I'm sooooo excited about restarting the blog so that we may
share our discussions about books via this rich, quick medium.
So, then...
...let the "games" begin (fitting, since the Olympics ended last night).
Tell us, what book are you reading or plan to read that challenges you
or will challenge you? What were some of the obstacles that you had
to overcome during your "challenge read(s)?" What strategies
were particularly helpful? Please explain why....
Also, just a few quick "guidelines":
1. Use capital letters when appropriate, esp. when capitalizing "i."
2. Use the other conventions of standard written English: GUMS (i.e. grammar,
usage, mechanics - punctuation - spelling).
3. Use italics for titles of long works (e.g. books, feature films, cds, etc.)
4. Unless making a simile, do not use "like" throughout your post!
You may use acronyms, but not anything inappropriate, such at WTF just, well, isn't appropriate.
This post is due by Thursday, March 4th, no later than 8:00 p.m.
Any questions, ask me!
Looking forward to chatting.
Best,
Mrs. Drance
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteLOVE the little fact about Lady Gaga you posted :P. My first challenge book was The Secret Life of Bees (idk how to do italics) by Sue Monk Kidd. When reading I struggled with getting through it because it got kinda dull to me at times. To jump that hurtle I always made sure I read in large chunks because I knew that if I went little by little I would definitely lose interest and either not finish the book or drag it out much longer than necessary. Also, whenever I got bored I would just remind myself of my on deck book. The quicker I finished the current book the sooner I'd be reading my on deck book.
See ya!
Lacey
Lacey, you so very well articulated your strategy that I'm sure it will be helpful to those who have yet to employ it! BTW, I don't think you can use italics in the post, so don't worry about it...just use "caps." So good to see you! Hasta manana (...now, how do you insert a tilde in html?...anyone?).
ReplyDeleteWhat book are you excited to read?
Oh, and LASTLY! Everyone! If I ask you a question, please answer. Thanks, pumpkins.
Ms. D (sound better)
What got me through reading THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES was looking forward to reading JOY IN THE MORNING by Betty Smith, although I also considered that a challenge book. Right now I'm excited to read THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. I heard it's really good and you also mentioned it in class one day.
ReplyDelete-Lacey
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteThe challenge book that I recently finished was A CLOCKWORK ORANGE by Anthony Burgess. This book was extremely challenging at first but I eventually got used to it. What made it so difficult was that the author made the character's dialogue a sort of slang. The book seemed to have its own language. In order to figure out what each of the words meant I had to read at a very slow pace while reviewing each of the sentences over and over again. All in all, this book was very disturbing in its own interesting way.
Bryan
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI am about to read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. I can not wait to start reading it because I've seen the author on the news and his book is about his travels through Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are important areas of the world nowadays. I will reply again tomorrow about how I liked it and what I found interesting about this book, which is a genre I don't usually read from.
- Anthony (sorry)
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Drance!
ReplyDeleteThe challenge book I am planning to start soon is THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks. Earlier this year I read DEAR JOHN by Nicholas Sparks and it was a challenge for me because it was really hard for me to get past the slower parts. I am hoping that as I read more books by Nicholas Sparks I will become more adept to his style of writing so reading his books won't be such an endeavor. I really like the subject matter he writes about as an author which makes me gravitate toward his works.
Strategies that have helped me in independent reading overall are the tips we went over in class earlier in ther year. I find that if I set aside time to read everyday it makes my independent reading life much more productive. I have heard from a lot of my friends that THE LAST SONG is fabulous and I am really excited to read it!
Emily
Hi Mrs. Drance!! I am reading THE RED NECKLACE by Sally Gardener as my challenge book. I am having a bit of trouble, but it's only because of my busy schedule and unsuccessful time management...but the book itself is very interesting. It has elements of action, mystery, and horror all in the course of one chapter. I just need to set my reading goals and stick to them, and I should be fine with that one (also, I have LOWBOY to read after that, and I only read the first three pages and I love it already, LOL).
