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MARCH 20, 2009
What's on my shelf
Happy Spring everyone! Every once in a while Carol posts about what she's been reading, and today I figure I'll do the same. I have been reading more than ever lately, filling up my weekends and after-work hours devouring one book after another. This is partly because I am on the 2011 Teen Nutmeg committee, and for that I have to read about 20 books between each meeting. We just had our first meeting a week ago, and now I have a new list of 20 something titles to work through before our May meeting. Being on the committee has already been a WONDERFUL thing, it has 'forced' me to read a ton of YA novels that I would not have otherwise picked up....and I'm finding that I really like many of them. I am also reading to keep up with my Book Thieves Book Club. Last night we discussed Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett. Not a favorite of the group, but I thought it was interesting. It's an art mystery...sort of a Da Vinci Code for kids, but not as good as my fave, The Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwieler. Our next book is Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collins so I'll be starting that one soon too.
Just before the aforementioned Nutmeg meeting I was able to squeeze in a pick of my own. I read In the Time of Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez, and loved it. It's a novel based on the true story of the Mirabal sisters who were murdered for their part in an underground plot to overthrow the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Chapters alternate from the perspective of each sister; Patria, Minerva, Maria Theresa (Mate), and Dede - the one who lived. I was unable to put it down even though the whole time you know what the sisters final fate will be. The true stories of what happened under the Trujillo regime are bone-chilling, and the sisters stories are powerful and moving. In some ways it reminded me of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, different in style, but similar in that it also traces his family history back to days in the Dominican Republic under the Trujillo's dictatorship.
Last night I finished The Hunger Games, also by Suzanne Collins. I had read a ton of great reviews of this book and haven been told by a number of people how good it was, so needless to say I had some pretty high expectations. The book pretty much met them. Think of a futuristic Lord of the Flies meets reality TV, and that gives you an idea of what the Hunger Games are all about. The book kept me on the edge of my seat, and had some unexpected plot twists. Plus it has a believable, strong, female lead character. My only complaint is that the whole premise of why this future society holds the Hunger Games is a little weak. Oh, and its the first in a series, so now I have to wait and find out what happens! So, what are you reading? Let us know, or better yet, post a review on Saxton Reads and Reviews!
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