Superb Summer Reading List
This is it! The Sixth Annual Bethel Superb Summer Reading List. I hope this list makes your summer just that much more entertaining, relaxing, and enjoyable! Remember each of these books was read and recommended by a fellow Bethelite! Teachers, custodians, EA’s, administrators, librarians, secretaries, and more contributed. The variety is wide and the entries are not in any particular order, but the descriptions themselves can be pretty entertaining! The last page is the tear off "glove box" version of the list. This is the one to mark your favorites on as you read the descriptions. Leave it in your car so as you go to the library or bookstore it is always at the ready. Have fun! And, remember make a note of any great books you read in the coming year so we can update the list for next summer! Since we became an OBOB (Oregon Battle Of the Books) district, I went ahead and added the 2012-13 OBOB books to the end of the list as well. I know I need to read ahead on those!
Note to contributors…I took license with my editing. If something came out wrong I apologize in advance and take full responsibility! The opinions expressed in this may not be those of their owner…but hopefully they are close!
Another note…anything within [] is definitely my opinion and can be ignored completely.
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Kristi [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 1999 Oster Currently a Teacher @ Cascade Title: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Author: Alexander McCall Smith Blurb: In line for Thai food with Jenny Martin one inservice day, Jenny told me she was having Pumpkin Curry in honor of Precious Ramotswe. Thus started my addiction to two things - the Thai food and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series. These books were comfort at the end of many a long day this school year. My only regret is I have consumed them all! I love books where the protagonist becomes my friend - Precious is someone you want to hang out with. BBC Synopsis follows: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is the first in a series of books by Alexander McCall Smith about Mma (Mrs) Precious Ramotswe. This large African lady has an instinctive talent for solving mysteries, so she decides to set up the first (and only) ladies’ detective agency in Botswana. The book follows the story of the agency in its early days, the mysteries that Mma Ramotswe is hired to solve and the growing friendship between the heroine and the charming Mr JLB Matekoni. Most of the mysteries that Mma Ramotswe solves are not serious crimes. Each of the stories is very charming, and the perpetrators of the crimes are often shown to be normal human beings with strengths as well as flaws in their characters. Kate [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 1983 Adams Currently a Teacher @ Irving Title: Boys Adrift Author: Leonard Sax Blurb: Subject: The leading factors causing the trend of unmotivated boys and young men in our society and throughout the world. Review: For parents or teachers…a fascinating look at what is happening in our homes, schools, and entire culture which is leading to an epidemic of unmotivated young males. If you like new science this book is completely engaging.
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Cal [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2006 Taylor Currently a Teacher @ Kalapuya Title: I Am A Pole And So Can You Author: Stephen Colbert Blurb: Colbert interviewed Maurice Sendak shortly before the author’s death. As part of the process Colbert wrote a children’s book about a wayward pole finding his niche. Sendak’s review says it all. “The sad thing is…I like it.” It’s the type of book that can make you smile in the midst of a rainy, grey, 50 degree, mid-June day in Eugene. Title: Unfamiliar Fishes Author: Sara Vowell Blurb: Sara Vowell is wickedly sardonic and completely engaging. In Unfamiliar Fishes she tells the history of Hawaii from pre-contact through the monarchy and onto contemporary times. Aside from the history being engaging Vowell’s sense of humor keeps you on your toes. She has a way of making her reader feel like they’re part of an exclusive circle just for the fact that they can follow her stream of consciousness. Regan [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2002 Weaver Currently a Special Education Teacher @ Meadow View Title: Chief Justice: A Biography of Earl Warren Author: Ed Cray Blurb: A very good biography of Earl Warren. Warren was a moderate Republican when he was picked by President Eisenhower (When asked if he had any regrets at the end of his Presidency, Eisenhower replied, “Two, and they’re both on the Supreme Court” referring to Warren and Brennan). Warren’s first task on the Supreme Court was building a unanimous decision on Brown v. Board of Education. Unlike members of our current Supreme Court, Warren was a politician who had real world
experiences with the issues that came before the Court. He empathized with the little guy. I don’t think Warren would have agreed that corporations are people!
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Judie [email protected] 1999 Bethel Retiree Borg Title: The Marriage Plot Author: Jeffrey Eugenides Blurb: This is a sort of coming of age, more self discovery story about young people who are getting ready to finish college and get out in the real world. Lots about their dreams and idealisms. Really took me back to that time and the friendships that were formed in the early to later 20's- 30's. Title: Patron Saint of Liars Author: Ann Patchett Blurb: This is a moral dilemma type story that happened a lot before the "choice" movement and women's rights issue were on the front burner. Very involving story of a young woman's journey.
