Beth's Book of the Month!

I'm doing things a little differently this month. Rather than choose a specific book or author, I want to highlight a list I saw posted online recently. Buzzfeed.com posted a list of "16 Books to Read Before They Hit Theaters This Year". As a bibliophile and a movie-nut, I instantly accepted the challenge. I usually try to focus on books that our students may enjoy, but this list is slanted towards more adult literature. 

I quickly read the first on the list,Joyce Maynard's Labor Day, which I truly enjoyed. Told from the perspective of 13 year old Henry as his family harbors an escaped prisoner, this novel makes you question "labels" that society likes to quickly attach to people and have a more heartwarming perspective on others. The movie will star Kate Winslet as Henry's Mom, and opens in just a few weeks. I'll definitely see it on opening weekend. 

I haven't started book #2 yet, but am looking forward to starting The Monuments Men by Robert Edsel and Brett Witter. I'm not usually drawn to historical or war novels, but this one looks intriguing. And with George Clooney and Matt Damon in the film, I'll be sure to check it out.

As for the rest of the list, there are a few I've already read. Divergent, the first in a trilogy by Veronica Roth, is exciting and action-packed with a strong female heroine. Clearly following in the Hunger Games' superior footsteps, it lacks a lot of the heart that makes The Hunger Games so powerful. Divergent was the best book in Roth's series (it went downhill from there) and I'm still looking forward to see how it adapts to the silver screen.

Also on the list, the immensely popular John Green novel, The Fault In Our Stars. This tragic love story between two teenagers battling cancer is not a mood-lifter, that's for sure. It's a deeply sad story, but it's innocence warms the soul. While not my favorite John Green novel, I will definitely recommend this novel to anyone. It's worth the hype it's receiving. I hope the movie lives up to the power of the novel.

I'm ashamed to publicly admit that I've never read Lois Lowry's classic The Giver. I am very excited to finally dive into this beloved book and see what the movie has to offer. 

To see the full list, check out http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/books-to-read-before-they-hit-theaters-this-year 

Which of these books have YOU read?!

Beth's Book Corner: Should You See the Movie? Or Read the Book?

It seems that these days most of the movies you see in the theaters are originally based on a currently popular novel or book series. I'm an avid reader, and am quite often disappointed when a Hollywood ruins one of my favorite stories. Yet, there are some surprises sometimes when a film can actually be better than the book-form.

Since books are typically better than their movie counter-parts, I always make it a point to read a book before seeing the film version. Typically it's worth it, but not always. Here are a few suggestions that should help direct you towards either the book store, or the video store.

My Sister's Keeper

            The Verdict: The book.

            Recommended for: Ages 15+

            Plot Summary: A thirteen year old girl, genetically created to be a life-saving donor for her older sister with Leukemia, sues her parents for the rights to her own body. This rips the family apart and puts her sister's life at risk.

            Why? I have never been more outraged by changes made to a book for the big screen than I have for this movie. I was actually fuming and cringing in my theater seat while watching the film version of this Jodi Picoult novel. The changes made in the storyline actually ruined the heart and soul of what made the book shine.

The Last Song

            The Verdict: The movie.

            Recommended for: Ages 13+

            Plot Summary: Troubled teen Ronnie is forced to spend the summer at the beach with her estranged father.

            Why? This is a typical Nicholas Spark story. if you've read any of his books or seen any of their film counteparts, the plot will be very predictable. Both the book and the movie are entertaining and emotional, however the book doesn't offer anything additional that the movie can't provide. Actually, rent the film "Life As A House" for a nearly-identical story that is told with ten times the emotion and passion than this bit of Sparks fluff.

Bridge To Terabithia

            The Verdict: Both!

            Recommended for: Ages 10+

            Plot Summary: The very sullen Jesse Aarons makes friends with the new girl in town, Leslie Burke. Leslie opens his eyes to a world of imagination he never thought possible.

            Why? The book does a great job at sparking the imagination of the reader. The movie does a brilliant job at portraying the growth of Jesse's imagination. The book and film complement each other very well.

Tuck Everlasting

            The verdict: The movie

            Recommended for: Ages 10+

            Plot Summary: Long before Bella Swan longed for the immortal life of a vampire to spend eternity with the love of her life, Winnie Foster was in the same predicament. Bored with her life, Winnie befriends a family of immortals in the woods behind her house. She falls in love with their son Jesse Tuck, and is forced to make a life-changing decision.

            Why? The book is cute, but the movie injects a lot more emotion and depth to this sweet story. You're taken on a journey with young Winnie and learn a lot of life lessions from the Tuck Family. Featuring an all-star cast and a haunting soundtrack, this Disney film will most definitely touch your heart.

