Wednesday Web RoundUp 3/30/11

After a brief hiatus, I'm back with a Wednesday list of reading related links.

A beautiful explanation about why reading is so important to one reader.

New children's book apps for your iPhone or iPad. But are they books?

A though-provoking discussion about a new book that suggests that books are NOT on the way out.

A once-thought lost piece of Gone With the Wind, found.

Another take on the debate about e-books and public libraries from The Atlantic.

What have YOU been reading about reading lately? Do share!

World Read Aloud Day Message from Kenya

I just had to share this wonderful message from Kenya on the importance of learning to read and write. This was created as part of World Read Aloud Day (yesterday, March 9) by LitWorld, an global literacy organization.

Thanks to to Room to Grow for pointing me toward this video.

200th Post! Wednesday Web Round-Up 3/9/11

This is my 200th post on commonreaders! How exciting! I wish I could say that I had something exciting to write about, but I'll just be sharing a few links, as per usual on Wednesdays.

Did you know that today is World Read Aloud Day?

Reading is Fundamental and The National Writing Project have lost their federal funding. Here are some ways to help them.

President Obama emphasizes the need for better education in math and science, but rarely mentions reading and literacy. Do you think he assumes it goes without saying or is he prioritizing math and science over reading?

Join the NPR book club for March by reading Cutting for Stone.

The Reading Evangelist

After much hemming and hawing and hesitating, I've come to a conclusion. I believe that everyone should be a reader. (Please stay with me. This post has been a long time coming, and may end up being a bit wordy. Consider it the beginning of my manifesto.)

I don't just mean that everyone should be literate (although I absolutely believe that, that's just not what I'm talking about here), but that every person should be an active and frequent reader. I'm not sure what would be my definitions of active and frequent are yet, but I'm inclined to sat at least one book per month.

I've been coming toward this conclusion for a while now, but I've been hesitant to declare it out into the blogosphere for fear coming across as snobby or judgmental. Let me be clear. I don't believe that I (as an avid reader) am smarter or somehow superior to those who do not read frequently. I do believe, however, that my life has a richness and a depth to it that can only come from reading widely and deeply. And I wish that for others.

One of my greatest joys in life is reading a wonderful book, then handing it over to a friend or family member that I know it will speak to. Often, that person comes to mind partway through the book, and I can't wait to finish it so I can give it to her right away. Just tonight, as a couple of friends ate dinner at my apartment, I jumped up from the table several times to run to my bookshelves and locate the exact book that was relevant our topic of conversation. As I pressed a book into one of their hands, she exclaimed, "I haven't finished the book you gave me last week!" Okay, so it's true; I can be over zealous. But it's truly one of my most favorite things.

However, one of my least favorite things is when someone replies, "Oh, thanks, but I don't have time to read." Or "I don't really like to read." It's so disappointing! I know that the book will bring such beauty or insight into that person's life.

Up until recently (well, really more like until right now), I've responded apologetically, as if I've offended. But no more. While I don't mean to be a pest, I am no longer accepting, "I don't have time to read" as an excuse. I am not expecting others to read as much as I do (thought there are many who read many more books that I), or setting out to make them feel bad about their lack of reading. I have just decided that I am going to make it my personal mission to inspire others to become life-longer readers. And I'm going to need your help.

Look for many more posts on this topic. Over the next few months, I plan to transform this blog into a platform to spread the reading message. I will still provide book reviews and literary news items, but it will all be focused on encouraging, equipping, inspiring, and connecting readers, new and old. And since non-readers probably won't read a blog about books, I'll need your help to spread the word. I will be creating resources to help you go out and encourage your friends and families to become readers. I also want to start providing book "match-making" services so that I can virtually "press" a book into your hands as well.

I'm toying with the idea of calling myself a "Reading Evangelist". What do you think? Will you join me?

Wednesday Web RoundUp 3/2/11

It's Wednesday, so it's time for another round of literary links.

HarperCollins publishes an open letter to libraries regarding e-books.

I've heard about Sag Harbor for a while now, and this review makes me even more interested in the book.

Another review has me interested in a book (namely, The Postmistress).

