Guns, Germs and Steel covers the history of five continents from about 100,000 years ago until the present day. Whew! I'm just about finished with the book, and it is very well-written. The biggest idea of the book is that Eurasia, in particular, Europe became dominant because of food production, the number of animals and plants available for domestication, geography and climate. The author makes very good arguments based on archeological evidence and both large and small-scale examples.
The second big idea I liked in Guns, Germs and Steel is that history could be more of a science. Although it is considered a social science, it could benefit from a better methodology. Right now, I am reading the last "epilogue" section discussing the similarities between countries becoming dominant and large companies.
The other book I read yesterday was the 146 page, Sh**t My Dad Says. A New York Times' bestseller, I thought it would be filled with all the sorts of things my dad or your dad typically says. However, the title should have tipped me off; my dad did not swear every single time he imparted his own version of wisdom. While I laughed out loud a few times, it was hard to get past the blue streams of ranting.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
School Is Fun?
Yaaaay! We finished our first, fun-filled week of summer school, and it was really nice. I enjoyed the kids, the activities, and using iPad movies, games and video clips. Now, it is one more week, and then a week off!
Even while I'm "teaching" we had time to go to Sasha's baseball (yes, dear, I know it's fast-pitch softball!) games. It is so much fun watching her get better and better. She not only had some awesome line-drive hits this week, she is able to wait for the good pitches. While the team was warming up for the River Valley game, Phil and I went to the Rock n' Roll Drive-In. It was fun to eat at a non-chain diner with some atmosphere and good food. A detour on the way to Spring Green was actually a bonus. It gave us an opportunity to see some beautiful parts of Wisconsin I don't ever remember seeing before.
Our Treasures Group of friends met at Krista's for lunch. We said good-bye to Donna who quit teaching (which is very sad because she is an awesome teacher). She is moving to Chicago to take a non-teaching job for real pay.
Friday night we used my gift card to go see Bad Teacher. It was really funny, but very baaaad and definitely rated R so the girls won't be seeing it anytime soon. What is up with movies? First, every little kid movie is PG, then PG-13 is aimed at tween kids, and all the really good movies for teens are moving up to "R". Phil thinks they should come up with different versions for the DVD's. All these funny movies could so easily be funny without the "R" and "PG-13" stuff.
Wine-tasting and Granite City with friends was a lot of fun, too. This week, I even had time to finish reading The Greater Journey by David McCullough, cook some new recipes and continue taking afternoon naps!
Even while I'm "teaching" we had time to go to Sasha's baseball (yes, dear, I know it's fast-pitch softball!) games. It is so much fun watching her get better and better. She not only had some awesome line-drive hits this week, she is able to wait for the good pitches. While the team was warming up for the River Valley game, Phil and I went to the Rock n' Roll Drive-In. It was fun to eat at a non-chain diner with some atmosphere and good food. A detour on the way to Spring Green was actually a bonus. It gave us an opportunity to see some beautiful parts of Wisconsin I don't ever remember seeing before.
Our Treasures Group of friends met at Krista's for lunch. We said good-bye to Donna who quit teaching (which is very sad because she is an awesome teacher). She is moving to Chicago to take a non-teaching job for real pay.
Friday night we used my gift card to go see Bad Teacher. It was really funny, but very baaaad and definitely rated R so the girls won't be seeing it anytime soon. What is up with movies? First, every little kid movie is PG, then PG-13 is aimed at tween kids, and all the really good movies for teens are moving up to "R". Phil thinks they should come up with different versions for the DVD's. All these funny movies could so easily be funny without the "R" and "PG-13" stuff.
