Book Lovers Unite!

books for 2nd grader

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:14:20 GMT

I just agreed to start tutoring my friend's 2nd grade sister in reading. I've only taught secondary English but I know I can handle this - I just need a little guidance with materials. She is going to be repeating the year due to her poor reading skills. He says that she loves fantastical stories...especially "princess" stuff.

Can anyone recommend good books for the 2nd grade level that might catch her interest? Anything romantic/fantasy would be good. Also, I feel it's my duty as a role model to introduce her to stories with stronger heroines that aren't always the typical "damsel in distress" which I think sends a horrible message to little girls if that's all they are exposed to (and my friend agrees). I know if it has the fantasy elements she likes she would still like stronger heroines since she refused to leave the room when her brother saw the japanese anime "Revolutionary Girl Utena" which turns the typical fairy tale upside down.

Please post your suggestions ASAP so I can start collecting books!!!

Thanks!

Well well well...(a few reviews)

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:31:03 GMT

Your friendly moderator moved and forgot about this community. But I'm back with a vengeance and hope to hear from some of you! At this point, I have been regularly reviewing books on amazon.com, so I'm just going to start posting past reviews that I wrote for that site. I know the star ratings are cliche but I always feel it's good to help people avoid bad books and hear about good ones! Therefore, I will TRY to remember to post a few reviews at a time on a regular basis ;o) and please please PLEASE if you have read anything good lately...tell us about it! That goes for anything we should avoid, as well...

So without further adieu...

The Princes of Ireland: The Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherfurd (4 *)
I both like and dislike Rutherfurd's style. Having read The Forest, which was decent but not one of my favorite historical novels, I was concerned about Rutherfurd taking on the sweeping history of Ireland, one of my favorite countries. I have to say, however, that he did a wonderful job--he included many things I have studied as well as many things that I had never heard of before. The one complaint I have is that it seemed like whenever I got to the point where I wanted to know more about the characters, he moved tens or even hundreds of years into the future, leaving me just a bit disappointed that I did not hear the whole of said characters' stories. I understood from reading The Forest that this was his writing style, but at the same time, that is the reason I could not give this novel five stars.

The Rebels of Ireland: The Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherfurd (4 *)
I liked the prequel to this novel, but I have to say that I enjoyed this one much more. The one major complaint I had about "Princes of Ireland" was that it would draw the reader in to caring about a particular character or group of characters, and then jump far in the future, many times leaving the character or characters' stories unfinished. Perhaps because "Rebels" covered a more brief period of Ireland's history, Rutherfurd did not abandon so many of his characters so quickly, which I was very happy with. This novel, and its prequel, are great for anyone with a love of Ireland and its history! I only wish that "Rebels" had covered more of the events that happened in the 1850-1900 years, because those are the decades I personally am most interested in.

The Genesis Code by John Case (3.5 *)
I have mixed feelings about this book. As a thriller, it was good--definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It's not so much of a "whodunnit" storyline, but a "WHY was it done" storyline, and that was an interesting change from the few thriller/mystery novels I have read in the past. When I finally figured out the WHY, I was shocked, because although it is a little far-fetched...it leaves you wondering, "what if?"
Some of the narration, mind you, dragged me down a bit. I just don't think that Joe Lassiter's past love life factors into the story, and yet the author keeps bringing it up. That, and there are certain things (including the main secret) that the reader will figure out long before Lassiter ever does, which gets a little frustrating. Still, if you're a big thriller/mystery fan, or if you enjoyed Dan Brown's books, you will like this one!

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber (3 *)
I was engrossed with this book from the minute I picked it up. I loved Faber's style, I liked the fact that the novel was billed as a "Victorian epic" while still being fairly modern in other aspects, I believed that this novel had taken Faber twenty years to write. So I rushed toward the ending, wanting more than anything to know what would happen to the prostitute Sugar, the poor sickly wife Agnes, the rotund stressed-out businessman William, the quiet and obedient daughter Sophie...and...NOTHING. The novel simply ended, with no apologies for its abruptness, and I felt cheated. I don't require a happy ending to enjoy a book, or even a completely wrapped-up ending, but I feel that this book did not have an ending at all. Disappointing, to say the least, because the rest of the novel was exemplary.

Sorry I'm such a sucky moderator.

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 19:48:26 GMT

I have been crazy busy lately but at least I have time to read on my breaks at work. My current favorites are:

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series (I spent years making fun of this, then finally saw the movie, decided to read the 2nd book, and was hooked)...and Smashed by Koren Zailckis (sp?).

