The Wall Between Us and Fast Times in Palestine

Freelance writer Matthew Small recounts the story of his travels in the Holy Land in the recently published The Wall Between Us. His experiences of crossing into the West Bank to work the olive harvest with Palestinian farmers are somewhat reminiscent, but not as powerful, as the stories shared by Stanford grad Pamela Olson in her award winning Fast Times in Palestine. I read Olson’s book about a year ago at the suggestion of a fellow teacher and would highly recommend it. I was so moved by her perspective and the portrayal of life for families she met in the area that I then watched two amazing documentaries:  5 Broken Cameras and Promises. So much has been written about this region, and yet we seem to need still more authors, like Small and Olson, to continue to share their chronicles and personal stories in the hope that empathy and understanding can eventually bring peace. 

Skink–No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen

I thoroughly enjoyed Hiaasen’s earlier works like Hoot and Flush and was excited to read newly published Skink – No Surrender which seems an attempt to bridge the gap between those titles for younger readers and his books for adults.  An award winning and best-selling author, Hiaasen definitely provides another entertaining work (reluctant reader appeal!) with Skink – No Surrender.

In fact, I stayed up late to finish the book because I wanted to know what happened to Richard and his cousin Malley after she ran off to meet an online contact and went missing.  Richard’s adventures in the wilds of Florida are at times exaggerated, generally hilarious, and often dangerous (how many guns does that criminal have?).   Hiaasen’s Skink, a former governor and crusader for justice, makes repeated appearances and propels forward this story that deals with themes of rebellion, friendship, and safe Internet use. 

My only concern is that the main character, Richard, does not yet drive and while that adds a nice detail to the story, his age limits interest by older readers. Discussion questions are provided by Random House in an online pdf and I can readily see this novel being used in a literature circles where others might be reading titles like Spinelli’s Stargirl or Bloor’s Tangerine. For an easy read and a suspenseful, fun adventure, choose Skink – No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen. It has been included in the longlist for the 2014 National Book Awards.

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

Wildlife by Fiona Wood is all about feeling insecure and not being able to acknowledge that – maybe not even to yourself.  As such, it seems that it would have teen appeal, but one character, Holly, was so manipulative and cruel that I actually found it a relief to finish the book.  The story takes place at an outdoor education camp for privileged students in Australia where making snarky comments about others and betraying your friends seems par for the course. 

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The story is told from multiple perspectives which was a little disconcerting at first. I felt for “nerdy” Michael who was obviously different and I truly enjoyed reading Lou’s journal entries – even though she was hurting from the recent loss of a dear friend, she was attuned to others, very perceptive and genuinely kind. It’s not a surprise that Michael and Lou found and consoled each other. Again, I kept wishing that other characters would quit worrying about posing for everyone else and relax enough to allow more REAL friendships to develop.

The focus on fake anniversaries and the push to have sex all seemed forced and unnecessary.  These characters were leaving childhood behind and it was a painful journey for most.

What We've Been Reading...

What We've Been Reading...

The Round House by Louise Erdrich - Mr. Garneau

The Wive of Los Alamos by Tarashea Nesbit and Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt - Ms. Straube

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern - Ms. Burns

Croak by Gina Damico - Ms. Brennan

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider - Ms. Strom

Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson - Ms. Lazar

All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - Ms. Novak

Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust by Daniel Goldhagen - Mr. Stuczynski

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson - Ms. Peterson

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - Ms. Immel