I've heard of the setting becoming a character, or even the time period in a novel, but can you think of any books where the weather almost seemed like a person in the room? I have a few to get the discussion started.
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Part of this story takes place during the siege of Leningrad. Though I read it over a year ago, I can still feel the extreme elements, the desperation fed by freezing temperatures, unending snow, beautiful, but imprisoning. The near-empty apartments filled with people who burned almost every item they ever owned, just to keep warm for one more night. Winter became an indomitable enemy.
What about Death in Venice by Thomas Mann? I read it ages ago, but my most distinct memory is the hot, sultry beach scenes. The intensity of the heat and with it, the sickness . . . palpable.
Of course, The Perfect Storm comes to mind as well. I suppose that is self-explanatory.
Leave a comment about a "weather-character" you've read.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Do you YA?
YA = Young Adult and particularly references Young Adult Fiction.
Do you read it?
I do, and I love it. Well, I love some of it. I shy away from those titles whose covers boast a pasty white face with blood leaking from the corner of the mouth. Don't get me started.
So right now, I'm reading Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25, by Richard Paul Evans. He writes the pretty little gift-type books you buy at Christmas time. The Christmas Box, The Letter, etc . . . and those books are nice. They look great on the bedside table of your guest room. But let me tell you, Michael Vey is a world away from those other very successful, very nice books.
This book is aimed at kids. It boasts international intrigue, secret powers, teenage angst, and (I'm only 2/3 through the book) possible romance, but definite teeny-bopper crushing. And it reads fast. Can't wait to see what happens next, where did he come up with that, can I stay up just a half hour later to finish this next chapter, fast.
In case you don't know me, I'm an adult. And I love this story. I love it for all the reasons a kid might like it - suspense, great characters, interesting story, fascinating story world. But I also love it because of the questions it raises. Right versus wrong. Can what you know to be right ever become wrong? But these questions are posed in such a way that we get to witness kids making moral decisions and applying their character to outrageous situations.
I can't wait to talk about this story with my kids. Of course, I need to finish the book so they can get their hands on it first. I've read some other great YA lately. Of course, who hasn't read the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins? LOVED IT! The discussions between my kids and me felt like my book club discussions with adults around the table.
And then I thought, huh. Talking books with people is one of my favorite things to do. And if I read YA, then I can have that experience with my kids too. Obviously, I'm not a rocket scientist. But I finally figured this out. So I'm reading more YA these days. And my teenagers and I are having some great discussions that I'm hoping will continue on indefinitely as they become adults.
Oh, and by the way, don't tell my kids, but I get to actually teach them stuff as we talk. I don't think they've noticed yet. I'm keeping it on the down low.
What YA novels have you read recently? Have you had some great chats with kids about them? Any wonderful gems you can pass on to the rest of us?
Do you read it?
I do, and I love it. Well, I love some of it. I shy away from those titles whose covers boast a pasty white face with blood leaking from the corner of the mouth. Don't get me started.
So right now, I'm reading Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25, by Richard Paul Evans. He writes the pretty little gift-type books you buy at Christmas time. The Christmas Box, The Letter, etc . . . and those books are nice. They look great on the bedside table of your guest room. But let me tell you, Michael Vey is a world away from those other very successful, very nice books.
This book is aimed at kids. It boasts international intrigue, secret powers, teenage angst, and (I'm only 2/3 through the book) possible romance, but definite teeny-bopper crushing. And it reads fast. Can't wait to see what happens next, where did he come up with that, can I stay up just a half hour later to finish this next chapter, fast.
In case you don't know me, I'm an adult. And I love this story. I love it for all the reasons a kid might like it - suspense, great characters, interesting story, fascinating story world. But I also love it because of the questions it raises. Right versus wrong. Can what you know to be right ever become wrong? But these questions are posed in such a way that we get to witness kids making moral decisions and applying their character to outrageous situations.
I can't wait to talk about this story with my kids. Of course, I need to finish the book so they can get their hands on it first. I've read some other great YA lately. Of course, who hasn't read the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins? LOVED IT! The discussions between my kids and me felt like my book club discussions with adults around the table.
And then I thought, huh. Talking books with people is one of my favorite things to do. And if I read YA, then I can have that experience with my kids too. Obviously, I'm not a rocket scientist. But I finally figured this out. So I'm reading more YA these days. And my teenagers and I are having some great discussions that I'm hoping will continue on indefinitely as they become adults.
Oh, and by the way, don't tell my kids, but I get to actually teach them stuff as we talk. I don't think they've noticed yet. I'm keeping it on the down low.
What YA novels have you read recently? Have you had some great chats with kids about them? Any wonderful gems you can pass on to the rest of us?
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