RIF-Book a Brighter Future

Reading is Fundamental is a fantastic organization and always in need of our support. I've had the honor of working with them on a number of occasions and meeting some of the marvelous people involved with the organization.

They have a great partnership with Macy's and for the months of July and August, if you donate $3 to RIF at Macy's, you will receive a $10 gift certificate for a $50 or more purchase. That's 7 free $s and $3 for RIF. 100% of the money donated will go directly to RIF. What a tremendous deal and easy way to get books into the hands of the kids who need them.

Please consider shopping at Macy's in July or August and making a donation. YOU GET SEVEN FREE DOLLARS!! And please spread the word!!! Go the their website here and there are easy ways to spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, and your own blog.

Oh, and here's the promo video. Very cute and informative. And if nothing else, you should watch it to hear the little kid say "wegend".

Do Kids Have To Like the Books They're Reading in School?

My best friend shared this post with me on Google Reader, and I wanted to see what all of you thought of it. The post and the article it was responding to were about how Catcher in the Rye is losing its popularity with today's teenage readers.  I was particularly struck by one comment the author of the post made that said that English classes are for teaching students how to think critically and be people.  Therefore, it doesn't matter if the kids like the books they are reading or not.  Here are the links:

The post was in response to an article in the NY Times, so read this first, then read this reaction, and then (if you still have time!) let me know what you think.  

I agree that school is about all of the things the author cites, and that students don't have to like all the books they read in school for the books to be worthwhile.  However, shouldn't English class also be about encouraging and developing life-long readers?  How will students ever learn to love reading if they don't read at least some books that they enjoy?  Some students don't have parents who will provide books and encourage reading, so it has to come from teachers. 

Some books I read in school are still some of my favorites, such as To Kill A Mockingbird, Catch-22, All the King's Men, and yes, The Catcher in the Rye.  

What are you thoughts?  Did you like any of the books you read in school?  Did that contribute to your current life as a reader?  

Julie and Julia

So I only purchased this book on Wednesday, but I'm already finished with it. I finished Renaissance Souls on Wednesday night and started Julie and Julia by Julie Powell (I've reluctantly linked to the version with the movie cover, because the copy I have is the one that is evidently not published anymore and therefore $40 at least!) on Thursday. And actually, although I'm just writing about it now, I finished in Sunday night. Needless to say, it was AWESOME!

I don't know why I didn't pick this book up years ago. I've seen it in book stores for a long time, but I've never been that interested. Sadly, it took the movie previews to get me excited. I'm still looking forward to seeing the movie, but wanted to read the book first. I am so glad that I did! The book is funny, heart-felt, and full of both delicious and disgusting sounding recipes.

I was somewhat surprised that there wasn't more about Julia Child. I suppose I was expecting more biographical information (there is definitely some, but not quite as much as I expected). Since Meryl Streep is playing Julia Child in the movie, I wonder if she won't have a more prominent role in that version. I thought it was coming out in a few weeks, but just figured out that it doesn't open until August 7th. Boo! Oh well. I guess it's good that I read the book then!!

The Renaissance Soul

Thanks to the lovely Michelle of WhenIGrowUp Coach (I won her giveaway!!), I was able to read The Renaissance Soul, last week. I LOVED it!!! I figured I would, but I really did exceed my expectations!

For those of you who don't know, The Renaissance Soul is a life-design strategy book for people who have multiple and often disparate interests. It gives both practical career advice, time-management tips, and life-style suggestions. But this book is more than just its pearls of wisdom and relevant advice. It strives to help people who have felt somewhat different and forgotten for most of their lives to find their joy and to finally feel accepted. She has even created a yahoo! group (check it out!) to create a community for Renaissance Souls to connect.

This book was also helpful because it didn't prescribe a singular path. Rather, she outlines multiple options for ways that Renaissance Souls can navigate their jobs, interests, and other commitments in a realistic, but fulfilling manner. Helpful and insightful exercises are provided throughout to guide the reader through the process.

Refuse to Choose, by Barbara Sher, addresses mostly the same issues, but approaches them in slightly different ways. I read it a few years ago and found it to be very helpful. I adopted the binder system for many of of my hobbies and interests. For me, I think these two books worked well with one another. I'd like to read Sher's book again to refresh my memory and then work with both books to put together a plan.

Thank you Michelle for the book!! Has anyone else read it? Or Barbara Sher's book? Thoughts?

Love Poems From God

I love this book!  Love Poems From God, edited and translated by Daniel Ladinsky.  It's packed away right now, so I cannot show you a picture, but click in the link over to Amazon to check it out.  It includes prayers and poems by twelve different spiritual thinkers, writers, and leaders from multiple faiths.  These include Rumi and St. Teresa of Avila.  One year for Lent, I read a few pages each evening before bed and it was a deeply moving experience.  The language of each poem is exquisite, as are the deep spiritual truths behind them all.  It may reveal a different side of someone you've read many times before.  I highly recommend it.  

100 Best Books for Children (for Friday)

As I've mentioned before, I love children's books and I took a course on children's literature in college. During that class, we discussed this book by Anita Silvey, an expert in the field of children's publishing. She has also published other books about children's literature including The Essential Guide to Children's Books and Their Creators, which I also own and enjoy.

Her premise is imagining that she was going on a sea journey on a boat that including many children of all ages and their families. She imagined that they became shipwrecked on an island and the books that she brought with her would have to suffice to educate, entertain, and inspire all the children on the ship. She limited herself to 100 titles and only chose from the last 100 years. She also decided that she would only count one book per author, although she listed additional titles by the same author for further reading.

The list itself is impressive, including beloved classics as well as unknown titles, both new and old. However, my favorite part of this book is the background information Silvey provides for each book. She takes a couple of pages for each title and reveals a wealth of inside information. Sometimes she tells the story behind how the book came to be published, or talks about how the author and illustrator came to work together. She also tells us how some of our favorite books almost had a different title, or characters of a completely difference species! I have used this book to help me choose books for my nieces and nephews, but mostly I've enjoyed it myself as I've learned more about my childhood literary favorites.

Catch Up Posts!

Although I wasn't overly busy this weekend, I didn't manage to squeeze any blogging in.  I thought when I finished school, I would have time for more reading and more blogging, as well as more time for all the other things I enjoy, but couldn't get to in between classes and studying.  That has not exactly been the case.  True, I do read  more that I did when I had classes (or, rather, read more aside from assigned readings for classes, I should say.)  And I might have a few more posts per week than I did when I was still in school, but the volume and quality isn't as consistent as I would like it to be.  I was so inspired after the Blogging Your Way class with the lovely Holly Becker of decor8, but some of that momentum has slowed.  The other problem is that although I have more free time, I also have virtually no structure.  I'm sure the structure part will be taken care of when I have a job.  Then, of course, there's the time I'm spending looking for and applying to jobs!  So it's not like I'm just watching TV all the time.  I know I've been productive in the six weeks since graduation, but where has all the time gone?

Well, I have read at least four books, so that's progress, right?  And now I'm going to play catch up while I have some extra time this afternoon.  Here come posts for Friday (children's books), Sunday (spirituality), and a few extra! 

Here's hoping for more consistency in the future!

If you enjoy Jane Austen and live in the Louisville, Kentucky area...

My best friend lives in Louisville and is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America (at least I think that's what it's called).  She made this delightful video to advertise an upcoming festival.  You should watch it-especially if you have read Pride and Prejudice.  And if you're in the area and so inclined, you should attend the festivities!