Book Review Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher. Greenwillow Books, 2001. This is a novel filled with so much tragedy that a reader might wonder if it is realistic. It might be possible for readers to dismiss this book as unrealistic. Even though it might be easier to close this book and say, “Chris Crutcher is crazy. Stuff like this doesn’t really happen,” readers must keep reading. In this novel, Crutcher tackles issues of discrimination, bullying, racism and abuse. We must remind ourselves that not everyone is in the same place in life that we are. We must remember that these ugly things exist and there are people who deal with them everyday. We need to think about what we can to do make life better for those who are suffering. This book is a great reminder to those of us blessed enough to not suffer and a source of comfort for those who do. Chris Crutcher has an amazing way of creating characters who can serve as examples us all.

This book is great for those who can handle truth. I will not be able to recommend it to all readers though. It isn’t for younger readers, and it isn’t for readers who are easily offended by the realistic actions and language of abuse and racism.

What is it about? A swim team filled with misfits who can’t swim led by a captain determined that every member of his team will earn a coveted letter jacket.

Book Review The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Scholastic Press, 2008.

In a postapocalyptic world filled with fear, hunger and submission, Katniss Everdeen sacrifices herself to protect the younger sister she loves more than life. Katniss finds that even though she thinks her destiny is to die in the Hunger Games, she has what it takes to not only survive, but also changed the destiny of the world she lives in. This book is impossible to put down until you get the last page and hard to forget after that page is read.

Finding Happiness

In Adriana Trigiani’s book Very Valentine the main character, Valentine, comes to realize that her fight to save her families shoe company is getting in the way of what brings her true joy–making shoes. She says, “The way I live from day to day in New York City suddenly seems ridiculous to me. I’ve mortgaged my happiness for a time that may never come. I love making shoes. Why does it have to be more complicated than that?”

I think about her words and compare it to my own life. I spent so many years thinking about leaving the classroom to become a reading coach, a college professor or something bigger. After three years of attempting to be a reading coach, I realize that maybe I too have mortgaged my happiness. I love teaching kids, and I love sharing ideas with teachers. I love collaborating with teachers. Why should I make it more complicated?

I am so thankful to be going back into the classroom where I can teach kids and collaborate with teachers.

Morning Coffee

Big, puffy, white clouds float above.
Little Thomas feet pitter patter below.
A lukewarm cup of raspberry delight coffee rests by my side.
Seems like a perfect place for a little writing.

I think I will always remember this summer as the summer I fell in love with the great outdoors. I hope that this summer is the beginning of a transformation. I hope that years from now I will look back at pictures pre-2010 and be able to say, “I don’t even look like the same person.” Physically, I never want to return to where I am right now. I’ve been running and cycling this summer and I feel young and alive. I feel like a kid again. I don’t want to lose that feeling. I want to enjoy life. Enjoy being outside. Enjoy being active. Enjoy my family. Enjoy my work. Just enjoy. Mentally, I want to continue to grow and change. When I think about the person I was 10 years ago, I am amazed at how much different I am. I’ve changed for the better and I hope to continue to become a better human being.

Cooling Off

According to Nikki Phipps
“many people find yucca plants to be welcome additions to the landscape. Others, however, consider them to be problems. In fact, due to their rapid growth and vast root system, yucca plants can quickly become a nuisance.” I fall into the latter category of people. I find these plants to be a huge nuisance and have decided to get them out of my yard. I’ve been outside with the pick-ax hacking away most of the afternoon. When I got so hot I couldn’t stand it, I came in to cool off and found myself cruising the internet. I really enjoyed reading professornana’s blog and felt inspired to write a blog entry myself. I’m cool now though, so I better get back out there and attack a few more yucca plants. Maybe I can come back later and blog about the books I’ve been reading… or the bike I’m going to get for my birthday … or how excited I am about our upcoming trip to the mountains…. or how great my yard is going to look when I get rid of all these yucky yucca plants.