Best Books of 2016?

Chris Fralic's list of the "best" business books of 2016 brought some titles to my attention that I feel I really must read. (And made me feel behinder than ever on my 2R list....)

While each entry on his list didn't pique my interest, A Torch Kept Lit, Great Lives of the Twentieth Century sure did. One reviewer describes the book by William F. Buckley, Jr. as "52 obituaries devoted to luminaries from various walks of life—politics, the military, espionage, the world of arts and letters—as well as less prominent but cherished family members and friends."  

As you've probably realized, Fralic's best books of 2016 list didn't include only books that were published last year. Several were new titles, others (like the Buckley book) were published years ago. 

I'm not especially quick to jump on new releases, as there are so many books...and copyright date really has nothing to do with quality! 

At the moment I'm reading Life is Good - The Book ((c) 2015). It's optimism and the entrepreneurial path, as followed by Bert and John Jacobs, founders of the Life Is Good company. It's not quite what I expected -- and that's OK. More about the book later. 

Now, I'd love to hear from you -- what was the best book you read last year? What are you most looking forward to reading this year? 

Please comment below, or get in touch through my fuzzy Facebook Page, Dumb Things We Say to Dogs. 

Happy reading, all! 

What, no time to read? 

Have you tried a speed reading course? 

I took a class years ago, and am still reaping the benefits. 

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When I'm not reading, I'm writing. Copywriting, that is. If you're looking for a Marketing Content Manager, you might want to see what I do. I call it Writing That Works. 

Free Help: Improving Your Child's Reading (and Learning) Habits

If you've ever wanted to explain subject and predicate agreement to an impatient elementary school student, have I got some sympathy for you!

I also have a website to recommend: K12Reader Reading Instruction Resources for Teachers & Parents.

In addition to simple instructions and free worksheets (with answer keys) the site also includes reading recommendations, by grade, as well as more than 20 book award lists, from Caldecotts to Golden Kites and a few I'd never heard of.

Have fun with that reading, grammar, and spelling homework. Just remember to let your kids do some of it...

~Diane Stresing

Help for struggling new readers (or over-achievers)

Got kids who need a little help with reading? Try some of the suggestions you'll find at Starfall. The site was launched thanks to a former reluctant reader and so effective it made the education section of Time magazine's current  50 best websites list. Visit the site to find free (yes, free!) fun and games and a good shot at reading improvement. Recommended for K-2nd graders.

Got over-achieving readers? You know - the 4th-grader who can handle any adult title, but maybe not the context? Librarians can be your best source of recommendations. Don't overlook those "older" titles, like The Phantom Toll Booth and Stuart Little. Vocabularies have changed a bit over the past few decades - enough to slow down a young (eager) reader and to teach a few new words along the way.

They'll thank you when it's time to take the SAT.
 

Back-to-School Reading Quizzes

These reading quizzes provide a fun challenge for students heading back to school, grownups bent on self-improvement, and anyone looking for a socially redeemable way to waste time on the computer. (e.g., if it's not Facebook or online gambling, it must be OK.)  Put on your thinking caps; good luck.


This one's hard!
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/elc/quiz/reading1.htm

Fun reading comprehension practice
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/mathlabplanets.htm

Lots here, including vocabulary quizzes, for K-8th graders.
http://www.quiz-tree.com/English_smain.html