Monday, May 21, 2012

It's Monday 5/21! What Are You Reading?


Our crazy, hectic season continues!  Last week was a rough one for me - my husband was away on business, my mom came to visit, my son finished high school, more houseguests came for the weekend, and my younger son had the lead in his school musical!  We went to both shows, Friday and Saturday night, and Craig did an outstanding job as Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance (check out his photo below).  Lots of activity and excitement for all of us!

So, I had no time at all for reading blogs last week or for writing my own reviews or blog posts.  None of us had much reading time, either, though I squeezed in a bit in doctor's waiting rooms last week:
  • I finished the teen/YA novel Dead To You by Lisa McMann in record time.  I could hardly bear to set it down - it was absolutely compelling and original, about a teen boy who is returned to his family at 16, after being abducted at 9, and the conflicts that arise as he tries to readjust to his long-lost family.  Amazing book.
  • Now I am reading The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern, a novel I borrowed from my mom a few months ago and have been dying to read.  It's a very strange book - unique and magical - but I am becoming immersed in its characters and plot.
  • I started a new audio book last week, Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke, a middle-grade novel about a British boy away at boarding school for the first time who encounters murderous ghosts and must enlist the help of a ghost knight to help fend them off.  It's very good so far.
  • My husband, Ken, is still reading George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones.  He says the beginning is very confusing, with dozens of different characters to keep track of; he's appreciating the lists and charts at the end!
  • Jamie, 17, finished re-reading an old favorite, Peter Raven Under Fire by Michael Molloy, a middle-grade pirate adventure.
  • Jamie also re-read The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima, Book 3 of the Seven Realms series.  He loves this series and can't wait for the release of The Crimson Crown this fall!
  • Craig, 14, finished Attack of the Fiend, Book 4 in The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney.  He needs to read one more book before the end of the school year - I'm not sure what he's chosen for his next one.
As I said, no time for writing reviews or other blog posts last week.  Hopefully, things will be a bit less hectic this week!

What are you and your family reading this week?

What are you reading Monday is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey with a kids/teen version hosted by Teach Mentor Texts.


Craig as Frederic (in the striped shirt) in The Pirates of Penzance.

12 comments:

YA? Why Not? said...

Sounds like you all have some great reads. Game of Thrones is a giant puzzle! I was constantly flipping to the end material for help, but it's worth it. Have your sons read any Michael Grant or Garth Nix? Here is my list http://wp.me/pzUn5-Zj

Hannahlily said...

So glad to hear Dead to You is great! I have it on my list of books to check out next. I also really want to read The Night Circus. Have heard really different things about it, but it sounds like a book I would like. The Seven Realms and The Last Apprentice are two series that I really want to get started on as well!

pussreboots said...

I adore Pirates of Penzance! I haven't seen a performance in years, though.

My favorite read last week was the audio of On the Beach by Nevil Shute. Please come see what else I'm reading. (Found my book!)

Sue Jackson said...

YA? Why Not? -

Thanks for the tip on Game of Thrones - I will tell my husband!

I don't think any of us have read Michael Grant, but my older son read the Garth Nix days of the week series.

Sue

Sue Jackson said...

Hannahilly -

Dead To You was great! Definitely give it a try...and The Night Circus, too!

Sue

Lydia said...

I have The Night Circus sitting on my shelf - it looks magical, but I'm so worried to pick it up for fear it won't be as great as I imagine it to be!

Here is my Monday!

Unknown said...

Whew! I'm exhausted after reading what you've been up to! I haven't heard of Dead To You, I'll have to check it out. Here's mine.

Linda B said...

Sounds as if your week was good, just busy with such wonderful celebrations. I want to read The Night Circus. I've heard such good words about it. It's always good to hear what you're all doing!

Jen Vincent said...

I've read The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann but need to check out some of her other stuff! I really loved Night Circus. I listened to it on audio and it's brilliant. Either way the imagery in the writing is gorgeous. Just amazing. Enjoy!

Anne@HeadFullofBooks said...

Did Jamie graduate high school, or the end of the year arrived and he is on summer break?

Thanks for the recommendations for my library: Dead to You sounds amazing. I am adding it to my summer order right now. Somehow I have avoided getting the Chima, Seven Realms series. I must remedy that, too.

Criag looks very dashing. You must be so proud!

Happy week!
-Anne

Anonymous said...

I loved The Night Circus! It's so visually beautiful I can't wait to see how it transfers to film.

Sue Jackson said...

They're making a movie of The Night Circus? Wow, that should be amazing!