by popular request

And by popular request I mean one request. This is for you Angela. :)

Sensational Summer Reads:
1. The Giver: Lowry
-I find this book fascinating- it is a very interesting commentary on the future of our society
2. Number the Stars: Lowry
-This was one of my favorite books as a kid- it's a very quick read and I love the perspective
3. The American Scholar: Emerson
-In my senior seminar my professor briefly mentioned this essay and I was reminded of how much I love it. The first time I read it in my intro to American Lit course it blew my mind. Some people think Emerson is too pretentious but I just love him.
4. The Kite Runner: Hosseini
-Not for the faint of heart. I think this book deals with some amazing themes and if ever in a position I would love to teach this book. It gave me some really good insights and enlarged my perspective of the world- especially of the Middle East. There are some rather violent and graphic parts just as a warning but they are vital to the storyline.
5. Because of Winn Dixie: DiCamillo
-This pretty much sums it up. And I quite liked the movie.
6. Fugitive Pieces: Michaels
-I read this book in my Postmodern Lit class and fell in love. This is perhaps the mostly beautifully written book I have read to date. The language and imagery is simply amazing and the story line is deep and moving.
7. Tuesdays with Morrie: Albom
-When I first started reading this book I didn't know it was a true story- when I found out it just made me love it that much more. Morrie is the cutest man with some great insights into life. It's a short and quick read but very valuable.
8. Ella Enchanted: Levine
-A childhood classic. Don't let the movie deter you if you haven't read it yet. It's a fun and easy read.
9. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series: Brashares
-I saw the movie first and then decided to read the books. Bridgette can annoy me sometimes but overall I really like these books and I think that the best time to read them is summer- since that's when they take place! There are 4 books but I think the first is my favorite.
10. Leaves of Grass: Whitman
-I've been dying to lay outside and read Whitman and soak in the sun and soak in his words simultaneously. He's definitely one of my favorite poets. I think he does a great job touching on what the people of the time value.
11. The Hunger Games Series: Collins
-Very compelling reads- I got the first two books for Christmas and couldn't put them down. I think I read them in two days. Original and interesting. Very plot driven. The third and final book comes out in August and I'm quite excited.