ReplyDeleteP.S. I quite enjoy the bit about Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper :)
See you soon,
Matt McLean
Dear Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan. This book was, and still is, extremely challenging for me to read. I'm finding it difficult to read through this book because every page there's something for you to think in depth about. Almost like you're having thirty mini epiphanies in one sitting. Another thing that makes this book a difficult read is the way the author turns a hundred pages into a half of day. The book drags and it's hard to keep focused. You really have to be in the mood to read it. The main thing that I do to help me get through this book is set reading goals. I make sure i complete them so that one day, hopefully, this book will be finished.
-Carolyn =]
Heyy Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteThis week I will be starting my challenge book, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY by Jane Austen. I've read two of Jane Austen's books before and I found it difficult to comprehend what she was saying often, so I picked her as a challenge author. It especially was hard when she speaks in old english style(I believe thats what its called?). I'm not sure if this book is written the way her other books were, but if not I'll read another challenge book after this.
Lately I haven't been reading as much due to things going on with my family, but things seem to have calmed down so I plan on picking up on my reading again. One strategy that I'll be using is setting a time to read, which is weekend mornings, which for me is always one of the best times to read. it's a good way to start your day, and it's good to read early so you don't forget to during the day. I'm set to read and finish this book, so we'll see how things turn out.
<3Hannah
Hey Mrs. Drance! I read two challenge books recently, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and IF NO ONE SPEAKS OF REMARKABLE THINGS. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE was challenging because the author created his own argot made up of completely unrelated works, for example "good" is "horrorshow." It took about a quarter of the book to get used to, but then surprisingly it came all natural to me as I was reading.
ReplyDeleteThe second challenge book I read, IF NO ONE SPEAKS OF REMARKABLE THINGS, is written in prose, and doesn't use proper grammar. They would say things like, 'i can't believe you did that, she said, i cant believe your that stupid.' It was tough to read at times because I had to read slowly to comprehend.
See you tomorrow,
Adam
Hey Mrs. Drance!
ReplyDeleteOver the past few weeks I have been reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. I chose TWILIGHT as my challenge book because i have never been into the fantasy theme so i didn't think that I would be able to enjoy it. At first I did have trouble with it because it was slow in the beginning, but after that it was amazing. I fell in love with the series, and now im on the final book BREAKING DAWN and I'm so excited to start it!!
I use Hannah's strategy for reading on weekend morning's, i think that's the best time to read! I get so much reading done when i read in the morning so it's always a great time for me.
Maura =)
Ello Mrs. Drance, (British accent, thought it would be appropriate considering the upcoming trip to London LOL.)
ReplyDeleteI finished THE LAST LECTURE by Randy Pausch and I dont mean to sound like a wimp but it did make me shed a few tears. This was my challenge book because (other than you selecting it for me) I find myself always reading fiction books so it is a challenge for me experimenting with other genres. Randy Pausch tells about his childhood dreams and teaches many life lessons that you can cary with you.
My on deck book is the memoir LUCKY by Alice Sebold. It was recommended to me by a few classmates and they told me the first chapter was very graphic and difficult to read. I have also been getting antsy waiting for WANTED by Sara Shepard to come out. It is the next book in the series PRETTY LITTLE LIARS which I am absolutely in LOVE with!
I would also have to agree with Hannah and Maura on their reading strategy. Sunday morning is when most of my independent reading is done and it works out great for me!
Ta Ta for now! =)
-Christine
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading 1984 (sorry I can't capitilize the title), by George Orwell, as my challenge book. One way this book is challenging is that it requires a further understanding of socialist political systems to fully understand the society in which the protagonist is living in. Also the characters in this book are constantly changing sides, so you sometimes have to turn a few pages back to realize the meaning of what the character just said. I am almost done reading this book and I am finding it to be really good.
-Matt
Heyy Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver as my challenge book. It was difficult to read at first because instead of going forward in time, it keeps going back to the same day (kind of like the movie Groundhog Day). It is also a little longer than most of the books i read, but I'm glad I enjoy the book because then the length doesn't really matter.
I do agree with Hannah, Maura, and Christine, weekend mornings are a good time to read. I was more of a night reader, but being tired made it harder to absorb the story. The hardest part about independent reading for me is finding the time to do it, but lately i've been scheduling specific times to read, and it's been working well.
