The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Blogger: Nerdy
Type: Fiction, Book
Age Group: YA
Response: I finally read this one! I've been told a long time that I HAVE to. I wondered what I was missing. I knew it meant to be a thinker, but it was different than I anticipated. I somehow thought The Giver was exiled an from the community. I'm glad there is a squeal, which I'll have to get to soon. I'd really like to know what the next story was all about. I'm curious to see if this orderly society breaks down.

The giver is a great thought provoker for younger readers. I never read it for school, but I can see why this would be a favorite in English or Reading class. Symbolism and themes. Lots of room for discussions.

But personally it really made me wonder about the good and bad in a society that is so carefully structured. Everyone was taken care of and it was set up so everyone was safe and happy. But self discovery seemed to be non existent. Being an individual is impossible. Would I give that up for being safe...? Of course not, BUT all the same, being taken care of is a nice thought. Trained for a job, being given all I needed to survive.. it is a nice thought. But I couldn't give up the freedom to do what I wanted for that.

Lyra's Oxford by Phillip Pullman

Lyra's Oxford by Phillip Pullman

Blogger: Nerdy
Type: Fiction, Book
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Teen and Juvenile
Pages: 67
Response: My only disappointment was that the story was not longer! The book is short and a quick read an a nice addition to Lyra's adventures if you enjoyed the His Dark Materials trilogy. I was also happy to know there is ANOTHER book set in this universe called Once Upon A Time In The North. Hopefully Pullman has more adventures planned in this universe. I enjoy how it so like our own, but different enough to be a realistic fantasy. It's almost historical in way instead of fantastical.

Anyway, Lyra and her daemon help a daemon who has been separated from his witch. However it soon becomes clear their good intentions are mixed up with something more sinister.

Sample Review Entry

This is a sample of a review entry.

Blogger: Nerdy (your handle or nick name)
Book: Title of book
Author: Author of book (and Illustrator if applicable)
Type: Book, Graphic Novel, Picture book, Magazine, etc. Also say if it was fiction or non fiction here.
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Cook Book, Special Interest, etc.
Age Group: Adult, Teen, YA, Children's, etc.
Pages: ### (Number of Pages)
Response: Here you would insert your opinion of the book. 3-5 sentences.

Please use this format!!!

Blogger:
Book:
Author:
Type:
Genre: Optional
Age group:
Pages: Optional
Response:

Care To Join?

If you would like to join our 2009 book reading resolution, we are happy to have you!

Here are the ground rules:

• You must read 50 (or more) books.
• The bulk of them should be traditional chapter books for adults, teens, or books considered YA.
• Non-fiction is allowed.
• Audio books are allowed without restrictions. Unless abridged. Two abridged count as one book. One unabridged Audio Book counts as one book.
• You are allowed 5 guilty pleasure reads of your choice. They include non traditional books such as graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, or children's picture books.
• You do not need to include guilty pleasure reads if you choose to follow these rules: 15 Children's books = 1 book / 5 Magazines (if read cover to cover, ie, every article) = 1 book / 5 Graphic Novels/Manga = 1 book.
• After reading a book, please post a response. Please write a 3-5 sentences describing your opinion on the book. Talk about why you liked (or did not like!) the book. Discuss topics the author's style or anything that made the story or setting unique. You decide!
• If you are doing the 5 Magazines = 1 (or the other equivalent types), please include all reviews for the read materials in ONE entry. For instance if I was posting about my 15 Children's books, one post would include my opinion on ALL of them. These longer entries may have shorter reviews in order to save time and space.
• Children's book reviews only need a one sentence response.
• No flaming or abuse is allowed. Be polite to all members! Handle adult topics with maturity and appropriate langue.

How To Join:

In order for you to be granted posting privelegs in the community, please respond to THIS entry. One of the administrators will add you to the allowed list. Once you are granted access, you may post an introduction with whatever you feel comfortable sharing. However, this intro post must include your own set of personal rules. Any other information is optional. Tagging your entries is not required, but if you do, please only use the tags already created.

Please note that breaking the rules, or flaming and abuse will be met with banishment from the blog. You will not be notified. If you feel you become banned by mistake, contact an admin (Nerd E. or Little).

Nerdy's Objectives

Nerdy's Goals

• I will read 50 or more books in 2009.
• The books I will read will be adult and young adult fiction and non fiction chapter books.
• I am allowed 5 guilty pleasure reads which will include titles that do not fit into a specific category.
• I will try to read a well rounded mixture of titles from different genre's so that I am not always ready the same kind of books. I will include Thriller/Suspence, Horror/Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Historical, Comedy, Drama, Adventure/Action, Sports and hopefully Poetry and Literary Classics.
• I will offer a short opinion on the book once I have finished it.
• I have until December 31st 2009 to reach my goal.

Nerdy's Specifics:

• Guilty Pleasures include magazines, graphic novels, and out of the ordinary books (cook books, self help, pictorials, newspapers, plays, etc)
• 15 Children's books will equal one book
• Audio books count and have no restrictions
• 5 Magazines (if read cover to cover, ie, every article) will count as one book
• 5 Graphic Novels/Manga are equal to one book
  
  
  
  These are my rules for myself and my reading. I must follow them. No one else participating in this activity is required to follow my objectives.