Reading Review Board Messages

Re: Summer Reading

Beth Munger — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:38:52 GMT

I had the pleasure Saturday night of having a bit of free time to myself, so I spent some time browsing in our local Barnes and Noble. I should preface that on Friday night (as well as most of Saturday), I spent time with my 15-year-old son and his three, 15-year-old friends. Besides feeding voracious appetites, I also indulged not only the teenagers' movie preference but my husband's movie choice as well. Yes, we watched three hours (yawn) of "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Saturday night was my turn. Rows of books, an in-house Starbucks, and well-worn arm chairs in which to lounge--absolutely heaven to my weary, "mom everything" soul. I headed for the new books, and as you might guess, couldn't resist the comfort of an old friend made new. I thumbed through its pages, reminisced about the compelling journey the author and I had taken in Kite Runner, remembering all the time that another member of our Reading Review Board was reading the book first, then passing it on to me. But I couldn't resist. A peak inside and I was smitten. The book bought me, and I am now in the pleasure of the company of A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Is anyone else reading this book?

Re: Summer Reading

Beth Munger — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:38:43 GMT

Is anyone else reading this book?

Re: Summer Reading

Beth Munger — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:43:14 GMT

Hmmm. . .I've never heard of this one, Sheila. I'll add to my "books I'm going to read on a rainy series of days when I'm not busy with anything else and all else is up to date--aka housework, teaching, work, teenager, husband, et al. ad finitum, and I'm on a beach, carved-out coconut drink in hand, hearty chunk of pineapple suspended from its side, a brilliant turquoise and peach sky, layer upon layer of every-shade-of-white-and-gold possible sands stretching forever and ever. . .
Wait. . .where was I? Oh yes, reading books!

Sounds wonderful, Sheila. And I always appreciate poetic prose. I've just gotten back into reading poetry again. I adore poetry, but find myself every once in a while forgetting it's out there. Li Young Lee is one of my favorite poets, and while I've read all of his books, I find myself continually drawn back into the beautiful sphere he creates. It's a living 3D vision of Lee's attempting to understand both his father and his own relationship with him. Li Young Lee lived in 3 countries before coming to America, and I'm fascinated by his history. His father was a prisoner of war (in Cambodia, I think), then in America, became a minister. Lee has that phenomenal dual-culture make-up that makes for great visionaries, speakers, writers, and truth-seekers. His language is at once eloquent and brilliant, full of love and persimmons, reflection and splinters in his hands.

As a child, Lee was made to memorize the Bible and virtually all else that he read page-by-page, line-by-line. This upbringing is a remarkable part of his poetry. Some of his poems are available via a simple "Google" search, though I always question the authenticity of text when it's been transcribed for such purposes. I've found several of the books I own at one of my favorite haunts--Half-Price Books (especially the big store on Lane Ave.). Great place to browse, forget time, and travel to and from text that creates, at times at least, a truth far larger than our everyday lives.

Re: Summer Reading

Sheila Cantlebary — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:01:09 GMT

I recently found a wonderful book just waiting on my stack of "books I'm going to read if I ever get around to it." I am enjoying The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (1997). Even though the story is sad, Roy's rich, poetic prose loaded with flashbacks and flashforwards is a joy to read.

Harlan Coben

Beth Munger — Mon, 21 May 2007 21:10:40 GMT

I'm busy reading good "escapist" stuff and to that effect, Harlan Coben fits this niche perfectly. I've started Promise Me, though be forewarned, this is not one of those "pick up here and there and read at convenient interval books." Nope, this is the real thing--a page-turner and a must-read-in-as few-sittings-as-possible book. Unfortunately, I've been unable to take my own advice. I always seem to start the book at bedtime, and before I know it, I'm fast asleep and in need of repeating the same section the next night (at bedtime, of course) in order to make sense of the plot I've sort of started absorbing over and over. So many characters. . .so little time. If I ever make it to the end of this Coben book, I've got his What's New on my summer reading list.

Also, I love Amy Tan's work. Has anybody out there (for those of you who remember the Pink Floyd reference) read her latest book?

Summer Reading

Carol Dodson — Mon, 21 May 2007 21:11:29 GMT

I'm looking for some great summer reading. What are you planning to read this summer? If you cheated and read it before summer arrived, I'd like to know that as well.

Please share your plans for summer reading with the rest of the review board.

Thanks,

Carol

A Virtual Bookshelf

Carol Dodson — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:19:18 GMT

I learned about an intriguing site recently. It's called library thing, and it lets you set up a personalized, catalogued, organized bookshelf of your books. By searching for the edition of the book you have or want to get, you'll find all the information about the book as well as a snapshot of the book jacket. Some of you will certainly want to try it out.

Re: Kite Runner discussion

Stefanie — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 22:43:55 GMT

I have been wanting to read this book for some time now. I worked at a coffee shop back home where regular customers and I exchanged ideas on good books on a regular basis, and this is a book that continued to come up. With a busy school schedule, however, I have not been too up on “pleasure reading,” so I am very happy that this opportunity came up in our class!

I was instantly pulled into The Kite Runner – within the first two chapters, I knew that I would not be able to put the book down. The relationship between Hassan and Amir was one that, as we all obviously agree on, was one that touched my heart and evoked so many emotions on so many levels. I reflected on times that my younger sister and I played when we were children and how we will reflect upon it later on. Hassan’s true devotion to Amir is a devotion that is not often seen today The true, pure love that Hassan displayed towards Amir touched my heart.

The Kite Runner is a book that helped me look into the Afghan culture in a way I have not yet been able to do. So much of what I hear about Afghanistan is what I hear from the news or from friends in the military. I was surprised, and glad, to hear that some touring Marines are required to read this book. This would help one become more connected to the human and family aspects of Afghan culture.

