Book #5: The Reason I Jump

If I never accomplish my goal of reading 50 books this year or even if I do this will be one of my favorite reasons I chose this goal. This book blew my mind. It was written by a 13 year old boy who has autism who is nonverbal. In it he details his daily struggles, his dreams, his writing skills which are translated letter by letter by a teacher. This book was worth every minute not because I work with children who have autism but because my perception of children with autism has depeened. I used to work with a nonverbal student who I always knew was brighter than people had claimed she was and this book reaffirms what happens when we place judgments or biases on people regarding their IQ score or their communication level... Sometimes we are severely mistaken.... And, I am very grateful for that. 

Definitely worth a read even if you know no one with autism it will enlighten you.

Book #4: Catcher in the Rye

I had picked up this very old well used book a few years ago from a book sale at my parents church. I for some reason had never read Catcher in the Rye. I am thinking that it was assigned to me and I must have cliff noted it for a paper.... Not the greatest idea but I have finally read it and I am glad. This is a very well written character that I at first hated but over time noticed his better intentions and struggle through adolescence...because no one struggles through adolescence right? :) 

I noticed the other day using what I had learned from the book with working with my students and other students of the school...instead of being black and white about thinking that the students that were out if class skipping or avoiding their teachers I thought to myself what if their lives were so difficult that they just need time to talk to someone so I began to listen more and want to connect with them more and all in all I felt really good about not being so stern all the time and bringing a little but more me into my teaching. Ahhh... Lessons learned from chapter books.... The best!

Book 1 out of 50: To Marry an English Lord

My first book of the year is done. Phil have me this book for Christmas. I wanted to read it before I began the tv series of Downton Abbey. The book was extremely interesting considering in don't usually like to read historical books or haven't read one in a long time. I found the premise interesting that American Heiresses would marry Englishmen to gain titles in the Royal Family. 

After I finished it last week I began my 2 series of Downton Abbey which was over quite quickly. The episodes were great and I am glad that I read the book in conjunction with the tv show. 

I am working on a few books right now but keep bouncing back from one book to the next.

Any one else reading anything interesting right now?

50 Book Challenge

On my positively present email a few weeks ago, the blogger read 100 books in a year. Wow!

So, I decided to attempt a pledge of 50 books for 2014. Phil and I are going to take the challenge together which I am looking forward to. About a book a week. Durham has a wonderful library which will help me get through this challenge. I will post my challenge on here to share the books that I am reading in 2014.

Any book suggestions?