-Taylor
Hi Mrs. Drance
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading WRITING DOWN THE BONES by Natalie Goldberg. It is from your library actually. Unfortunately, I am not enjoying it and it has become a challenge for me. I have found that Goldberg tends to repeat the same point over and over again so it is tiring for me to read more than 10 pages at a time. Also the chapters are only 2 or 3 pages and it is very distracting to read chapters so fast. I will try to finish this book ASAP.
The next challenge book that I plan to read is called the GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Steig Larsson. It is the sequel to a book I recently finished called THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO and I loved it. I am very excited to read this next book to find out what happens in the story!
-Pamela
P.S. My favorite time to read is at night, after I come home from swimming.
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteThe challenge book that I'm reading, (and have been reading for quite some time now, in all honesty,) is ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan. I love this book very much, but the challenging aspect of the book lies in all of the rich imagery and deep metaphorical language. I have found that I need to be in a certain mood in order to productively get any reading of this book done. All in all, it is one of the most fulfilling books that I have read to date, but hopefully, I would love to be able to finish it soon.
-Sarah Grosser.
LOL, I only read Carolyn's post after I published my own; I suppose that we are having similar problems with this book, because I found that she basically wrote down every feeling I have towards this book. Every few pages is like a major life lesson, and though enlightening, it can be very tiresome. So, goodbye again!
ReplyDelete-Sarah.
Dear Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteA challenge book that I recently was THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, by Steig Larsson. The reason I say this is because a lot of the book was spent explaining background information. An example of this is a great deal of time spent reading about the economy of Switzerland. Some of it had to do with the story, but I feel like there was an excessive amount of explanation.THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was recommended as an amazing book by a lot of friends and family members. It was, in my opinion, very different from the descriptions. And while I liked the book,I don't think that it lived up to the reviews. But, it did make me want to read the second one, which I will hopefully get to soon.
Also, Matt, I'm glad to hear that you like THE RED NECKLACE. I didn't think that I would like it as much as I did. I have another book or two like that for when you're done, if you want to read them.
Hi Mrs. Drance!
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading WICKED by Gregory Maguire as my challenge book. This book is very interesting to me because it tells another side of a common story that I grew up with. In WICKED one of the things that is challanging to me is the overwelming amount of discriptions. It also gets somwhat slow at times which makes it difficult for me to follow the plot.
I used to normally read at night before going to bed, however since I started reading WICKED, I found that I needed to read it when I'm wide awake so lately I have been reading weekend mornings or right after I come home from school. The best thing that works for me is to read in chunks others I rapidly lose interest in the book. These methods have really helped me improve my indepent reading.
-Juliette
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI just finished a challenge book by Tom Clancy titled "The Bear and the Dragon". This was a really good book and i liked it. It was incredibly long, though, at nearly 1100 pages. I read this nearly every night for about two/two and a half weeks. I read approximately 100 pgs every night, depending on how much time I had, and I managed to finish book in a timely manner. Also, this book is a challenge book because it does have a numerous amount of words that I hadn't known before, but I used context clues and figured them out.
- Joe
Heyo Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteWelp, it's 5:18 and I was comfy cozy in my bed when I had this strange vision of Mrs. Drance standing along side my bed yelling "DOTTIE! What is this? Dottie thank little baby Jesus that it's still TODAY because you have to do your BLOG...and your scrumptious cupcakes need frosting." WOOF. Mrs. Drance I love ya but I don't know if I could handle house calls:)
Anywho, my challenge book this time is called A LONG WAY GONE. Memoirs Of A Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. This book is a challenge book for me, one because I don't know very much abput Africa and their customs. I thought that it would be quite difficult to understand their culture or why they do things a certain way, but then I just realized that if I didn't read it because of that, I would be extremely judgmental. Also, I particularly HATE war and I feel it's absolutely and completely unnecessary in any case. Because honestly, how has hurting someone else ever solved anything? IT HASN'T. My goodness I'm getting so heated over this I'm sweating. I'M A PASSIONATELY SWEATING BLOGGER!
