A Wonderful Summer Afternoon Part 1

Imagine a summer day, a lovely old park, 18 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders discussing a book. It seems like an unbelievable scene, but it was how I spent a couple of hours yesterday. Last summer I was asked to continue the book club over the summer, so it just made sense to continue it this summer.

Last summer an average of 6 guys showed for book club, but this year WOW! The dynamics of the book club were interesting because there were a lot of new third graders, and the new fifth graders were used to me and the process.

At first I was overwhelmed with so many boys, but we quickly got into the groove and after awhile new friends were discussing the book like an adult book club. The book we discussed was The Mysterious Mr. Spines Wings by Jason Lethcoe. Some had read Mr. Lethcoe’s series The Misadventures of Benjamin Bartholomew Piff. We talked about how both series have an orphan and take place in California. There was an interesting bit about how he must be Lethcoe must be an orphan because writers write about what they know, but some disagreed that not every story is based on an authors experiences. Again, I say WOW what a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I have never read Jane Austen, but I have seen many movies based on her books. I laughed when I read about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith. When I finally ordered the book it the back was backordered. It hadn’t, even, been released. It shows that early blog press can drive book sales. My copy finally came in during the chaos of end of year stuff! I put it on the top of my summer reading stack.

Reading is a very private activity, so when I decided to read it on the plane to Scotland I knew there would be comments. I mean really who can’t comment on the cover? I enjoyed the book, but wished there was a bit more zombies. There is a great “chic fight" between Elizabeth and Lady Catherine.

It is definitely not a book for the average Jane Austen fan or third graders, but I do have a couple of guys that will enjoy the challenge of reading a classic with a zombie twist.

Happy Summer!