Tuesday, March 20, 2012

On the Bookshelf

Like most people I keep a stack of books by the bed to read.  I've finished a few lately and thought I'd pass along the titles.  Most of these books were recommended by my husband, the bibliophile.  :)

Bloody Crimes was interesting and a fast read, yet not as interesting or fast paced as the first book I read by the same author - Manhunt.


The next book, Excitotoxins, was written by a medical doctor and is chocked full of facts (a bit dry).  If you ever needed a reason not to like artificial sweeteners or MSG, this book will convince you to keep both out of your diet.  I'm still making my way through this one.
In our home school history we are learning about the American revolution.  It is only fitting that I'm working through this biography.  Washington was a man of integrity; many stories from this book I've retold at dinner.  Well written and my vocabulary has increased as a result...or I've at least used Webster's to help me understand Chernow's command of English.
Also well written is "Ten Ways to Destroy The Imagination of Your Child."  Excellent and compelling.  Spoiler alert: video games destroy the imagination.
The next two books I read in record time because they are comic books.  Yes, you read that right - illustrated novels.  I never thought I would recommend one.  The author/illustrator was the son of concentration camp survivors from WWII.  He retells his own story, as well as his parents.  Incredibly well done on so many levels.

What books are you reading?

4 comments:

Heather Kinkel said...

Hi Julie - just finished "1,000 White Women" mostly fiction but loosely attached to historical events. A GREAT read.
Do you think that those last 2 comic books would be appropriate for Clayton (nearly 10) - he really enjoys history/facts and comic books... Would love for him to glean some real info. Let me know!

Julie said...

Heather (Kinkel Family) -
It's hard for me to know how to answer if it is appropriate...because I don't really know what you let Clayton read currently. Of course the subject matter is about death, concentration camps, survival, etc. John says he remembers reading a curse word or two as well as a scene where intercourse is insinuated (but would probably go ignored by an unassuming reader). I think I would let John Isaac read them at 10.

If you pick one up (I'm sure your library has them) just read a few pages and you can get a feel for it. Chances are once you read a few pages you'll be drawn in yourself. At least I was.

volscats said...

Sadly, nothing as educational as you - I am reading The Hunger Games!

John said...

Wow, nice book list. Did you know that Dr.Suess also wrote political cartoons? Dr. Suess goes to goes to war is a book of his cartoons.

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