What are you reading (listening to) Monday? 2/4/2013

You know how the saying goes, "the best laid plans..." and all of that. Last week I had a wonderful reading plan, and then something monumental happened; I discovered that the Season Pass for Downton Abbey allows you to download the remaining episodes for season 3.  Whoops.  Needless to say my TBR pile only grew this past week, especially following the YMA announcements. 

But here's my report:

Books I Read:

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.  2013 NEWBERY AWARD winner that is as much a kid-pleaser as an award-commitee pleaser.  Since reading it Monday night, I've had several discussions with librarians and teachers about its content.  We feel that this is definitely a read-aloud or read-along book for upper-elementary to middle grade students due to the obvious issues relating to animal ruelty and abuse.  But, we made it through the heart-breaking pages to a beautiful conclusion that is both real and magical.

ummm...yah, that's all I finished.

Books I'm Reading:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.  I'm on my second week with this book, not because I don't really enjoy it and find it fascinating, but because--once again--my obsession with period drama t.v.  I finally feel cool when talking to my science-y friends.  I'm like, "so, He-La. Those are some crazy cells, right?"  Henrietta Lacks reads like a novel that weaves together the narratives of multiple Lacks generations and a science-fiction thriller. 

yah.  that's it.

Books to read:

Here's where I get really excited!  A dear friend and colleague published her first book for adults this past week and I have a copy tucked away in my bag to read in the hotel while away at a conference this week.  Just Keep Breathing by Joan Curtis is a memoir chronicling Joan's life following the death of her husband Dennis.  Knowing the background of this book and witnessing her journey writing the book over the past seven years that I've known her, I believe that it will be one of the greatest reading experiences of my life.  I don't say that lightly.  Even though I never knew Dennis, anyone who knows Joan and hears her talk or reads her writing feels like they know Dennis;  her love for him is that powerful.

For the road-trip to Austin for my conference, here's my Audible listening TBR stack (inspired by last week's award announcement and one book that I've been promising my students I would read):

Happy reading!
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