Title: Matterhorn Author: Karl Marlantes Blurb: If you were connected in any way to the Vietnam War, this is a very revealing and difficult read. I wanted to put it down many time, but felt I needed to know more about "my war"! Marlantes is from Seaside, OR, near my home town and it took him 35 years to get the book published! Johnny [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2006 DeFlaminis Currently a Teacher @ Malabon Title: Wonderstruck Author: Brain Selznick Blurb: Here’s a good read for kids. This book combines two stories…one in words and the other with illustrations. Wonderstruck tells the story of two deaf children from different decades. Strangely, their stories come together at the New York Museum of Natural History. This story is layered and connects to different curriculum strands in science, art, and language arts. This book is for intermediate readers and I believe most students will enjoy it. Kindly, Johnny DeFlaminis
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Elaine [email protected] Bethel Retiree Pruett Title: Wolf Hall Author: Hilary Mantel Blurb: Winner of the 2009 Man Booker Award( British), this fictional novel traces the rise of Thomas Cromwell, Henry 8th's adviser and enforcer. Although this historical chapter has been written about many times, Mantel gives us a new view of this intelligent and complex man. Title: Bring Up the Bodies Author: Hilary Mantel Blurb: The sequel is just out in hardcover. A fiercer book, Mantel once again gives us an uncompromising look at the treachery and deceit of Henry's court. Her gift for making these men and women real is amazing. I cannot wait for the third and last book of the trilogy.
Celeste [email protected] Bethel Retiree Dickey Title: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption Author: Laura Hillenbrand Blurb: The is a true of Louis Zamperini, an Italian American track and field star of the 1930's who participated in the Berlin Olympics. He joined the armed services, and was part of the US Air Force during WWII. This book tells the amazing story of his survival during the War and then, the realities of coming home and dealing with the traumatic experiences of the War. Laura Hillenbrand is an excellent writer, and writes an inspirational book. Title: The Language of Flowers Author: Vanessa Diffenbaugh Blurb: This is a beautiful story which includes the Victorian language of flowers (which was used to convey expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love.) Victoria Jones, the main character spent her childhood in the foster-care system, and was unable to keep or maintain close relationships. Her only connection to the world was through flowers and their meanings. After she turned 18, Victoria realizes her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them, and this gift brings healing to her as well. The book also includes a dictionary in the back of flowers.
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Betty [email protected] Tumlin Bethel Retiree Title: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Author: Jamie Ford Blurb: In Seattle, during the early 1940's, a Chinese-American boy, Henry, and a Japanese-American girl, Keiko, meet and become friends in elementary school. When Keiko and her family are sent away to a Japanese internment camp, the two vow to remain friends. However, time and fate conspire and Henry and Keiko loose contact by the end of the war. Flash forward to the 1980's, when the new owners of the Panama Hotel in Seattle discover that the basement is filled with personal property left behind by some of the Japanese internees. Included in the find is Keiko's parasol. Should Henry try and find her after all of these years? Henry's life serves as a backdrop to
explore the human cost of fear, war, prejudice, and bigotry. Also, this book serves as a good reminder to never forget the lessons of the past, so we are not destined to repeat them. [A special thanks to Betty for putting forward the idea of including our retirees in the list!] Clair [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2007 Manley Currently a Teacher @ Meadow View Title: Divergent Author: Veronica Roth Blurb: If you loved the Hunger Games when you first found them, then you will love this trilogy! Divergent is another young adult dysotopian novel about a girl who leaves her faction (her community she grew up with that live their lives in a particular way) to join another at a coming of age ceremony. She leaves her parents, friends, and relatives all behind and cannot speak with them. The new faction she joins has a completely lifestyle, and she has to test herself constantly to be accepted. She comes to find out that all the factions are just pieces in a larger puzzle...but that is for
you to read and find out about! This book was so good I could not put it down for two nights in a row until I finished it. The second in the trilogy just came out too, and it is just as fantastic (so far). Title: The Tiger's Wife Author: Téa Obreht Blurb: This is a beautiful novel that combines folklore with realism and history. It involves a young woman who, after living through the Balkan wars as a teenager with her mother and grandparents, begins to discover more to who her grandfather really is. She begins to find truth to the tales her grandfather told her as she grew up, and dark secrets about her family. I was surprised to see how young the author was when I looked on the back of the book--she sounds like she has been writing for years! This is a great book to read slowly and reflect back on.
