Holiday Reading
So, your assignments are all in for the term, sport may be taking a break over the holidays and the weather cools off a bit. One great way to relax is to snuggle up in a blanket with a good book – maybe even by a blazing fire as the weather cools a bit.
If you haven’t planned early enough to get books from the school library, there are always the options of checking out local public library, or scanning the shelves of the best bookshops around.
But what to read? (click the next link for ideas…)
Lots of bookshops present catalogues with brief reviews to tempt you. Some are even online so you can search before you go to the store e.g. http://www.dymocks.com.au/index.aspx, http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ Smaller local bookshops and local libraries usually have friendly staff who know their stock really well, and can make suggestions for you. Other places to look for ideas include of course, the Australian Readers’ Challenge list, the Premier’s Reading Challenge. and many sites like Read Alert blog and Inside a Dog (all listed in the side bar to the right!!).
Personal recommendations from me include:
The Boy in Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne – a tale of a boy coming to terms with a family move to the country set in troubled times. His struggles to make sense of this move are revealed in boyish language set in strange circumstances.
A Life of Extremes: Journeys and Encounters by Jeff McMullen. This title gathers together the many memories of prominent media correspondent Jeff McMullen, revealing the many different experiences he has had in his journeys around the world. It is an amazing collection of tales, with great highs and lows related deftly and emotionally by an extremely talented journalist.
Change the World for Ten Bucks. This book contains 50 simple achievable ways that anyone can make a positive impression in our world – it shows how a single person can truly make a difference.
My Big Birkett by Lisa Shanahan. Lisa creates a tale that any high school student might recognise as the struggle to just be a teenager occurs. Gemma Stone tells of a year in her life and the experiences with which many will identify – the need to belong, be loved, and to be successful – with some funny scenes thrown in.
Millie and the Night Heron by Catherine Bateson. Millie’s life changes when her mother’s best friend moves out of the family home and then, Millie’s mum decides to move too. When Millie’s mum starts to act a little distracted, Millie seeks advice on how to deal with a boyfriend challenge – all at a time when she is dealing with getting to know herself and fitting in to a new school.
Pass on your recommendations. What is the best book you have read lately?
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