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What's on your summer reading list?
What are you hoping to read this summer? Here's my list.
The Big Short - Michael Lewis http://www.amazon.com/Big-Short-Inside-Doomsday-Machine/dp/0393072231
My husband got this for his birthday and I've been stealing it unofficially now for a few days. It's the story of why and how the U.S. economy tanked in 2008. Hardly light reading, but his writing style is mercifully conversational.
A Happy Marriage - Rafael Yglesias http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Marriage-Novel-Rafael-Yglesias/dp/1439102309/
I heard a really great interview with the author on Fresh Air that made me want to read this. It's been gathering dust on my night-side table so I'm hoping to make some progress at the beach.
Education Nation - Milton Chen - http://www.amazon.com/Education-Nation-Leading-Innovation-Schools/dp/047...
A positive and uplifting book about education innovation by Edutopia's Exec Director Emeritus. (coming out in July)
What books are making their way to your summer reading list?
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My first summer read is Anna
My first summer read is Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. I thought I would go for the "mother load" first and then lighten up!
The Teacher's Toolkit by Paul Ginnis
I was lucky to have attended a workshop of the author's. This is a must read for teachers---great ideas.
Great beach books
Unfortunately I won't get to go to Hawaii this Summer, but I can pretend I'm on the beach with these easy reads. ;)
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson - saw the movie with Amy Adams and Frances McDormand recently and loved it. The book is a bit different, but also great. It's about a down-on-her-luck governess that crash lands into the life of an actress -- complete with the drama -- and it's just what she needs to reboot her droopy life.
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott - I'm a sucker for teen fantasy novels. I haven't finished this but so far so fun. There are several books so looking forward to going through the series this summer.
The Private Patient by P.D. James - I'm a huge mystery fan and P.D. James is one of my favorites. This is the latest Adam Dalgliesh case. I'm two chapters in... and love it!
Anthill by E.O. Wilson
Does anyone know of any good books to read about Challenge Based Learning?
A Whole New Mind David
A Whole New Mind David Pink
You all talk so much about it, I cannot wait to have the time to read this.
The Help
I began this and JUST love it. Had to return to the library. But, want to buy it. IT is fabulous. A great Civil Rights Story. Would love to teach this. Who is going to star in the film? Hmmmmmmm!
Now, we have to have a BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP. There are even teachers who do not read..... :( I love my books and cannot part with them unless they are going to a great home.... :)
Plato, Plato, Plato. I've
Plato, Plato, Plato. I've read dialogues on an ad hoc basis, for classes in college, to teach socratic dialogue to high school students (they liked it), but I want to read it all. And Bryan Magee's autobiography. And David Hume's essays (and he should be read in English classes).
Two Lives by Vikram Seth
I haven't reached summer break yet, but I'm looking forward to starting with Vikram Seth's Two Lives -- the writing of a true English master as a great antidote to immersion in semi-literate pre-undergraduate prose.
Book discussion group on Edutopia?
A Whole New Mind David Pink
You all talk so much about it, I cannot wait to have the time to read this.
I loved this book! So hopeful, esp as it suggests that arts ed is a crucial component of 21st century economic strength in the US . (Economics being the only language that gets through these days of lean budgets.)
The Help
I began this and JUST love it. Had to return to the library. But, want to buy it. IT is fabulous. A great Civil Rights Story. Would love to teach this. Who is going to star in the film? Hmmmmmmm!
Haven't heard of this one - sounds great though. (*adding note to self*)
Now, we have to have a BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP. There are even teachers who do not read..... :( I love my books and cannot part with them unless they are going to a great home.... :)
I like the idea of a book discussion group, esp for summer. Anyone else interested in this? I'd love to make it happen if there's interest!
YA Literature Anyone?
I always try to incorporate Young Adult books into my summer reading. Not only do I personally enjoy it, but it keeps me up-to-date with books to recommend to my students. I even have a section of books in my room called "Saunders' Picks!" - books I've read that I recommend to students. I didn't realize how powerful this would be but students regularly ask if they can borrow one!
This summer: "Mockingjay" - the final book in the "Hunger Games" trilogy. It's due out the end of August. I pre-oredered it - yes, I even got the Mockingjay pin, which I wear in school!
Linda Nathan "The Hardest Questions Aren't On The Test"
I bought this for a book club through edweek.org and read it straight through. I especially appreciated Nathan's humility and reason. It both comforted me and challenged me to think more deeply and purposefully to solve some of the issues facing my school. I recommend it wholeheartedly for those interested in long term school reform ideas over quick fix packaged reforms that seem to be so popular these days.
I am also reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" with our AP Bio students and all of us are loving it. It is a great story that combines science, bio-ethics, and social history.