Hello loves! Perhaps you've noticed I haven't been in the WHHS LMC this week. I had urgent surgery Monday morning and will be out until 1/23. Ms. Boyke will be filling in for me.
I saw the preview for the movie version of this book when we went to see Inferno. As you know, it's my rule to read the book first. I thought, based on the movie preview, it was a true story, however it is fiction. It is written in such a way that makes it feel like it really happened.
A group of soldiers in Iraq have their actions filmed by a TV crew. These young men go from nobodies to national heroes, simply because what they were doing was captured on film and broadcast. Billy and his comrades are coming home to parties and accolades he doesn't feel they deserve, including recognition at a Dallas Cowboys game.
This book is about what many of soldiers face upon returning home from war. Billy has no choice but to keep his emotions inside because he has been thrust upon a national stage for doing his sworn duty, one he might not agree with in totality. While some soldiers get interviews, bridges or parks named after them, school assemblies, or some such publicity, many return home to find their homes in foreclosure, medical care out of reach (look at recent articles about our own VA hospital right here in West Haven), friends and family who have moved on without them, nightmares that never go away....
We will be putting this novel on our wish list for next autumn.
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Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Happy Holidays! See you all very soon!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
I could NOT get into this!
I picked this up on a whim at WHPL when picking up Without Mercy. It was on display and the jacket I read while waiting in line sounded intriguing.
I've tried to read this since writing the review for the Jefferson Bass novel. I pick it up and put it down. Finally, I am giving it up about 1/3 of the way in. It pains me to do so, but as I tell all of my students, sometimes it just isn't doing it for you, no matter how your thing you think the book was going to be!
Paraphrased from the jacket: an opera singer in Paris is given the chance of a lifetime--the leading role in a new production, claimed to be written just for her voice. But Lilliet knows the truth--this opera is based on her real life and there are very few people who know the truth to divulge it to this writer/composer.
I really wanted to like this, but I found Lilliet tiresome and her supporting characters boring.
A no from me.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to "The Westie Review" corner in The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
I picked this up on a whim at WHPL when picking up Without Mercy. It was on display and the jacket I read while waiting in line sounded intriguing.
I've tried to read this since writing the review for the Jefferson Bass novel. I pick it up and put it down. Finally, I am giving it up about 1/3 of the way in. It pains me to do so, but as I tell all of my students, sometimes it just isn't doing it for you, no matter how your thing you think the book was going to be!
Paraphrased from the jacket: an opera singer in Paris is given the chance of a lifetime--the leading role in a new production, claimed to be written just for her voice. But Lilliet knows the truth--this opera is based on her real life and there are very few people who know the truth to divulge it to this writer/composer.
I really wanted to like this, but I found Lilliet tiresome and her supporting characters boring.
A no from me.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to "The Westie Review" corner in The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Without Mercy by Jefferson Bass
I've reviewed another Body Farm novel by the writing team of Jefferson Bass here before (Breaking Point). I've really liked all the Body Farm novels except one.
Now, having finished this last night, I'm of the opinion this will be the final book in the series. The villain of the very first book in the sequence (not the series, as it was a prequel) returns to exact revenge on Dr. Bill Bass. Bass is aging, showing signs of forgetfulness, and out of touch with the latest technologies, even those in his own field. Miranda, his graduate assistant, has completed her dissertation, earned her PhD, and been offered a job with the FBI. The acknowledgements also allude to the finality of the series after 10 years and multiple novels.
Without Mercy is a frightening look at racial and religious relations right now in our country. Obviously written before the election campaigns took off in earnest, I don't think the authors knew just how bad it was going to get. Just this morning, the New Haven Register posted a story about a hate letter sent to our local Muslim organization.
This was a very quick read that kept me engaged for 3 hours straight. I couldn't put it down. That being said, it's really necessary to read the others first to understand the relationships between all the characters in this (final) novel.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Now, having finished this last night, I'm of the opinion this will be the final book in the series. The villain of the very first book in the sequence (not the series, as it was a prequel) returns to exact revenge on Dr. Bill Bass. Bass is aging, showing signs of forgetfulness, and out of touch with the latest technologies, even those in his own field. Miranda, his graduate assistant, has completed her dissertation, earned her PhD, and been offered a job with the FBI. The acknowledgements also allude to the finality of the series after 10 years and multiple novels.
Without Mercy is a frightening look at racial and religious relations right now in our country. Obviously written before the election campaigns took off in earnest, I don't think the authors knew just how bad it was going to get. Just this morning, the New Haven Register posted a story about a hate letter sent to our local Muslim organization.
This was a very quick read that kept me engaged for 3 hours straight. I couldn't put it down. That being said, it's really necessary to read the others first to understand the relationships between all the characters in this (final) novel.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle
I wanted to like this book. I really did. It seemed to be billed as a new Catcher in the Rye with a more modern twist.
Instead of Holden, I saw a whiny entitled brat. Yes, Holden was a whiny entitled brat too, but he made the reader care about what he was going through. Like Holden, Quinn is working through the grief of losing a sibling. But let's throw in Quinn being gay. Even Quinn says his life is playing out like a typical LGBTQ coming of age novel. Very much so. So much that it bored me. I made it to page 64 before bringing the book back to the WHHS LMC. I just couldn't care to read anymore of it. NOTHING happened in those 64 pages to make me want to keep reading.
This is the second book I've read that felt like Catcher, 2.0 version; the other being The Tragic Age by Stephen Metcalfe (I didn't review that here, imply what you will). Catcher was beautiful and meaningful and can't be redone.
Submit your reviews to "The Westie Review" corner of The Rostrum
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Instead of Holden, I saw a whiny entitled brat. Yes, Holden was a whiny entitled brat too, but he made the reader care about what he was going through. Like Holden, Quinn is working through the grief of losing a sibling. But let's throw in Quinn being gay. Even Quinn says his life is playing out like a typical LGBTQ coming of age novel. Very much so. So much that it bored me. I made it to page 64 before bringing the book back to the WHHS LMC. I just couldn't care to read anymore of it. NOTHING happened in those 64 pages to make me want to keep reading.
This is the second book I've read that felt like Catcher, 2.0 version; the other being The Tragic Age by Stephen Metcalfe (I didn't review that here, imply what you will). Catcher was beautiful and meaningful and can't be redone.
Submit your reviews to "The Westie Review" corner of The Rostrum
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Undertow by Michael Buckley
This book was part of the Olenick fund order, suggested to me by our vendor's hot books list. I was intrigued by the cover and hooked by the jacket snippet--hello, we are in Coney Island! How many books have I read and reviewed set there? Slight obsession to be sure!
This is book one in what I guess will be a trilogy. Book 2 is called Raging Sea.
Lyric and her friends once walked along the famous boardwalk at Coney Island carefree. Migraines her only problem, Lyric calls herself a former wild thing. Everything changed when a nation of sea dwelling humanoids came up out the sea and made the Coney Island beach their new home. Lyric and her mother Summer were there when the Alpha arrived. Fast forward a few years. The Alpha and those who have not fled Coney Island (undocumented immigrants without ID primarily) are about to face school integration. The President has declared several Alpha children will attend high school with their human counterparts, including Lyric and her best friend Bex (Bex actually has a subplot storyline with an abusive stepfather and a wonderful boyfriend who happens to be Latino).
We learn Lyric's mother is an Alpha, sent ahead 20 years earlier as some type of scout. Her particular race is something akin to Mermaids (again, this is Coney Island afterall). She will be viewed as a traitor for not returning. Because she lacks ID, she cannot leave Coney Island. Her husband, Lyric's father, is NYPD and vows to protect them. However, Lyric is recruited to teach the Alpha's prince how to be an American. Somewhat as expected, she falls for Fathom (all of the Alpha children are given English names that have something to do with Coney Island--Arcade, Bumper, Ghost, Luna, etc.). Lyric's father can't protect her from the various players and plots. There are racist gangs out to kill the Alpha, helped by a Governor with political aspirations who intends to rid New York of the Alpha.
The book is a statement on the way immigrants and minorities are treated in this country. Seriously, it couldn't be more timely.
I LOVED this book until about 3/4 of the way through. The ending felt rushed, too much was happening too fast to keep it all straight. It almost felt like the author had a page cap or word limit. I had to go back and reread several paragraphs because I felt I was missing things. The ending left me unsatisfied. However, that may be simply an attempt at a hook for the next book.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
This is book one in what I guess will be a trilogy. Book 2 is called Raging Sea.
Lyric and her friends once walked along the famous boardwalk at Coney Island carefree. Migraines her only problem, Lyric calls herself a former wild thing. Everything changed when a nation of sea dwelling humanoids came up out the sea and made the Coney Island beach their new home. Lyric and her mother Summer were there when the Alpha arrived. Fast forward a few years. The Alpha and those who have not fled Coney Island (undocumented immigrants without ID primarily) are about to face school integration. The President has declared several Alpha children will attend high school with their human counterparts, including Lyric and her best friend Bex (Bex actually has a subplot storyline with an abusive stepfather and a wonderful boyfriend who happens to be Latino).
We learn Lyric's mother is an Alpha, sent ahead 20 years earlier as some type of scout. Her particular race is something akin to Mermaids (again, this is Coney Island afterall). She will be viewed as a traitor for not returning. Because she lacks ID, she cannot leave Coney Island. Her husband, Lyric's father, is NYPD and vows to protect them. However, Lyric is recruited to teach the Alpha's prince how to be an American. Somewhat as expected, she falls for Fathom (all of the Alpha children are given English names that have something to do with Coney Island--Arcade, Bumper, Ghost, Luna, etc.). Lyric's father can't protect her from the various players and plots. There are racist gangs out to kill the Alpha, helped by a Governor with political aspirations who intends to rid New York of the Alpha.
The book is a statement on the way immigrants and minorities are treated in this country. Seriously, it couldn't be more timely.
I LOVED this book until about 3/4 of the way through. The ending felt rushed, too much was happening too fast to keep it all straight. It almost felt like the author had a page cap or word limit. I had to go back and reread several paragraphs because I felt I was missing things. The ending left me unsatisfied. However, that may be simply an attempt at a hook for the next book.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Quick Check-in
Hey all--
So, it turns out I'm going to be having surgery just before Christmas (Dec. 19th). I will out on medical leave until at least January 23rd. At least I'll have plenty of time to read! ;)
I'm almost done with a new book I snagged from the Olenick order. Look for that review in a few days!
Also, if you search for Everyday Magic by Emily Albright or That Burning Summer by Lydia Syson on Barnes & Noble or Amazon, you might read a little snippet from someone you know! ;)
Speaking of SLJ, I have my next assignment, which I'll read after finishing my current book.
I decided to organize the yearbooks today (Counseling has commandeered the computer lab for Naviance and we don't have a single class in the Library today--say what?!?!).
Check this out:
That's my Dad (Class of 1974), me (Class of 1998), and my cousin Kaleb (Class of 2020)!
#bleedblue
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
So, it turns out I'm going to be having surgery just before Christmas (Dec. 19th). I will out on medical leave until at least January 23rd. At least I'll have plenty of time to read! ;)
I'm almost done with a new book I snagged from the Olenick order. Look for that review in a few days!
Also, if you search for Everyday Magic by Emily Albright or That Burning Summer by Lydia Syson on Barnes & Noble or Amazon, you might read a little snippet from someone you know! ;)
Speaking of SLJ, I have my next assignment, which I'll read after finishing my current book.
I decided to organize the yearbooks today (Counseling has commandeered the computer lab for Naviance and we don't have a single class in the Library today--say what?!?!).
Check this out:
That's my Dad (Class of 1974), me (Class of 1998), and my cousin Kaleb (Class of 2020)!
#bleedblue
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Friday, November 4, 2016
The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller
I have always had an interest in this famous double murder in our neighboring state of Rhode Island. I've even visited the historic sites in Fall River. I heard about this new book, geared for young adults, and added it to our wish list. Thanks to the Denise Madera Olenick memorial fund, we were able to purchase it. It went on display with horror for Halloween week, and then I snagged it.
Many people know some variation of the jump rope rhyme--
Lizzie Borden took an axe
Gave her mother forty whacks
And then when she was done (or when she saw what she had done)
She gave her father forty one
Andrew and Abby Borden, Lizzie and her sister Emma's father and stepmother, were brutally murdered with an axe or hatchet in August of 1892. The accused murderer was none other than Lizzie herself.
Often, Lizzie is portrayed as a teenage girl. In reality, she was over thirty and her sister Emma much older. The two sisters shared a home with their father and his much younger second wife, along with their housekeeper Bridget (for some reason called "Maggie"). There was strife in the family. Lizzie and Emma often refused to eat with their stepmother, either eating at different times or in a different part of the house. They were angry at their father for using part of their inheritance to buy a home for Abby's family members. These facts were used against Lizzie in her trial. Lizzie also faced rumors and gossip used as evidence.
In the end though, Lizzie was found not guilty in court. She continued to be tormented though, in the press and in public, for the remainder of her life. She even changed her name, to Lizbeth, in an effort to hide from her past. Her dying request was to be buried at her father's feet, and she left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Shelter.
I like the way the book is written, much like one of my favorite books, The Murder of Helen Jewett. It is told in narrative, with facts from court records, newspaper stories, interviews, and letters.
The Borden murders have never been solved, if one believes Lizzie is in fact innocent.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what your read #whhs #read
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Many people know some variation of the jump rope rhyme--
Lizzie Borden took an axe
Gave her mother forty whacks
And then when she was done (or when she saw what she had done)
She gave her father forty one
Andrew and Abby Borden, Lizzie and her sister Emma's father and stepmother, were brutally murdered with an axe or hatchet in August of 1892. The accused murderer was none other than Lizzie herself.
Often, Lizzie is portrayed as a teenage girl. In reality, she was over thirty and her sister Emma much older. The two sisters shared a home with their father and his much younger second wife, along with their housekeeper Bridget (for some reason called "Maggie"). There was strife in the family. Lizzie and Emma often refused to eat with their stepmother, either eating at different times or in a different part of the house. They were angry at their father for using part of their inheritance to buy a home for Abby's family members. These facts were used against Lizzie in her trial. Lizzie also faced rumors and gossip used as evidence.
In the end though, Lizzie was found not guilty in court. She continued to be tormented though, in the press and in public, for the remainder of her life. She even changed her name, to Lizbeth, in an effort to hide from her past. Her dying request was to be buried at her father's feet, and she left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Shelter.
I like the way the book is written, much like one of my favorite books, The Murder of Helen Jewett. It is told in narrative, with facts from court records, newspaper stories, interviews, and letters.
The Borden murders have never been solved, if one believes Lizzie is in fact innocent.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what your read #whhs #read
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Gemina by Kaufman and Kristoff
Yessssss....
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Gemina since I read the first book in the trilogy Illuminae.
Wait, where is my review for Illuminae? Well, there isn't one. I read Illuminae for another purpose. You're going to have to infer what I mean by that. ;)
It is a necessity to read Illuminae before reading Gemina. My mind was BLOWN in reading the first book. It was BLOWN EVEN FARTHER by this one.
The Hypatia is heading toward the Heimdall, pursued by BeiTech assault ships. BeiTech intends to eliminate all witnesses to the events of Illuminae. The Heimdall jump station is their only hope. Really, read Illuminae!
Meanwhile, the residents and crew of the Heimdall are blissfully unaware of the Hypatia and the BeiTech disaster. It's party time in fact. Young Hanna and her junior officer boyfriend are planning to "celebrate" afterwards. At this time, a gang of ruthless killers, who may or may not be allied with BeiTech, secretly board, unleash an army of snake like aliens, and take over the ship. It's up to Hanna to save the Heimdall, the Hypatia, and the universe as our characters know it.
What ensues is a cat and mouse game of who is tricking whom. Mind STILL BLOWN.
Both Illuminae and Gemina are told in an absolutely non-traditional fashion. Diary entries (written and sketched), surveillance camera transcripts, chats, texts, interviews, and the ship's on-board computer accounts are just some of the means of telling the story. The book actually must be turned this way and that to read it in some places (I have heard it's not possible to read the book on an electronic device unless the auto-rotate is turned off, FYI). It is a strange but awesome conglomerate of fictitious memoir, trial stenography, programming language, teen romance, sci-fi, and modern electronic dialogue.
I am happy to say Gemina has been added to the WHHS LMC collection. It will be on display next Monday for our new book display. Thank you to the Madera-Olenick families, as Gemina and the other new books were purchased with the Denise Olenick Memorial funds.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Love to read? Love to write? Submit a book review to The Westie Review corner in The Rostrum. I am co-advisor to both!
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. :)
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Gemina since I read the first book in the trilogy Illuminae.
Wait, where is my review for Illuminae? Well, there isn't one. I read Illuminae for another purpose. You're going to have to infer what I mean by that. ;)
It is a necessity to read Illuminae before reading Gemina. My mind was BLOWN in reading the first book. It was BLOWN EVEN FARTHER by this one.
The Hypatia is heading toward the Heimdall, pursued by BeiTech assault ships. BeiTech intends to eliminate all witnesses to the events of Illuminae. The Heimdall jump station is their only hope. Really, read Illuminae!
Meanwhile, the residents and crew of the Heimdall are blissfully unaware of the Hypatia and the BeiTech disaster. It's party time in fact. Young Hanna and her junior officer boyfriend are planning to "celebrate" afterwards. At this time, a gang of ruthless killers, who may or may not be allied with BeiTech, secretly board, unleash an army of snake like aliens, and take over the ship. It's up to Hanna to save the Heimdall, the Hypatia, and the universe as our characters know it.
What ensues is a cat and mouse game of who is tricking whom. Mind STILL BLOWN.
Both Illuminae and Gemina are told in an absolutely non-traditional fashion. Diary entries (written and sketched), surveillance camera transcripts, chats, texts, interviews, and the ship's on-board computer accounts are just some of the means of telling the story. The book actually must be turned this way and that to read it in some places (I have heard it's not possible to read the book on an electronic device unless the auto-rotate is turned off, FYI). It is a strange but awesome conglomerate of fictitious memoir, trial stenography, programming language, teen romance, sci-fi, and modern electronic dialogue.
I am happy to say Gemina has been added to the WHHS LMC collection. It will be on display next Monday for our new book display. Thank you to the Madera-Olenick families, as Gemina and the other new books were purchased with the Denise Olenick Memorial funds.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Love to read? Love to write? Submit a book review to The Westie Review corner in The Rostrum. I am co-advisor to both!
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. :)
Sunday, October 23, 2016
I'm bacccckkkk!!
I have finished my responsibilities for Nutmeg 2018, after emailing off my ranking order of the 22 books that made the cut to be on the final list. We have one more meeting, when our chair will announce the official 10 nominees (and 2 alternates, in case a publisher can't get a suitable number of paperbacks in time).
Soooo....here's to the return of my book reviews!
Very soon I'll be publishing my review of Gemina!
I am still reviewing for School Library Journal, one book per month. I am happy to announce the WHHS LMC will be subscribing to SLJ, so now you can read those reviews in print!
I'm also very excited to be representing West Haven at the Connecticut Association of School Librarians conference Tuesday!
See you all very soon!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Love reading? Love writing? Submit a book review to The Westie Review corner in The Rostrum! I'm co-advisor to both!
Opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. :)
Soooo....here's to the return of my book reviews!
Very soon I'll be publishing my review of Gemina!
I am still reviewing for School Library Journal, one book per month. I am happy to announce the WHHS LMC will be subscribing to SLJ, so now you can read those reviews in print!
I'm also very excited to be representing West Haven at the Connecticut Association of School Librarians conference Tuesday!
See you all very soon!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Love reading? Love writing? Submit a book review to The Westie Review corner in The Rostrum! I'm co-advisor to both!
Opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. :)
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Please Vote! WHHS vs. ND This Week!
The WHHS v. ND Game/Soderman Bowl is up for game of the week on both WFSB and WTNH.
Please vote!
Game of the Week on WFSB
Thursday, October 6, 2016
We are ONLINE! Follett Destiny has come to WHHS!
I'm thrilled to announce the WHHS LMC FINALLY has an online catalog. Along with Bailey and Carrigan, we now have Follett Destiny!
Thank you to Mrs. Lynch, who worked for TEN YEARS to bring this program to West Haven!
To access the catalog:
whschools.follettdestiny.com
For students, your sign is firstnamelastname and your password is your lunch number.
For teachers, your sign in is firstnamelastname and your password is your paycheck number (you may need to add leading 0s).
We are sooooooooo excited for this change!
Thank you to Mrs. Lynch, who worked for TEN YEARS to bring this program to West Haven!
To access the catalog:
whschools.follettdestiny.com
For students, your sign is firstnamelastname and your password is your lunch number.
For teachers, your sign in is firstnamelastname and your password is your paycheck number (you may need to add leading 0s).
We are sooooooooo excited for this change!
Sunday, October 2, 2016
GAFE Google Apps for Education Summit
( I know it's called G Suite now, but old habits...)
I spent the weekend with a ton of other educators from CT, MA, NY (and more) who have a passion for Google like me. Mrs. Porto and I represented West Haven at the Summit and I LEARNED SO MUCH. I thought I knew Google pretty well before, but seriously, I know so much more now!
I live tweeted from the Summit @RamblingsLMS. Please check out my Twitter feed to see some of the amazing things!
If you are an educator, please get yourself Google Certified and attend a Summit!
I spent the weekend with a ton of other educators from CT, MA, NY (and more) who have a passion for Google like me. Mrs. Porto and I represented West Haven at the Summit and I LEARNED SO MUCH. I thought I knew Google pretty well before, but seriously, I know so much more now!
I live tweeted from the Summit @RamblingsLMS. Please check out my Twitter feed to see some of the amazing things!
If you are an educator, please get yourself Google Certified and attend a Summit!
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Fall Update
Hello Loves! It's been awhile since my last post, so I wanted to check in!
Last week I had the summer list meeting for Nutmeg. 29 books whittled down to 4 (bug eyed emoji here!). We have one more rotation for October's meeting. Then each committee member makes a list of their top 20 from the final list. That will be November's debate.
I also received my next assignment for SLJ. It's one I've been wanting to read, so I'm happy about that. My first review got great feedback!
Those of you who completed summer reading should've received an invitation to our pizza party Friday. I'm supplying the pizza as a thank you!
Hopefully I'll be back to blogging reviews soon!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Last week I had the summer list meeting for Nutmeg. 29 books whittled down to 4 (bug eyed emoji here!). We have one more rotation for October's meeting. Then each committee member makes a list of their top 20 from the final list. That will be November's debate.
I also received my next assignment for SLJ. It's one I've been wanting to read, so I'm happy about that. My first review got great feedback!
Those of you who completed summer reading should've received an invitation to our pizza party Friday. I'm supplying the pizza as a thank you!
Hopefully I'll be back to blogging reviews soon!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Friday, September 9, 2016
I Work at a Public Library by Gina Sheridan
This book was a recommendation from a public youth librarian on the Nutmeg committee with me. Unless you (a student of mine) is considering a career in Library Science, this review is for my adult followers, especially those in LMS/ML(I)S fields.
Ask someone to describe a library and a librarian. Hushed voices, old books, glasses, bun, etc. the answer?
Those stereotypes could not be any farther from the truth (although my hair is usually in a bun and I wear glasses).
My library, the West Haven High School Library Media Center, is a bustling hub of activity. We take ID pictures, print and deliver them. We maintain the COWS and their wrangling. 62 networked PCs and all their issues. A copier than jams daily. A color printer that never has ink. The teacher printer that needs paper ALL THE TIME. 120 kids from cafe and on passes. 2 and sometimes 3 full classes. Google, wifi, and Powerschool setups. The laminator I'm not allowed to touch. Archives of Savin Rock and West Haven history. The Rostrum and the Honors Committee. An outdated catalog system. 2 Library Media Specialists, a clerk, a tech para, and a part-time para. 15,000 books, 9 databases, 12 magazines, a professional collection, and curriculum DVDs. Speakers and LCD projectors. Crazy. Every minute of the day.
I wouldn't change a thing.
But the reality is a lot of funny stuff, sometimes good and sometimes bad, happens. This is a collection of all those events, curated from the blog of the same name, and organized by Dewey (who I happen to hate).
A great read for my peeps in the stacks.
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read and follow me @RamblingsLMS
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Ask someone to describe a library and a librarian. Hushed voices, old books, glasses, bun, etc. the answer?
Those stereotypes could not be any farther from the truth (although my hair is usually in a bun and I wear glasses).
My library, the West Haven High School Library Media Center, is a bustling hub of activity. We take ID pictures, print and deliver them. We maintain the COWS and their wrangling. 62 networked PCs and all their issues. A copier than jams daily. A color printer that never has ink. The teacher printer that needs paper ALL THE TIME. 120 kids from cafe and on passes. 2 and sometimes 3 full classes. Google, wifi, and Powerschool setups. The laminator I'm not allowed to touch. Archives of Savin Rock and West Haven history. The Rostrum and the Honors Committee. An outdated catalog system. 2 Library Media Specialists, a clerk, a tech para, and a part-time para. 15,000 books, 9 databases, 12 magazines, a professional collection, and curriculum DVDs. Speakers and LCD projectors. Crazy. Every minute of the day.
I wouldn't change a thing.
But the reality is a lot of funny stuff, sometimes good and sometimes bad, happens. This is a collection of all those events, curated from the blog of the same name, and organized by Dewey (who I happen to hate).
A great read for my peeps in the stacks.
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read and follow me @RamblingsLMS
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Captured! by Stanton T. Friedman and Kathleen Marden
I want to believe. I want to believe aliens have visited us and that UFOs appear in the night sky. I want to believe Betty and Barney Hill (yes, there is a street in West Haven named Barney Hill Road, a very strange coincidence indeed) saw a UFO in September of 1961 in the place I've spent a week or more of nearly every summer for 36 years.
But after reading this, and I wish I hadn't, I think maybe yes, they saw something that night, but the rest of their tale is nothing more than fantasy.
I have never read The Interrupted Journey, the first full length book regarding the Hill's experience. For the first few chapters of this book I had every intention of requesting it, but now, not so much.
Let's go back a bit. Most of those following this blog know my love of the strange, and Ancient Aliens is my favorite show. Just about every summer, first as a child and now as a parent, I've spent in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, specifically the Lincoln-Woodstock area. For years I've seen the marker at the start of Franconia Notch at the end of Indian Head Resort, where we stayed once in a cabin, marking the site of a supposed alien abduction in 1961. A local gas station has a mural dedicated to the visitors. This summer I vowed to finally read more about this couple and their story.
A quick Google search tells of a normal (albeit interracial, which wasn't so normal in New Hampshire in the 1960s) couple heading back from Montreal to their home in Plymouth. This would take them through the Notch, adjacent to Cannon Mountain, on Route 3, now Interstate 93. They, and their dog, encountered a UFO in the early morning hours.
I have no doubt the Hills, a couple with much at stake--Betty a social worker with the state, Barney a civil right activist and postal worker--would not come up with such a tale out of the blue. I truly believe they did in fact see a UFO that night. I have ridden the tram at Cannon, jogged on 3 at sunrise, been driven through the Notch at night. Nothing in those experiences would create an illusion of UFOs--the Cannon observatory or restaurant, search lights, etc. That part of the story cannot be explained.
I wish that was all I knew. I could accept that. The Hills were initially ok with keeping the story to just friends and family. But then they underwent hypnotic regression and their story of abduction spread. Soon they were famous. Would Barney have been invited to a presidential inauguration as just a local civil right leader, or did his notoriety help get the Hills that ticket?
The tales Betty spun are fantasy at best. What is even worse is how this book, coauthored by her niece, is written. Alternating between a familial type narrative and a lot of science I just don't understand (I last studied physics in 1997) from her coauthor, I was disheartened by the tone of the authors when presenting the opposing viewpoint. I'm not a skeptic; I believe in aliens. The condescending tone was unnecessary and off-putting.
I would like to lose time, like Betty claims the Hills did, and forget I read this. Instead of smiling at the marker I'll pass heading north on 3 to I-93, I'm probably going to scowl.
Don't forget summer reading is due FRIDAY by 1:45 p.m. Use Google Forms to submit; all the links are on the LMC page,
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS Tweet what you're reading using #wwhs #read
All opinions appearing on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
But after reading this, and I wish I hadn't, I think maybe yes, they saw something that night, but the rest of their tale is nothing more than fantasy.
I have never read The Interrupted Journey, the first full length book regarding the Hill's experience. For the first few chapters of this book I had every intention of requesting it, but now, not so much.
Let's go back a bit. Most of those following this blog know my love of the strange, and Ancient Aliens is my favorite show. Just about every summer, first as a child and now as a parent, I've spent in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, specifically the Lincoln-Woodstock area. For years I've seen the marker at the start of Franconia Notch at the end of Indian Head Resort, where we stayed once in a cabin, marking the site of a supposed alien abduction in 1961. A local gas station has a mural dedicated to the visitors. This summer I vowed to finally read more about this couple and their story.
A quick Google search tells of a normal (albeit interracial, which wasn't so normal in New Hampshire in the 1960s) couple heading back from Montreal to their home in Plymouth. This would take them through the Notch, adjacent to Cannon Mountain, on Route 3, now Interstate 93. They, and their dog, encountered a UFO in the early morning hours.
I have no doubt the Hills, a couple with much at stake--Betty a social worker with the state, Barney a civil right activist and postal worker--would not come up with such a tale out of the blue. I truly believe they did in fact see a UFO that night. I have ridden the tram at Cannon, jogged on 3 at sunrise, been driven through the Notch at night. Nothing in those experiences would create an illusion of UFOs--the Cannon observatory or restaurant, search lights, etc. That part of the story cannot be explained.
I wish that was all I knew. I could accept that. The Hills were initially ok with keeping the story to just friends and family. But then they underwent hypnotic regression and their story of abduction spread. Soon they were famous. Would Barney have been invited to a presidential inauguration as just a local civil right leader, or did his notoriety help get the Hills that ticket?
The tales Betty spun are fantasy at best. What is even worse is how this book, coauthored by her niece, is written. Alternating between a familial type narrative and a lot of science I just don't understand (I last studied physics in 1997) from her coauthor, I was disheartened by the tone of the authors when presenting the opposing viewpoint. I'm not a skeptic; I believe in aliens. The condescending tone was unnecessary and off-putting.
I would like to lose time, like Betty claims the Hills did, and forget I read this. Instead of smiling at the marker I'll pass heading north on 3 to I-93, I'm probably going to scowl.
Don't forget summer reading is due FRIDAY by 1:45 p.m. Use Google Forms to submit; all the links are on the LMC page,
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS Tweet what you're reading using #wwhs #read
All opinions appearing on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
Before I delve into this review, I just want to say...well, actually shout...my first SLJ review was approved!!!!! Just a few minor edits, mainly for space. My review will appear in the October issue. I had my first reviewer chat, a kind of orientation if you will, today. That was after teaching Google for 6 hours to my colleagues! I'm wiped for sure!
Oh, and get those summer reading forms in!
Now...
This was my kinda book! Horror/thriller/ghostish story set in Vermont. Loved it!
The story is told through alternating viewpoints in the early 1900s and today. Sara Harrison Shea lives in the old farmhouse she inherited with her husband and daughter Gertie. Sara grew up in the home, with her father, siblings, and her "auntie". Auntie seems to be a sometimes lover to Sara's father, dabbles in witchcraft, has Native American Indian blood....you can see that villagers in the late 1800s don't like her very much. Tragically, Gertie falls down a well. Sara tells us that she knows of a legend of ways to wake the dead and see her daughter again. Auntie knows how and wrote the steps in a letter.
Today, Ruth lives in the house with her mother and sister. Her father passed recently from a heart attack. One day Ruth's mother, Alice, goes missing. Ruth and her sister Fawn tear the house apart. In doing so, they find Sara's diary and many secret hiding places throughout. Just what is going on in this house??
We also have Katherine, whose husband secretly came to West Hall, VT, at roughly the same time Alice disappeared, and was killed in a car accident en route home.
Add in Candace, a direct descendant of Sara's. What is her motivation in finding the diary belonging to her great (several times) aunt?
This was a crazy thriller I could not put down. Look for it to be added to the WHHS LMC collection later this autumn.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Oh, and get those summer reading forms in!
Now...
This was my kinda book! Horror/thriller/ghostish story set in Vermont. Loved it!
The story is told through alternating viewpoints in the early 1900s and today. Sara Harrison Shea lives in the old farmhouse she inherited with her husband and daughter Gertie. Sara grew up in the home, with her father, siblings, and her "auntie". Auntie seems to be a sometimes lover to Sara's father, dabbles in witchcraft, has Native American Indian blood....you can see that villagers in the late 1800s don't like her very much. Tragically, Gertie falls down a well. Sara tells us that she knows of a legend of ways to wake the dead and see her daughter again. Auntie knows how and wrote the steps in a letter.
Today, Ruth lives in the house with her mother and sister. Her father passed recently from a heart attack. One day Ruth's mother, Alice, goes missing. Ruth and her sister Fawn tear the house apart. In doing so, they find Sara's diary and many secret hiding places throughout. Just what is going on in this house??
We also have Katherine, whose husband secretly came to West Hall, VT, at roughly the same time Alice disappeared, and was killed in a car accident en route home.
Add in Candace, a direct descendant of Sara's. What is her motivation in finding the diary belonging to her great (several times) aunt?
This was a crazy thriller I could not put down. Look for it to be added to the WHHS LMC collection later this autumn.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent
This is yet another book that was in "the pile"! No idea where it came from.
This Western crime drama is set just after the Civil War in locations throughout the Southwest and along the Gulf of Mexico. A ruthless killer, once a land surveyor, is obsessed with a old ghost tale of gold hidden in the bayou and leaves a path of death and destruction in his wake. His lover, a prostitute masquerading as a school teacher, was once a respected daughter and wife, but suffered from seizures and depression. Her husband and father had her committed several times, but she ran away at roughly 8 months pregnant. The pair have found the man the believe currently owns the land the gold is hidden on, but plans go awry. Desperate for money, they plot to rob a much wealthier man, when everything really goes off the rails. Meanwhile, three lawmen from Texas are in pursuit of the couple, who wrestle with morality on the frontier. The two sets of stories intertwine during the chase, with their final confrontation being the climax of the story. There is a final plot twist I won't spoil, but I am disappointed that I figured it out way too early. It kinda ruined the ending.
Don't forget to submit your summer reading forms. All the info is on the school website and in your school gmail. The last day to submit forms is September 9th.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 1st day!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
All opinions on this blog are those solely of Mrs. W.
This Western crime drama is set just after the Civil War in locations throughout the Southwest and along the Gulf of Mexico. A ruthless killer, once a land surveyor, is obsessed with a old ghost tale of gold hidden in the bayou and leaves a path of death and destruction in his wake. His lover, a prostitute masquerading as a school teacher, was once a respected daughter and wife, but suffered from seizures and depression. Her husband and father had her committed several times, but she ran away at roughly 8 months pregnant. The pair have found the man the believe currently owns the land the gold is hidden on, but plans go awry. Desperate for money, they plot to rob a much wealthier man, when everything really goes off the rails. Meanwhile, three lawmen from Texas are in pursuit of the couple, who wrestle with morality on the frontier. The two sets of stories intertwine during the chase, with their final confrontation being the climax of the story. There is a final plot twist I won't spoil, but I am disappointed that I figured it out way too early. It kinda ruined the ending.
Don't forget to submit your summer reading forms. All the info is on the school website and in your school gmail. The last day to submit forms is September 9th.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 1st day!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
All opinions on this blog are those solely of Mrs. W.
Monday, August 15, 2016
The Intern's Handbook by Shane Kuhn
I can't remember how this book ended up on the ottoman of "to read before summer ends but only after Nutmegs are done". It may have come from the Scholastic Warehouse sale, as they do sometimes have adult novels in the mix. It may also have come from the West Haven Public Library's fundraiser day at Barnes and Noble. I'm really not sure!
However it came across my desk, er, ottoman, I'm glad it did. I looked it up on Amazon and see it's the start of a series, and possibly (it's kinda confusing) a re-release of an earlier novel by a different name.
Anyway, John Lago is an assassin. He has no family; orphaned as a baby to drug addicted parents, in and out of the foster and prison systems his entire childhood. He is found by the director of an elite assassination firm and trained to kill. Reaching 25, he is set to retire comfortably, but for reasons we find out later, he has written a secret handbook for new recruits to the profession, detailing his final job.
John's specialty is to disguise himself as an intern: the lowest of the low in the corporate world (heck, the education world too--free labor in exchange for recommendations and resume references). In reality, his task is to off someone in the firm. For this job, it's as a legal intern in one of the biggest firms in New York. His target is one of the title partners.
Everything looks easy peasy, until John finds out the FBI is hunting the same man, and sends one its best in the form of another intern, now junior associate Alice.
What follows is a cat and mouse game between John, Alice, the partner, John's employer, the FBI, the mafia, and a host of other who-is-out-to-get-whom characters. It was a super fast read that I could not put down! Might have to get the sequel! This will be added to the LMC collection sometime this fall.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Get those summer reading forms in! Please!
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
However it came across my desk, er, ottoman, I'm glad it did. I looked it up on Amazon and see it's the start of a series, and possibly (it's kinda confusing) a re-release of an earlier novel by a different name.
Anyway, John Lago is an assassin. He has no family; orphaned as a baby to drug addicted parents, in and out of the foster and prison systems his entire childhood. He is found by the director of an elite assassination firm and trained to kill. Reaching 25, he is set to retire comfortably, but for reasons we find out later, he has written a secret handbook for new recruits to the profession, detailing his final job.
John's specialty is to disguise himself as an intern: the lowest of the low in the corporate world (heck, the education world too--free labor in exchange for recommendations and resume references). In reality, his task is to off someone in the firm. For this job, it's as a legal intern in one of the biggest firms in New York. His target is one of the title partners.
Everything looks easy peasy, until John finds out the FBI is hunting the same man, and sends one its best in the form of another intern, now junior associate Alice.
What follows is a cat and mouse game between John, Alice, the partner, John's employer, the FBI, the mafia, and a host of other who-is-out-to-get-whom characters. It was a super fast read that I could not put down! Might have to get the sequel! This will be added to the LMC collection sometime this fall.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Get those summer reading forms in! Please!
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
End of Watch by Stephen King
Note: You'll have to go a few pages back to read my review of Finders Keepers, book 2 of this trilogy. I did not review Mr. Mercedes, book 1, on this blog.
I have been waiting pretty much all summer to read End of Watch, the final book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. I pre-ordered it, and it sat on my living room ottoman awaiting the day I finished reviewing the summer Nutmeg contenders. Weirdly, I had to read the "math" book first to satisfy my curiosity on a few data lit. topics first. But I started reading this Friday afternoon and read non-stop except to sleep and eat (it being 96 degrees or so outside meant I was inside in the AC).
Stephen King does not disappoint (does he ever?). Mr. Mercedes, aka Brady, is in a seemingly vegetative state in the mental ward of a hospital while Bill, Holly, and Jerome have gone on with their lives. Jerome is building homes for Habitat for Humanity, Holly still cyber-sleuths, and it is clear Bill has some time of serious intestinal illness (it won't take much for the reader to figure out it's pancreatic cancer).
Secretly, Brady's brain injury seems to have triggered all kinds of telekinetic and telepathic powers, which is pretty scary considering how screwed up he is psychologically (you really do need to have read Mr. Mercedes to understand End of Watch; you could skip Finders Keepers and be fairly OK). Brady has developed methods of taking over minds and bodies, including using out-of-date video game consoles to get into the minds of teenagers. I won't spoil too much of Brady's twisted plot here, but he's out for revenge and it seems like he's going to get it!
King is never one to leave out societal commentary. Sometimes it's subtle. Sometimes it's blatant. I do think there is a message here about having your nose buried in your phone (HELLO POKEMON?!?!). There have been numerous studies/incidents of video game hypnotics, and King plays those up to bring home the message about being aware of one's surroundings AND getting off the tech for a while (granted, how many of you are reading this on a phone or tablet?). In addition, King makes several references to getting help for depression and suicide prevention. The number given to a character for help is the actual suicide prevention line. #itgetsbetter
As I said above, I could not put this down. Fans of King's horror with like the supernatural elements (Carrie, anyone?). He also brings in the drama ala Joyland. This will be added to the LMC collection sometime after the start of the school year!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
*All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
I have been waiting pretty much all summer to read End of Watch, the final book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. I pre-ordered it, and it sat on my living room ottoman awaiting the day I finished reviewing the summer Nutmeg contenders. Weirdly, I had to read the "math" book first to satisfy my curiosity on a few data lit. topics first. But I started reading this Friday afternoon and read non-stop except to sleep and eat (it being 96 degrees or so outside meant I was inside in the AC).
Stephen King does not disappoint (does he ever?). Mr. Mercedes, aka Brady, is in a seemingly vegetative state in the mental ward of a hospital while Bill, Holly, and Jerome have gone on with their lives. Jerome is building homes for Habitat for Humanity, Holly still cyber-sleuths, and it is clear Bill has some time of serious intestinal illness (it won't take much for the reader to figure out it's pancreatic cancer).
Secretly, Brady's brain injury seems to have triggered all kinds of telekinetic and telepathic powers, which is pretty scary considering how screwed up he is psychologically (you really do need to have read Mr. Mercedes to understand End of Watch; you could skip Finders Keepers and be fairly OK). Brady has developed methods of taking over minds and bodies, including using out-of-date video game consoles to get into the minds of teenagers. I won't spoil too much of Brady's twisted plot here, but he's out for revenge and it seems like he's going to get it!
King is never one to leave out societal commentary. Sometimes it's subtle. Sometimes it's blatant. I do think there is a message here about having your nose buried in your phone (HELLO POKEMON?!?!). There have been numerous studies/incidents of video game hypnotics, and King plays those up to bring home the message about being aware of one's surroundings AND getting off the tech for a while (granted, how many of you are reading this on a phone or tablet?). In addition, King makes several references to getting help for depression and suicide prevention. The number given to a character for help is the actual suicide prevention line. #itgetsbetter
As I said above, I could not put this down. Fans of King's horror with like the supernatural elements (Carrie, anyone?). He also brings in the drama ala Joyland. This will be added to the LMC collection sometime after the start of the school year!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
*All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
How Not To Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenburg
Confession time.
I like math.
Yes, I was an English major. Literature is my passion. Loving books probably had something to do with my becoming a Librarian.
But I still liked math (and science!). I took AP Calculus in high school, at the time one of only 2 AP courses offered at WHHS (the other being AP Statistics).
I hear people (students and teachers alike) say "I don't math", myself included. I really don't do a whole lot of math anymore. The reality though is that while I still had a classroom, sometimes we'd finish tasks early. I'd give my students time to work on other homework if they did not have a reading assignment for me. It started as "Miss, can you help me with my math?" to sometimes having the whole class follow along on a mini-geometry lesson. When the district mandated 20 minutes of math in every classroom, I didn't really begrudge it. I was already doing it.
Everything in education today is focused on data (for better or worse, and that's another argument/debate for another post). But what are doing with all these numbers? What does this data really mean? For teachers, it's how many kids reached goal on a post-test? How many families showed up to parent visiting night? How many books were checked out last month (and then returned!)? For kids, what range of SAT scores do I need for this school? What percentage of my total costs are covered by grants? What's my on-base percentage? Tackles this year versus last year? Math, people, math. (I would be remiss to not mention how music is math, but my Band and Chorus kids know that already!)
So earlier this summer I attended a conference on data literacy. There was a whole lot of math in two days (I did this virtually, online). Several resources were given out, including the book I'm about to review. It was recommended by several participants.
I have to say, I laughed out loud a few times reading this. There's a lot of snark and sarcasm. There's history you probably weren't taught in class. I learned a bunch of new historical tidbits in reading this. Ellenburg has my warped sense of humor it seems.
You will need to have a solid foundation in math skills and a pretty good math vocabulary to get most of what's going on here. I'd say this is for juniors and seniors who have passed geometry with a B at least. There were a few concepts I had to go and Google to figure out (probably since I no longer math, I've simply forgotten, like a foreign language or complicated knitting stitches). I also think our AP kids in Stat, Calc, and CompSci should read this to see why they are doing what they do.
Remember to get those summer reading forms in! All info was sent to school gmail and is on the LMC website thanks to Mrs. Lynch.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS!
I like math.
Yes, I was an English major. Literature is my passion. Loving books probably had something to do with my becoming a Librarian.
But I still liked math (and science!). I took AP Calculus in high school, at the time one of only 2 AP courses offered at WHHS (the other being AP Statistics).
I hear people (students and teachers alike) say "I don't math", myself included. I really don't do a whole lot of math anymore. The reality though is that while I still had a classroom, sometimes we'd finish tasks early. I'd give my students time to work on other homework if they did not have a reading assignment for me. It started as "Miss, can you help me with my math?" to sometimes having the whole class follow along on a mini-geometry lesson. When the district mandated 20 minutes of math in every classroom, I didn't really begrudge it. I was already doing it.
Everything in education today is focused on data (for better or worse, and that's another argument/debate for another post). But what are doing with all these numbers? What does this data really mean? For teachers, it's how many kids reached goal on a post-test? How many families showed up to parent visiting night? How many books were checked out last month (and then returned!)? For kids, what range of SAT scores do I need for this school? What percentage of my total costs are covered by grants? What's my on-base percentage? Tackles this year versus last year? Math, people, math. (I would be remiss to not mention how music is math, but my Band and Chorus kids know that already!)
So earlier this summer I attended a conference on data literacy. There was a whole lot of math in two days (I did this virtually, online). Several resources were given out, including the book I'm about to review. It was recommended by several participants.
I have to say, I laughed out loud a few times reading this. There's a lot of snark and sarcasm. There's history you probably weren't taught in class. I learned a bunch of new historical tidbits in reading this. Ellenburg has my warped sense of humor it seems.
You will need to have a solid foundation in math skills and a pretty good math vocabulary to get most of what's going on here. I'd say this is for juniors and seniors who have passed geometry with a B at least. There were a few concepts I had to go and Google to figure out (probably since I no longer math, I've simply forgotten, like a foreign language or complicated knitting stitches). I also think our AP kids in Stat, Calc, and CompSci should read this to see why they are doing what they do.
Remember to get those summer reading forms in! All info was sent to school gmail and is on the LMC website thanks to Mrs. Lynch.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS!
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Um, so this just happened...and other news
I am the newest School Library Journal reviewer. OMG!
I'm still having trouble digesting that!
So, here's what it means.
Oh, wait, FIRST I should say....the summer Nutmegs are DONE. 29 of them! That means I have until September 14th to read and review as I like! And there's a STACK!
Now, I'm also going to be sent pre-released material to review for SLJ. Those won't appear here, but 6 months after publication I can link them here! So you'll get to read them :)
Happy days!
I attended the SLJ conference today virtually. Check out my twitter @RamblingsLMS for a feed.
Friday, July 29, 2016
SUMMER READING
Hey everyone!
It's unreal, but summer vacation is more than half over!
I'm hoping all of you are just procrastinating, because we need more read books for the WHHS Summer Reading program.
In case you lost the info (it was sent to your school Gmail account and also went out to parents in the Westie Wrap-up blast!):
Summer Reading Pinterest Board
https://www.pinterest.com/jillianandjusti/whhs-summer-reading-2016/
Summer Reading Form
http://goo.gl/forms/HdYjqfG3l6
State Summer Reading Guide
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/ctread/2016_ctread_grade9_12.pdf
State Summer Reading Journal
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/ctread/SR2016_journal.pdf
Summer Reading Links Slide
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10VUtq1bCJIxHlZNcUPBFhn05vt5ywlBDHRZcprZmNWE/edit?usp=sharing
Remember, this is all suggested. Read what you like!
I have been reading non-stop with the Nutmegs. I have a pretty big stack of non-Nutmegs I've been collecting for when this journey is over. Don't forget all the Nutmeg contenders will be donated to the WHHS LMC after they are debated by the committee. In addition, we already have an order ready to go with the Madera-Olenick memorial fund.
Get reading!
Side note: I'm excited to be attending the School Library Journal Teen/Young Adult conference virtually next week. I'll be live tweeting!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
See you soon!
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
WHHS SUMMER READING 2016
It's that time!
See the links below for all the info you need for this year's summer reading program at WHHS!
Summer Reading Links Slide
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10VUtq1bCJIxHlZNcUPBFhn05vt5ywlBDHRZcprZmNWE/edit?usp=sharing
See the links below for all the info you need for this year's summer reading program at WHHS!
Summer Reading Pinterest Board
https://www.pinterest.com/jillianandjusti/whhs-summer-reading-2016/
Summer Reading Form
http://goo.gl/forms/HdYjqfG3l6
https://www.pinterest.com/jillianandjusti/whhs-summer-reading-2016/
Summer Reading Form
http://goo.gl/forms/HdYjqfG3l6
State Summer Reading Guide
State Summer Reading Journal
Summer Reading Links Slide
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10VUtq1bCJIxHlZNcUPBFhn05vt5ywlBDHRZcprZmNWE/edit?usp=sharing
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
The Obsession by Nora Roberts
It has been a longgg time since I did a "for me" review loves. Glad to finally be back!
I finished up list 4 of the Nutmeg contenders (had the meeting on those tonight actually) and list 5 isn't complete for ordering yet. I was super happy that this little lull coincided with one of my holds coming in to WHPL.
If you've followed my blog for a while, you know Romance is not usually my thing, but I'm a total sucker for Nora Roberts (thank my sister). I got on the waiting list for this one, and I'm glad I did.
Keep in mind, this is a adult romance/mystery. There is sex (although less graphic than is usual for Roberts) and 2 serial murderer/rapist/wackos.
Naomi was a just a child when she discovered her father was a serial rapist and murderer. Her mother never recovers from this news and attempts to defend the monster. Naomi, her brother, and two uncles (her mother's brother and his husband) form a family and try their best to be "normal".
Fast forward several years and Naomi is living on the West Coast, weekly Skyping with her brother and uncles across the country. She's a famous photographer who just bought a ramshackle mansion with the intent of restoring it, while documenting the process in pictures.
Enter Xander, super hot mechanic and best friend of her contractor. Oh, and a stray dog named Tag who totally steals the show.
Everything seems to be going great, until someone starts copycating Naomi's father's crimes.
Don't want to spoil any more here!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
All views expressed on this blog are solely Mrs. W.'s.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Saying Hi!
I can't believe how time is flying by! Seriously, Mrs. Gardner sent out her final exams memo to teachers this week!
It's finally warming up too!
Summer is on the way!
So, with that, let's review how things are going.
I am heavy into reading the Nutmeg contenders. I read non-stop. I still have 2 to go for this rotation.
I do still plan to do "outside" reading this summer (which will be done outside LOL), meaning those that are not Nutmeg contenders. I have a few books on reserve at WHPL. I also have a goal to re-read all the books by one of my favorite authors, Raymond Atkins, and do a full write-up for here and The Rostrum. That being said, my chair said we are going to be very busy this summer.
I also got a puppy! Piper's Bounderhill Summer Shandy Calista Eagles Woychowski is 9 weeks old today and doing well. When I'm not reading, I'm cleaning up puppy messes!
We are overjoyed that our requests on donorschoose have gone through: a new book cart to replace that awful one, 6 Bluetooth speakers for the LCD projectors, and 10 novels in Spanish. We currently have a magazine rack request, so if you know someone willing to donate....
This past weekend I attended the 22nd Women's Studies at SCSU: Women, Community, and Technology. I live tweeted it.
Have any recommendations? Share!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
It's finally warming up too!
Summer is on the way!
So, with that, let's review how things are going.
I am heavy into reading the Nutmeg contenders. I read non-stop. I still have 2 to go for this rotation.
I do still plan to do "outside" reading this summer (which will be done outside LOL), meaning those that are not Nutmeg contenders. I have a few books on reserve at WHPL. I also have a goal to re-read all the books by one of my favorite authors, Raymond Atkins, and do a full write-up for here and The Rostrum. That being said, my chair said we are going to be very busy this summer.
I also got a puppy! Piper's Bounderhill Summer Shandy Calista Eagles Woychowski is 9 weeks old today and doing well. When I'm not reading, I'm cleaning up puppy messes!
We are overjoyed that our requests on donorschoose have gone through: a new book cart to replace that awful one, 6 Bluetooth speakers for the LCD projectors, and 10 novels in Spanish. We currently have a magazine rack request, so if you know someone willing to donate....
This past weekend I attended the 22nd Women's Studies at SCSU: Women, Community, and Technology. I live tweeted it.
Have any recommendations? Share!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Happy News! New Stuff!
Today is a happy day in the LMC!
First, we have added all the Nutmeg contenders thus far to our collection! I just couldn't wait to get them into your hands! They will be on display as Books of the Week next week.
First, we have added all the Nutmeg contenders thus far to our collection! I just couldn't wait to get them into your hands! They will be on display as Books of the Week next week.
I can't show the covers or post the titles here! Note, I'm not saying what is still in contention or what has been eliminated. You just have to come in and see what we have!
Second, through a generous donation, we now have 6 sets of Bluetooth portable speakers! These are available for teachers to borrow when showing a DVD or streaming media. Thank you to our donors!
We are hoping to add to our collection with some Spanish language novels. If you can help us out, please and thanks!
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/novels-in-spanish/1940920/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=proposal&utm_campaign=twitter&rf=twitter-siteshare-2016-03-proposal-teacher_3388280
Lots of love in the LMC!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Speakers on Donors Choose
I have a Donors Choose project in progress to obtain speakers!
Can you help us out?
For the next 7 days, use code LIFTOFF and your donation will be matched!
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/speakers-for-lcd-projectors-and-dvd-play/1921033/?rf=link-siteshare-2016-03-teacher-teacher_3388280&challengeid=20706831
Thanks!!
Can you help us out?
For the next 7 days, use code LIFTOFF and your donation will be matched!
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/speakers-for-lcd-projectors-and-dvd-play/1921033/?rf=link-siteshare-2016-03-teacher-teacher_3388280&challengeid=20706831
Thanks!!
Friday, March 11, 2016
South of the Etowah by Raymond Atkins
Hello Everyone!!!
It has been a longgggg time since I've done a review. The Nutmegs are keeping me super busy with reading. And I mean NONSTOP. Every free moment has me reading those! I will say that in this rotation, I have a new favorite book, and I think it might be an eventual nominee. That's all I can say on that...
I've been waiting for Etowah for a while. I pre-ordered it what seems like months ago. I LOVED Raymond Atkins' The Front Porch Prophet. If you happen to look at my Facebook quotes, one of them is from Prophet. I also happen to be Atkins' friend on FB. You see, before one had "pages" that people could "like", one only had a personal profile. And that's how I became friends with a famous author.
What do we have in common? Little it seems on the surface. I'm born and raised in CT; he's from Georgia. We're a generation apart. At the same time though, I really get a my Dad type vibe off of him. Those of you who knew my Dad, well, he had a warped sense of humor, a love of Southern Rock, spent eons fixing things that were always breaking in our house, and spent whatever other time he had raising 3 daughters.
This book is really not one for most of you, meaning my kids. It's for your parents. It's for anyone who owns a house, especially an old house like many in our community. It's for anyone who is married or has a child getting married. Celebrate holidays? Go on road trips? Atkins details the ridiculousness that is life in vignettes. I'm fairly certain his calico porch cat was related to our calico porch cat of 21 years, Little Orphan Annie. She was succeeded by another calico, Miss Hazel May, just like Atkins'.
I nearly peed myself in reading this. I have a pool, a washing machine, and a dozen remote controls. None of them work properly!
Tweet what you're reading using #whhs #read
Follow me @RamblingsLMS
We are still taking your reviews for The Westie Review in The Rostrum. Our last issue will be published soon, so get them in!
Remember to keep informed about our Board of Education and City budget and how cuts will affect YOU!
Views expressed on this blog are those of Mrs. Woychowski alone.
It has been a longgggg time since I've done a review. The Nutmegs are keeping me super busy with reading. And I mean NONSTOP. Every free moment has me reading those! I will say that in this rotation, I have a new favorite book, and I think it might be an eventual nominee. That's all I can say on that...
I've been waiting for Etowah for a while. I pre-ordered it what seems like months ago. I LOVED Raymond Atkins' The Front Porch Prophet. If you happen to look at my Facebook quotes, one of them is from Prophet. I also happen to be Atkins' friend on FB. You see, before one had "pages" that people could "like", one only had a personal profile. And that's how I became friends with a famous author.
What do we have in common? Little it seems on the surface. I'm born and raised in CT; he's from Georgia. We're a generation apart. At the same time though, I really get a my Dad type vibe off of him. Those of you who knew my Dad, well, he had a warped sense of humor, a love of Southern Rock, spent eons fixing things that were always breaking in our house, and spent whatever other time he had raising 3 daughters.
This book is really not one for most of you, meaning my kids. It's for your parents. It's for anyone who owns a house, especially an old house like many in our community. It's for anyone who is married or has a child getting married. Celebrate holidays? Go on road trips? Atkins details the ridiculousness that is life in vignettes. I'm fairly certain his calico porch cat was related to our calico porch cat of 21 years, Little Orphan Annie. She was succeeded by another calico, Miss Hazel May, just like Atkins'.
I nearly peed myself in reading this. I have a pool, a washing machine, and a dozen remote controls. None of them work properly!
Tweet what you're reading using #whhs #read
Follow me @RamblingsLMS
We are still taking your reviews for The Westie Review in The Rostrum. Our last issue will be published soon, so get them in!
Remember to keep informed about our Board of Education and City budget and how cuts will affect YOU!
Views expressed on this blog are those of Mrs. Woychowski alone.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Support Education in West Haven
Hello Readers!
I am asking my followers to attend a special Board of Education meeting on March 15th at 6 p.m. (right now scheduled for City Hall, but that may change, please check whschools.org before the meeting). The BOE has accepted Mr. Cavallaro's amended budget, a 2.97 increase that represents a "status quo" with NO LAYOFFS. It is possible the BOE or City Council may cut this budget further. Please attend to show your support for education in West Haven!
Thank you,
Mrs. Woychowski
Please remember that all opinions expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone.
I am asking my followers to attend a special Board of Education meeting on March 15th at 6 p.m. (right now scheduled for City Hall, but that may change, please check whschools.org before the meeting). The BOE has accepted Mr. Cavallaro's amended budget, a 2.97 increase that represents a "status quo" with NO LAYOFFS. It is possible the BOE or City Council may cut this budget further. Please attend to show your support for education in West Haven!
Thank you,
Mrs. Woychowski
Please remember that all opinions expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Wishing for Spring Weather!
Hard to believe it's been two weeks since I checked in last!
I am all set for my 2nd Nutmeg meeting tomorrow night (assuming the weather holds as rain!). We just got part of the 3rd list. There are no books on it I've read or reviewed here in this set (only listed 8 of the 10 so far).
There is still room in the Reading/Writing SAT review and prep session on Sunday. I'll be joining Mr. Takach, Mrs. Poffenberger, and Mrs. Cummings for this session. I heard their math review rocked! Mrs. Gardner will be joining us in place of Mr. Shand. Pizza too! If you can't make it, check out my Google Classroom page for all the links.
Congratulations to our Unsung Hero Mr. Dandelske! I am so glad the people who make Westie High awesome get recognition in this way. Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Winters from the LMC family are prior recipients.
Almost done with the shelf moving! We could still use some strong hands to move 350ish through 600. See me if you are interested. Caught Being Excellent, Community Service hours, and Attendance Points are all negotiable compensation!
Mrs. Lynch and I are still accepting articles for The Rostum, our school newspaper. The Rostrum is published electronically and posted on our website and in print in the hall near the LMC. Book reviews for The Westie Review corner are still being accepted as well.
Crazy to think about it, but my plans for Summer Reading 2016 are taking shape. I think we are going 100% paperless/electronic this year! More on that later!
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
I am all set for my 2nd Nutmeg meeting tomorrow night (assuming the weather holds as rain!). We just got part of the 3rd list. There are no books on it I've read or reviewed here in this set (only listed 8 of the 10 so far).
There is still room in the Reading/Writing SAT review and prep session on Sunday. I'll be joining Mr. Takach, Mrs. Poffenberger, and Mrs. Cummings for this session. I heard their math review rocked! Mrs. Gardner will be joining us in place of Mr. Shand. Pizza too! If you can't make it, check out my Google Classroom page for all the links.
Congratulations to our Unsung Hero Mr. Dandelske! I am so glad the people who make Westie High awesome get recognition in this way. Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Winters from the LMC family are prior recipients.
Almost done with the shelf moving! We could still use some strong hands to move 350ish through 600. See me if you are interested. Caught Being Excellent, Community Service hours, and Attendance Points are all negotiable compensation!
Mrs. Lynch and I are still accepting articles for The Rostum, our school newspaper. The Rostrum is published electronically and posted on our website and in print in the hall near the LMC. Book reviews for The Westie Review corner are still being accepted as well.
Crazy to think about it, but my plans for Summer Reading 2016 are taking shape. I think we are going 100% paperless/electronic this year! More on that later!
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Monday, February 8, 2016
Another Snow Day!
Hey friends! Although I haven't had a chance to read anything outside my Nutmegs, I wanted to pop in and give an update on how things are going in the WHHS LMC.
You've probably noticed all the shelf movement. We're looking to move as much reference as possible (keeping only the super expensive sets we can't afford to lose) and oversize into non-fiction. Streamlining is the key to book usage! If you'd like to help, I can use some strong peeps on Fridays afterschool, 1:50-3 p.m. Community service hours will be awarded
Have you noticed us pushing paperless classroom? Features like Google Classroom and Turnitin help eliminate the need for paper. We are super low on paper (and ink for the color printer). Anything you can submit electronically is a BIG help. Talk to your teachers about using digital submission rather than killing trees!
You can still put the name of a woman you love on our love shrub. We wanted to draw attention to Women's Heart Health Awareness, championed by our Dance Team. We are so proud of all the students who named Mom, Grandmas, Aunties, Tias, Nonnas, Abuelas, BFFs, coaches, teachers, and even an administrator. Join in!
SATs are coming! I'll be part of the team teaching the SAT reading and writing tutoring session on 2/28. See my previous post for the resources in case you can't make it! You'll get to hear my selected vignette from This I Believe. I'll also tell you, the math team on 2/21 will be just as awesome!
Do you have gently used mittens, hats, gloves, scarves, or coats you'd like to donate? Several groups are collecting. If you bring them to the WHHS LMC, I'll get them to the right place!
The Westie Review is proud to showcase student and staff book reviews in The Rostrum. Submit your typed review to Mrs. W. (preferably electronically!) to be included! Reviews can be 1-5 paragraphs in length. Share the books you've read and loved, especially ones you got in the WHHS LMC or at WHPL.
As always, remember the LMC staff is here for YOU, "our" kids. Mrs. Lynch and myself are always available for you, to help with assignments, research, proofreading, book selection, tech troubleshooting, Google, Turnitin, Khan, and just about anything else! Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Treacy, and Mr. Winters are also an integral part of our team and will help you out. Don't hesitate to ask us!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS!
You've probably noticed all the shelf movement. We're looking to move as much reference as possible (keeping only the super expensive sets we can't afford to lose) and oversize into non-fiction. Streamlining is the key to book usage! If you'd like to help, I can use some strong peeps on Fridays afterschool, 1:50-3 p.m. Community service hours will be awarded
Have you noticed us pushing paperless classroom? Features like Google Classroom and Turnitin help eliminate the need for paper. We are super low on paper (and ink for the color printer). Anything you can submit electronically is a BIG help. Talk to your teachers about using digital submission rather than killing trees!
You can still put the name of a woman you love on our love shrub. We wanted to draw attention to Women's Heart Health Awareness, championed by our Dance Team. We are so proud of all the students who named Mom, Grandmas, Aunties, Tias, Nonnas, Abuelas, BFFs, coaches, teachers, and even an administrator. Join in!
SATs are coming! I'll be part of the team teaching the SAT reading and writing tutoring session on 2/28. See my previous post for the resources in case you can't make it! You'll get to hear my selected vignette from This I Believe. I'll also tell you, the math team on 2/21 will be just as awesome!
Do you have gently used mittens, hats, gloves, scarves, or coats you'd like to donate? Several groups are collecting. If you bring them to the WHHS LMC, I'll get them to the right place!
The Westie Review is proud to showcase student and staff book reviews in The Rostrum. Submit your typed review to Mrs. W. (preferably electronically!) to be included! Reviews can be 1-5 paragraphs in length. Share the books you've read and loved, especially ones you got in the WHHS LMC or at WHPL.
As always, remember the LMC staff is here for YOU, "our" kids. Mrs. Lynch and myself are always available for you, to help with assignments, research, proofreading, book selection, tech troubleshooting, Google, Turnitin, Khan, and just about anything else! Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Treacy, and Mr. Winters are also an integral part of our team and will help you out. Don't hesitate to ask us!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
2016 Nutmeg Nominees
These are this year's Nutmeg nominees!
http://www.nutmegaward.org/print/2016/HIghSchool2016Color2.pdf
Voting takes place in April!
http://www.nutmegaward.org/print/2016/HIghSchool2016Color2.pdf
Voting takes place in April!
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
SAT ELA
I will be assisting with the SAT ELA prep session on February 28th.
If you cannot attend, look at my Google Classroom SAT Class (access code ifi943).
Monday, January 18, 2016
1st Meeting and Book List Round 2
So, had my first Nutmeg meeting and got my 2nd list of contenders!
I feel very blessed to be working with this awesome group of school and public librarians, along with our student readers. We are meeting in West Hartford, which means hubs drops me off and then goes to play at Cabela's. Our first meeting set up the ground rules and expectations for the next year. We started the debate on List 1.
A few days later we received List 2. I am even more excited about List 2. I'm already 4 books in! I will say that one has already been reviewed here! I'll be pushing for that one BIG time! ;)
Just FYI, if you've requested books at WHPL, there's been some really wonky stuff going on with the state/LION hold systems. Double check your record to see if your holds are still there and if they are moving at all!
Over at the WHHS LMC, we are still working on "getting the house in order" so to speak. Still hopeful we will be moving someday, so we're on to eliminating VHS tapes and paring down the DVDs.
Don't forget all the books I buy for Nutmeg reading will be donated by hubs and I to the WHHS LMC next year!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
I feel very blessed to be working with this awesome group of school and public librarians, along with our student readers. We are meeting in West Hartford, which means hubs drops me off and then goes to play at Cabela's. Our first meeting set up the ground rules and expectations for the next year. We started the debate on List 1.
A few days later we received List 2. I am even more excited about List 2. I'm already 4 books in! I will say that one has already been reviewed here! I'll be pushing for that one BIG time! ;)
Just FYI, if you've requested books at WHPL, there's been some really wonky stuff going on with the state/LION hold systems. Double check your record to see if your holds are still there and if they are moving at all!
Over at the WHHS LMC, we are still working on "getting the house in order" so to speak. Still hopeful we will be moving someday, so we're on to eliminating VHS tapes and paring down the DVDs.
Don't forget all the books I buy for Nutmeg reading will be donated by hubs and I to the WHHS LMC next year!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics
I requested this from WHPL a while ago, and decided to take a break from the Nutmeg nominees (first meeting Wednesday, and I still have FIVE books to read!!!!) and read this instead. It's very short--a quick few hours.
The tagline on the cover:
"Imagine Stephen King writing Little House on the Prairie"
On the back:
"Basically Little Hell House on the Prairie"
I'd say both are accurate.
This is pure horror, very reminiscent of King, down to the ants (see Revival). There's man-eating pigs too.
Amanda is the oldest of 5 children (Emily, Joanna, Charles, and Hannah), living with her parents Susan and Edmund on the mountainside. Life is rough on the frontier. Hannah, born during a long illness and even longer winter, is blind and deaf. There is little work, less food, and loneliness all around.
Amanda finds company in the arms of the postal boy, Henry. Amanda becomes pregnant by him, and he abandons her.
Not long after, Edmund announces that the local postal boy (Henry, of course) suggested they move toward the prairie, where work and food are more plentiful. The family heads out, taking up residence in an empty cabin. A cabin they find covered in blood. Nothing strange about that, right? The family learns a boy, Zeke, and his doctor father have been using the empty cabin's water well, and allow him to continue if the doctor will examine Hannah.
As time passes, stranger and stranger things happen to Amanda and Hannah. All hell breaks loose (literally and figuratively) when Amanda miscarries.
Definitely not a read before bedtime book.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum!
The tagline on the cover:
"Imagine Stephen King writing Little House on the Prairie"
On the back:
"Basically Little Hell House on the Prairie"
I'd say both are accurate.
This is pure horror, very reminiscent of King, down to the ants (see Revival). There's man-eating pigs too.
Amanda is the oldest of 5 children (Emily, Joanna, Charles, and Hannah), living with her parents Susan and Edmund on the mountainside. Life is rough on the frontier. Hannah, born during a long illness and even longer winter, is blind and deaf. There is little work, less food, and loneliness all around.
Amanda finds company in the arms of the postal boy, Henry. Amanda becomes pregnant by him, and he abandons her.
Not long after, Edmund announces that the local postal boy (Henry, of course) suggested they move toward the prairie, where work and food are more plentiful. The family heads out, taking up residence in an empty cabin. A cabin they find covered in blood. Nothing strange about that, right? The family learns a boy, Zeke, and his doctor father have been using the empty cabin's water well, and allow him to continue if the doctor will examine Hannah.
As time passes, stranger and stranger things happen to Amanda and Hannah. All hell breaks loose (literally and figuratively) when Amanda miscarries.
Definitely not a read before bedtime book.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum!
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