The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

Currently on pg.140, chapter 15

On page 53, Dr. Desai tells Vicky, "This dislike you have for everything - that's not your fault, that's not something you're responsible for. The dislike comes from looking through these dirty glass goggles of depression that distort everything and everyone you see. You kept on going for the longest time, pretending you were seeing clearly when all was blurry and gray and ugly." Statements like this make me really like this book. However, on page 138 Dr. Desai says, "The feelings that resulted from her (Vicky) mother's decline and death turned from a sadness that was natural and even healthy into one that was unhealthy." I can see how this statement could make a reader conflicted. Maybe they didn't have a single event that they can name that started their depression. I will continue to read the book and see if Stork clarifies this statement. He has and is describing, through the story, the difference between healthy and unhealthy sadness.

The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 5.2
Lexile: 680 HL
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 26, chapter 4

The Booklist Starred reviewed this book in the November 2015 issue. They said, "Though occasionally message heavy, this important story of a teenager learning to live with clinical depression is informative and highly rewarding." They state that the book is for grades 8-12. 

The Kirkus Review also reviewed this book for their November 2015 issue. "A quick first-person narration guides readers through the complexity of Vicky's thoughts and, more importantly, revelations. From her darkest moments to welcome comedic respites to Emily Dickinson's poetry,..." They state the book is appropriate for 12 year old students and up. I predict that this book will speak to me personally. Due to the fact that the School Library Journal stated in their February 2016 issue that the book was written for ninth grade and up, I will read it first before I decide whether or not to put it in the middle school library collection.

As of now I don't think I will be adding this book to the collection but we shall see.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Finished the book

Keeping in mind that this book is written for 3rd to 6th graders, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. A simple story with a super cute ending. The giants eating 'human beans' adds a tiny bit of scariness. I enjoyed the book very much and are looking forward to the movie.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Interest Level: 3-6 grade

Reading Level: 4.9

Lexile: 720

Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 40

On July 1, 2016, Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Studios are releasing Disney's The BFG the movie. Since this book was originally published in 1982, I don't think I have ever read it. Although, I might have read it out-loud to a class as a teacher. 

Sophie is taken from her bed by the BFG because she has seen a giant; and so she must now live with the BFG until she dies. All the other giants in Giant Country eat 'human beans.' What will become of Sophie?

The Possibility of Now by Kim Culbertson

Finished the book

On page 282, Mara is people watching and she thinks, "It strikes me that each of these people has a single life, with dreams and defeats and joy and sorrow, and each has to go through the daily steps to get where they want to go. ... It's up to me to put what I want to be in the world and deal with the consequences. How people respond is out of my control. ... Now I have a choice I can either let the world turn me sour and hateful and afraid. Or I can be the Mara I want to be and face it with as much grace and humor as possible. Wherever I land, I'm the common denominator in my life."

I totally give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It spoke to me. I could totally relate to the characters. I love that Mara figured out so much of what was troubling her and why.

The Possibility of Now by Kim Culbertson

Currently on pg. 209, chapter 23

On pg. 198, Mara contimplates whether or not she has any fun in her life. She talks about how her school's activities and how they are "stressful and competitive. How many cans of food can you bring for the needy? How many laps can you do to raise money for the homeless shelter? How many pages can you read to earn books for the library downtown? Everyone's always trying to win at everything all the time. Even when it's a good cause. It's exhausting and really doesn't feel that fun at all."

I have heard people say that society is doing the youth of today a disservice by giving them a trophy for participation. That the constant positive reinforcement does not prepare them for the realities of life. Mara's experience is the opposite of this 'everybody wins attitude'. Or perhaps it is the stress of having not earned the trophy that you are holding in your hand. Maybe there is a balance between the birthday party goodie-bags (everyone gets a gift) and the 'must be the best' way of thinking.

The Possibility of Now by Kim Culbertson

Currently on pg. 156, chapter 17

I keep seeing similarities to my daughter and Mara. I understand Oli and his leaving his high pressure banking job for a simpler life. As a parent, I want my daughters to succeed but more than anything I want them to be happy. I see so much of my life in this book. It has now graduated to the "I am carrying it with me everywhere" status.