The Secret Life Of Bees

            The Verdict: The book

            Recommended for: Ages 13+

            Plot Summary: Lily Owens struggles to learn the truth of her Mother's death. She runs away from home with her African-American nanny, and faces the harsh realities of inequality in the South in the 1950s. The two of them are taken in by an eclectic family of beekeeping sisters who teach and inspire them.

            Why? Author Sue Monk Kidd has a magical way with words that make this book impossible to put down. I was sucked in from the first paragraph, and was taken on an emotional journey with Lily and Rosaleen. While the movie is great at re-telling the story, and still highly recommended, some of the enchanting spark is lost from the richness of the text.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

            The Verdict: For kids? The book. For adults? The movie.

            Recommended for: Everyone. See above.

            The Plot: Sixth grader Greg documents the trials and tribulations of sixth grade in his comic-book style journal.

            Why? These books are written in such a fun and non-intimidating manner, even the most reluctant pre-teen reader will enjoy reading them. Adults could easily dismiss the movie as a "dumb kids flick" but will most likely be drawn in as well. The movie had me cracking up for two hours straight, and I was pleasantly surprised.

           

What's next?

I just finished reading Sara Gruen's Water For Elephants in preparation for this weekend's movie release. I was enchanted by this circus love-story and hope the film does the book some justice. I'm not typically a Robert Pattinson fan, so I hope to be convinced otherwise. On the other hand, Reese Witherspoon rarely disappoints.

Also, I eagerly await next year's release of the film version of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games. News on the casting is being released at a quick pace right now, so it's fascinating to see whom is hired for these delicate roles. I'm thrilled that Bridge To Terabithia's Josh Hutcherson has been chosen to play the bread-making Peeta. The Last Song's Liam Helmsworth seems like an odd choice for Gale, but I'm willing to be open-minded and have some faith in the casting directors. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Kristin Chenoweth as the exuberant Effie Trinket!

　　

　

Beth's Book Corner: Is Twilight Suitable For Your Teen?

Twillight fever is taking over the teen community. Devoted "Twi-hards" have been swept up into the romance and danger of Stephanie Meyers' series of novels on a turbulent love triangle of the mortal Bella, vampire Edward, and werewolf Jacob. Teen girls everywhere are hanging up their Harry Potter scarves in favor of vampire fangs. But could reading the Twilight series be sending the wrong messages to todays teen girls?

In my opinion, the relationship between Edward and Bella is a dangerous one for teens to idolize. Edward is glamorized as being romantic and protective of Bella, but his actions can also be viewed as abusive and controlling. At one point in one of the books, Edward removes the engine from Bella's truck in order to prevent her from seeing Jacob. Edward doesn't trust Bella, and likes to control her actions. Such behaviors should not be glamorized to young teens who are beginning to date themselves.

Also, it is glamorized as being romantic when Edward sneaks into Bella's house at night to watch her while she sleeps. I find that creepy rather than romantic, and Edward should be arrested for breaking and entering.

I've talked to many young teen girls who insist that Edward's actions are romantic and he is the epitome of the "perfect guy", and I do my best to convince them to rethink things through a bit.

Is Bella really the role model that teens should be looking up to and emulating? She defines herself by her romantic relationship with Edward, often claiming she's nothing without him. Feminism has progressed way too far to set us back 50 years and putting the man in charge of the relationship. Bella needs to stand on her own two feet and think for herself.

As much as I criticize the Twilight novels, I can't completely condemn anything that encourages kids today to step away from their cell phones and laptops and pick up a book. I just highly encourage discussing the relationships in Twilight with your children as they read. Or better yet, pick up a copy of "The Hunger Games" which has a similar love triangle, similar danger, and a much stronger role model.

Beth's Book Corner

Hungry for a Good Read?

Here at Learning Magic, the buzz around the building is building about a brave new book. We’re all hooked on Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series. Students and tutors alike are all talking about this series non-stop. This post-apocalyptic thriller popped up on Taunton High’s summer reading list this year, and caught us all by surprise. I picked it up a whim, and passed my copy on to MaryEllen. Since then several other tutors and students have all read the same copy, and we’re all in agreement: this is one of the most exciting books we’ve ever read.

Now, a book that centers on a reality television competition that pits teenagers against each other in a wild fight to the death in a post-apocalyptic futuristic society may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I know I was very hesitant, given the subject matter. But I was instantly drawn to Katniss’ heroic journey and her selflessness.

Now, this book might be a little intense for some young readers. However, anyone above the age of 13 should appreciate what this series has to offer. The language is easy to read, but chock-full of rich symbolism, similes, and metaphors. Action lovers will be on-edge during the battle scenes, and those with a romantic streak will be enthralled by the love triangle subplot. With parallels to Romeo and Juliet alongside gritty violence, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re like us, and cannot put down the first Hunger Games book, be sure to check out the next two in the series: Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. You won’t be disappointed.  Also, be on the lookout for the Hunger Games movie to be released in 2012!

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/