The element of family ties was the other aspect of the book that I particularly enjoyed. I did not understand, however, some Baba’s relationship with Amir. It hurt me to see Amir continually trying to please his father, but never fully accomplishing that. Baba always took such good care and spoke so highly of Hassan – why not do that with Amir? I understand that Baba was dealing with deep-rooted guilt, however, I do not feel that would result in his treatment of Amir. Also, what was the meaning of Hassan’s mother coming back? It seemed so brief.

Re: The Kite Runner

Lynette Francis — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:33:16 GMT

Rachel,

I believe that Baba knew that Hassan was his son, my question is did Ali? If Ali knew how could he stay and be his servant and friend? Yet if he did know, did he get any satisfaction the day he left with Hassan knowing that Baba couldn't say anything to make him keep his son there because of the scandel and did it make him happy that Baba cried?

As for Hassan's mother, maybe after her face became scared she realized that there is more to life than just her. Maybe she finally had noone else to turn to for comfort.

In my heart I believe that Sohrab opens up to Amir and Soroya through flying kites and they all live happily ever after.... (We all want that right?)

Lynette

p.s Good thoughts!

Re: The Kite Runner

Lynette Francis — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:25:53 GMT

I loved this book as I am sure that anyone who read it would say the same. The story was so well written that it pulls the reader into the story and makes it difficult to put the book down.

Wow! How can one character provoke so many emotions from me during one book? There were times when I hated Amir for being such a weak person and always thinking only of himself. Why couldn’t he take responsibility for not helping Hassan? I think his dad would have been disappointed in him but ultimately forgiven him because he finally would become a decent person by standing up for something or just taking responsibility for something he should have done. I felt great pride for Amir when he stood up to Assef and fought for Sohrab. He owed that to Hassan. He never gave Hassan the respect and loyalty he deserved until that point in the story.

If everyone had the loyalty that Hassan had for Amir the world would be a better place. Ultimately Hassan gave everything of his being for Amir. He was robbed of his innocence and in the end of his life defending Amir and their friendship.

There were so many good ironic twists in the story. I was wondering if Sanaubar really said that Ali now had his own idiot child to smile for him because when she found her way back to him she said she wanted to see if Hassan was as beautiful in real life as he was in her dreams. If she did say it then it is ironic for her beautiful face to be scared now.

Another twist that made the story so good was when Hassan told Assef that if he shot him with his sling shot that they would have to call him “One eyed Assef”. Now many years later Hassan's son made his dad’s threat come true.

I just really enjoyed the book and could write about it all day but I will end here.

Re: Comment on post 118

Stefanie — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:40:05 GMT

Wow - I think that is very interesting that some Marines who go to Afganistan are required The Kite Runner. I can see how it would be beneficial and also help add some depth to the culture. Seeing the human and family elements is something that seems essential to the men and women who, for the most part, seem to be brainwashed into thinking that violence is key.

The Kite Runner

Rachel Krauss — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 02:23:21 GMT

What an amazing book! I had never heard about it before it was introduced to me in class. I'm so glad it was! I have to say that I usually get pretty emotionally attached to what I am reading, but this book took that to a whole new level! I laughed, cried, was outraged, was sick to my stomach, etc. I basically felt every emotion possible throughout the reading of this book. Truly a great experience for me.

I really had no idea what to expect from this book. Like many others, my only experience with Afghanistan was from what I saw on the news. This book really opened up my mind to a whole other world that I didn't know existed. It was a learning experience!

I felt such conflicting feelings for the main characters of this book. I thought Amir was very much a product of his environment while growing up. He felt a sense of entitlement but, at the same time, knew that that wasn't truly fair. His relationship with Hassan was an example of this. He knew that Hassan was a great friend to him, but was quick to refer to him as a servant when others questioned their relationship. I felt sorry for Amir because he felt so alienated by his father, and I felt such anger towards Amir because of the way he treated Hassan. Once in America, my views on Amir began to change when I saw how he took care of his father. It was almost as if he became the parent, and Baba took on the role as child. I felt such saddness when Baba passed away, because it was so evident that there were many things left unsaid between the two. I was glad that Amir did ultimately decide to go after Hassan's son, to right the wrongs that he had done in his life.

One of the saddest parts of the book for me is when Amir is seeing what is happening to Hassan in the alley. Not only for the obvious reasons, but because of the loss of innocense of both boys. Having my own kids, I want to shield them from the horrors of the world for as long as possible, and to see innocense disappear in a matter of minutes was heartbreaking for me.

Some of the questions I have lingering are:

Did Baba know for sure that Hassan was his son and, if so, why did he choose not to tell?

Why did Hassan's mother show up in his life after so many years of being away?

Was the fact that Amir and his wife were unable to have kids a punishment for past sins?

Was Sorhad ever able to open up to Amir and his wife?

This is definitely a book that will be read over and over again. While it certainly wasn't a 'happy' read, it was a book that made me THINK. I questioned right and wrong; friendship; loyalty; true happiness; good and evil.

Re: Kite Runner

Lauren Crolley — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 23:36:00 GMT

I agree that this book could give people a change in change in perspective, it certainly did for me. Here in the states all we see is war torn villages and terroists attacks, it is easy to forget that an entire country lost its was when the Taliban took control. The characters in the book and their way oflife did not differ very much from my own and it was easy to see yoursef in the chracters. This book humanizes the war and creates a connection, something I think we could all benefit from.

The Kite Runner

Lauren Crolley — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 23:25:35 GMT

This book is not in the genre I normally read, so I was a bit hesitatnt to start but within the first few pages I became completely engrossed in the story. The book struck me on so many different levels. I had never thought of Afghanistan as a beautiful country, all we see here is a war torn place and oppressed citizens. The description of the country prior to the Ruissian invasion breathtaking and makes what happenes to the country, and its people, even more painful. It was interesting to learn about the people we hear of in the news and to gain a new perspective on what has happened and is happening in that part of the world.

