The Chosen by Chaim Potok

I read this for book group and really enjoyed it. (I also enjoyed understanding all of the Hebrew words in it!) The writing is so unadorned and yet enjoyable and there are so many fascinating themes here--can't wait to discuss it. (Note: I read this in junior high and did not remember a word of it. And I think the themes are wasted on a kid. I was thinking of having Simon read it next year when we do modern history, but I won't.)

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

A pre-read for Simon; I think this is the best YA historical fiction I have read. Why? An exciting story, great historical detail (including non-fiction chapter epigraphs), and a compelling exploration of the irony of colonies fighting for freedom when 20% of their population was enslaved. Highly recommended.

Woodrow Wilson : A Biography by John Milton Cooper

This was very dull; I don't think I would have finished it if it weren't a book group book.

How to Be Good by Nick Hornby

Started out really strong and then fell apart.

Parenting the Hurt Child : Helping Adoptive Families Heal and Grow by Gregory C Keck

Meh.

The Periodic Table : Elements with Style! by Adrian Dingle

I read this out loud to the boys; I thought it was middling but they loved it.

Stowaway by Karen Hesse

A preread for Simon. I thought it was excellent. I won't write down discussion questions since the book includes some. Another possible activity: since the book consists of diary entries with longitude and latitude given, it would be fun to plot the journey on a map as you read.

Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

I read this out loud to the boys. It is a very short, very simple book that would be good for 4-7 year olds.

Summer for the Gods : The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate over Science and Religion by Edward J. Larson

Disappointing.

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

I really enjoyed this book, even though I think Wolfe's writing style is right on the boundary between charming and annoying.

BTW, this is my 500th post.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This was excellent.

Fordlandia : The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City by Greg Grandin

This book made just about every "Best of 2009" list. I have no idea why.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I read this out loud to the boys. It is way funnier than any adaptation! The language is a little dense for young kids, however.

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

The more that I think about this book, the more I like it. Not only is it a shocking story well-told, but it provides an excellent case study as to why our justice system has the protections that it does. Recommended.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

I guess this was kind of lame, but I enjoyed reading it.

Adopting the Hurt Child : Hope for Families with Special-Needs Kids by Gregory C Keck

I really liked this; I prefer it to Gray's books.

Manhunt : The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson

Above average but not extraordinary.

Nurturing Adoptions : Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma by Deborah D. Gray

Meh.

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater

I read this to Truman; it is a very sweet and funny book.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

I read this to the boys; I thought it was middling.