Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

June 19, 2012

Book love!

I went to the library today.  HOORAY!  It was a cool respite from the oppressive heat in Illinois today.  I had placed a book on hold and was hoping it was still on the reserve shelf, but it wasn't.  I raced back to the juvenile section and checked the shelf.
Not there.
I checked the computer.  "Being held for someone" was the status.
Back to the reserve department to interrupt the lady at the desk.
"I was 10 minutes from putting this book back into circulation. It's your lucky day!"
(Really, I have transportation and a library card - it's always my lucky day!)

The book I was lucky to get is See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles.




How do I describe this story?  It's realistic fiction, at it's best.  You believe that the characters could be the family that lives next door.  The emotions are raw, the experiences believable. The dialogue carries you quickly through the book.

I didn't want to rush through this book, but I had to finish it today.  I couldn't find a good stopping point. I had to keep reading.  I tried to choose my favorite character (Ran? Fern?  Holden?), but I couldn't.  I understood and could relate to them all.  

It's hard to describe what the story is about without giving away too much, but Holden is dealing with starting high school and fitting in, Fern is stuck watching her little brother on top of middle school woes.  Their family runs a restaurant and deals with stress on a daily basis.  You'll feel like you're part of the family as you read.

Don't miss this book!

8 comments:

  1. Sounds good! I will add it to my list ASAP. Thanks for the insight.
    Tammy

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  2. Thank you for the recommendation. This title seems to pop up in different places. So far only positive reviews.

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  3. I love the way you took me through the agony of no book to the joy in finding it. Must be a good one if you couldn't find a place to stop. I will be looking for it.

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  4. Oh - I'm scared to read your post! I have that book right in front of me ready to read and I don't want any spoilers. But I'm getting ready right now to sit, read, and relax during the girls nappy time!!!

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  5. How lucky to find a good book on a hot day. I'll have to read it when Michelle finishes it (in my spare time of playing with the girls!).

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  6. I read this book last week. I cried and cried and cried.

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  7. I've read so many great reviews for this book. Thanks for the reaffirmation to put it on my TBR list.

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  8. Finished it and now mom is reading it. I liked it. Not loved it. Wanted to cry. Didn't cry. I think when a book is hyped too much I hope for sooo much more. Glad I read it though.

    By the way, I had to leave a comment because I love the look of your blog! Cute update! (But I'm kinda missing the bright orange . . . I'll get used to it.) :)

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