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Rachel [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2011 Aronson Currently a Music Teacher @ Clear Lake Title: Expecting Adam: a true story of birth, rebirth, and everyday magic Author: Martha Beck Blurb: This is an amazing story of two "Harvard intellectuals" who end up getting pregnant and giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome. The memoir is beautifully written, absolutely hilarious at times, and takes you through the journey of how one family's course was forever altered by a special child. I don't want to tell you too much, as some of the anecdotes completely floored me when I first read them. All I can say is I highly recommend this read. I couldn't put it down. Stephen [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2011 Wilson Currently an Educational Assistant @ Willamette Title: Education of a Wandering Man Author: Louis L'Amour Blurb: Louis L'Amour was best known for his simple yet captivating tales of the untamed west. What many do not know about the man is that he has had an amazing array of professions, ranging from professional prizefighting to cattle skinner to hobo. "Education of a Wandering Man" is his memoir, complete with pages of pictures, whimsical stories, gripping personal experiences, and the flavor of writing known to the millions of fans who respect and admire his body of work. Bonnie [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2002 Nussbaum Currently a Teacher @ Kalapuya Title: The World As We Know It Author: Joseph Monninger Blurb: An afternoon of ice skating turns almost tragic when Allard and Ed Keer come across Sarah Patrick who has fallen through the pond ice. When Allard tries to rescue her, he too falls in. Both kids miraculously survive and a lifetime friendship between the three begins. Spending every waking minute together, the three dream of starting a wildlife filming company to produce National Geographic-like travelogues and documentaries. This is a love story intertwined with the countryside of New Hampshire, the untamed territories of Wyoming, and the frozen tundra of Northern Canada. Readers are inspired by the “extraordinary visions of animals of many varieties – fearsome and simple – narwhals singing, creatures cavorting, nature as an overwhelmingly beautiful and deadly force.” This is one of those books that hooks you from the beginning and makes you read the last few chapters slowly so you can delay the end.
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Natalie [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2010 Oliver Currently a Teacher @ Meadow View Title: Cutting for Stone Author: Abraham Verghese Blurb: A stunning work of fiction. Told through the eyes of a twin boy born of a missionary doctor and his assisting nun. After a turn of events, Marion (and his twin brother, Shiva) is raised by the two doctors left to oversee the hospital in Ethiopia in the mid-20th century. This book is layer upon layer of rich characters, beautiful prose, and African politics. It is a perfect read for those who enjoy fiction at its finest. Title: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Author: Rebecca Skloot Blurb: [This is the third time this book has made our list…better not miss it!] If you love science, but haven't always been a non-fiction and/or science reader, this book is for you. Skloot follows the initial discovery and subsequent explosion of the HeLa cell line, taken without promise of pay from Henrietta Lacks, a poor black worker from the deep south. Her cells have cured disease and promoted scientific research for over 60 years, and the story of how it began is a truly scintillating tale. Skloot writes a science documentary piece as she would a suspense novel. You'll finish the book with a new moral dilemma. Tom [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2011 Smyly Currently an Educational Assistant @ Willamette Title: Wild Author: Cheryl Strayed Blurb: This book has been on the best seller list the last few weeks. It is about a woman with an unusual upbringing (abusive father, raised by her mom and a step father in a sort of alternative lifestyle). Her life becomes unraveled with her mother being diagnosed with cancer that spreads quickly, and very suddenly, she is forced to deal with her mother's death. So she decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (at least parts of it) over the period of several months. The book describes her ordeal of hiking the trail, being a novice hiker, and the trials she endures. I enjoyed the book very much, and though the author's life is a total mess, I found myself rooting for her, cheering her victories, and relating to many of her challenges. I thought the book was very entertaining, an easy read, and would recommend it highly.
