Feed

This book by MT Anderson is set in a future not too far from ours - and not too different from our own. Intended for young adult audiences, I think it draws from and bears comparing to Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I thought Feed was a good book, but I didn't really like any of the characters. I think their flaws annoyed me (which they're supposed to) - just a little too over-the-top for my taste as a (sadly) early-30's adult.

Some readers will be turned off by the thrill-seeking behavior of most of the book's characters. Reading through the whole thing, I suspect many people will realize the pathetic nature of this behavior and the horror of the boredom bordering on insanity that generates that kind of search for the next thrill.

Very highly recommended for middle school and high school readers - especially who need to write a book report and want to sound smart for their teachers. Highly recommended for readers who enjoyed Fahrenheit 451 and/or like dystopian scenarios.

Pygmalion

Later turned into My Fair Lady by Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe, this play by George Bernard Shaw is much more satisfying than the screen adaptation (I haven't seen a stage production). I think most people offended by Audrey Hepburn's Liza stooping meekly for Henry Higgins' slippers will enjoy George Bernard Shaw's original immensely. The play doesn't take any easy ways out, but it would feel false, I think if it did. Hooray!

Highly recommended for all drama lovers and anyone who saw the film version of My Fair Lady. Overall highly recommended for a broad audience from more sophisticated middle school readers to adult. :)

The Oxford Murders

For a change from the drama, children's books, and other classics, I read this mystery by Guillermo Martinez (who I believe is from Spain). This mystery combines math/logic puzzles with murder mystery! However, not all mystery readers would enjoy this book - those looking for a little intellectual stimulation will find it here. Those looking for cats with antics or hairdressers with a knack for private investigation would probably not like The Oxford Murders much. I am not very "mathy" and I liked it because it didn't feel like a fluff book.

Recommended for "thinkers" and people who enjoy math, chess, or other logic puzzles.

The Crucible

I found Arthur Miller's play very relevant to the current state of American politics (as a political statement about witch hunts, whether for terrorists or communists), but it's also great as a dramatic work aside from any potential political undertones. I was an English major, so I find those kinds of things - some may not & we may both be right!

Very highly recommended for all Americans 15-16+. Reading this play was great on my own, but would benefit from discussion also. Make your friends think and talk to them about it. ;)

Sarah, Plain and Tall

This children's book by Patricia MacLachlan was a great story. I enjoyed it now as an adult, but I would have adored it during my "Little House" phase as a kid. Ah well! Don't let the kids you know escape their childhoods without it! If they have time to read Goosebumps, they have time for this one too!

Very highly recommended for all children 5-10 years old & all kids who enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series or stories about pioneer times. Also recommended for any adult who enjoyed those kinds of stories as a child, but never actually read this one (like me!).

T. Rex and the Crater of Doom

Walter Alvarez's book is a great discovery story! Well-written for the lay audience, it captures one's attention and takes readers through the many dead ends and ultimately, discoveries, that make up science and the process that scientists go through formulating and testing their ideas.

Highly recommended for all science lovers, dinosaur buffs (if you haven't read it already!), everyone wanting to find out more about the world around us, and of course, anyone who's ever wondered what really happened to the dinosaurs.

The Elephant Man

This is another play (reading them is fairly quick and boosts my yearly "books read" total while being culturally with it!) - this one by Bernard Pomerance. The play is about Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man and his interactions with high society and his caregivers. It's very philosophical, but more optimistic, I think than The Glass Menagerie was. I don't know that everyone would agree with that, though.

Overall, I liked G.M. better, but this is definitely worth your time - especially if you are interested either in drama or medicine. Recommended. :)

Glass Menagerie

This Tennessee Williams play is terrific! I really enjoyed it, even though it's sad. I think it would be enjoyed by a lot of teenagers who feel alienated from their parents or who feel overly protected by the same. Probably why it's read in so many high schools, eh? I can't wait to see a production of it! :D

Highly recommended for ages 14-15 and up. Great stuff and it's short! Might as well expand your cultural literacy with the short things at the very least!!

An Ordinary Man

Paul Rusesabagina is most well known in the United States as being the hotel manager depicted in Hotel Rwanda. This book is his own account of the events during Rwanda's genocide. Very well-written & I'd say impossible not to be moved by the horror or the survival of the hotel's guests. Definitely well worth reading. I can't say too much about it, as I feel my words are meaningless in comparison.

Must read for everyone who believes in human rights & current events. Probably should be read by those who are inclined to think that what's on the news doesn't affect them. I would say that the book would be a benefit to teenagers who are growing up as global citizens, but should probably be read with adult guidance - or someone to turn to & ask questions of (whether it's in a classroom, with family, or a pastor, etc..).

The Alchemist

This book by Paolo Coelho had been talked up to such an extent that I had very high expectations for it. Sure it's semi-philosophical about life's journey, paths not taken, etc..., but overall it's kind of simplistic. The message seemed to be "do what you need to do" regardless of the other people you care about and who care about you and if it's gonna work out, it'll work out - if not, it wasn't meant to be. That seems awfully self-centered to me. Not that I believe the individual is unimportant or that one's journey through life can't be synchronistic, but I don't believe that at a certain point your life has passed you by and given you the bird 'cause you weren't ready (or were afraid or whatever) to go for the ride. Yes. That opportunity was missed, but there is always something else waiting for you around life's corners and bends. Will the opportunity be the same? - no. Will the experience be identical? - no. Does that mean that it's bad or that your life is unfulfilled? I don't think so. Different than it might have been, but bad, sad, or pathetic - not unless that's how you want to live it.

Anyway, I would say that if you're looking for something inspirational, go for Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. If you have to read it, at least it's short & won't take up too much of your time. Not recommended unless it's required (or you want to find out what I'm talking about! ;) ).