What We Read Last Week – June 8th
The program doesn't officially start until July 6th (although you wouldn't know it by the amount of posting we're doing), but to warm up to hit the ground running I'm going to post weekly about books I read last week that teens might be interested in. I encourage any teens (or TPL staff involved with Word Out! or teen services) to do the same in the comments!
I read two great teen novels last week that were extremely different:
First, The Education of Robert Nifkin, by Daniel Pinkwater. Loved this book–a satire of high school rigidity and of teens finding joy in learning despite environments that works to crush it. Set in the 1950s (but written in 1998), but I think very relevant for teens today. Very funny, though with some references you might not get without knowledge of the period (I don't think this matters for enjoying the book, though).
Second, Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. I'm a big sci-fi/fantasy fan, and this one was recommend to me by a friend at the Merril Collection (one of the best sci-fi/fantasy collections on the planet, and right here in Toronto). This is a pastiche of Regency England social drama and magical adventure, about half Jane Austen (I know Austen has some teen readership these days) and half Tolkien. Very enjoyable, I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys historical social dramas and doesn't mind some fantasy elements in it. Or fantasy fans who don't mind a little historical drama. 🙂
I also read (well, skimmed to be honest) Ruby Programming for the Absolute Beginner for some work projects, which will not be of interest to teens looking for a good novel. But if you're interested in learning computer programming Ruby is a good starting language. As side note you can get this book and many other computer programming titles through our Safari Books Online subscription, using your library card.
Alan H is a web librarian at Toronto Public Library. He reads all over the place.
What have you read recently? Let us know by commenting!
56 thoughts on “What We Read Last Week – June 8th”
I recently read Romeo and Juliet for the second time, and I really like the book. Lots of people say that they don’t get it, but i actually kinda understand the old English. Now I am thinking about getting the book
I recently read Romeo and Juliet for the second time, and I really like the book. Lots of people say that they don’t get it, but i actually kinda understand the old English. Now I am thinking about getting the book
very good smaries
soundz interestin!!
very good smaries
soundz interestin!!
I’ve been reading the uglies series and a horror anthology.
And now thanks to this post I actually want to learn computer programming.
I’ve been reading the uglies series and a horror anthology.
And now thanks to this post I actually want to learn computer programming.
Flora:
I believe Shakespeare actually could be somewhat hard to understand even for the audiences of his time–he used a lot of slang and even made up a lot of new words (or used existing words in new ways). Editions of the plays with good footnotes explaining unfamiliar language were always really helpful for me.
Sofie:
The Scott Westerfield Uglies? I read the first two of them and then lost my copy of the third somewhere (reminds me I should finish the series).
As for learning computer programming, I highly recommend it!
Flora:
I believe Shakespeare actually could be somewhat hard to understand even for the audiences of his time–he used a lot of slang and even made up a lot of new words (or used existing words in new ways). Editions of the plays with good footnotes explaining unfamiliar language were always really helpful for me.
Sofie:
The Scott Westerfield Uglies? I read the first two of them and then lost my copy of the third somewhere (reminds me I should finish the series).
As for learning computer programming, I highly recommend it!
Speaking of Shakespeare, I recently read Twelfth Night.
Speaking of Shakespeare, I recently read Twelfth Night.
I loved the uglies! Recently I’ve started reading books that have the theme of a future that is alternate to what we have right now…
1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaiden’s Tale by Margaret Atwood…
Let me tell you, when I got to the end of 1984 I was like, “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!” I just couldn’t believe it ended the way it did…
I think I’m going to read the book about a world where firemen burn books..though I don’t remember the title….
I loved the uglies! Recently I’ve started reading books that have the theme of a future that is alternate to what we have right now…
1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaiden’s Tale by Margaret Atwood…
Let me tell you, when I got to the end of 1984 I was like, “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!” I just couldn’t believe it ended the way it did…
I think I’m going to read the book about a world where firemen burn books..though I don’t remember the title….
Sivani: Dystopian fiction! One of the oldest and most political themes in science fiction.
I also remember being shocked by the ending of “1984” when I first read it (I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t yet). I do very highly recommend “Little Brother” by Cory Doctorow as a YA novel with a lot of interesting references to “1984”, set in the present day.
The book-burning novel is “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury.
Sivani: Dystopian fiction! One of the oldest and most political themes in science fiction.
I also remember being shocked by the ending of “1984” when I first read it (I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t yet). I do very highly recommend “Little Brother” by Cory Doctorow as a YA novel with a lot of interesting references to “1984”, set in the present day.
