Sunday, January 18, 2009

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is a collection of words of wisdom and advice given by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When given the news he had only months to live, Randy began doing everything he could to prepare himself and his family for the inevitable. Part of his preparation was in delivering a speech at his alma mater in the Last Lecture series. He knew it would be his own last lecture and he took it very seriously.

The book is a compilation of stories from his youth and his life experience. It was not at all sad, as I had expected, but upbeat. It includes excellent advice on how to live a happier, optimistic life. It is full of funny stories and touching memories. It made me really reevaluate the way I want to live my life and the legacy I want to leave behind. Again, it is not a work for young adults, but I believe anyone could learn a lot from the words within these pages.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski is about Edgar, a boy who is unable to speak. Instead, he uses a form of sign language that he developed - a cross between what he came up with and standard sign language. His family breeds, raises and trains a special breed of dog that was developed by his grandfather. The Sawtelle dogs are well renowned through the country. One day Edgar's Uncle Claude comes for an extended visit, causing tension in the house. Uncle Claude and Gar, Edgar's father, do not see eye to eye on most things. Things unravel to the point where Claude leaves and things seem to get back to normal. Unfortunately, soon after, Gar suffers from an unknown and sudden illness and dies right before Edgar's eyes. Edgar's mother develops pneumonia around the same time, and they depend on Claude to get the kennel back up and running. Edgar is resentful of Claude, and begins to make some connections between his uncle and his father's mysterious death. As Claude grows closer to Edgar's mother, Edgar searches for the truth. One night their friend and veteranarian falls down their barn stairs and dies. Edgar thought it was Claude coming up the stairs in the barn and chased him, not realizing it was the old doctor. Edgar runs away, at the request of his mother, taking three of his own dogs. He survives in the wild for nearly two months before meeting Henry, a lonely and ordinary man who takes pity on Edgar and his "pack". Eventually, Edgar is drawn home, feeling a compelling urge to resolve what he suspects happened to his father, and to restore his own life. Surprising events ensue, ending tragically for Edgar and his family.

This was a great book. It is an adult novel - not written for young adults. I haven't read a book meant for adults in a long time!! This book was well written and heartfelt. It made me want to call my mom and have a long talk. It also made me want to work with and train my own dogs! I was sad when I finished reading. This is one of those books that one thinks about during times when it is impossible to read. I could barely wait to pick it back up and find out what Edgar was up to.

Friday, January 2, 2009

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

The Arrival by Shaun Tan is a beautifully told story of immigration through pictures. This book is told entirely through graphics - absolutely no text. The pictures are breathtaking! The world in which the main character lives is fictional, but this story truly captures what immigration must be like. I'm sure that my students will think this is an easy book to get extra credit for reading because of the absence of text, but it will really get them thinking. Reading is thinking, after all!