As I write this, I am getting ready to return to teaching from a five-month long maternity leave. I am so excited and just a tiny bit nervous, since I have two children at home now. I used my leave to catch up on a lot of reading, and I have to say that I probably spent more money than I should've on books (although any money spent on books is money well spent!). Perhaps I need to do a better job utilizing the library's resources...
One of the books that stuck with me the most was The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Full disclosure: I did NOT want to read this book AT ALL because I'd heard it was sad. Honestly, I don't like to read sad books. I have never been a Nicholas Sparks fan for this (and other) reasons. However, I like to be familiar with what my students are reading, and for this reason, I read the book. And yes, it was SAD. I read it on vacation in Disney World, and I cried my eyes out at the end (even though I could see the plot twist coming from a mile away). I do have to say that I was impossibly drawn to both main characters. Their voices were so distinct, witty, humorous, and engaging, and because of this, I couldn't stop turning the pages. I've always been amused by kids who speak in a way that makes them seem older than what they are, and the protagonist(s) of this book are exactly like that. Effective characterization occurs when the reader feels like he or she has a relationship with the characters in the book, and that was exactly how I felt. But again, it was WAY too sad for me.
I am currently 70 percent of the way through Allegiant (the final book in the Divergent series), and I was so excited to read this book, as I loved the first two. And...I have been a little disappointed. The book is written from the perspective of two main characters, and honestly, I forget who is narrating the chapter I'm reading because their voices sound exactly the same. Is anyone else reading this book? What do you think about the two different narrators and perspectives? I would love to know your thoughts!
Keep reading, and I'll talk to you again soon!
I keep hearing about the Divergent series, but haven't really taken the time to start reading it, or even look it up. Based on the fact that the final book is already out.... *sigh* Even if I do manage to read it, I'll have to be careful about spoilers and the like...
ReplyDeleteWould you reccomend starting it? I mean, is it worth it?
I loved the Fault in Our Stars, it taught me a lot about kids with cancer and their everyday lives. I have to agree with you in saying it was WAY to sad, I actually started tearing up in class as I read it. I love Augustus and Hazels' personalities though, I think John Green did a great job with the book. Did you know they are making this book into a movie now?!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Fault in Our Stars, it taught me a lot about kids with cancer and their everyday lives. I have to agree with you in saying it was WAY to sad, I actually started tearing up in class as I read it. I love Augustus and Hazels' personalities though, I think John Green did a great job with the book. Did you know they are making this book into a movie now?!
ReplyDeleteI HATE reading sad books too Mrs. Bross! I also hate watching sad movies. For instance, I hope to never watch P.S. I Love You. However, I do think vacation is the best place to read a sad book because you can only be sad for a short while, especially in Disney World. I employed that same tactic when I read The Book Thief on vacation two summers ago. The Fault in Our Stars is definitely on my book list though! I think I may have to wait until summer to read it. :)
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