The book-burning novel is “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury.
Also of shakespere i just read taming of the shrew not to long ago even though it was part of our english class i still liked it and understood everything stangely enough
Also of shakespere i just read taming of the shrew not to long ago even though it was part of our english class i still liked it and understood everything stangely enough
I recently read a book called “Don’t Die, my love”. It’s by Lurlene McDaniel. The plot of the story is basically about a football player and his girlfriend that are in love, but then the boyfriend gets a rare kind of cancer and the story tells the story of their journal. I’m not going to give away the details of the ending though. It’s a very touching book and well written. I’d rate it 9.5/10
I recently read a book called “Don’t Die, my love”. It’s by Lurlene McDaniel. The plot of the story is basically about a football player and his girlfriend that are in love, but then the boyfriend gets a rare kind of cancer and the story tells the story of their journal. I’m not going to give away the details of the ending though. It’s a very touching book and well written. I’d rate it 9.5/10
Emily: wow that does sound good, and i’m a sucker for romance, but i usually hate to read the one’s that might end in tragedy because I get attached to characters far to easily but i think i’ll give this one a try
Emily: wow that does sound good, and i’m a sucker for romance, but i usually hate to read the one’s that might end in tragedy because I get attached to characters far to easily but i think i’ll give this one a try
I started reading the Uglies series not to long ago, i got all the way to pretties, now i just gotta get back finsih it and read the specials. now i’m curious to how it’ll all end
I started reading the Uglies series not to long ago, i got all the way to pretties, now i just gotta get back finsih it and read the specials. now i’m curious to how it’ll all end
For those of you who are reading the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld should definitely read it till the end for it is an amazing book!!
and most recently I read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, and let me tell you that book was AWESOME I highly recommend people to read that book…I promise that you will enjoy it.
For those of you who are reading the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld should definitely read it till the end for it is an amazing book!!
and most recently I read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, and let me tell you that book was AWESOME I highly recommend people to read that book…I promise that you will enjoy it.
Another book that I read recently and that I really truly enjoyed reading was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini…this book not only was outstanding but it also made me cry (the first book that has ever made me cry) if you can please try this book out too!
Another book that I read recently and that I really truly enjoyed reading was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini…this book not only was outstanding but it also made me cry (the first book that has ever made me cry) if you can please try this book out too!
I’ve recently read a book call Little Brother. It is by Cory Doctorow. It is about a seventeen year old boy who is smart and wise. He knows how computer and all technology related to computers works and he also knows how to hack these sources of technology. He uses his smarts so hack his high school’s surveillance system, but his whole life changes when he and his friends ditch school and find themself amongst many during a terrorist attack on San Francisco. Because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he and his crew and taken the by Department of Homeland Security and sent to a secret prison where they are interrogated for many days. Upon being releasaed by the DHS, Marcus realizes that his city has lost its freedom and has become a state where every citizen is treated like a terrorist. The story is about the measures this kid takes to overcome the DHS on his own. I thought this was an amazing book. It makes you think of things you never thought of before. For instance, we are caught on surveillance cameras many times a day possibly, but we don’t seem to care. This story made me aware of what potential hazards can be created by the gov’t with the techonology we have today if in a bad circumstance.
I’ve recently read a book call Little Brother. It is by Cory Doctorow. It is about a seventeen year old boy who is smart and wise. He knows how computer and all technology related to computers works and he also knows how to hack these sources of technology. He uses his smarts so hack his high school’s surveillance system, but his whole life changes when he and his friends ditch school and find themself amongst many during a terrorist attack on San Francisco. Because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he and his crew and taken the by Department of Homeland Security and sent to a secret prison where they are interrogated for many days. Upon being releasaed by the DHS, Marcus realizes that his city has lost its freedom and has become a state where every citizen is treated like a terrorist. The story is about the measures this kid takes to overcome the DHS on his own. I thought this was an amazing book. It makes you think of things you never thought of before. For instance, we are caught on surveillance cameras many times a day possibly, but we don’t seem to care. This story made me aware of what potential hazards can be created by the gov’t with the techonology we have today if in a bad circumstance.
Shivani
You must read Little Brother. It is the modern version of 1984.
Shivani
You must read Little Brother. It is the modern version of 1984.