A conversation with Katie Couric and The Help author, Kathryn Stockett.

What links have you interested this week? Do share!

Reading Goal: An Update

It's the start of a new month, so I thought it would be a good time to revisit my reading goal for the year. At the start of 2011, I decided that I wanted to read at least 60 books this year. After reaching 53 last year, I though this would be a bit more of a challenge, but still attainable.

As you can see from my list of books read in 2011 at the top of the page, I have read 16 books so far. For two months, that's really great! I'm very excited about the possibility of surpassing my goal. However, to be realistic, I must also realize that these past two months have been rather lacking in the obligations department, so I probably won't keep this pace up for the whole year. It's a fantastic start though, I'm so encouraged that I am well on my way to meeting my goal.

Tell me, what are your reading goals for this year? How are you doing? It's not too late! Make a reading goal for March, or the remainder of the year. Have a number to reach in your head is a great motivator when you're deciding between the remote and the bestseller you just picked up at the bookstore.

Happy Reading!

Depicting Real People in Fiction: Legal Controversy over The Help

Coincidentally, after I wrote about The Help yesterday, I discovered that NPR and others were talking about the book as well. Ablene Cooper, who works for the author, Kathryn Stockett's brother's family is suing her for representing her likeness in one of the books main characters, Aibileen. Their names are almost identical and they share some distinctive characteristics. Cooper believes that she was misrepresented and portrayed in a negative light, and is seeking compensation. Stockett, however, maintains that her book is a work of fiction. She stated that she did not know Cooper well, and that although she drew certain elements from real life into her books, the characters are not representative of any real-life person.

The NPR show, Tell Me More, conducted an interview with several authors about the issue. The participants in the conversation brought a breadth of experience and perspectives to the debate. Personally, I immediately felt a sense of solidarity with Stockett when I first read about the controversy, probably because I loved the book so much. One of the authors interviewed expressed similar sentiments. Another, however, already had problems with the book (although she agreed it was a great work of literature) and felt that Stockett was clearly in the wrong with regards to the lawsuit. I encourage you to listen to the interview or to read over the transcript as it is an enlightening presentation of different opinion.

And as it turns out, opinion on the law suit issue, the author, and the book itself are largely divided along racial lines. Many black readers do not care for the book, and some seem to be troubled by a white woman's attempt to tell a story from the perspectives of black domestics in the 1960s South. I understand that position, but am almost ashamed to admit that it had not occurred to me until it was pointed out. Everyone I talked to loved the book. But then again, I never sought or found the opinion of a black reader.

I continued to want to defend Stockett until I heard that Cooper specifically requested that she not be depicted in the book. I still do not believe that Stockett intentionally meant to portray Cooper directly in the book, but it seems apparent that Cooper was among those whom Stockett drew on for her character. The similarity in the names seems particularly blatant. But of course, none of us knows what was inside Stockett's head at the time of writing.

What do you think? Have you heard about this recent controversy regarding The Help? Does it change your mind on the book if you have already read it? Or change your decision to pick it up and read it for the first time? What is appropriate when authors draw from real life to create their own literary worlds? What to they owe those that inspire their characters?

I have not sorted out my own feelings on the subject, but I plan to continue reading about the issue. I will share my findings with you all here. In the meantime, I would love to know what you think.

Book Review: The Help

I'm going to start right out and say that if you haven't already read The Help by Kathryn Stockett, go get it. Right now.

I had heard people mentioning it for nearly a year when I finally picked it up at Borders last fall. It's a hefty volume and I was preparing myself to settle into the book for a while, but I finished it in less than two days. I brought it home to my mom over Thanksgiving and she finished it in time for me to pass it on to my stepmom before I returned to Austin. I just got it back from her a week ago because it was passed around a few more times. I love it when books garner that kind of excitement. You can almost feel the enthusiasm of readers as it has been passed from one eager reader to another.

So back to the book itself. The story is told from the perspective of three different women who live in a Southern community in the 1960s. One is a young, white, college graduate, who is struggling to find her way in a world that expects her to marry and quietly slip into the mold of perfect wife, mother and Junior Leaguer. The other two women are black housekeepers, who are best friends, but quite different from one another. One has raised over a dozen white children in her life and clearly does so with a great deal of love and steady affection. The other has trouble keeping her mouth shut and has recently lost her job because of it and has trouble finding new work. The three courageous women find themselves banded together in a secret mission that could be devastating to all of them if it was revealed.

