Some Recommendations

Well, the elusive camera cord is still missing, so I thought that I would post what I've been reading lately. I suppose I could blame my lengthy absences in Bloggerville on the fact that I've been reading, but that just sounds a little weak. Regardless, since I've gotten my Nook, I've found it much easier to read.



I have to say that LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Nook. I didn't think that I would get as much use out of it as I have, but it is easy to use and best of all, I can use it while I'm feeding Jake, which isn't true for a traditional book.

Anyway, since I've gotten it, I've been reading, reading, reading, which isn't always a good thing since I'm trying to teach two summer school classes, but the distraction is blissful sometimes.

Here's what I've read - all of them good. Let me know if you've read them and what you think.

Some Girls by Jillian Lauren


I saw this author on The View one morning. She writes her memoir about the time she spent in a harem for the prince of Brunei. It is a troubling account, but well worth the read. I have to warn you that she is a secular writer so the language is often vulgar.

The Help by Katheryn Stockett



This is Stockett's first book, and it is FANTASTIC! She chronicles three women living in the South - two black maids and one white middle-class woman. She talks about the struggles of African Americans during the time. I couldn't help but think about To Kill A Mockingbird while I was reading this book. I highly recommend it.

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef


This is not a typical read for me, but I noticed it on the top 100, and I couldn't resist. It is insightful and truly helpful for understanding what is going on in the Middle East.

Last - Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell



I am now addicted to this guy's writings. This particular book is about how epidemics begin. He discusses things like Sesame Street and Blues Clues and how those children's shows became so popular. He talks about why some things take off and why something flop. I think about Silly Bands every time I open the book. I fully intend to read his book Outliers next, which is about why some people are successful and others aren't. As a teacher, I've found this book most interesting.

Those are my suggestions so far. I'll let you know if I come across any other great reads.

Happy Summer!

Abby's Adventure

Abby went on an adventure on Saturday with Nana and Heidi.

As with any great adventure, a backpack was necessary. My mom and sister decided they would take Abby to the annual Cat in the Hat event at McAlister Square in Greenville. For those of you unfamiliar with local, children's events, let me explain. The organization Ready 4 Reading hosts the event once a year to promote readiness for reading - thus their name. Their mission is to prepare children to read. Take a look at the statistics on their website - simply astounding.

The Cat in the Hat is an event where children can come and get 2 slightly used books and one new book and participate in fun activities that promote readiness to read.

With Jake, I didn't think it would be feasible for me to go, so I told my mom to go ahead and take Abby.

And the adventure was born.

Because we are really into Dora the Explorer right now at my house, Abby had to pack a backpack (which I found out later her Aunt Heidi hauled all over the place). All great adventurers have backpacks. And M&Ms. Did I mention that she had to have M&Ms before she would go? She is my daughter - books and chocolate - who could ask for more than that?

When they got there, Abby immediately picked out a Dora book - see what I mean, completely obsessed.

She put an alphabet puzzle together, dug in paper grass for prizes and brought home a board book and another book called The Kissing Hand.

After they finished at The Cat in the Hat, Nana and Heidi took Abby for Chick-fil-A. By the time she got home, she was completely spent. It was some outing for sure.

I wanted to share this organization and event with my friends in Bloggerville because it is important that we parents read to our children and expose them to books.

What book was your favorite as a child?

A book worth reading

I have to share with you a book that I recently found called The Shack. It is absolutely incredible. The head of humanities at North Greenville recommended it, but I hadn't picked it up because with a one year old, who has time to really sit down and read for pleasure.

I finally broke down and bought it on Amazon, and started reading on Thursday. I was finished by Sunday night. That is quite a feat considering that Abby's birthday party and the fourth of July all happened in that span of time.

I'll briefly recap it for you - without giving away the plot of course.

Mack's young daughter is kidnapped and murdered at a shack in the wilderness. Mack receives a note from God asking him to come to the shack for a weekend meeting with him. Mack is reluctant but finally goes and meets God.

I know it sounds strange; I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be one of the most amazing books I've read in a long time! Please take the time to pick it up and read. If any of you have read it, please share your thoughts.