So, to overcome my hesitancy, I picked up the book and spent a solid hour reading it. And you know what? IT'S PHENOMENAL! Its heart wrenching and beautiful, and the best part is...these are actual people. It's a true story and it makes me so happy to read about simplistic beings. Everyday we are surrounded by materialistic and quote "fake" people, and to tell you the truth...I am pretty fed up with our society at this point in time. So, I am really glad i decided to open up and immerse myself into the world of these people for my own little escape/adventure.
Lord, I feel like Edith Beale rambling on and on like this. (That's Jackie Kennedy's cousin...there's a movie about the family, GREY GARDENS, it's spectacular, you gotta watch it Mrs. Drance.)
Alright peers, I'll see you all tomorrow.
-Dottie.
Hello Mrs. Drance and everyone!
ReplyDeleteThe challenge book I will start soon is Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (I have no idea how to italicize).
Like Hannah, I would definitely consider Jane Austen to be a challenge author for me. I read Emma over the summer and found that some of the vocabulary was a little too sophisticated for my usual "casual" reading. I really had to concentrate and sometimes even look up words while reading.
I also found it hard to get through the reading when it hit boring spots, which is probably why it took me about a month and a half to finish it...
Anyway, when I start reading Northanger Abbey, I will work on being more patient with the book and give myself time limits to finish chapters. By reading it in chunks at a time, and having goal places to stop in the book, I hopefully will get past the "dry" spots just fine. (Don't take offense Jane Austen!)
To finish this book during THIS school year, I also understand that i'm going to have to read more often, as well...
We'll see how this works out!
See everyone tomorrow!
Sarah E.
Hi, Everybody! It's 8:38. Arrived home from SCHOOL about an hour ago...WHERE ARE YOU LITTLE PUMPKINS, e.g. Gabby, Melissa, Holly, and Liz?
ReplyDeleteLet's just h-o-p-e (but not really) little computer "problems" preventing you from posting....
O.k., then, bear with me...I might have to break this up into smaller posts if the diatribe goes on too long.
So, Lacey, considering you reposted...I must say that I am impressed that you read another of Betty Smith's books. What did you think of JOY IN THE MORNING? I'm curious. Apparently, it didn't get as good as reviews as TREE.
O, BTW everyone...you can't do italics on this thing unless you use html commands or codes or whatever they're called. Just CAPITALIZE book titles.
Lacey, and everyone who's read THE HELP, which will go on the summer reading list until it is made into a movie, who would you cast as the main roles in the book, e.g. Skeeter, Aibleen, Minnie, etc.?
Bryan and Adam, probably the two most non-violent people in the class...well, it's so very interesting that you picked this book to read. I've seen the movie which is so terribly disturbing. Actually, I couldn't sleep for three days after reading it. I don't know what would happen if I read the book. And, even watching the movie, it was difficult to understand what they were saying. I'm proud of you that you stuck it out and got into the groove of the language. Just don't run around like those lunatic thugs...(if ever!).
Also, your strategy of slowing down to "ingest" the language is a good one. I'm glad that worked out for you.
O.k., so that you'll all know that I'm online. I'll post this and continue....
ANTHONY!!! Sweetheart...I'm so happy to hear that you're reading THREE CUPS OF TEA. Now, brace yourself...I have a copy...have yet to read it because I heard that it got a bit slow or awkward at points. However, it is a notable memoir. Did you know he's written another? Apparently, his voice in the latter memoir is more natural...it's a better read.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am NOT suggesting you give up this book. I AM, though, suggesting you let me know what strategies you'll use when you get frustrated.
Thanks, pumpkin.
Hi, Em...not as in "auntie." So, listen, isn't Nicholas Sparks supposed to be like candy? I mean, people can't put him down? I am NOT disbelieving that you find that there are slow parts, but is this REALLY challenging enough for your sharp big brain?
ReplyDeleteI have a confession to make...I have NEVER read a Nicholas Sparks book. I saw THE NOTEBOOK. It made me cry. BUT, I also thought the plot predictable and hated the ending. I'm such a pill. A crying pill. I think I would have loved it, though, when I was your age.