Avoid the Canaan trilogy by Marek Halter. Well, the first book, Sarah, was decent, but the second and third books sucked.

Anyone have any new reviews? I'm currently reading The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd...and I have a handful to read when I'm done with this one as well ;o)

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 08:39:08 GMT

Hey I'm a newbie too and I just thought I'd say hi!
I think it's pretty obvious that I love books seeing as I joined this comm but if you hadn't already guessed, hey I love books!

Currently I'm reading an Agatha Christie murder mystery, A Murder Is Announced. I've read about 40 of her books and they're all so good! If looks could kill I'd be dead several times over when my friends start glaring at me for mentioning them again.

I've also just recently read Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell as well as the sequel, Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley which I instantly fell in love with and have become obsessed with in a big way. I've been writing GWTW fanfiction and joining GWTW comms too.

Like somebody before me I also love the Tommorrow Series by John Marsden - said to be the best book for teens ever. And his Australian!!! I read his book 'Marsden on Marsden' the other day and that's quite interesting. Bit of back story on some of the books he's written but literally impossible to find anywhere in Sydney except for the University of NSW which is where my dad works! =)

I also used to be into the Harry Potter fandom world. Note the use of the word fandom I didn't really like the books after HBP coz I ship Harry/Hermione. I was frequently found talking to people about why H/Hr may happen and spent all of my free time on Hogwarts in Harmony and Portkey.org. but that's a thing of the past.

And I've probably bored you half to death so I'll stop now.

Ellie.

Newbie...

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:53:12 GMT

Hi! Just thought I'd say hi. Really should not be looking at this community, because all it's going to make me want to do is buy more books. Which isn't neccesarily a bad thing, it's just that I have about 14 books that I haven't read. So to add more is a bad thing.

I'm currently reading 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke. I'm really enjoying it.

I tried to think of what my favourite book would be, but I can't - I have so many that I love. I can't even think of a favourite author for the same reason.

Au Revoir...

The Latest

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 08:08:45 GMT

So i have been reading constantly, a few old favorites such as The Tomorrow series by John Marsden (getting set to read Incurable, second in the Ellie Chronicles) Which of course, i loved immensly, and wished they could go on forever.

I'm really into the whole Magical fantasy, Warriors on horses type of books, and i recently read a trilogy called the Quickening by Fiona McIntosh. I lurved this trilogy, first book called "Myrren's Gift" the next "Blood and Memory" and the conclusion to the series was called "Bridge of Souls". It follows the tale of Wyl Thirsk, and it's a great read. Robin Hobb, whom i idolise, was quoted as saying "...I am seldom taken by suprise at a plot turn... Fiona McIntosh's books move quickly and unpredictably..." he was certainly right in this respect, but it gives the books more... flavour i suppose, and otherwise, i would have been bored with this Trilogy as i have with others in the past.

Well, i havent read much else of late, but sadly, i never have as much time as i would prefer!

A few short reviews...

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 15:41:51 GMT

I've actually finished a few books lately and kept meaning to review them...I have to leave for work in a little while, so these reviews won't be extremely detailed, but here goes:

Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein: This book was less science fiction and more military, in my opinion. If you can mire through all the military details (and there are a LOT of them), though, the book has some very interesting points about current society and what it could lead to in the far future.

Teacher Man by Frank McCourt: Once again, Frank McCourt amazed me. I've loved all of his books, and while 'Tis is still my favorite, this book was still very good...it would be an especially good read for anyone that is a teacher or wants to become one.

The Rising by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins: If anyone has read the Left Behind series, this book is the first of three prequels to it. It wasn't a bad book, although it lacked a lot of the Christian views that the original twelve books contain. I'm personally looking forward to reading the other two to see exactly how they return to their previous writing style...

Pre-WWII books

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 01:29:52 GMT

I'm in a play in which I play a bookworm in the early 40s, and my director and I were talking and decided it would be cool if I read some more books from the period to help get into character. I've read quite a few already, but I was wondering if anyone had any favorites to suggest?

Thanks, guys!
~Leia

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 06:18:09 GMT

Hey hey. I just came across this community via interest search, and thought it was a really good idea and will probably be a place I post a lot. So...I'm Pisciculus, which is Latin for Little Fish (even though it's the masculine form...and I'm not a guy...we can all ignore that, can't we? ^_^), and pretty much everyone calls me Fish. Perhaps I should start off with some of my favorite books...

OK...favorite books...favorite books...