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[email protected] Amy With the Bethel Family Since 1998 Riepma Currently a Reading Specialist @ Danebo Heed the advice of reading specialists and Media Coordinators! Title: Firefly Lane Author: Kristin Hannah Blurb: This is one of my favorite novels! It tells the story of two best friends who meet in middle school and follows them until they are in their forties. It was set in the 70s and forward. The author used songs and memorabilia from those decades that I grew up in, which made for a very fun trip down memory lane! It is a very real story of friendship: the changing relationship between the two girls, their families, the very different paths their lives take, and the love and history that keeps them together. It is a story that every woman can relate to and see themselves in. It made me love my best friend all the more for reading this story. [email protected] Jennie With the Bethel Family Since 2008 Kolpak Currently the Nutrition Services Director @ Bethel Don’t pass up food and wellness advice from our resident expert! Title: Born to Run Author: Christopher McDougall Blurb: Even if you have no idea how many miles a marathon is and find running in circles boring, this is still a great read! McDougall takes us on an adventure through the Copper Canyon mountains of Northern Mexico to study the elusive Tarahumara tribe, the greatest ultra runners ever. Connected by a local American ex pat, Micah True, a team is assembled and brought to Telluride, Colorado for their international ultra running showdown. The Telluride event results in disastrous cross cultural implications. To make amends, McDougall assembles a team of America runners for the a Tarhumara style race (more like a festival) in the Copper Canyon mountains. McDougall tells a great story, examines biology, provides a rich cultural context and weaves in great characters throughout this book. As a side note, Micah True, one of the charachters, recently died in the Copper Canyon mountains while out for a run. Title: Feeding the Whole Family Author: Cynthia Lair Blurb: This is one of my go to cookbooks. Vegetarian and kid focused with lots of adult favorites too! Cynthia does a good job of creating healthy versions of popular items while introducing new foods at the same time. She provides 101 level information on a wide variety of topics, from how to prepare whole grains and legumes. Information on toddler foods is also included. I have used many of the recipes with good results. My favorite is the Tempeh Mushroom Stroganoff.
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Jennifer [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2008 Haliski Currently a Principal @ Prairie Mountain Title: The Dressmaker of Khair Khana Author: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon Blurb: This true story takes you into Afghanistan after the Taliban seizes control of the city of Kabul. It is the story of a remarkable young woman who though having earned a teaching degree during the civil war, is then banned from school and confined to her home. She becomes a dressmaker and the sole breadwinner for her sisters. It is
such a story of inspiration, resiliency and hope. Paul [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2005 Stieber Currently a Teacher @ Willamette Title: Then We Came to the End Author: Joshua Ferris Blurb: I read this novel this current spring in the midst of our school district’s budget turmoil and staff layoffs. That’s part of the reason I liked it so much – some of the novel’s themes were present in my own professional life. This is Ferris’ first novel, and it’s a (sometimes dark) look into the workplace environment, the lives of employees, and their contradictory feelings about life and work at a Chicago advertising agency in the early 2000’s just as the economy is beginning to crash. The novel is entertaining and humorous – full of gossip, workplace pranks, eccentric colleagues, and increasingly frequent coffee breaks.
Ultimately what makes Then We Came to the End such a satisfying read, however, is its description of working life and its combination of wonderfully lighthearted and incredibly sad moments. It reminds me of teaching and the work that we do, which, let’s face it, can be extremely uplifting and also terribly sad. Dean [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 1997 Nussbaum Currently an Administrator @ Willamette Title: 11-22-63 Author: Stephen King Blurb: In a considerable diversion from what he is most known for (and I have not cared to read), Stephen King gives us a time travel novel of what might have been - what might have been had John Kennedy not been assasinated. From the perspective of a school teacher who is sent back 48 years to amend history, this story is perhaps most easily appreciated if you are old enough to remember that day. I found myself intrigued by the world - and of course the love - that might have been. And oddly, how it made me think about signature events in my own life.
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Chris [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2010 Parra Currently the Assistant Superintendent @ Bethel Title: Assassination Vacation Author: Sarah Vowell Blurb: History buffs who enjoy the more macabre side of things will enjoy Assassination Vacation. Who knew the topic could be so, well...entertaining? I first read the book right after it was published (loved it), but after a friend recently read it and couldn’t stop talking about it, I decided to reread it, and enjoyed it all over again. The author, self-absorbed with death, travels around to historical locations of presidential assassinations and associated sites of those (as well as their friends) who assassinated them. It is incredibly well researched, going into quite a bit of depth about the assassin, the crowd they hung out with (no pun intended), and the presidents. Little known facts come to life in this one. That, as well as current affairs (from 2005) and the author’s life are mixed in for a bit of quirky fun. If you are a fan of audio books, this one is definitely for you. In fact, I think it’s a much better “read” on audio. The audio narrator is the author who is joined by the voices of the likes of Stephen King, Conan O’Brien and Jon Stewart (et.al.). NPR did a story on it after it was first published and you can read/listen to a clip. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4646283. Take it on your next vacation! [email protected] Janet With the Bethel Family Since 1980 Bertucci Currently a Retiring Teacher @ Danebo But the book is in English! Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows Blurb: This is really a delightful book, and a must read for book club enthusiasts. It’s written in the style of letters exchanged between a popular author Juliet and some of the people she shares her life with. The story gets really fun when she starts corresponding with people on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands off the coast of England. I loved finding out about how the German occupation during World War II caused the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to form. If you enjoyed 84, Charing Cross Road you’ll really love this one.
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Sonja [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 1999 Maul Currently a Counselor @ Malabon Title: Not Quite Adults Author: Richard Settersten and Barbara E. Ray Blurb: This should be a mandatory read for parents; particularly if their children are in high school like mine. We have had “college talk” going on with our children since the time they were very little so this book came as a check on whether or not we have really done our job. The
book talks about the future of our young people being fragile at the very time they are "launching" into the big adult world. This launch can be particularly challenging (and some might say disastrous) when young adults choose not to engage in higher education or decide to leap into family responsibilities too soon. As educators and parents, it is crucially important to assist them in making sense of the world they are about to encounter. Choices and actions young people make while in their late
teens and early 20’s will, more than ever before, have lasting consequences that are basically irreversible. It’s crucially important for parents to recognize that their child’s experience will be a shift from their own. Even with the best of intentions, perhaps the worst thing we can do is attempt to prepare our young people for a world that no longer exists.
[email protected] Christie With the Bethel Family Since 1997 Currently a Media Coordinator @ Shasta
McBride Again…Don’t pass up the advice of someone who spends hours in the library every day!!! Title: The Black Dragons – Kindle Only Author: Richard Hackett Jr. Blurb: Great book! I must say I wasn't sure I would enjoy reading Historical Fiction about slavery, naval battles and capturing forts, but I was pleasantly surprised. Set in 1775 in North Carolina two friends are impressed into war to protect their homeland and the control of the Caribbean Islands. It was the characters that sucked me into the book and had me reading and guessing their fate right down to the end. It is rare to find characters that hold to their values; showing honor, courage and compassion to one another and their enemies as these do. I highly recommend this book to young adults and up. I look forward to a sequel and reading more about those who sailed on "The Dragon".
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Mary [email protected] Smith Bethel Retiree Title: Before I Go to Sleep Author: S.J. Watson Blurb: This one was hard to put down. It is a psychological thriller about a woman who wakes up in the morning and finds herself in bed with an older man whom she doesn't know. When she looks in the mirror, the woman she sees is much older than she is. This happens every day! There are many twists and turns throughout and you will not trust anyone. I loved it Title: First Among Sequals Author: Jasper Fforde Blurb: This is the 5th book in a series, and I am told the first four are even better than this one. The premise of the story is that book readership is down because of reality TV. The heroine, Thursday Next, tries to save books by literally going into books to keep people from changing the outcome of the story. The plays on words had me chuckling throughout, ie, the irritable vowel syndrome. It is a very hard book to describe and my book club basically hated it, but if you read it with a sense of humor, you will crack up. Donna [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2003
Butera Currently the Homeless Student Liaison @ Willamette Title: Body and Soul Author: Frank Conroy Blurb: I fell in love with this book. Six year old Claude Rawlings is growing up pretty much alone, whether his mom is at home or not. His experience of the world so far has been what he sees through the small street level window of his basement apartment. One day he uncovers a piano in the cluttered back room, and his life unfolds from there. This is a story of triumph. It opens in 1945 New York City; the politics and cityscape provide a captivating backdrop. What I loved most were the descriptions of the musicians’ relationship to the music. It’s hard for me to say what musicians would think of it but I really enjoyed the
technical aspects and it left me hungering for more knowledge of the structure of music. Having said that, the technical passages weren’t too long and the story develops at a satisfying pace. Though a hefty novel, it is rich. This was a selection for my book group and we all loved it and have recommended it to others who felt the same.
