Back to School Book Lists & Other Reading Recommendations

Augh. So my kid who devours Artemis Fowl books - 300, 400, 500 pages at a time - is now facing the rather dull-in-comparison back to school reading list. With considerably less enthusiasm.

I feel you, kid. And you too, parents.

Anyway, before we entered the land of Lois Lowry books and and other familiar titles on those back to school reading lists, I'll admit we spent too little time reading this summer. Making it exactly like the past 15 or so years in our house.

#Notproud

I have friends who eschewed the library's annual summer reading programs; instead, the family implemented its own (much more strenuous) competition. Last I heard mom was behind ... time to reassign chores, methinks!

How Did Summer Reading Go in Your House?

We started strong with an anti-bullying title and what I thought would be a great history book - The Boys Who Challenged Hitler. While the story was strong, I was disappointed in the telling. 

OK I'll admit I'm nit-picking, but come on, what's an editor for? The author did a great job with research and organization, but the book would have been worlds better if it had better transitions and did a better job incorporating some storytelling conventions. 

Picky complaints aside, I recommend it for tweens and teens interested in history. Amazing what a few sneaky kids with solid convictions can accomplish! And - spoiler alert - some of them paid dearly for their actions, spending more than two years in prison during the war. Like I said, it's a great story as well as an extremely interesting chapter in history that might not have been covered in your textbooks - it wasn't in mine! And, in spite of what I think was a sub-par delivery, it's worth a read. 

Busy! Busy! But Not Giving Up on Books

Between work, family time, sports, blah, blah, blah, and some just plain summertime goofing off, it's hard to squeeze in what I consider to be a healthy amount of reading time. I have a hammock that helps a lot. And in the car, I try to enforce at least as much reading time as screen time. 

How do you squeeze in reading time? Your suggestions are mighty welcome...especially as it's about time to hit those back-to-school books. *sigh*

Sequel? Prequel? Whatever - What Did You Think of Go Set A Watchman?

I want to know, what did you think of Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman?

I've just finished reading it, and am glad I put it on the top of my current 2R pile. The credit for that goes to Harper Collins' marketing department. Rarely am I willing to pay for a new release, but the story behind Lee's second published work drew me in.

Sequel? Prequel? Whatever - Harper Lee Got Me

The title's interesting background, Lee's lovely writing style, and Target's 30% off promotion, and bam! I was sold.

So, who else succumbed to the marketing machine and a reader's impatience? What do you think of Maycomb now? Scout's second act?

I'd love to hear from you!

Cure Your Public Speaking Qualms

I have a book on my shelves about public speaking. Just one.  I've tried to part with it many times (only so much shelf space, you know) but I may have to admit it's simply a keeper.

What to Say When...You're Dying on the Platform is packed with outstanding, practical tips, well-organized (making it a good reference book, in addition to good advice) and its tone light and zippy enough to make it a joy to read. 

The book's copyright date is 1995.
Hey, don't judge. 

I like to think this is a sign of my loyalty. Thus far this book has been something I could rely through two husbands, two kids, three moves, several jobs/career moves. Why give it up now?

While I don't consider myself a "professional" public speaker, I seem to land in front of an audience several times a year (not counting when I stand up and complain ask questions at city council meetings). The book provides all that good advice a trusted friend would give you, like "go to the bathroom before you speak," "plan for laughter and interruptions," and lists a variety of ways to protect your voice, before, during and after your speech. 

Here are some examples of the zippy advice offered to nervous speakers in What to Say...

When you get sidetracked or lose your train of thought

- If any of you have heard me speak before, go on to my next thought and I'll catch up  

When you clobber a pronunciation or utter gobbledy-gook 

- Later, I'll pass out printed translations of that sentence - or 

- To help you, the rest of my speech will be dubbed in English 

Lengthier, less jovial advice is offered for more serious topics, including how to go on and deliver a speech or presentation when your heart is heavy.

Equally important, the book also includes a few suggestions on what NOT to say in certain situations.

The Bottom Line? Download and Speak Up! 

Generally, reviews of the book have been positive.  The only complaint I've seen repeated is that the book is a bit too lighthearted. To that I say, first, public speaking isn't brain surgery - or any other sort of science. So, lighten up! And second, I think the author knows her audience well.

Obviously, this book is ideal for someone who's a little bit afraid of public speaking (and based on studies, that's approximately all of us). In addition to all the good advice the book includes, compiled from dozens of professional speakers, actors, and comedians, it will also make you laugh.

And a speaker in a good mood is a better speaker. So there.

While I'm not about to give up my vintage copy, if you want your own, good news - it's still in print. Also, you can download the ebook and use that precious shelf space for something else. Like your trophy for public speaking. ;)