Wine-tasting and Granite City with friends was a lot of fun, too. This week, I even had time to finish reading The Greater Journey by David McCullough, cook some new recipes and continue taking afternoon naps!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Book Club Meets On the Thrift Store Circuit
Would you want to walk the Appalacian Trail (AT) or climb Mount Everest? Why? After reading books such as A Walk In the Woods or In Thin Air, my answer is no. The AT is over two THOUSAND miles of hills and mountains, woods and more woods. It is just too long if the only achievement is being able to say, "I walked the whole thing.." However, even the AT adventure is more appealing than Everest. People really do die for no reason on Everest. What do you see - a snow storm? It is $40,000 or more just to make an attempt. If I have that kind of money lying around, I would get a much bigger sense of accomplishment by using it to help others or seeing the whole world or a little of both.
This is the kind of thing Phil and I talked about as we visited the Sauk and Baraboo Thrift Shops and Delany's Surplus Store on Hwy. 12. First, we picked up my big wicker chair and a ton of beanie babies for my classroom, then he bought a machete and a saw, I bought surplus food, and we both picked out a few books.
All in all, it was a good afternoon after a good start of summer school.
This is the kind of thing Phil and I talked about as we visited the Sauk and Baraboo Thrift Shops and Delany's Surplus Store on Hwy. 12. First, we picked up my big wicker chair and a ton of beanie babies for my classroom, then he bought a machete and a saw, I bought surplus food, and we both picked out a few books.
All in all, it was a good afternoon after a good start of summer school.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Weekend
Slowly, slowly, things are getting done on my two lists - THE "to do" list (which I hate) and The "this would be fun" list (which, of course, I love)!
Summer school starts tomorrow. I'm ready with a bunch of new stuff from videos to crafty projects.
Yesterday, we went boating on Lake Arrowhead. The weather was awesome. The kids had a blast tubing. It was a relaxing, fun day. I'm downloading all kinds of songs onto the IPad. I am also trying to finish my book, but I was sidetracked by a bunch of trashy magazines. We went to Let's Eat for Father's Day. Everyone loved the food, and all of us had leftovers (except, Phil). The Eggs Benedict Oscar was awesome: cheesy sauce, ham, eggs, crab meat, asparagus, English muffin. I might have to "get me some of that" again.
Summer school starts tomorrow. I'm ready with a bunch of new stuff from videos to crafty projects.
Yesterday, we went boating on Lake Arrowhead. The weather was awesome. The kids had a blast tubing. It was a relaxing, fun day. I'm downloading all kinds of songs onto the IPad. I am also trying to finish my book, but I was sidetracked by a bunch of trashy magazines. We went to Let's Eat for Father's Day. Everyone loved the food, and all of us had leftovers (except, Phil). The Eggs Benedict Oscar was awesome: cheesy sauce, ham, eggs, crab meat, asparagus, English muffin. I might have to "get me some of that" again.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Summer Work, Summer Fun
Okay, so I bought the coolest little projector for my IPad or my laptop. I have downloaded LOTS of items (mostly free) for teaching and even a few for learning Spanish. Now I will be able to show videos and presentations whenever or wherever I want to show them! The guy at the Apple Store figured it all out. I got the cords, the speakers, everything I need! (Someday, Phil might even talk to me again).
I am on page 154 of A Walk In the Woods, but Phil is on 204 and tells me to get going....
We had brats and watermelon on the deck for lunch. Then I took a nap. Ya gotta love summer.
I am on page 154 of A Walk In the Woods, but Phil is on 204 and tells me to get going....
We had brats and watermelon on the deck for lunch. Then I took a nap. Ya gotta love summer.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Best Laid Plans.....
Well, I went to the library, and all my first choices for a book club were not there! Luckily, the book I did find, A Walk In the Woods, has already turned out to be a good choice. The author's description of his walk along the Appalachian Trail made Phil and me laugh already in the first few pages. It reminds me of The Wilder Life and the book about cooking all of Julia Child's recipes. It may even be funnier! We shall see...
Today, we (the whole family), finished packing up my old classroom. Tomorrow, Robin will sign my paperwork for my completed college classs, and she is giving me some Wisconsin decals from her office! Woo Hoo! Finally, I am getting some of tasks checked off from my dreaded "To Do" list!
