Saturday, May 30, 2009

Do Hard Things

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris is a book that everyone should think about reading at least once. It was written by teenagers for teenagers. Their purpose in writing the book is to make teenagers think about what they are doing during those years between childhood and adulthood. The Harris twins believe that those years can be purposeful and give suggestions on what teens can do to make that true. There are also stories of teens that have done something during their teen years that have made a difference in the world they live in. Although this book was written with teenagers in mind, it is great for anyone to read because it reminds you that complacency is easy, but living a life that matters must be more intentional. Do Hard Things would make a great book to give to teens, whether they are thirteen or nineteen.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Spoon

Spoon is one of Amy Krause Rosenthal's new books. Spoon is unhappy because he is a spoon, and wishes that he was something else. He doesn't realize Fork, Knife, and Chopsticks wish that they were like him. And his mom reminds him of all the good things about being a spoon. Another fun book by Rosenthal that children will enjoy. Now I just have to wait til my library gets another of her new books, Little Oink.

Monday, May 4, 2009

On a Someday

On a Someday by Roxanne Henke is the latest novel that I read. If you have read some of Henke's other books, you will recognize some of the characters, but you would not have to read other books by her to make sense of this stand alone novel. This is the story of what happens when you get what you want, but also how that is not really what you wanted in the first place. Jim, Claire, and Drew (dad, mom, grown son) all have a significant role in the story. Jim owns Westin Foods in North Dakota, Claire's career as an author and speaker are taking off, and Drew is a successful loan office in New York City. Each chapter tells what is happening in the life of one of the characters, and of course, each character's life is woven into the other two. A good story, and one that makes you think about what is really important. If you have read any of Henke's other books, you would like this one. If you haven't, read this one and you will probably want to read more.