Emily
I love Lurlene McDaniel and her books. I have read the one you have read as well. I thought it was truly amazing. You must read all her books. Althought they are all similar, fro they always have something to do with tradegy or coping with tradegy, the way she writes her books make you feel happy that you are alive. Those who take life for granted must know that we have one chance to live and that there is someone who is dying who would love to live but doesn’t have the choice. Lurlene’s books are also great when you are in a sad mood or you are feeling down, for they help you realize that even though your problems are bad there are always people with problems bigger than yours. I must say again that I love all her books.
Emily
I love Lurlene McDaniel and her books. I have read the one you have read as well. I thought it was truly amazing. You must read all her books. Althought they are all similar, fro they always have something to do with tradegy or coping with tradegy, the way she writes her books make you feel happy that you are alive. Those who take life for granted must know that we have one chance to live and that there is someone who is dying who would love to live but doesn’t have the choice. Lurlene’s books are also great when you are in a sad mood or you are feeling down, for they help you realize that even though your problems are bad there are always people with problems bigger than yours. I must say again that I love all her books.
I recently read some Red Maple selections, which included:
Frost, a book about a young guy named Johnny who lives in Nunavut. His life would appear very good to any outsider, but there are many things that he hides and a person who is the cause of these hidden truths.
Out of the Cold, another book in the Robyn Hunter series by Norah McClintock. Robyn volunteers at a shelter for the homeless, and after some events one of the many homeless people ends up dead. Robyn tries to solve this mystery but there is someone who is doing everything to make sure she doesn’t. But who is that person ? And why would anyone kill a homeless man ?
I recently read some Red Maple selections, which included:
Frost, a book about a young guy named Johnny who lives in Nunavut. His life would appear very good to any outsider, but there are many things that he hides and a person who is the cause of these hidden truths.
Out of the Cold, another book in the Robyn Hunter series by Norah McClintock. Robyn volunteers at a shelter for the homeless, and after some events one of the many homeless people ends up dead. Robyn tries to solve this mystery but there is someone who is doing everything to make sure she doesn’t. But who is that person ? And why would anyone kill a homeless man ?
Wow..a lot of good books we are talking about here!
I recently read “The Tempest” by Shakespeare. I think it was pretty interesting as it has elements of both a comedy and a tragedy. Another play I read is a modern one, “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. Again, this one’s a really good interpretation of what occured during those tough witch trials in 1953.
Besides that, I have read a couple of more books.
– I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
– The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne by Barry Jonsberg
I am hoping to read the suggestted titles here!
Wow..a lot of good books we are talking about here!
I recently read “The Tempest” by Shakespeare. I think it was pretty interesting as it has elements of both a comedy and a tragedy. Another play I read is a modern one, “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. Again, this one’s a really good interpretation of what occured during those tough witch trials in 1953.
Besides that, I have read a couple of more books.
– I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
– The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne by Barry Jonsberg
I am hoping to read the suggestted titles here!
Oh i remember the red maple. I used to always find some good book titles there, actally the last book i ever vried for was a book from that list thpugh i don’t remember the title it was about a boy who went off to war, with his friend who never survived. Pretty much a tale off the effects of war. i’ll defintely have to try out some of these titles i’m seeing here they all sound pretty good
Oh i remember the red maple. I used to always find some good book titles there, actally the last book i ever vried for was a book from that list thpugh i don’t remember the title it was about a boy who went off to war, with his friend who never survived. Pretty much a tale off the effects of war. i’ll defintely have to try out some of these titles i’m seeing here they all sound pretty good
Currently, I’m getting back into reading Reincarnation. I was reading it but then had to give it in because I couldn’t renew it anymore, and also I didn’t have alot of time.
So, finally with the end of exams and the beginning of Summer I’m excited to be diving my nose back into that book.
Does anyone have any good recommendations on other books?
P.S. I already read Twilight.
Currently, I’m getting back into reading Reincarnation. I was reading it but then had to give it in because I couldn’t renew it anymore, and also I didn’t have alot of time.
So, finally with the end of exams and the beginning of Summer I’m excited to be diving my nose back into that book.
Does anyone have any good recommendations on other books?
P.S. I already read Twilight.
Yeah and I would definitely recommend reading all-time classics like Jane Eyre , Wuthering Heights, Little Women and others.
I would also recommend some more modern books such as Harry Potter series , the Claire series and some non-fiction such as Royal Murders and others.
Yeah and I would definitely recommend reading all-time classics like Jane Eyre , Wuthering Heights, Little Women and others.
I would also recommend some more modern books such as Harry Potter series , the Claire series and some non-fiction such as Royal Murders and others.