Anyway, after you finish with good ol' Nick, touch base with Sarah Grosser to see if you can borrow the book I gave her...Sarah, it was a romantic novel, I think, set in the 19th century? Was it REBECCA? Do you think Emily would like it? See what a pest I am?
So happy that reading a little everyday helps and reviewing the strategies at the end of the year helped, too.
O.k., talk to you tomorrow, Emily! :)
Mattie! Wait, don't tell me...THE RED NECKLACE is about a vampire? Seriously, I don't know. Anyway, you are a touch busy, aren't you? If you read some of these posts, you will be reminded of some suggestions you can use to "catch up" on your reading. Let's face it, Matt, it's all those fabulous parties you're going to...who knows, maybe YOU will have the paparazzi running after you. BUT...not now, pumpkin. Finish your edumacation.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're liking LOWBOY.
O.k., see you tomorrow.
BTW, great work on the show.
EVERYONE, COME SEE MATTIE AS THE ROMANTIC LEAD! Come see Lacey, Juliette, and Alex as go-go dancers...!
The challenge book that I have just started reading is UNDER THE DOME by Stephen King. I chose this book because I wanted to try reading Stephen King's novels. This book will be a challenge because it is very long, and I have not read many science fiction novels. My mom just finished it and enjoyed it very much, so I am looking forward to finding out what happens.
ReplyDeleteBTW I'm sorry I posted late but I had to go to the pops concert for the Grade School.
Holly, pumpkin! No worries about posting late...it's still Thursday. Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteHol, Stephen King would be a total challenge book for me since I find him too descriptive, overwritten, and I dislike sci-fi (not all of it, though). Let me know how it's going during the long haul. What strategies are you planning to use when you come up against an obstacle? Read your peers suggestions for ideas if you get stuck.
WILL SOMEONE TEXT OR FACEBOOK MELISSA, LIZ OR GABBY? Thanks...xo, Mrs. Drance
ReplyDeleteSarah G., what do YOU do when you come across a reading obstacle. Pray, do tell! BTW, L-O-V-E your diction. I don't think I even sounded like you in college....
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, pumpkin, I love that you create "chunks" of reading goals. I had to do that, too, for the book. Sometimes, I had to do this within a chapter because, yes, it's as rich as sacher torte.
Trivia: What famous European city is credited with the creation of sacher torte? All you musicians and soon to be pastry chefs...belly-up!
Adam...loved that you used "argot." Keep up the good work breakin' out those vocab. words.
Maura, the TWILIGHT series was a challenge for me. Why I can see how the story line is utterly consuming, I got tired of Meyer's prose because I really think that it wasn't the best. In fact, I think that several of you in the class have the potential to go beyond her notable achievement.
I'm glad you've enjoyed them...as you know, I disliked NEW MOON because of the message it gave to women...your life is over if your love leaves. Sure, it's tough, but find the strength to carry on...it's in there. And, not to mention, didn't Jacob distract her adequately enough...hmmmmm!
Hannah! I'm glad your life has settled. Let me know if revisiting Austen now is easier since you've been reading quite a bit and stuffing your brain with vocab. words.
ReplyDeleteChristine! Boy, do I love a British accent! I'm so excited that you are interested in going on the trip.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am so pleased that you were moved by THE LAST LECTURE. I mean, how could you not be? Have you gone on his website? You can actually see him deliver the last lecture.
Also, re: LUCKY. Well, it's tough because it's really graphic. Did you know that Alice Sebold had to stop writing THE LOVELY BONES and write LUCKY to "get 'it' out of her system," before she could go back and finish TLB? I think I shared this with you all in class. Also, I think you'll appreciate how strong Sebold is; you're a tough cookie like her.... Let me know how you're doing during the course of reading it.
Matt, 1984 is a seminal text. As you know from our work in class, Orwell satirizes political structures - governments - to reveal their inadequacies, inadequacies detrimental and destructive to society. What did you do to better understand socialist systems of gov't to "get through the book?" Do you think it worthwhile to study 1984 in 10X? Let me know. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You do an awesome job getting your point across using an "economy of words."
