Talking in the Library

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce My rating: 5 of 5 stars Entertaining, compelling, imaginative, thought provoking and full of soul. It starts out freakishly like Harry Potter, which stressed me a little, yet develops far beyond that into 100% original Tamora Pierce. The descriptions of magic are awesome, and the gladiator arena setting is masterful. The themes and plot relate to our present political and social dilemmas. Seeing friends with foundationally different beliefs developing a close, trusting, nuanced relationship is inspiring and instructional, a valuable vision for the socially divisive age in which we live. View all my reviews

I read some fabulous books over the past year. I use Goodreads to keep a record along with quick reviews. I pushed myself to read nonfiction this year which challenged and enriched me. The titles are linked to my brief Goodreads reviews.  Russia The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster by Svetlana Alexievich The Brothers: The Road to an American Tragedy by Masha Gessen Eco-saga Barkskins by Annie Proulx Mental Illness Turtles All the Way Down by John Green Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King Surprise endings Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Money Landscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond The Mandibles 2025-2047 by Lionel Shriver Dystopia Scythe by Neal Schusterman Nazis We

Sometimes I can't believe my good fortune to have a job where I am actually *paid* to read. I can even do things like enter Goodreads' annual reading challenge, set my reading goal for the year, and happily check off books as I read them. This year I set my goal at 55 books, and challenge you, my students and colleagues, to beat my number. If you do, I will treat you and five of your friends to homemade lunch. I am a good cook. Join Goodreads for free, follow me ( Weston High School Library ), and set your 2018 reading challenge. My 2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge