Reader's Profile
Reader’s Profile
I am an avid reader of all genres, but I didn’t used to be that way. Reading comprehension was difficult for me growing up, but now I have gained a love for reading that will never go away. I am more of a binge reader, finding a good book and days (or even hours) later - I’m done with it. I also have a huge problem of buying more books than I can read. My reading list is endless with the books I have in my home, yet I keep buying more books. However, I figure that is a good problem to have!
My favorite genres include young adult fiction, children’s fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and realistic fiction. Since I am a school librarian, I am always looking for the next best young adult or children’s book for my students. I enjoy reading stories in historical time periods, especially World War I & II. The history of World War II & II have always fascinated me. The things people had to experience, deal with, and get over is just unimaginable to me. I enjoy reading a book that takes me into a different world entirely, something that I can immerse myself into and completely become the characters in the pages.
My favorite authors include John Green, Martha Hall Kelly, Laurie Halse Anderson, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, and J.K. Rowling. I have many more, but I certainly can’t name them all! I’m always looking for a new favorite author with many books in their repertoire!
I read around 28 books last year, which is a huge step for me. However, I read countless children’s picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels last year. I felt they didn’t belong in my “official” list. My goal for 2018 is to read at least 50! Hopefully I can make that goal by next year.
Here are my favorite books from 2017:
- Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve - Original fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, very different from the Disney classic!
- Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - World War II story of three women whose lives are intertwined. MUST READ!
- The Glass Castle by Jeanine Walls - heartbreaking story of this woman’s life growing up
- Turtles All the Way Down by John Green - not John Green’s best novel, but it captivated my heart and mind immediately.
- Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - fictional narrative (based on a true story) of Thomas Jefferson’s illegitimate children
- There were so many more but I had to stop there!
I’m hoping this class will help me expand my horizons, but also allow myself to reflect on what I’m reading rather than hopping to the next book on my list!
Hey Paige,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you had the book The Glass Castle by Walls on your top books of 2017 list. I actually read this book with my book club that I run for the library I work at. I really wanted to love it, but I just didn't. My book club ladies and I actually got into a really interesting conversation about Walls ability to pack the amount of detail that she does into her writing. Half of the group thought that it was just so scarring for her that she never forgot, and I was in the half of the group that thought a lot of the events were blown out of proportion to sell books. Most of the time when she was describing all the things that she went through in her childhood, it just seemed like so much was unrealistic. I'd love to get your opinion on how much of her recall was accurate in the book.
Well, I guess I can't really say if her recall was accurate or not. It was her story, a memoir, so it's not a factual historical analysis of her life. Some of the things could have been out of proportion, but it was supposed to impact her readers in that way. The way she told her story gives readers a picture of brokenness. There is symbolism and metaphors throughout her writing, which is not really something that is factual. Honestly, it's the readers decision on whether to believe her or not. I have a terrible memory, but Walls had been through so much as a child, it's possible that she can remember all those details. She hardly had anything as a child - any toys, clothes, etc - maybe what she remembers most from her childhood is her experiences, especially those with her father. She had so much heartache in her life and that's what pulled me in. I've experienced some of the same kind of heartbreak (not to her extent), so maybe that's why I really liked the book. There was so much imperfection in her family - as in all families - but I kept reading to see how she would get out...how she would succeed. I really liked it because it left such an impact on me. It showed me how in all of that brokenness, heartache, and pain, she is still standing. It's beautifully imperfect.
DeleteWonderful reading profile! I too love that version of Beauty and the Beast. Also great debate about The Glass Castle. Later in the semester we'll talk about the controversy over memoirs :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm looking forward to learning more about all these genres!
DeleteHi Paige,
ReplyDeleteI completely understand the need to buy MORE books, even when you don't really have room. It's getting hard for me to get creative with the stacks so my husband doesn't notice that they are everywhere. : )
I, too, love stories about WWI and II - and I can't even really explain why! I enjoyed Lilac Girls, even though at times it was pretty disturbing. I had to keep reminding myself that the disturbing situations were the reality for some of those in the concentration camps - both the prisoners and the doctors. Unimaginable.
I read Turtles all the Way Down a few months ago. Until I heard John Green speak at a local high school, I didn't realize the magnitude of how his OCD affects him. I can't say that Turtles was my favorite of his books, but it did help me understand OCD as a disease a little better - and I did like the characters - I was just hoping for a more upbeat ending.
The Glass Castle is currently on my "to read" list, and after reading the debate, I may have to move it up!
I totally understand the piles everywhere! Unfortunately, my husband is an avid reader too. He loves buying books, so we have piles among piles everywhere. Yes, Lilac Girls went through some pretty deep and dark stuff. Just the perspective of Herta...I can't get over sometimes. I guess that is why I'm fascinated with World War II. How did people do this stuff? How did they think it's right?
DeleteI agree with your thoughts of Turtles All the Way Down. It was interesting to read about the OCD. I liked it, but it wasn't my all time favorite. I think my favorite would have to be Looking for Alaska.
Hi Paige,
ReplyDeleteA great YA WWII book I read last year was Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Have you read that one? Kristin Hannah has some great adult historical fiction books: The Nightingale and Winter Garden are two of my favorites and deal with WWII.
I have not read that one. But, I will have to put those on my ever-growing reading list! Thanks!
DeleteHi Paige! I am going to be reading Lilac Girls as my historical fiction selection. I'm so glad to see that you enjoyed the book. I picked it up at a garage sale and for this class I will now make the time to read it. I really identify with your problem of buying too many books, lol. I worked at three bookstores and I realized I was just working to support my book buying habit. My tbr (to be read) pile is enormous. I drink too much coffee and buy too many books. I can live with those vices. :) I also love a good beauty and the beast story, but I have never read the original. I'll have to rectify that.
ReplyDeleteOoh! I'm so excited that you are reading Lilac Girls. I had trouble last year around this time getting into books. I was stressed with my current teaching job and couldn't find a book that would hold my interest for long. The book took me a little longer to read, but it was phenomenal. It's one of my favorites. I recommended it to my mom and she read it within two days! You'll have to tell me how you like it!
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