My feelings towards the chracters in the book were just as surprising. At times I was so angry with Amir that I didn't want to continue reading, while at other times I f elt sorry for him and wished that he would receive the praise he so desperately needed. Hassan made me angry at times as well, I wanted him to stick up for himself, to let tell AMir off, to ignore him anything other than taking the abuse. I suppose though that in the time and place it was not possible. Baba disappointed me many times throughout the course of the book, but he, like Amir, seemed to redeem himself in America. I wonder why he couldn't accept Amir for who he was and why he could not embrace Hassan and let the world know that Hassan was his son? Was he afraid to lose his status by admitting he had slept with a servant? Did he not want to insult his lifelong friend by admitting he had slept with his wife? And along the same lines, why didn't Hassan's mother tell him who his biological father was when she returned to find Hassan living in Baba's house? So many questions!

The Kite Runner

bethany baker — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 07:12:33 GMT

This book evoked just about every emotion a person can experience. I felt several times like I wanted to rip the book in half, but I knew that within a few turns of the page I would be lovingly piecing it back together. Strange as it seems, while I certainly felt a great deal, it wasn't until near the end of the book that I actually cried, in fact I lost it, when on page 301 in Rahim Kahn's letter to Amir he says, "You were too hard on yourself then, and you still are--I saw it in your eyes in Peshawar. But I hope you will heed this: A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer." It was at this moment that I forgave Amir. I forgave myself too for everything about myself that Amir embodied, everything I was ashamed of or hated about my own cowardice and selfishness. His suffering was sign that Amir cared, and when he finally was cleansed of his guilt by suffering Assef's beating for the sake of Sorhab, I felt relieved too.

I wonder something about Baba. He told Amir that theft was the only sin, and yet he knew all of those years that he was stealing Amir and Hassan's right to know that they were brothers. It seems so hypocritical, and much of the admiration that I had for Baba was lost in the moment where this truth was revealed. However, without all the turmoil that this hidden truth caused, none of the redemption in the novel would have been possible. I wonder if Baba's suffering is enough to forgive him. It's hard to say. Is compassion possible without suffering? Did his decision to keep the truth from his two sons allow them to find thmeselves amongst the tragedies of war; did it allow them to truly live? Hassan seemed determined to give his life to Amir--he gave it away that day in the alley an he did it again when he decided to come back to the old house nestled in the heart of terrorism. His soul belonged to Amir, the Taliban could only take his body. And Amir...he was a coward, but when the opportunity to save Hassan's son presented itself, he made a huge soul-cleansing sacrifice...one that might not have been possible had his father told the truth and brought Hassan to America too.

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Janine A. Beck — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 23:07:45 GMT

Janine Beck - re: My Thirteenth Winter

It was a great relief to me when at the end Sam says, "I struggle with the realizations that I am normal, that I am. for the most part, just like everyone else." All teenagers live with up and down lives, as Beth mentions about her son. It is part of finding out who you are and what you can do. Sam became obsessed with her inabilities to the point that she did not believe she had abilities. It is only through her teacher's interest in her writing ability that she found she was able. And yet that ability did not keep her going with confidence ini HS. She had not been able to develop coping skills, so school was a negative experience. I am not sure how some of us develop coping skills. I have minor dyslexia and it never interferred with learning. I loved school! It was so much better than home! And I loved reading. I cannot remember ever being unable to read. It was my life when I was young. Without reading I may not have survived beineg a teenager.

As far as her getting better counselling at an earlier age - I know from experience as a depressed person myself that there are at least two things that get in the way. First of all, for a depressed person the way that you perceive life has always been the same. Is there really a different way that you should be seeing life?Yyou do not even know that you need help. When you first begin to think thtat maybe you do need help is in your teen years, when everyone is crazy! Secondly, since this is the way and who we are, we become very adept at 'appearing' to not be 'depressed'.

Then there's getting a student the proper help. Even today, with all the awarenes we have, the only way to get the help a child needs is for advocacy. Whether it is the parents, the teachers, or as Sam eventually found out - the student herself, someone needs to advocate for anything to be done. A friend of mine has a son with Ausbergers. He is very bright. He just started HS and he is having a very difficult time remembering assignments - especially when they are given as the students go out the door. She has had to fight the school system at every level to get her son what he needs to succeed. Now she has to go into the HS and start all over again since they seem to think that since he is in HS he no longer has any LD. It is really hard to get the proper support for children. As educators we need to constantly be looking for ways that we can advocate for all of our children - even those we do not like, or the quiet ones who seem to be doing "OK".

I find it interesting that one thing most of us disliked growing up was any knid of timed test. As educators, we need to find a way to get ridd of these tests!

This was a well expressed book of a girl struggling to know herself and finding out that she is an okay person after all. We should all find a copy of her book "Reach For The Moon" and also challenge her to write and publish again.

Re: The Kite Runner

Sharon — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 18:39:09 GMT

To respond to your question: Why didn’t he admit to anyone, other than Rahim Kahn, that he had fathered another son?

I think it is interesting to note that Amir went his entire life feeling as if he and his father were not the same in any respect and Hassan was really the son Baba wished he had. It is ironic that Hassan is actually Baba's son, and furthermore, that Amir and Baba share one very similar character flaw. They are both shamed by one big secret that they will only share with some one who they trust completely. Baba shares his secret with Rahim Khan and Amir shares his secret with his wife. Both father and son live with guilt, but Baba turns his guilt into positive things such as orphanages where Amir tries to burry his guilt by distancing himself at the expense of all of the people he loves. Thanks for the great question!