Although parts of the book are heart-breaking and extremely maddening, overall, it is a feel good story. I think it is to Stockett's credit as a writer that she deals with a topic such as racism with such grace and humanity. The Help is as funny as it is difficult, and left me with thoughts of hope and gratitude.

image from betterworldbooks.com

Wednesday Web RoundUp 2/23/11

Apologies for my lack of posts this last week. I'm in some career transition and I haven't figured out a good schedule yet. I promise to post some real posts the rest of this week.

In the meantime, here are a few bits of literary news from around the web.

Is marginalia endangered in the digital age?

Check out this cool website, Read It Forward. (Thanks to Jillian for pointing it out!)

Curators find previously unknown volumes that belonged to Thomas Jefferson's library.

Can negative book reviews constitute criminal libel?

Wednesday Web RoundUp 2/16/11

Here's another round of literacy and book related news bits. Please let me know about any interesting links and articles that you have come across!

Teachers say that Kindergarten success is helped by making reading and literacy fun.

The new budget proposed by President Obama is bad news for libraries.

This blogger gives tips on creating a literacy-rich home for little ones.

An old-school Great Gatsby video game for NES?

Watch this trailer for the new movie version of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. (Which I admit, I haven't read. Can anyone out there persuade me?)

RIF Thank-You Video

I just had to share this precious thank-you video from Sandburg Elementary School. The students share some of their favorite books that were introduced to them by the RIF program.

Poor neglected books...

I have no idea where this came from, but it makes me smile. Thanks to my dear Katie for pointing it my way.

source

Book Review: Writing to Change the World

Today I wanted to share with you a powerful book by Mary Pipher, Writing to Change the World. If you are at all interested in writing for any kind of social change, you have to get your hands on this book. Pipher discusses all types of writing from novels to news articles to letters to the editor. She covers both writing technique and how to find what it is that you are passionate about.

And Pipher knows what she is talking about. She wrote a powerful book, Reviving Ophelia, that changed the current thinking on what life is like for modern adolescent girls. Through this book, Pipher undoubtedly directly and indirectly saved the lives of many troubled girls. In Writing to Change the World, she discusses her previous book and how it came to have such a powerful impact.

If you are interested in having an impact through your writing, whether through a blog, a newspaper, a book, or a letter to your local school board, I urge you to pick up this book. It changed the way I think about my writing, and has encouraged me to (slowly) make some necessary changes.

image from betterworldbooks.com

Wednesday Web RoundUp 2/9/11

Another edition of Wednesday Web Round-Up for some interested book and literacy related news:

A thought-provoking take on the whole paper vs. ebook debate. An entirely different set of potential consequences of going wholly digital. A must read.

This blogger raises questions about the list of Newbery winners this year.

Kids might be more interested in reading than TV if they read on e-readers.

Why are young adults reading so much and are they reading more than you?

Children in the UK who regularly use public libraries are usually better readers.

An Ode to RIF

I've spoken of my love for Reading is Fundamental before, but I wanted to revisit it again today because they do such important work.

If you don't know, Reading is Fundamental (or RIF) is a national organization that goes into communities and puts books into the hands of the kids and families that need them. Schools, doctors offices, clinics, and other locations across the country are armed with books and staffed by wonderful volunteers thanks to RIF. Kids have a variety of books to chose from and are encouraged to find something they are truly interested in. They not only bring books to children, and also foster a feeling of joy and excitement around reading. This is just one of the many reasons I love RIF.

So what can you do?

I'm so glad you asked! Visit RIF's Get Involved page for ways you can advocate, volunteer, and support RIF (even by shopping!). They partner with many organizations, who provide ways for you to donate and support RIF while also getting great deals for yourself. Visit their website for all the great details.

RIF's website also provides tons of valuable resources for teachers and parents. Come check it out for reading-aloud tips, book lists, and other great information.