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Stacey [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2000
Jubb Currently a Teacher @ Danebo Title: Between Shades of Gray Author: Ruta Sepetys Blurb: Between Shades of Gray is a fictional story, based on the first- hand accounts and memories of survivors of Stalin’s genocide during WW2. Lina is a 15 year old Lithuanian girl in 1941. One night, Soviet officer barge into her home, separating her family and forcing them onto crowded and dirty train cars. Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced to dig for beets and fight for
their lives under the cruelest of conditions. Lina documents these events through her art, hoping these messages will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive. [email protected] Brenda With the Bethel Family Since 2002 Kame’enui Currently a Teacher @ Prairie Mountain I always heed the reading advice of reading specialist! Title: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Author: Rebecca Skloot Blurb: Portland author Rebecca Skloot spent nearly 10 years researching HeLa cells, the immortal cancer cells from Henrietta Lacks, a Baltimore descendant of slaves. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is an account of Skloot’s research into the first-ever “immortal” cells. Before Henrietta’s cancer cells were cultured in the 1950s, scientists had not been successful in reproducing cells for study. Henrietta’s cells (HeLa) doubled overnight and have been doubling ever since! All the HeLa cells ever grown would weigh more than 50 million metric tons. HeLa cells have been critical in the development of thousands of medical advances, from the polio vaccine to gene mapping. After the polio vaccine was developed, researchers didn’t know how to really test it, because monkeys were too expensive. Along came HeLa cells, and the vaccine could be tested in multitude. Skloot does a beautiful job of navigating and learning from all Henrietta Lacks’ descendants. The author treats the family with great respect, as they believe something has been stolen from them and Johns Hopkins Hospital profited at their expense. This was before the time of “informed consent.” You won’t be sorry you read this fascinating book.
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Sandi [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2011
Lesh Currently a Secretary @ Willamette Title: The Color of Water: A Black Mans’ Tribute to His White Mother Author: James McBride Blurb: This is a true story about Ruth McBride Jordan, born Rachel Shilsky, a Polish Jew. Her family immigrated to America when she was a baby; as an adult she left her family and faith behind in Virginia and moved to New York City. She would eventually meet and marry a black man and start a family that grew to 12 kids. She remarried another black man after her first husband died. He eventually passed away as well and she found herself a single mom. She battled racism and poverty but never wavered. She tells her story side-by-side the memories of her son,
the author James McBride. James struggled to find his identity… is his family of 12 kids black or white? Ruth said they are the “color of water.” This is an inspiring story about a black man raised by a white woman. It is their journey. Debby [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 1986
Marks Currently a Math Teacher @ Willamette Title: Escape from camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West Author: Blaine Harden Blurb: Very interesting biography of a young man who grew up and escaped from a North Korean prison camp. On the corner of bitter and sweet: at first I picked this out because it was set in Seattle where I grew up- but I was soon engrossed in the story of 2 kids one Japanese and one Korean who experienced prejudice and discrimination during ww2.
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Kee [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2005
Zublin Currently a Teacher @ Kalapuya Title: The Confessions of Nat Turner Author: William Styron Blurb: I’ve been slowly reading through the Time Magazine All-Time 100 Novels and I finally came across this especially beautiful story. Probably everybody had already read this but me, but if you haven’t you might consider it. It’s told in the voice of Nat Turner, a real historical figure who led the South’s only major slave revolt of the slavery era. One of the major themes is how education alters a person’s fate. Prepare to be totally immersed in the muggy, swampy, slow and sometimes brutal world of the Southern plantation.
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Colt [email protected] With the Bethel Family Since 2006 Gill Currently Superintendent @ Bethel Title: The Murder Room: The Heirs of Sherlock Holmes Gather to Solve the World's Most Perplexing Cold Cases Author: Michael Capuzzo Blurb: True tales from the Vidocq Society! These are stories of cold case crimes solved by some of the countries leading investigators. This group gets together regularly to solve past crimes. They are like a book club for crime! http://epladultservices.wordpress.com/recommendation/ Blurb: Enter Eugene Public Library’s free Summer Reading raffle for adults! You could win one of many gift certificates to shop at locally- owned stores of Unique Eugene. All you need to do is share a book recommendation by filling out the form below. Briefly describe a book you read or audiobook you listened to and let others know what you thought about it. Enter as often as you’d like; each entry gives you another chance in the raffle. Happy Summer! This summer also check-out Goodreads.com! Goodreads.com is the ultimate book group. It is social networking, like Facebook, for readers. Enter books you’ve read, books you plan to read, find out what your friends have said about them. A MV-Mom turned me on to this site! Great fun. You’ll find many Bethel Staff Friends! Finally, Check-Out this Great Idea from Media Coordinator Extraordinaire Maureen Clark! In these tough times, wouldn’t it be great if you could turn your summer reading into cash for your school library? Now you can! Check-out the summer read-a-thon flier at the end of this list and get pledges for your summer reading that will help keep books on the shelf in your library!