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI, too, better "absorb the story" (LOVED THIS!) on weekend mornings. Or, when I'm awake. I usually read a little before turning out the light, but I can't count on nighttime reading to finish an assignment.
I'm pleased that you know yourself well enough as a reader to make adjustments to your reading schedule so that you'll be more productive.
What else has Lauren Oliver written? Her name sounds familiar....
O.k., take care.
Mrs. D
Pammy! If WRITING DOWN THE BONES is TORTURE, then, puh-leez, by all means...ABANDON IT! A challenge doesn't have to be a murder mission!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty about this book, if there is any, is that you can skip around and not have to read it cover to cover. However, it sounds like you prefer to curl up and get lost in a story. I like that, too.
Can you tell me anything at all from her book that you didn't know about writing that you learned? There might not be anything...I'm just curious.
BTW for all you lovers of GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO...the Cinema Arts Center in Huntington is showing this moving this month. Go online to their website for more information. Let me know if the sequel is just as good or better. Sometimes, sequels are, like THE DAVINCI CODE (ANGELS AND DEMONS was written first).
I'm impressed that you don't just pass-out after swimming.... Good for you!
Hi, Alex. I enjoyed reading your comments about TATTOO.... What did you do to get through those overly descriptive paragraphs. It's hard for me to stay awake reading them. Also, do you have a copy of this book I can borrow? If not, does anyone?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for offering to share your book with others. I enjoyed reading what you had to say about TATTOO and THE RED NECKLACE. What did you appreciate about NECKLACE?
See you tomorrow.
Mrs. D
Joe! You're another "economy of words" winner! I am so impressed about how you strategized to finish your challenge book. Did you enjoy it? Was it too wordy? Also, bravo on using context clues. Did this help NOT interrupt the flow of reading? Did you feel that you picked up new words?
ReplyDeleteLet me know.
Thanks,
Mrs. D
Juliette! You are far too nicer than I am re: your review of WICKED. Yes, I found it interesting; however, boyfriend could have used less description to tell Elphaba's tale. Good for you that you're enjoying it, and you've got a great strategy for getting through it.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, while I usually prefer books over movies, I preferred the musical over the book. There are differences between the two. Have you seen this Tony award-winner? If not, you'd love the lyrics, staging, and music.
See you later,
Mrs. D
Dottie! You must start your own blog. Or, write a daily column for a newspaper! You are completely hysterical! You have such great voice! In fact, I had a fantastic belly-laugh while reading your entry!
ReplyDeleteThen, though, you made some wonderfully introspective observations about the human condition, and I couldn't agree with you more.
I'm proud of you that you dove head-first into an uncomfortable area. Look at what you've discovered. And, through your discoveries, we learn and want to learn more.
...now, go wipe off the sweat with a fluffy towel and go frost those cupcakes!
Don't worry, I don't make house calls.
And, precious lamb, I go off topic just like Edith, but puh-leez promise that I don't end up like her. Come visit me in the old age home and bring me some black-forest cupcakes....
Just kidding...gotta watch the carbs.
Hasta manana, Scoop Barker!
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Drance I am so Sorry I haven't posted yet and to have kept you worrying. I could not find this blog for the life of me yesterday and had a lot of homework tonight but now that I have started, I really want to say how neat I think this whole class blogging adventure thing is, and that I've never blogged before (unless facebook is considered blogging) and I'm excited.
So, getting down to business; the Book I am currently reading is titled NIGHT WORLD: THREE by L.J. Smith. Its the third in a series, but in actuality there are three separate books that have been bound into this one. All three in the series have been like this also, I read the first two over the summer. This Book is challenging for me mainly because of the length of it. I am not very deep into the book, but I think that thick books scare me, however, its a really great piece of literature with subject matter that interests me (science fiction/fantasy) so I know I will survive through it. If the book wasn't so fun to read then I would have probably stopped at the first one, because unlike the will power that Juliette must have to be making her way through WICKED (loved the musical...couldn't even get half way through the book) I am quite the weakling when it comes to reading books I really cant get into. Lucky for me, NIGHT WORLD is basically all one big love story, so it's really my kind of book!
