Recently, all staff are urged to read. So, I've been doing a lot of 'catch up' reading. I call it 'catch up' because those are great books that all children are supposed to read. Obviously, I was not exposed to them. I started with the books for pre-schoolers-- The Very Hungry Caterpillar, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Would you rather... etc. As childish as they seem, I believe young children would find them very interesting, at least interesting enough for them to pick up a book.
Last week I finally read Ella Enchanted. I loved it! Although the last part was dangerously similar to Cinderella (the prince came with a shoe made of glass, and the step sisters locked Ella in her room, but in the end the prince found her and they live happily ever after...). Nevertheless, I enjoyed the plot and couldn't get enough of the magical world. Now I have to watch the movie (yes, I know...).
Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine
blessing be such a curse?
At her birth, Ella of Frell was the unfortunate recipient of a foolish fairy's gift--the "gift' of obedience. Ella must obey any order given to her, whether it's hoppi
ng on one foot for a day and a half, or chopping off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse--once and for all.
In this incredible debut novel comes the richly entertaining stor
y of Ella of Frell, who at birth was given the gift of obedience by a fairy. Ella soon realizes that this gift is little better than a curse, for how can she truly be herself if at anytime anyone can order her to hop on one foot, or cut off her hand, or betray her kingdom'and she'll have to obey? Against a bold tapestry of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella's quest to break the curse once and for all and discover who she really is is as sharply fun
ny as Catherine, Called Birdy and as richly poignant as Beauty, and has all the marks of a classic in the making.
Got this book from Joe on my bday.
Marley & Me
The World's Worst Dog will Bring Out the Best in Their Family
By John Grogan
John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.
Marley quickly grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women's undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewelry. Obedience school did no good—Marley was expelled. Neither did the tranquilizers the veterinarian prescribed for him with the admonishment, "Don't hesitate to use these."
And yet Marley's heart was pure. Just as he joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley shared the couple's joy at their first pregnancy, and their heartbreak over the miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and when the screams of a seventeen-year-old stabbing victim pierced the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all, he remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.
The Secret
By Rhonda Byrne
Curiosity paid off.
As a free thinker, I always had a hard time rationalizing the 'power' promised by many religions. The most often saying... Pray, and God shall answer. Pray for so and so's recovery and miracle will happen. Pray, and your wish shall be granted. I had many arguments with T on this topic, as he is a religious person. However, this book gave a logical answer to my questions. I believe this is the answer :)
Description:
BY Rhonda ByrneFragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.
In this book, you'll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life -- money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You'll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that's within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.
The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers -- men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.
