Sunday, January 24, 2010
Story Power
Working in a library, how can I not be enthralled by stories? The newest addition to my recent reads is a required text for class this semester, and a fascinating book. Story Proof, the science behind the startling power of story, is filled with information, research results, and anecdotal evidence of the strength of stories in learning and in interpersonal communication. At 128 pages, it isn't a lengthy book, but author Kendall Haven has packed every page with data. Consider...storytelling predates written communication by more than 90,000 years; stories and myths were created by all cultures, even those that did not develop codified laws; storytelling is effectively used in business to inspire and motivate employees; learning story structure has been tied to increased comprehension not only in reading, but in other disciplines as well. Intrigued? I was. And I am. I'll refer back to the data in this book often! This was a good way to start the semester, and a good start to my list of books for the adult reading program.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Reading overload
Yes, I am absolutely in book overload. With nine required texts, and several as recommended reading, I am swimming in books. I did manage to read more non-school books, which I've listed in my recent reads.
Most of my recent reading has been fun and interesting. However, Tortilla Curtain, by Boyle, was just painful. It was my second time to read this book. Knowing how the stories turn out made for a difficult journey, although I still find it to be a good book for sparking conversation and thinking about social issues. I re-read it so I could participate in the book club at PPLD, and found I didn't have as clear a memory as I thought about the book. Interestingly, the book contains two interwoven stories, of two men and their families. Some readers connect more with one story, other readers with the other. That in itself makes for interesting conversation in a book group.
One week into the adult reading program at the library, and I'm on track to earn the candy bar and Cozy Cat mug. I managed to finish one book this week. Hooray!
Most of my recent reading has been fun and interesting. However, Tortilla Curtain, by Boyle, was just painful. It was my second time to read this book. Knowing how the stories turn out made for a difficult journey, although I still find it to be a good book for sparking conversation and thinking about social issues. I re-read it so I could participate in the book club at PPLD, and found I didn't have as clear a memory as I thought about the book. Interestingly, the book contains two interwoven stories, of two men and their families. Some readers connect more with one story, other readers with the other. That in itself makes for interesting conversation in a book group.
One week into the adult reading program at the library, and I'm on track to earn the candy bar and Cozy Cat mug. I managed to finish one book this week. Hooray!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Year's thoughts
I'm surprised to see that it has been so long since I updated this blog! November brought class projects, the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) convention in Denver, Thanksgiving of course, and lots to do at work. As a graduate student in Library and Information Science, the CAL convention looked different to me this year. With a fellow student, I presented information about learning styles at the convention. That was fun and a great way to meet others involved in the libraries of Colorado. Various sessions were informative and interesting, as were the keynote speakers.
December meant more holidays, final projects for classes, and a much-needed break from academics. I enjoyed lots of reading for fun, walking with my dog, extra sleep...and I ignored electronics as much as possible.
The books I found to occupy my time and my mind were great! I had heard about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and was curious to read it. What a delight! The characters were so well-developed and so varied that I felt that I knew them. Written in the form of letters among strangers who become friends, the book is comfortable and intriguing, with the sense of a different time and place. It was a joy to read, and is my favorite recommendation for this blog post.
I'm hoping that the cold winter days to come allow me additional time for fun reads. Tomorrow (January 11) begins the Adult Reading Program at PPLD, and I hope to complete the goal of eight books for it. For years when my own children were young, I would encourage their reading during their time off from school, and the library summer reading program was a part of that encouragement. They enjoyed receiving prizes for time spent reading. And that's the idea of our Adult Reading Program as well. I know that I will continue to read, even with the academic work required of my program. The prizes aren't necessary to encourage my habit. Still, it is a treat to receive a prize for completing my goal. I hope my readers will participate in the library's reading program. Sign up on our website or at any PPLD location, and enjoy feeling like a kid again as you earn prizes for the books you read!
December meant more holidays, final projects for classes, and a much-needed break from academics. I enjoyed lots of reading for fun, walking with my dog, extra sleep...and I ignored electronics as much as possible.
The books I found to occupy my time and my mind were great! I had heard about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and was curious to read it. What a delight! The characters were so well-developed and so varied that I felt that I knew them. Written in the form of letters among strangers who become friends, the book is comfortable and intriguing, with the sense of a different time and place. It was a joy to read, and is my favorite recommendation for this blog post.
I'm hoping that the cold winter days to come allow me additional time for fun reads. Tomorrow (January 11) begins the Adult Reading Program at PPLD, and I hope to complete the goal of eight books for it. For years when my own children were young, I would encourage their reading during their time off from school, and the library summer reading program was a part of that encouragement. They enjoyed receiving prizes for time spent reading. And that's the idea of our Adult Reading Program as well. I know that I will continue to read, even with the academic work required of my program. The prizes aren't necessary to encourage my habit. Still, it is a treat to receive a prize for completing my goal. I hope my readers will participate in the library's reading program. Sign up on our website or at any PPLD location, and enjoy feeling like a kid again as you earn prizes for the books you read!
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