In reference to strategies that are considerably helpful to me while reading challenging books, I think it is important that I just set time aside in which I am going to read,and finish a certain portion of the book, be diligent, and stick with it. However, I am definitely a strong believer in understanding what you have read and not just speed reading, or skimming over the text. I really want to be able to think about the book, and not just to be able to say I have read it. Also latley I have order some Books On tape from the library and then played the cassette while read along in the text. I don't know if this is looked down upon in the 'reading world' maybe like cheating? But my Mom suggested this strategy when I was having trouble reading some of the books we had to read in class, so I rented a couple of tapes from the library and it actually really helped.I feel like listening to a tape forces you to focus and you understand better.
Anyway, sorry If i have been rambling and sorry that I was so late to comment, I'll see everyone in class!
-Gabrielle
Sarah, precious, puh-leez...if you sense that N.ABBEY is going to be torture after you've read 50 pages, abandon it! We want you to be challenged, not paralyzed. I am not suggesting that you should give up once the "going gets tough," so to speak. I am saying that it's important to have the bar over your head, but that you can eventually grasp it. NORTHANGER ABBEY is a seminal text, so give it a whirl. And, let me know how it's going.
ReplyDeleteSee you tomorrow!
Mrs. Drance
Gabby, sweetheart. I'm very proud of you that you've been persistent. Yes, "thick" books used to completely thwart my picking them up and diving in. However, after having read some Jodi Picoult's and other longer texts that I really enjoyed (I had to break up my reading into chunks, though, to get the book done...but, come to think of it...I often go into a zone on a weekend day, when I'll read hours at a time, so there weren't any chunks), I am now no longer afraid of a "mamba-jamba," for lack of better words.... True, I am less likely to commit to a tomb, but I will consider reading "long" books now more readily in the past because I challenged myself.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I just loved reading what you have to say because I hear your voice as you're speaking. And, your desire to share your thoughts is very clear because you're spilling them out onto the "page." So, I'm thinking that in order to make sure you're not running your sentences on and on, go back. Reread. And see where you can use punctuation to break up your thoughts so that your writing doesn't appear like a freewrite. I do have to say that your use of GUMS is improving...keep up the good work and keep on workin'!
Mrs. Drance
Hi Mrs. Drance
ReplyDeleteI got a better understanding of socialist political systems because in World History I have recently been learning about these political systems in various countries. Also, I do think it will be worthwhile studying this book in 10X because it goes along with the curricullum of social studies, as I was saying before. This makes the book much more interesting.
-Matt Harberg
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ReplyDeleteMrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteMy mom has a copy of THE GILR WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, but she lent it to a friend at work. I'm sure that you can have it once she's done with it. I had to skim over certain especially descriptive parts of the book, but I only did that for ones that didn't seem like they would overly effect the storyline. Which was good, because I was still able to understand what was happening.
I read your post about THE RED NECKLACE to Matt, and no, it is not a vampire book-though I see how it sounds like one. It's actually about the French Revolution! I first read the book right after we learned about that time period in social studies. I think that if we hadn't have covered that topic yet, I wouldn't have liked the book nearly as much as I did, because I had background knowledge about what was happening.
I didn't think that I was going to like it very much because I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, but I bought it anyway because I really needed something to read. THE RED NECKLACE turned out to be an amazing find. It had a small fantasy element, with the main character a gypsy, which might have been why I liked it so much.
Another book like this that I read was THE FETCH by Laura Whitcomb. This one takes place at the fall of the Romanov Family, during the Russian Revolution. It has a lot to do with Anastasia-which is why I recommended it to Matt. THE FETCH is a bit longer than NECKLACE, but I think that the writing style was easier to read. I was actually thinking about rereading it soon
Also, THE RED NECKLACE has a sequel called THE SILVER BLADE, which I haven't seen at the store but really want to find.
