any measurable rainfall since January, I'm thrilled. Of course today's rainfall isn't enough to pull us out of this drought, it is a good feeling to know it can rain around here!

I am currently reading If You Were Here by Jen Lancaster. Jen is my guilty read go-to author. If I need to laugh, cry or enjoy a gal-power moment, she is who I turn too. I am loving the book, and can't wait 'till her next one.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Currently Reading - The House of Tomorrow; Avon Updates and Yoga

The House of Tomorrow

Just an update on what I'm reading right now. I've just started this book and I'm already sold on the humor and the characterization. Can't wait to finish this one. Another book from the ALA's Alex Award Winner List. (Can't go wrong if reading from this list)

This is Carly

Carly and I walked three miles yesterday as we prepare for next years Avon Breast Cancer Walk. I decided today that, along with the walking, I needed to add in some kind of toning. I've decided to take up Yoga. I'm looking at Yoga schools around the Galveston County area. Suggestions would be most appreciated!

I'm also thrilled because I've signed up to walk in the Galveston Walk for Alzheimers. I'm just paying the $100 to walk in it myself because I've been asking all my friends to donate to the Avon walk. I'd love a walking partner in the Galveston walk. (it's just three miles) John and I are both walking. This walk is October 8th.

I've also registered for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Online conference in July. I'd have loved to gone to DC for the week, but I just have too much going on to really get there. The thought of seeing some of the keynotes is so exciting for me! These are true teacher-innovators, and anything the NBPTS does is always top notch.

Since Sunday is Easter, I'm not posting my usual Sunday Salon post, but instead will be enjoying the day with my boys. Don't forget to celebrate a risen Saviour and be thankful for the gifts God has given you.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Breaking Night - Avon Walk updates

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard

I am currently reading Breaking Night. It's another ALA - Alex Award Winner for this year! I'm not more then half-way through this list and LOVING IT! My fave of the Alex books has been Room: A Novel with The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To (Vintage Contemporaries) as a close second. (I've provided links to Amazon in case you want to check the books out yourself)

I'll blog about all of the books I've read at the end of the month. This month has been an incredible reading month!

I'm also celebrating the FIRST donation to my 2012 Avon Walk. Anything you can donate really helps and it goes to a good cause. I've been training, and today Carly started with her first training walk of 2 miles. (She LOVED it and was ready for more!)

For my teacher friends, or for those who value education. Here is an interesting article from Education Today. Check it out!

The weather is beautiful here in Texas. Here is hoping for some rain!

D

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Currently Reading - The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

I'm getting quite a few emails asking me what I'm reading now. I thought I'd just update the blog to make it easier on everyone. (and I'm lazy!)

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

This week I am still focusing on the ALEX award winners from the ALA. (You can check out the entire list here) I will still review the books at the end of the month, but this gives you the opportunity to keep up with what I'm reading now.

I've downloaded this book on the Kindle, and while I am just starting it, the premise of this book seems interesting. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake came with mixed reviews. Can't wait to see what I think of it.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Sunday Salon, Read-A-thon and Funnies

Julia Roberts from Eat, Pray, Love

Happy Sunday!

Yesterday was a day engrossed in a reading challenge. For 24 hours, I committed to read. While I didn't read the entire 24 hours, I did make sure I stuck to the task for most of it. This is the way the day went.

6 a.m. Up and reading Leaving Gee's Bend. (Great book for Intermediate School Girls) I only had a little I wanted to reread, but this is one of my all-time favorite books.

9 a.m. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Didn't Have To. (Great book for high school aged boys) I loved this book. I like the depth of friendship between the two main characters, but I was a bit disappointed in the shallowness of the secondary characters. Of course, from a teenage boy point-of-view maybe all secondary characters are shallow. Interesting storyline about people and differences.

11 a.m. Reading Break, Grocery store (Kids gotta eat)

1 p.m. Listening to book on Kindle (I adore the read to me option on Kindle, just wish it sounded more live and less computerish)

2:30 p.m. Reading on Kindle while getting Pedicure. (gotta have pretty pigs)

4 p.m. Walking along Egret Bay with John. (A girl needs to keep in shape doesn't she) Just one mile, but it was a good quality mile!!

5 p.m. Girl In Translation - Wow great book. I adore when an author creates such deep characters. The main character, a young girl who immigrates from Hong Kong to live in the slums of Brooklyn, spends her days in honor classes and her nights in a sweatshop. The story line is exceptional, but the characterization is what keeps you reading. Great book for intermediate school students.

9:45 p.m. Room - I didn't finish this in the 24 hours of reading time frame because I was just exhausted, but this is a must read. Imagine being kept prisoner in a room, raising your child there with you and trying to make his life as normal as possible. (Amazing) I woke up early on Sunday to finish it. This is a must read.

After a Sunday morning filled with baking and my son's soccer game at noon, I'm hoping for some quality boat time tonight.

Sunday Funnies: (For my math teacher friends)

Enjoy your Sunday!

D

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful book that is elegantly written. I enjoyed the writing style, but at times felt the story was a bit slow. The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a best seller in France, and is quickly rising in popularity in the US.

This novel focuses on class boundaries and artfully describes those boundaries. Overall I loved the characters and the plot development. The plot does move a bit slowly for my tastes, but overall I think this is a great book with valid commentary on our views of people from various classes.

View all my reviews

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Tiger's Curse

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

I'll post all of my February book reads next week!

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