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Lidia — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 04:38:05 GMT

I agree with Susan, Hillary and Arin that every teacher should read My Thirteenth Winter as it's a clear example of students who fall through the cracks of the education system and whose learning disability went undetected for too long. During our book selections for literature circles, I immediately gravitated to this book after reading the back jacket. I too struggled with math all my life, right through to college! I remember feeling tense, anxious and totally lost in my math classes and dreaded the moment when the teacher called out my name. Ironically, I did very well in my other subjects, always getting high grades. Starting college, I had to take the "basic math" class twice and the algebra class twice. Feeling so desparate, I finally went to the counselors office on campus after I saw a poster that read "Math Anxiety Help" on one of the hallways within the education buildings. After a tearful interview with a professor who specializes in math anxiety, I found out that I didn't have any learning disorder regarding math but in fact had an intense fear of the subject! The professor said that my fears stem from past negative experiences related to math and my mind was literally blocking out new information on the subject. He said that my high GPA (3.8) was a reflection that I could do well and so learning the subject had nothing to do with my ability! He gave me a CD on relaxing techniques that I was to listen to 3 to 4 times a week for about 5 minutes. Surely eneough, I was able to get through my math classes without fear or anxiety and I actually got B's in two separate classes!

I learned the importance of facing your fears and like Susan said, out of desperation, sought help. I believe that Samantha's circumstances were much more severe than mine however, I felt like her in many situations. I feel sorry for many other people who today continue to struggle on a daily basis because they are afraid or embarrased to get help. Samantha is a survivor and through her writing has reached the hearts of many people who recognize themselves and know that they are not alone. Hopefully, My Thirteenth Winter will motivate those readers who experience the same struggle to get the attention they need. As a teacher, I am ever more cognizant of such students with learning disabilities and will strive to accomodate their learning to the best of their ability.

Re: Kite Runner discussion

Melva Booker — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 03:59:09 GMT

I read the book as part of a college level course. I was amazed and intrigued by the story. Like your marine friends and the other marines fighting terrorism who read The Kite Runner, I gained insights into the people of afghanistan and the terrible atrocities that occur there daily.

The Kite Runner

Melva Booker — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 23:27:17 GMT

The Kite Runner

Melva Booker

The novel The Kite Runner is both surprising and interesting. I found the relationships between the main characters most interesting. I had a great time reading as the story revealed the surprises of the relationships and the roles of the characters changed. I was disappointed that the relationship between Amir and Hassan remained one of servant and master until Hassan’s and Baba’s death. Amir saw himself through Baba’s eyes as a weak coward. That Amir obtained redemption for his cowardice, lying and malice toward Hassan by saving his son from the very person that caused the split between the loyal servant and master is startling yet fitting. After reading that Baba was Hassan’s father, I had difficulty understanding the way he allowed his son to be a servant tohis other Amir, and to sleep on a pallet on the floor of a mud hut. He was a rich and powerful man. He had the power to easily keep his secret and be a better father to both his sons. My dislike for Baba did not change from the beginning to the end of the story. Although nothing is mentioned in the story about Ali’s knowledge of Baba’s secret, wasn’t he betrayed by Baba as well?

Many things about Baba puzzled.

Was the building of the orphanage to help the orphans or to win more admirations and praise from his peers and the rest of the citizens of Kabul?

Was he a coward too?

Why didn’t he admit to anyone, other than Rahim Kahn, that he had fathered another son?

Did he live in fear of having others discover him not to be the benevolent gentleman he portrayed?

Re: Kite Runner

Melva Booker — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 23:21:44 GMT

I enjoyed the story too. I am not sure how I feel about Amir. However, I am pleased that he was able to find redemption for the selfish and cruel decisions he made in his youth. Baba on the other hand, was just not a nice man. I think he presented a very different to the people in his world.

Melva

Kite Runner

Amanda Accavallo — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 02:42:18 GMT

Wow, this book really took some interesting twists and turns. I expected to read about the Taliban and did not expect to read about the life of a family who I would become so connected to by the end of the story. Amir was one of the most fascinating characters. I don't think that I have ever both loved and hated a character so much before while reading a book. He had such a sad relationship with his father as a young boy. I began the book feeling so sorry for him. I just could see how much he wanted to love and respect of his father, and then we began to see such a different side of Amir, the side of the incredible coward who could not stand up for himself or a friend. I no longer felt sorry for him. I was glad he would have to live with guilt of not standing up for Hassan. Hassan...what a noble character. He was treated so poorly throughout his life. Although I think he was lucky to have the childhood he did with Babba and a very caring "father." He died living a life that he probably could say he did not regret. He was proud to be who he was; unfortunately Amir could never really have that. Amir was always trying to be someone else.

Some questions I have are: What would someone who possibly came from Afghanistan say about this story? I think that this had a very positive message to send about this country and just how horrible the Taliban and the war was for the people who live there. I don't this is a message that is really portrayed here in the United States.

I enjoyed this book. Even though this story is loosely based on the author's life, I think that people who are prejudice towards people from Afghanistan should read this book. They may have a change in feelings.

Kite Runner

Amanda Accavallo — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 02:42:06 GMT

Wow this book really took some interesting twists and turns. I expected to read about the Taliban and did not expect to read about the life of a family who I would become so connected to by the end of the story. Amir was one of the most fascinating characters. I don't think that I have ever both loved and hated a character so much before while reading a book. He had such a sad relationship with his father as a young boy. I began the book feeling so sorry for him. I just could see how much he wanted to love and respect of his father, and then we began to see such a different side of Amir, the side of the incredible coward who could not stand up for himself or a friend. I no longer felt sorry for him. I was glad he would have to live with guilt of not standing up for Hassan. Hassan...what a noble character. He was treated so poorly throughout his life. Although I think he was lucky to have the childhood he did with Babba and a very caring "father." He died living a life that he probably could say he did not regret. He was proud to be who he was; unfortunately Amir could never really have that. Amir was always trying to be someone else.