Hurray for RIF!

Friday Book Suggestions: Relationships

This week's book recommendations all deal with relationships-specifically marriage. I found them all to be thought-provoking and insightful, though it very different ways.

Fiction:

Now, of course, I could have picked any number of novels that deal with marriages and relationships, but I chose these because the relationships were complex, and at the center of the plot and characters. I wanted something more that just a good romance.

Life After Yes by Aidan Donnelly Rowley

The charming tale of Quinn, who must find out who she really is, and what she really wants after the dream proposal from the perfect guy.

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfield

Although purely fictional, this story may sound familiar if you are at all familiar with Bush family. A young woman falls in love with and marries a man who eventually becomes the President of the United States.

The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller

A young couple move into a town-home adjacent to a retired Senator and his wife. But soon they discover that the older couple's relationship is quite unconventional. Very enthralling.

Nonfiction:

I steered clear of self-help and personal development books here, but rather looked at books that take a more exploratory and analytical approach to the subject.

Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

After meeting her love at the end of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert is perfectly content committing to him forever without the formality of a wedding or marriage vows. In fact, they prefer it that way. But after an immigration incident, the marriage-wary couple is forced to marry or spend their lives apart. Gilbert works through her feelings about the institution by studying the history of marriage across cultures.

The Committment by Dan Savage

As his 10th anniversary with his boyfriend approaches, Savage must field questions advice from family, friends, and their young adopted son about their decision not to wed. Law and politics aside, Savage and his boyfriend examine their relationship, the roles they play in it and the purpose of marriage in the first place.

Marriage, A History: How Love Conquered Marriage by Stephanie Coontz

Okay, I have to admit that I haven't finished this one yet. It's a dense, but fascinating look at the history of marriage and how it has come to mean what it does today. Gilbert sites much of Coontz's research in her book, so if you read Committed, you'll get a taste of what Coontz has to offer. However, after reading the first half, I know that there is much more here for those who want to go deeper into the subject.

What marriage and relationship books do you recommend? Has anyone else read these? What do you think?

Wednesday Web RoundUp 2/2/11

Another installment of book and reading news from around the interwebs.

What do your bookshelves say about you?

A great post reviewing Pat Conway's book.

Check out this week's new paperbacks.

Things are not looking good for Borders.

Pat Conroy: My Reading Life

I'm about to head out of town for the weekend, so I won't be able to get a Friday Recommendations post up. Before I go though, I wanted to share this YouTube video of author, Pat Conroy. He's speaking of his new book, My Reading Life, and sharing some about his love of books and reading. I hope to read his book soon! In the meantime, it's an inspiring interview.

Enjoy and happy weekend!

Book Review: The Abortionist's Daughter

Image from betterworldbooks.com

My step-mom loaned me this book to read (actually, I think I still have it. Oops!), and highly recommended it. Despite it's controversial name, she assured me, it wasn't really about abortion.

And she was right. The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde, is about a woman who performs abortion, and her daughter, but it's not really about abortion. The issue is discussed and argued, from both sides, but the book is actually a murder mystery. You see, the abortionist is found dead in her pool and everyone from her husband to the vocal anti-abortionist activist are suspects.

The Abortionist's Daughter was complex, compelling, and emotionally-charged. It follows the days following the murder, as investigators, and the victim's family try to trace back to the events on her last day. Family secrets are revealed, and it's hard to know who to trust. I enjoyed its fast pace, and the fact that it told the story from multiple perspectives. Some of the decisions made by the characters drove me bonkers, but over all, it was very satisfying.

Check out this exciting mystery if you are looking for a quick read that is full of turmoil, intrigue, and family drama.

Wednesday Web RoundUp 1/26/11

Here's another look at reading and book-related news from around the web this week.

Children's book lovers take to Facebook to get the Caldecott and Newbery Medal winners on the Today Show. (The show has featured winners for over a decade, but neglected to do so this year.)

How to create a literacy rich environment.

Do you know how to write a sentence? According to Stanley Fish, you may not.

Smaller, independent books stores try new things to succeed in a declining market.

TED Talks collaborates with Amazon to create TEDbooks-short, inexpensive e-books.