Today, we (the whole family), finished packing up my old classroom. Tomorrow, Robin will sign my paperwork for my completed college classs, and she is giving me some Wisconsin decals from her office! Woo Hoo! Finally, I am getting some of tasks checked off from my dreaded "To Do" list!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Going to the Library
Phil says I should pick the book we read. His only requirement is "Don't pick one that is too long." Thanks. If I was a mean wife I would pick the biography of the Duchess of Devonshire from my list. However, I am not that kind of person (today, at least), so I am off to the library to get Guns, Germs, and Steel and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.
I'll also download the books onto my IPad. I have been using it a lot to download books, music, instructional videos and even games. It's pretty cool. However, our laptop and the IPad are getting way too much use around our house. Who is the most addicted? Probably, me (Surprise!). When I think about how much time I have wasted reading Wikipedia entries and conquering Angry Birds, I am (almost) embarrased enough to stop using both devices.
I'll also download the books onto my IPad. I have been using it a lot to download books, music, instructional videos and even games. It's pretty cool. However, our laptop and the IPad are getting way too much use around our house. Who is the most addicted? Probably, me (Surprise!). When I think about how much time I have wasted reading Wikipedia entries and conquering Angry Birds, I am (almost) embarrased enough to stop using both devices.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Smart Goals and Vision Statement Updated
Vision Statement
I want to be part of a just learning community that creates successful lifelong learners.
Smart Goals
My first SMART goal is to differentiate math instruction in order to help at least 80% of students reach or exceed their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math goals during the 2010-2011 school year.
In order to differentiate instruction so all students acheive progress, I plan to create an algebra learning community after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, help at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year and set up a reteaching time on Fridays during the school day to help all students make progress.
My second SMART goal is to help all students increase their positive attitudes towards math instruction by utilizing cooperative groups and internet programs in my mathematics class.
My third SMART goal is ensuring that none of my seven eligible students are excluded from attending College for Kids or participating in online instruction because of economic circumstances by obtaining funds from the Rusch School Cares Funds and making weekend computer time available
My fourth SMART goal is to create and implement a standards based math curriuculum and assessment program by the end of the 2nd quarter of the 2011-2012 school year.
In order to accomplish this goal will conduct a review of the literature regarding standards based instruction, cooperative groups and differentiation in mathematics. I will also volunteer to work on a district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards, set up my online gradebook to reflect standards based grading and use daily quick assessments to determine progress.
I want to be part of a just learning community that creates successful lifelong learners.
Smart Goals
My first SMART goal is to differentiate math instruction in order to help at least 80% of students reach or exceed their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math goals during the 2010-2011 school year.
In order to differentiate instruction so all students acheive progress, I plan to create an algebra learning community after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, help at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year and set up a reteaching time on Fridays during the school day to help all students make progress.
My second SMART goal is to help all students increase their positive attitudes towards math instruction by utilizing cooperative groups and internet programs in my mathematics class.
My third SMART goal is ensuring that none of my seven eligible students are excluded from attending College for Kids or participating in online instruction because of economic circumstances by obtaining funds from the Rusch School Cares Funds and making weekend computer time available
My fourth SMART goal is to create and implement a standards based math curriuculum and assessment program by the end of the 2nd quarter of the 2011-2012 school year.
In order to accomplish this goal will conduct a review of the literature regarding standards based instruction, cooperative groups and differentiation in mathematics. I will also volunteer to work on a district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards, set up my online gradebook to reflect standards based grading and use daily quick assessments to determine progress.
Teacher Leadership
Baselines and Ideas
My colleagues are my peers, so I am usually a supportive group member more than a leader. When I was a cooperating teacher or a mentor teacher, I tried to provide a good example and support for new teachers. Also, I love to discuss ideas and create materials so whenever someone asks to use something, I will gladly share. Otherwise, when I have been in a school-wide leadership position, it is usually been because no one else would do the job. For instance, I was the head union representative for a large middle school, chairperson for my department and house (group) leader for the teachers I worked with.