Sarah: haha 🙂
I had already put Jane Eyre & Wuthering Heights on hold. Isn’t Little Women a story about 4 Women? I think remeber their names are similar to the months… I think :P…
I skimmed through it once before but didn’t get a chance to actually read it.
Thank you for the recommendations. I’m on the last book in the Harry Potter series. I think one of the Harry Potter movies are soming out in teh summer…
Sarah: haha 🙂
I had already put Jane Eyre & Wuthering Heights on hold. Isn’t Little Women a story about 4 Women? I think remeber their names are similar to the months… I think :P…
I skimmed through it once before but didn’t get a chance to actually read it.
Thank you for the recommendations. I’m on the last book in the Harry Potter series. I think one of the Harry Potter movies are soming out in teh summer…
Gowseca,
I think you should read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, it is a truly outstanding novel in which you will not regret reading. It is also a major motion picture as well, this is a book that I highly recommend everyone here to read!
And if you are interested in vampire stories I suggest that you check out Anne Rice, she is a very good writer and her books are very well written and fun to read.
Gowseca,
I think you should read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, it is a truly outstanding novel in which you will not regret reading. It is also a major motion picture as well, this is a book that I highly recommend everyone here to read!
And if you are interested in vampire stories I suggest that you check out Anne Rice, she is a very good writer and her books are very well written and fun to read.
I’ve recently finished reading a book by Anne Godbersen called Envy and I must say it’s quite an interesting book. The characters are unique and I love the time period it was set in, late 1800’s I think… It’s a third book in a series called Luke, all about the high society of Manhattan and the backstabbing, cheating, love and everything in between. However, the endings in each book never finishes on a high note which does tend to get depressing. But all in all a great series. Greatly anticipating the next book!
I’ve recently finished reading a book by Anne Godbersen called Envy and I must say it’s quite an interesting book. The characters are unique and I love the time period it was set in, late 1800’s I think… It’s a third book in a series called Luke, all about the high society of Manhattan and the backstabbing, cheating, love and everything in between. However, the endings in each book never finishes on a high note which does tend to get depressing. But all in all a great series. Greatly anticipating the next book!
Shazia: OMG! yea…a few years ago my friend was telling me about it and I was pretty young at that time and not really interested in reading, so I nodded my head, then. But, I came across that title again I think a few years back when my teacher was telling me about how it was made into a motion picture. Lol… thanks for reminding me Shazia…
Also, I had started reading one of Anna Rice’s books a while back, but I had to give it into the library because I couldn’t renew it any longer, and so I lost my page. 🙁
Oh well.. that’s what I’ve got the summer for. 😀
Shazia: OMG! yea…a few years ago my friend was telling me about it and I was pretty young at that time and not really interested in reading, so I nodded my head, then. But, I came across that title again I think a few years back when my teacher was telling me about how it was made into a motion picture. Lol… thanks for reminding me Shazia…
Also, I had started reading one of Anna Rice’s books a while back, but I had to give it into the library because I couldn’t renew it any longer, and so I lost my page. 🙁
Oh well.. that’s what I’ve got the summer for. 😀
those sound like good books.
those sound like good books.
I’ve actually read a lot. I HIGHLY encourage peoeple to read Sketches by Eric Walters. In my opinon Eric Walters is an awesome author. He wrote over 40 novels and all of tehm are amazing. Another ebook of his that I’ve read is We all fall down, and that talks more about teh views of 911 written in teh point of view of a child being in teh building at the time. Really good book and I believe that any one can ebjoy them. (L)
I’ve actually read a lot. I HIGHLY encourage peoeple to read Sketches by Eric Walters. In my opinon Eric Walters is an awesome author. He wrote over 40 novels and all of tehm are amazing. Another ebook of his that I’ve read is We all fall down, and that talks more about teh views of 911 written in teh point of view of a child being in teh building at the time. Really good book and I believe that any one can ebjoy them. (L)
i actually read so many books and right now i am reading ‘Thicker than Water’ a novel by Carls Jablonski.
its about a girl named Kisa whos mother has cancer so she has to move in with her dad. her and her friends attend this vampire and witch thing… (thats what i’ve read so far…)
i actually read so many books and right now i am reading ‘Thicker than Water’ a novel by Carls Jablonski.
its about a girl named Kisa whos mother has cancer so she has to move in with her dad. her and her friends attend this vampire and witch thing… (thats what i’ve read so far…)