Do you have a few years to read this list? Cause it'd be really long if I stated every book. You can all understand, I'm sure. So:

1984 by George Orwell. The reason I no longer use netspeak, actually...o_O Most people laugh at me, but that book touched some of my nerves. But it is definitely worth reading.

Animal Farm by George Orwell. It's too early to be sensing a pattern, isn't it? Anyway. I just plain, flat-out love this book because it's realistic, creepy, and not quite so frightening as 1984. I dunno...I'm a huge fan of horrid endings that still teach you lessons. Lessons that need to be learned. *glares at 3/4ths the country*

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Brey, followed by its sequel, Rebel Angels. Both of these books are dark and have a really gothic feel to them, being set in the Victorian era. The writing is beautiful and Miss Gemma Doyle is an amazingly faulted little creature...

The Harry Potter series. *sighs* I hate that it got swallowed by the media, and I hate what they've become, but I can't pull away from the world I found here online way back in 1999. Not my favorite books, but definitely my favorite fandom. If that makes sense.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. 'Nuff said.

Wicked. I unfortunately have not read Son of a Witch, but I really, really want to. I saw the musical on broadway back in 2003 and have been addicted to it ever since.

RENT. I know. It's not a book. Shoot me. X_X

And...

Almost anything by Garth Nix, Mercedes Lackey, Tamora Pierce, Piers Anthony, Terry Pratchet, Orson Scott Card, Terry Goodkind (actually, he's not among my favorite authors, but his Sword of Truth series is still worth reading, even if it is overtly moralistic), Laura Ingles Wilder, and...um...there are more. But I should shut up now before I get too carried away.

Anyway...oh! I just finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha, which was really good, considering that historical fiction isn't usually my genre. It was just...mind-boggling. I would give a detailed review, but this post is getting really long, for an introductory post without an lj-cut, anyway, and I have important matters such as sleep *distasteful frown* to attend to.

Caio. *waves*

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 06:41:06 GMT

Hey, i'd do a long intro, but really, just check my LJ and its all there! Anyway, i'll just give you a list of my ALL TIME favorite books/series, (im mostly into fantasy/heroine/warrior/magic types, but i still enjoy most other books just as well)

Harry Potter. say no more. I'm absoloutly obbsessed!! (love Luna and Ron!!)

All of Tamora Pierce's works, such as The Protector of the Small quartet, the Trickster series (two books) and the Wild Magic quartet.

Steven Donaldson's series of books about Thomas Covenant. (again, magic, but its a little darker, and the main characer has Leprosy (interesting twist!)) they are called The First (and second) Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever

The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. Awesome in my opinion, love the characters Lestat and Louis. (my name is a quote, modifyed slightly)

Memoirs of a Geisha. I wanted to read it before i saw the movie (seeing it friday) and i loved it. It was a very good read!

I loved Pride and Predjudice too. My favorite character was Darcy, but also Jane.

Well, over the holidays, i have done no reading, except for the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Geisha. I can't wait to get to the school library, already i have planned to borrow out at least seven books! :)

ciao!

Gregory Maguire

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 23:13:54 GMT

Just wondering if anyone else on here has read Son of a Witch, the sequel to Wicked? I was actually really impressed by it...I mean, it's not as good as the original (how could it be, Elphaba was the best character, and she died)...but as sequels go, it was outstanding. What about any other Gregory Maguire books? I've pretty much only ever heard that none of them live up to Wicked...

Jennifer Weiner

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 14:19:39 GMT

Not sure if anyone else has read any of Jennifer Weiner's books...I read Good In Bed a couple years ago and wasn't impressed. It just seemed too cliche...fat girl is insulted by ex-boyfriend, ex-boyfriend's father dies and fat girl sleeps with him out of sympathy, fat girl gets pregnant, ends up going to Hollywood, has baby, loses weight, falls in love with weight-loss doctor. There didn't seem to be any real meaning in the book, and it wasn't even funny enough to make up for that. I told myself I wouldn't ever read one of Jennifer Weiner's books again, but then I kept seeing the previews for the movie version of In Her Shoes, and I became curious. I just finished reading the book, and I have to admit, it was pretty good. I felt like the beginning was kinda dragged out, and the ending was a little rushed, but it was definitely better than Good In Bed.

Other books I've read lately: I wasn't too big on As I Lay Dying by Faulkner. It felt like he was forcing the whole novel. Babylon Rising by Timothy Lahaye was good, very DaVinci Code meets Left Behind.

As always, if anyone has any good books to recommend, please post!

Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life"

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 18:31:12 GMT

If you live in the Central Florida area and are interested in being a part of the 40 Days of Purpose (Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" Experience) in early 2006, please look into joining purpose_orlando. This could change the outlook of our community and our relationships with each other.

John Steinbeck

Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:40:50 GMT

Obviously I've read Of Mice and Men, and I have also read The Red Pony...I know I should read Grapes of Wrath; I just haven't gotten around to it yet...but currently, I'm reading East of Eden, and I didn't know if anyone else here had read it...it's his longest work, I think, it's this huge saga, but the characters are amazing and it's a fast read...I'm totally enraptured by it...so for anyone that has a bit of time on their hands, I definitely recommend it!

My recent reads...

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 13:43:54 GMT

So...this community has been kinda dead for a while, and I'm sorry. I've been immensely busy and went from reading 1-2 books a week at the beginning of the summer to reading one book every few weeks the last half of the summer...but here are some basic reviews of my current reads:

Zipporah, Wife of Moses by Marek Halter: I wasn't too impressed with this one. Halter also wrote Sarah, Wife of Abraham, which I loved, and which is why I picked this one up at all. Don't get me wrong, it was a decent book, but I know the story of Moses backwards and forwards (it's my favorite Bible story), and Halter took some--okay, a lot--of liberties with this story. No offense, but as a Jewish man, I would have thought that he would have more respect for one of the most amazing stories in the Bible...he even kinda made it into a story about race issues by making Zipporah a Kushite (sp?) (a black woman) adopted by the Middian (again, sp?) Jethro...and that was just weird.

An Embarrassment of Mangoes by Ann Vanderhoof: This book is good light reading...definitely would be great for a winter read, as it's about a couple in their 40s who took two years off from work and life and sailed around the Caribbean. It made me want to drink a lot of rum, eat a lot of seafood, and go live on a hut on the beach in Grenada! :o)

Anyone else read any good books lately? ;o)

Anne Rice Pandora 50 Cents

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 11:01:18 GMT

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZiggyslashandaxlrose
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZiggyslashandaxlrose

50 Cents!

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 03:08:12 GMT

Hey everyone.

I just thought I should stop by and mention that I joined this community.

I am currently reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire, which I am enjoying quite alot. I am looking forward to reading his other books as well.

I enjoy a wide variety of book genres from murder mystery to biographies. However, my favorite genre, or at least the one that I read the most frequently is fantasy. My favorite authors are Guy Gavriel Kay, Sara Douglass, J.k. Rowling, Tad Williams and, now, Gregory Maguire.

Anyway, I am sure I will talk to you guys again. See you later.

TEXTBOOKS AND Naipaul, Mukerjhee, Bulfinch,Welsh, Lee,Rice,Crichton,Selby,McCourt,Updike,Plath

Sun, 31 Jul 2005 01:36:39 GMT

I'm moving so I have to get rid of a lot of things. I have a ton of newish books. You can have them, Cheap.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/nomen_mihi_est/

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 23:29:08 GMT

Hello. Angel626 recommended me to this group, which I think is a very cool idea. I love to read and am always looking for new (and not so new :) material!

Firstly, glad to see I have some fellow Potter-heads and Austen-addicts around! I read HBP straight through, and enjoyed every minute of it (and also cried!) Prisoner is my fave of the series, but I think HBP is my second. I'm looking forward to book 7, though I fear we will be waiting another 2 years! :(

I have recently read Pride and Prejudice and, of course, enjoyed it immensely. Has anyone seen the BBC movie with Colin Firth? It is awesome, lifted straight from the book for the most part. I don't know how I feel about the new movie with Kiera Knightly. I'll probably see it, but it looks like they've taken a good amount of the subplots out, which is necessary, I know, but unfortunate.

Right now, however, I am on a Nicholas Sparks kick, inspired by my recent first-time viewing of A Walk To Remember. I'd never read a Sparks book before, though I knew of him, and I didn't realized that Walk was his book first. Usually, I enjoy the book version more than the movie, but I think in this case, it is the other way around. At present, I am reading The Guardian (suspenseful, yet somewhat predictable), with The Notebook and The Wedding on deck.

Also, I loved the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. The movie was awesome too. I heard that the four girls and the director plan to do the sequals, if the first one made enough. It all comes down to money doesn't it?