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Susan Percher — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 21:51:59 GMT

Reading My Thirteenth Winter was an eye-opener for me. As a new teacher, I would like to hope that I can keep my ability to see any student that may need help, like Sam did. I do not want to pass over a child and assume she is okay with everything and pass her on to another grade.I hope to be aware of my students abilities and disabilities, as well. I believe that Sam learned how to cope with her LD out of desparation. She made up her mind that she either do something about it or she was going to be lost. One passage that sticks out for me was on page 177, "No one died, I didn't go to class naked, I didn't just break up with someone, or lose my best friend." I think sometimes I have had that feeling myself. That terrible lost feeling that you have to do something about the situation or you will be lost (seemingly forever). Sooner or later, you learn how to cope, pull yourself up and get on with your life. For someone like Sam, at least she is able to help others by telling her story along the way. I think she has come to terms with who she is and will be okay. I only hope that there will be a follow-up book to keep those of us interested updated.

I, too, like Dr. Newton would like to see this book in larger print. I think it belongs in the hands of all teachers.

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Hilary — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 20:50:19 GMT

Overall, I found My Thirteenth Winter to be a learning experience, both as a teacher and as a person. I was one of those children for whom school came naturally. I never struggled and didn't really have to study. My youngest brothers (twins) on the other hand, stuggled a great deal in school. I do not know how it feels to not want to go to school or feel like everyone is looking at me or judging me. I never talked to my brothers about how they felt, but I am now wondering if they felf the way that Samantha did. Were some of their stuggles due to the way a teacher reacted to them or did they just "not get it"? As a person, I am wondering if I was totally insensitive to the stuggles my brothers and others faced in school. Was there anything I could have done to make their experiences better? As a teacher, I am wondering how will I notice a child who is just getting by using coping methods. How can I make sure that I do not have a student who suffers the way Samantha did?

I think this book should be a must read for all preservice and current teachers. We have all gotten so wrapped up in meeting the standards set by the state and making sure that students can "pass the test", that we have forgotten that our first job is to help the children. Maybe if Samatha's teachers had been a little more in tune with her, they would have noticed her struggles and she would have been helped much sooner. Her LD could have been dealt with and maybe should would not have developed such an exteme depression. I agree with Arin, it seemed that Sam's depression was just glossed over and it went undiagnosed too long. I am disappointed with all the players in this story for not stepping up and doing what was right for Samantha.

I hope that when I am teaching full-time that I remember what Samantha struggled with and that I am able to recognize difficulties with my students. I would hope to make school a wonderful experience for my studnets. this book will always remain with me to remind me of what my job is and how important the children are, not their gifts or difficulites.

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Arin Sloan — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:48:50 GMT

My Thirteenth Winter has been an eye-opening experience for me on the professional and personal level. As a child, I was classified as "gifted" in language arts and spent the latter half of my elementary years in a pull-out gifted program. I always succeeded in school--in part due to my intelligence. I also was a very hard worker. It was interesting to read a memoir of school experiences so unlike my own. I woke up every day ready to learn! Samantha, on the contrary, panicked at school and was relieved just to make it through the day. As a teacher, this book has been a real wake-up call for me. I have realized now that it is the "quiet ones" that I need to watch. Samantha spent the majority of her school experiences trying to fit in and just get by--appearing to be a normal functioning student. Reading this book made me wonder if I had already let learning disabled students pass me by because they were well-behaved. My Thirteenth Winter is a call for teachers to be more aware of individual students' needs and determine each child's strengths so that they can be fostered.

On a side note, I too was disappointed how Samantha's depression was dealt with in the book. I felt that she was nearly suicidal from seventh grade. Why wasn't she put on medication earlier? Using medication was much needed therapy for her yet all we learned of its effects were in the last few pages of the book. Obviously they worked for her, but why wait until she was in her twenties? Also, I was disappointed to read that she was not seeing a counselor all through her schooling as she had a predisposition to panic attacks (Or if she was, it also was not mentioned in the book). She had a history of anxiety yet her parents and teachers did not believe it was an issue to be dealt with until it was severely affecting her well-being. This book could have also been used as a platform for recognizing mental illness as well as accepting learning disabilities.

Overall, I think My Thirteenth Winter should be read by all teachers as a testament to what can happen to a student whose learning disabilities go undiagnosed. Not all children experience positive school experiences and as teachers, we should ensure that students gifts are fostered so that they can enjoy school experiences and thrive in school.

Re: Kite Runner discussion

Sheila Cantlebary — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 21:21:04 GMT

This book positively swept me away. In spite of the brutal scenes, I was immediately drawn in by the exotic setting and striking language (e.g. "Baba and I lived in the same house, but in different spheres of existence. Kites were the one paper thin slice of intersection between those spheres." I read much of the book this spring as I was sitting with my mother while she was in hospice care. The pain in the world of the book and my pain seemed to almost merge at times.

What, if anything did I find especially interesting or surprising? My own reading process surprised me. I found myself making predictions about the separation and eventual reunion (I hoped) of Amir and Hassan. I found it unusual that Baba was so devoted to Hassan, but when the reason was revealed, it completely took me by surprise. I had even wondered if Rahim Khan could be Hassan's father. How did I miss all the foreshadowing? Am I the only one that didn't guess the truth?

I found it interesting and effective that Hosseini used present tense for part of Chapter 25 when Sohrab was taken to the hospital. That gives it a cinematic quality and even more urgency and suspense.