17 Bethel’s Superb Summer Reading List | 2012 Edition
-5th Annual -- Glove Box Edition- Print these pages back-to-back and keep them with you for reference when at the library or book shopping… Check Here for Books to Pick- Title + Author up or Check- out Boys Adrift, Leonard Sax I Am A Pole And So Can You, Stephen Colbert Unfamiliar Fishes, Sara Vowell Chief Justice: A Biography of Earl Warren, Ed Cray The Marriage Plot, Jeffrey Eugenides Patron Saint of Liars, Ann Patchett Matterhorn, Karl Marlantes Wonderstruck, Brain Selznick Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford Divergent, Veronica Roth The Tiger's Wife, Téa Obreht Expecting Adam: a true story of birth, rebirth, and everyday magic, Martha Beck Education of a Wandering Man, Louis L'Amour The World As We Know It, Joseph Monninger Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese Wild, Cheryl Strayed Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah Born to Run, Christopher McDougall Feeding the Whole Family, Cynthia Lair The Dressmaker of Khair Khana, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon Then We Came to the End, Joshua Ferris 11-22-63, Stephen King Assassination Vacation, Sarah Vowell The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows 18 Bethel’s Superb Summer Reading List | 2012 Edition
Not Quite Adults, Richard Settersten and Barbara E. Ray The Black Dragons, Richard Hackett Jr. Unbroken: A World War II story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand Before I Go to Sleep, S.J. Watson First Among Sequals, Jasper Fforde Body and Soul, Frank Conroy Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot The Color of Water: A Black Mans’ Tribute to His White Mother, James McBride Escape from camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West, Blaine Harden The Confessions of Nat Turner, William Styron The Murder Room: The Heirs of Sherlock Holmes Gather to Solve the World's Most Perplexing Cold Cases, Michael Capuzzo Enter Eugene Public Library’s free Summer Reading raffle for adults! Web Address: http://epladultservices.wordpress.com/recommendation/ Goodreads, Web Address: www.goodreads.com
19 Bethel’s Superb Summer Reading List | 2012 Edition
Oregon Bat t l e of t he Books 2011 - 2 0 1 2 Ti t l e s
The Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) is a statewide program for reading motivation and comprehension sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries in conjunction with a Library Services and Technology Act grant. The goals are to encourage reading for enjoyment, broaden reading interests, increase reading comprehension, and promote cooperative learning.
2013 OBOB 3-5 DIVISION 2013 OBOB 6-8 DIVISION 2013 OBOB 9-12 DIVISION
Castle Corona by Sharon Creech Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Choldenko Sepetys
Roald Dahl Also Known as Harper by Ann The Complete Persepolis by Marjane How to Steal a Dog by Barbara Haywood Leal Satrapi O’Connor The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer Journey to the River Sea by Eva Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish Ibbotson Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not McBride Reading by Tommy Greenwald The Lemonade War by Jacqueline I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak Davies Claudette Colvin, Twice Toward Marcelo in the Real World by Justice by Phillip Hoose The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan Francisco X. Stork The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve Night Hoops by Carl Deuker Wood Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz Forester Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi One Crazy Summer by Rita Willams- The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti Incarceron by Catherine Fisher Garcia Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper The Lab by Jack Heath Unwind by Neal Shusterman Ray and Me by Dan Gutman The Red Umbrella by Christina Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda Gonzalez
Star in the Forest by Laura Resau Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger A Tale Dark & Grimm by Gidwitz, Adam
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm Tangerine by Edward Bloor Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Three Days by Donna Jo Napoli Off by Jacqueline Jules Under the Blood-Red Sun by Graham Salisbury
A Wrinkle in Time by Madline L’Engle
20 Bethel’s Superb Summer Reading List | 2012 Edition
21 Bethel’s Superb Summer Reading List | 2012 Edition
22 Bethel’s Superb Summer Reading List | 2012 Edition