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Mon, 18 Jul 2005 01:15:38 GMT

I was pleasantly surprised when the new Harry Potter book that I pre-ordered from Amazon actually came yesterday. I got it out of my mailbox at 2 PM, immediately tore open the box and started reading it, and finished at 4:45 PM today...so...26 hours and 45 minutes. It's shorter than the fifth book, which is probably why I finished it a bit faster...but that was WITH going to Roanoke for the K-92 Vegas Experience last night (which was, by the way, a blast--live music, prime rib dinner, and black jack, roulette, poker, and other tables...no REAL gambling, 'cause that's illegal in VA, but still fun)...I know, I'm a dork, but I really just couldn't put it down. It was even hard for me to attend the event last night, as fun as I knew it was going to be.

I definitely think this book is my second favorite...I'm still a Goblet of Fire girl at heart ;o)...but it was much more moving than Order of the Phoenix. I cried for, I don't know, the last sixty or so pages. I have been very emotional lately, so I'm sure that didn't help, but still...it really is sad and surprising and just, well, wonderful.

I'm a Harry Potter fool and I don't care who knows it ;o)

For those of you who have read it...feel free to post as many comments as you want. I wanted to keep any spoilers out of the main entry, because I'm sure not everyone has finished yet...so those of you who haven't...this is your warning...don't read any comments to this entry until you do!

Newbie

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:17:38 GMT

Hello, I'm new here.

Just thought I would post some of my all-time favourite books here. So, in no particular order (just the order I remember them):

The Harry Potter series (what can I say? Just look at my user name.)
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Anne of Green Gables series (I always have one of these on the go, no matter what else I'm reading and how long of a break I take from it)
Ella Enchanted
The Chronicles of Narnia (my favourite is The Horse and His Boy)
The Dark is Rising sequence (I love anything to do with King Arthur)
The Sword in the Stone (the first book of The Once and Future King)
Pride and Prejudice
Dune (and its sequels, Dune Messiah and Children of Dune)
The Golden Compass (the first book of the His Dark Materials trilogy, haven't read the rest yet)

That's all I can think of right now, but I'll get back to you later if I come up with more. :)

What I'm reading right now: The Subtle Knife (book two of His Dark Materials), Anne of Green Gables.

PERSUASION, etc.

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 14:35:09 GMT

Well, I finally finished reading PERSUASION. As with all Austen, it was a good book...however, it lacked the character development of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. It was less silly than EMMA, but the end seemed kind of thrown together...all in all, like I said, a good book, but not her best work.

Starting on THE FABULIST by Stephen Glass next...and I'm working on a book list for the rest of my summer, which unfortunately must include books that I have to read for school.

Hi everyone.

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 20:55:41 GMT

I'm not much on intros but suffice to say, I love books. I never get to read as much as I'd like to. Never enough time. I love all genres so its hard to say what my favorite is. I love so many of them.

My highest recommendation right now is the Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo (considering I took the time to read it twice) and House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (although I highly recommend her book, Glimpses of the Moon, as well).

Right now I am reading, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden," by Joanne Greenberg. Its been a very good read, especially the insights into mental health and how it was perceived back in the 50s/60s when the book was written and how some of the connotations are the same now. I have like 20 pages to go, I'm hoping to finish it on the bus tonight.

So good to meet everyone. Also, as I'm going to be finishing this one up soon, any good recommendations for something really fun and uplifting (I don't like reading too many dark, somber books in a row, LOL).

The Amber Spyglass

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 04:17:19 GMT

hello! just joined (obviously, since this is a new community). I am a junior in College, transfering to UC Berkeley in January as an English major, so obviously, as an English major, i love books and reading.

right now, I am currently reaing The Amber Spyglass. its the 3rd book in the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. I read the first book, The Golden Compass for my children's literature class (although I would hardly call it a children's book) and then absolutely flew through The Subtle Knife. i would definately recommend this triloy to anyone who likes fantasy-type stories or stories that confront the basic ideas of religion.

also, not currently reading (as i have read all the books of the series that are currently out) but i highly highly highly recommend The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. i know they made a movie out of it and its pretty decent, but as will all movie adaptations, the book is a million times better and way more deep and meaningful.

hope you guys give these books some consideration for your next reading!! they are fantabulous ;)

Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:14:16 GMT

Right now I'm re-reading the first five Harry Potter books by JK Rowling before book six, "Half Blood Prince" comes out. As always, I'd highly recommend anyone reading these who hasn't joined the bandwagon yet. Her stuff is addicting. The minute you start reading them, you won't be able to put them down!!! I have not been as into a book series since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a little child. P.S. If you're into professional/business book, I just finished reading "The Nordstrom Way", since I used to work for Nordstrom & now Disney (another very customer-service based organization) and its a good, interesting read for anyone in the make yourself more people-friendly working world. ;)