-Alex
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI plan on starting my other book on wednesday and hoped to prevent becoming confused or disillusioned with the book by researching about the Afghan/Pakistan border region. The people there are mostly humble, nomadic, Muslim herders who lived peaceful, natural lives until the Taliban moved in after 2001. They have recently dominated the area and put the local peoples in the crosshairs of a war they want no part in. Im hoping this book can shine a bright light on the non-violent, progressive methods people like the author are using to help these great people and stop the next generation of Muslims from becoming ignorant, jihadist hypocrites like Osama Bin Laden and Mullah Omar.
By "my other book" I meant to say Three Cups of Tea.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Drance!
ReplyDeleteYour comment about my "challenge" book really made me think and I am beginning to think you are right. Maybe as a new challenge book after I read THE LAST SONG I will read MERCY by Jodi Picoult. You gave it to me a while ago, and I have been so busy with other books that I have not read it! I think this would be a good challege book for me because Jodi Picoult is an author I've never read and I know that her writing is very popular among kids my age.
Thanks for the advice!!
Emily
Matt, I'm so glad of your acknowledging how background information enriches your reading experience.
ReplyDeleteAnthony, I am impressed that you sought out background information to help do the same for your IR read...perhaps Senator Harberg influenced you, in all his wisdom. Or, was it Scoop Anthony's mind, intensely curious, that begged you to go further...?
And, Alex, I loved reading about the books Matt's reading, that you've read...I love the subject matters and would love to read them all! Thank you for enriching our class's reading lives from your love of books and generous spirit!
Emily...I am so proud of your ability to make a change as a result of reflecting. Let me know how the Picoult book "goes," so to speak.
Remember everyone, capitalize proper names and the pronoun I.
Thanks,
Ms. D
Mrs. Drance I also think 1984 would be an awesome book to study in 10x because there is just so much going on in the book. We could probably talk about it for hours in the class. The story is simple as a whole but if you dissect the political and psychological aspects of it there's a whole lot to study. Peace, Love, Happiness to you all.
ReplyDeleteAdam, I LOVE the suggestion. We could do an author study of George Orwell.
ReplyDeleteI am reading "Rebecca" for my challenge book. It is a challenge because the vocabulary used in the book is broad and difficult. There is symbolism and it creates deep thoughts and questoins in my head. To overcome the obstacles of the challenge book; I write my questions down on post-its. Also, I wrote down any challenging words that I do not know and I usually ask on of my parents later what the word means.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I enjoyed our editing conference!
ReplyDeleteJust make sure to proof before posting. When I don't, I usually catch a mistake afterwards, and this annoys me beyond belief.
Anyway, do you find that writing questions helps your comprehension? Also, good job using your parents as "vocab. resources."
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Mrs. Drance
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ReplyDeleteMrs. Drance, I enjoyed our little conference too! Writing down my questions does help me to comprehend the book on a deeper level. Often times, my questions are answered in a chapter that I read later on in the book. Reading the questions that I wrote in the past, and being able to answer them, helps me connect the events in the story.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteMs. D
I agree with Adam that 1984 would definitely be a good book for us to read as a class. The Bear and the Dragon was a little bit too wordy and they could have shortened it a considerable amount. I did pick up many new words, and the context clues helped me enjoy the flow of the book a lot more as I wouldn't have to stop reading and look up the word. Overall, I loved the book, especially since Tom Clancy is one of my favorite writers.
ReplyDelete- Joe
Hey Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteActually, my mom just finished reading THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO so I can bring it in tomorrow - if I remember. As to what Alex said about skimming parts that were boring, I can definitely see where your coming from because I do not really care about the Swedish stock market either. However, when I am reading a book, I find that if I skip parts I get paranoid and think I missed something; then I feel the need to go back and re-read parts that I skipped and it takes longer than if I read it in the first place. Sometimes I tend to have OCD like that.
Mrs. Drance, about your question about learning from WRITING DOWN THE BONES, I am sorry to say that I really didn't. You already had us doing free writes and I knew about the notebook trick from my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Bartenback.
See you tomorrow,
Pamela
P.S. I don't think I am going to be in class tomorrow because I have to take a math contest 2nd and 3rd period. :(