A favorite passage or quote: Rahim's wisdom and understanding made all the difference for Amir. These lines from the book have stayed with me. I think they could apply to many situations. "There is a way to be good again." "A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer. And that, I believe is what true redemption is, Amir Jan, when guilt leads to good." "But most important, forgive yourself."

Returning to a place I knew years ago: Last year I went to a meeting held in a 1920's era school building, now used for district offices, where I had attended grades 2-3. Just walking across those same indestructible tile floors brought back a rush of memories--and emotions. I couldn't resist poking my head into the office that used to be Miss Vincent's classroom in the 1950's. The early afternoon sun was flooding in, just as it had done years ago, when I truly lived for that golden time after lunch each day when Miss Vincent would read aloud form Heidi, Treasure Island, or Tom Sawyer. Having those characters and stories in my head helped me bear the loneliness I experienced when we moved in the middle of the school year. I really connected with the description of Hassan being drawn to the "mystery of words" and begging to hear more the next day.

Re: Kite Runner discussion

Mark Lentz — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:28:09 GMT

What, if anything, did you find especially interesting or surprising?

There were no surprises, but I did find the story especially interesting on two counts. Secrets and the way they corrupt families appear to be a universal affliction. They inevitably cause unnecessary casualties of the human heart. I don’t offer this observation without acknowledging the kind of trouble telling the truth can get you in. It’s been known to get folks killed. Yet there is much to be said for how to deliver it, especially to a child. In fact I have little doubt the practice of honesty laced with compassion in our relations with children would serve well our intercourse with adults. Consider Emily Dickinson poem #1129 for a superb treatment of this theme.

A second source of interest was the capacity of people to press on in the face of astonishing depravity. Tom Freedman’s book From Beirut to Jerusalem was a remarkable tale of this same brand of survival in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on">Beirut</st1:City> during <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s civil war. He observed, after his investigation of the plight of those trapped in the city and left to endure the daily battering and terror of uncertainty, one key to preserving sanity. It was imagination. Those who could “imagine” themselves somewhere else, an end to the strife were far more successful at holding themselves psychologically, emotionally together. I saw so many similarities between this portrait and the one in <st1:City w:st="on">Kabul</st1:City> – and the one in present day Baghdad. A condensed embodiment of this was portrayed in Kite Runner when Amir and Farid encounter an old beggar on the road to Kabul. This was a heart breaking, heart rendering, and strangely uplifting tribute to the human spirit.

Do you have a favorite passage or quote from the book? If so, please share it and tell us why?

“I slipped the picture back where I had found it. Then I realized something: That last thought had brought no sting with it. Closing Sohrab’s door, I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” (page 359)

It related in a deep and revealing way to my own relationship with my father and in a broad and telling way to how human kind reconciles with the past, however painful, and moves on.

Have you ever been tempted to betray a friendship?

It was never a temptation. It was an exchange of betrayals. One reckless without regard to consequences. The other calculated with deep regard to consequences. A terrible choice – a Sophie’s Choice – between friends.

Have you ever returned to a place you’d known years ago?

Yes. There were strikingly few changes and this curiously troubled me. I returned to a neighborhood where I grew up from 1958 to 1962. It was troubling because the resemblances were strong enough to foster feelings of ownership of the place and consequently a treatment of the current residents as invaders. What changes I did see were improvements. I liked that. It might resemble a visit to a grave sight, finding it and the surrounding cemetery well maintained and slightly upgraded. Whatever attachment I felt for the place quickly faded, however, for reasons not entirely clear. Perhaps because it was a solo visit, absent of reminiscing that included exchanged interpretations and embellishments that lead to revelations and laughter. It was mostly experienced as added weight that I had previously and unknowingly shed from by shoulders. When I drove away, I could feel the lightness return.

Re: Comment on post 118

Mark Lentz — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:53:53 GMT

I'm pressed to decide which is which. Fact is stranger than fiction or fiction is stranger than fact. I recalled reading an article in the New York Sunday Times a few months ago about how kite flying in Pakistan had been outlawed. Apparently the kite strings severed and set loose during the competition attach themselves to objects on land and entangle innocent pedestrians resulting in serious injury and death. I was unable to locate the article but a fair substitute for its content can be found at the following Web site. Gateway Pundit: Pakistan Arrests 1000 Kite Flying "Terrorists ...

Re: Kite Runner discussion

Terese Tye — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 19:48:05 GMT

I read this book the moment I received it last fall. Since then, I have been haunted by its imagery and the lasting impact that it has had on me. "For you, a thousand times over" now has a different meaning for me. I had heard and used this expression previously, but I had never once really thought about the real loyalty and dedication that truly gives this expression meaning. ...One boy's dedication to another in retrieving the kite, a symbol of equality and commitment, no matter what the personal cost. ...The dedication to a headstrong father, despite his illusions of the past and senility. ...The loyalty of finding one's spiritual bretheren (and bodily kin, in this case) in an arena of turmoil and danger. For me, the book's eternal lesson is that loyalty to one's belief or faith in something should stand the test of all trials. "For you, a thousand times over" is not a superficial statement. It is an expression that is a symbol of love, loyalty, dedication, and undying faith in what one's heart believes.

Re: Comment on post 118

Lori Wilfong — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 19:47:39 GMT

I read this book on a recent plane flight and have been literally haunted by its imagery. Then, an old friend returned from a tour of duty in Afganistan, who had also read the book (he said a lot of Marines are REQUIRED to read it to understand the people they will live among). We discussed the scene of the public torture and he related how he witnessed a public flogging and that the fear he felt from the intensity of the watching crowd was equal to any fear he felt in combat. Isn't that amazing? It gave me a whole new perspective on that scene.

Re: Comment on post 118

Evangeline Newton — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 13:26:30 GMT

This is one of those books people kept telling me was a “must read,” but whenever I looked it over I thought “too sad.” I’m so glad I finally took the leap, because it touched me on so many levels. My heart went out to both the father, Baba, and his sons Amir (the “sanctioned”) and Hassan (the “unsanctioned”). Who hasn’t ever wanted to be loved and done something impulsive and foolish that unintentionally hurt someone else? And who hasn’t ever been the one hurt? I found the raw political backdrop a constant reminder that millions of innocent people live each day of their lives in unspeakable pain and fear. Sadly, they are often hurt brutally and intentionally. Sooo….where’s the good news here? Well, for me it is that Amir is honest enough to face the truth and strong enough to bear it. In the end he not only comes to love Hassan’s child but also to believe that the boy will survive and flourish, because Amir has understood that healing is a slow but steady process: “when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time…” (pg. 371). Mostly I will remember this book for one passage. On pg. 359, Amir looks at a photo of his father with both his sons and recognizes that his father “was a man torn between two halves”: Amir, the “privileged,” Hassan the “unprivileged.” Amir has looked at this photo before, and it has always brought him pain. His thoughts of his father have long brought anger. This time, though, he realizes that thought “had brought no sting with it…I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” I LOVE those lines and find them so true. I am really interested in hearing some of your thoughts about this book – PLEASE WRITE!!

Kite Runner discussion

Carol Dodson — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 02:47:52 GMT

Welcome to the ORC Reading Review Board book discussion of Kite Runner. The dynamic themes of this compelling book revolve around the tensions between loyalty and betrayal, guilt and redemption. All this human drama plays out against the sociopolitical backdrop of a peaceful monarchy that falls prey to invasion, occupation and the rise of a totalitarian regime

If you haven’t already seen it, we suggest a visit to Khaled Hosseini’s official website. If you haven’t yet read the book, the short essay in which Hosseini draws parallels between his own return with that of his protagonist, Amir, will set the tone. If you have read the book, the essay may bring to mind times when you have experienced a similar return to a former place.

We offer these questions to begin our discussion. Please take them where you will!

What, if anything, did you find especially interesting or surprising?

Was anything confusing? (If so, maybe others can clear it up.)

Do you have a favorite passage or quote from the book? If so, please share it and tell us why!
Have you ever been tempted to betray a friendship?
Have you ever returned to aplace you'd known years ago? Were there many changes? If so, what feelings did the changes evoke? If not, what thoughts and feelings did the place bring forward?

Please join in the discussion and, remember, all you have to do to add a comment is to click on comment and type your ideas in the text box. Then click "submit."

Thanks for participating!

Evangeline Newton and Jackie Peck

Re: Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston

Sheila Cantlebary — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 05:40:08 GMT

I started reading Choice Words last year when I was teaching high school students. I made a short list of some of the phrases that I wanted to begin to intentionally use. Doing this really heightened my awareness of how I was communicating with my students. I had one class of mostly ninth grade girls who were particularly "touchy." Most days they came into class already angry. I found using Johnson's words for noticing and naming especially helpful. While students were doing guided practice or independent work, I tried deliberately "noticing and naming" as I walked around the room. When I said, "I see you know how to . . ." before calling attention to an area that needed improvement, students were much more apt to be receptive. I also like "You know what I heard you doing just now, ____?" What a special gift we give learners when we make them aware that what they did, perhaps unconsciously, was actually strategic behavior. Johnson suggests that a comment like this "makes the hidden mental skill of the individual into a future resource for both the individual and the community." I can still remember the pride and affirmation I felt when my sixth grade teacher made a genuine observation about my reading. This book reminds us that teachers' words can have a tremendous impact on learning and students' self respect. It is one I'll want to always keep handy for rereading and reference.

Re: A Book Discussion

Nancy Fordham — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 00:22:16 GMT

Regarding the photos of my grad students discussing/blogging about My Thirteenth Winter, "Book Clubs" were part of the requirements for my class, Literature Response in the P-12 Curriculum, fall semester at BGSU. Students selected books to read from among a list of choices I offered them, and they kept response journals, which they used to "hold their thoughts" and launch their discussions. My Thirteenth Winter was one book I required that they read, and they had plenty to say! This exceptional group of ladies loved their book clubs! The proof is in their acitivities both during and after the course. Of eleven students, three have chosen to do their Masters projects on reader response: one is starting a parent-child book club in her elementary school, one is developing a teacher inservice on integrating literature/literature response with math, and a third is exploring reader response with first graders! Several others have decided to move the classroom book clubs of last semester to their own living rooms. They have initiated their own monthly book club (Memoirs of a Geisha is first on the list), so the "book club" concept was certainly a success with this class! I appreciated the fact that the ORC Reading Review Board welcomed their participation in the blog about My Thirteenth Winter. I know my former students are going to be excited to see their photos on this website! It extended their book conversations outside the confines of BGSU, adding yet another dimension to their thinking and discussions.

A Book Discussion

Carol Dodson — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 22:41:37 GMT

Everyone is hard at work!!! Nancy Fordham's graduate students at Bowling Green discuss their responses to My Thirteenth Winter in the pictures below. In some photos, they are putting their comments into the ORC reading blog and reading the comments of others in the blog.

Dublin Lit 5

Skip Dodson — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:55:08 GMT

Dublin Lit 4

Skip Dodson — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:52:23 GMT

Dublin Lit 1b

Skip Dodson — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:42:03 GMT

Dublin Lit 3a

Skip Dodson — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:37:15 GMT

Dublin Lit 2

Skip Dodson — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:32:00 GMT

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Sheila Cantlebary — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 06:57:19 GMT

I read with interest the many responses to My Thirteenth Winter. This is an important book. I won’t forget Sam’s description of the doctor who admitted “All my life there have been these holes—these things I just can’t understand or do.” He had been blaming himself. Reading Sam’s story certainly awakened some of my own painful memories. It helped me recognize the coping mechanisms I still have in place, and, as a result, I find that I’m being a bit more patient with myself these days.

Sam’s imagination and her writing were certainly her lifelines. For all of us who work with students, we can provide them with opportunities to express their uniqueness through writing. How important it was to Sam that she was acknowledged for doing something well! I have found that it is a special gift to students when a teacher genuinely appreciates a strong quality or skill.

What will stay with me most, though, is the response of teachers to Samantha, both those who reached out to help and those who neglected to help. Tonight, I am remembering a senior I had last year. Alex was a school leader, particularly gifted in vocal music. I had even recommended her for a scholarship. One day, I kept her after class to talk to her about her spelling. This girl misspelled even high frequency words. I wanted to help her develop some strategies. After that conversation, Alex avoided me and my elective class. She even started cutting. After reading this book, I wonder what desperation Alex might have been feeling. I just wish I had another chance to reach her.

Is anyone familiar with this book?

Carol Dodson — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:46:07 GMT

I was just reading through some of the news sent out by NCTE in the weekly InBox, and I was especially intrigued by an article about boys and reading. The article, Making Learning a Guy Thing, is based on the book The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in Life and School, by Kathy Stevens (co-author). I recall reading one of your entries in the blog about the close relationship of reading and math, and I was immediately reminded of that as I read the article about a third-grade boy who was failing in math because he couldn't read directions.

Is this a book we should think about adding to our book club list? Please take a look at the article and share your knowledge of the book and researchers with the rest of us.

Carol

AdLIT In Perspective

Carol Dodson — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 23:46:03 GMT

If you haven't checked the ORC home page in the last two days, you probably haven't yet seen the January In Perspective that was just launched. It's a particularly timely issue, focused on assessment and going beyond the teaching to the test mentality that we often hear about. The lead article by Janet Angelis is terrific and one you'll want to share with colleagues and teacher candidates or graduate students.

I started (finally) reading Choice Words and noticed that Janet Angelis is mentioned as a Langer-Applebee staff member who helped with the book. I read just enough of the book to discover that it is truly compelling. I've been aware of the classroom/teacher language for a long time -- ever since I read the Halliday study about the influence teacher talk (commands, inquiry, etc.) has on the school language and behaviors of young children. Pete Johnston takes it much farther, looking at student success as it's linked to classroom talk.

One more note about the new In Perspective -- ORC now has an AdLit weblog which Nicole aptly named blogTalk. Each article in the new issue of In Perspective has a link on the right that lets the reader comment on this issue. The link, of course, goes directly to blogTalk where Nicole and I posted topics and questions for discussion. We hope you'll help to get this feature started (especially since you're such experienced bloggers) by getting the discussion started. You might also want to use this feature for your students in graduate or teacher prep classes. We really want teachers to comment on the magazine, but sometimes it takes a while to people used to this. If you can help us jump-start the discussion, Nicole and I will be eternally grateful!

Carol

Math LD is topic of Mayo research report

Carol Dodson — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 21:44:45 GMT

You'll probably be interested in reading about this research study on Math LD from Mayo Clinic. I was intrigued by a couple of things. The first is that the problem is never referred to as dyscalcula but only as Math LD. That made me wonder whether or not they are the same disorder or whether the name for the disorder has changed. The other is the link between Math LD and Reading LD.

Judy Spicer, a mathematics specialist at ORC, shared the article with me and promised to look into the issue. By the way, Judy's currently reading my copy of My Thirteenth Winter, so of course, she shared the article with me.

Carol

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Marissa — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:29:38 GMT

Evangeline,

I really liked that you mentioned your reactions to Samantha's parents and how they must have felt. I was thinkng the same thing when I read about Samantha's mom doing flash cards over and over and over and her not getting it. At times, when I was in elementary school I think my mom went through this. I always felt bad that she would need to repeat math concepts to me over and over again, but I couldn't keep the information in my mind. As I was reading, I thought, I wonder if this is how my mom felt at times w/me. Now, I didn't have the same issues as Samantha but learning them math as a young child was at times difficult. I think that I didn't understand why things worked just that i had to memorize them

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Marissa — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:24:37 GMT

Chelsea,

I agree with your comment about taking things in life for granted. Like counting change. I try to imagine what that would be like, not to tell time, not to be able to count change. I'm sure that I would have the same reactions that Samantha had. I think that I would try to avoid situations that would involve being put on the spot. I also wondered why there was not more help for her (until she got to college).

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Marissa — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:19:58 GMT

Kathy,

I'm sorry that comments said hurt you. I'm glad though, that you can share your experience with us so that we are more able to understand panic disorders. I think that in many situations it is hard for people to understand issues such as disabilities if they do not have them or do not know anyone w/the disability. This is why I really enjoyed this book. It helped me have a better understanding of discalculia, depression, and panic attacks. I also am reminded of how I need to be aware of the impace of a LD or depression on a students home and school life.

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Marissa — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:12:04 GMT

Beth,

I really enjoyed reading your post. I had the same types of reactions when reading this book. I also agree with what you said about needing to be constantly reminded of the gifts/needs of students. It is so easy to get in the rut of completing lessons and activities to meet certain standards, and forget that the students are at different places. For me, I can say that I know this but it's harder to actually follow through and walk the walk.

Re: My Thirteenth Winter

Nancy Fordham — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 05:42:40 GMT

Hi Beth:

It's clear that you're a writing prof! Your comments are such a great read! Thanks for adding to the discussion.