I like to try new things, so I am always willing to pilot a new curriculum or teaching method.
There is a place to post curriculum ideas on our district email. That is something I would be interested in developing.
Smart Goals
I will ask other teachers to post ideas in our district email, and I will post one idea on a bimonthly basis.
I am volunteering to work on the district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards. The district goal is to implement the new report card during the 2011-2012 school year.
I joined the school reading night committee that will plan and implement a reading night in January 2011.
My colleagues are my peers, so I am usually a supportive group member more than a leader. When I was a cooperating teacher or a mentor teacher, I tried to provide a good example and support for new teachers. Also, I love to discuss ideas and create materials so whenever someone asks to use something, I will gladly share. Otherwise, when I have been in a school-wide leadership position, it is usually been because no one else would do the job. For instance, I was the head union representative for a large middle school, chairperson for my department and house (group) leader for the teachers I worked with.
I like to try new things, so I am always willing to pilot a new curriculum or teaching method.
There is a place to post curriculum ideas on our district email. That is something I would be interested in developing.
Smart Goals
I will ask other teachers to post ideas in our district email, and I will post one idea on a bimonthly basis.
I am volunteering to work on the district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards. The district goal is to implement the new report card during the 2011-2012 school year.
I joined the school reading night committee that will plan and implement a reading night in January 2011.
Technology in Education
Baseline and Ideas
I usually let others lead the way with technology. When the glitches are eliminated, I am willing to use technology on a regular basis. However, I believe technology is a tool for learning, teaching and living. Sometimes, if I am not careful, it becomes an end in itself. For instance, we used to teach students how to write computer code. I have also taken classes in html and java script. Now, I purchase access to teacherweb.com, and I do not have to do any code writing to update my site on a daily basis. I want technology to be simple and helpful.
How can I get my students access to computers more often this year?
What technology could improve the way I teach?
Smart Goal
By the fall of 2011, I will have implemented use of the following technology in my classroom: LCD Projector, Flip Camera, Student Blogs and Wikis, IPod and Website and students will have experience using these tools for projects.
I usually let others lead the way with technology. When the glitches are eliminated, I am willing to use technology on a regular basis. However, I believe technology is a tool for learning, teaching and living. Sometimes, if I am not careful, it becomes an end in itself. For instance, we used to teach students how to write computer code. I have also taken classes in html and java script. Now, I purchase access to teacherweb.com, and I do not have to do any code writing to update my site on a daily basis. I want technology to be simple and helpful.
How can I get my students access to computers more often this year?
What technology could improve the way I teach?
Smart Goal
By the fall of 2011, I will have implemented use of the following technology in my classroom: LCD Projector, Flip Camera, Student Blogs and Wikis, IPod and Website and students will have experience using these tools for projects.
Democracy, Diversity and Social Justice in Education
Baseline and Ideas
I grew up in a diverse mostly middle class community near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since that time, I have lived in many different types of communities. As an educator, I agree with Michael Apple and others that schools in the United States sort students based on social class. If we are are truly going to make schooling just and democratic, we need to level the playing field for all students. Funding for schools and the quality of schools need to be (at least) equalized. My own efforts during my career have been to help all students be successful rather than have a bell-shaped curve of achievement. When students have not had access to assistance, materials or technology, I have tried to provide access.
How far should a teacher go to fight for justice? Paolo Freire and others, particularly in Latin America, argue that education should teach students to fight for justice.
Smart Goal
I want to make sure that none of the students' in my sixth grade class are excluded from the Safety Patrol Trip to South Dakota or College for Kids because of economic circumstances. I will obtain funds from the Rusch School Cares Fund for students who cannot raise the necessary funds.
In addition, I will petition the Rusch Parent Club in January 2011 (and August 2011 if necessary) to provide morning milk to students who are in the free or reduced hot lunch program at our school.
Finally, I will volunteer at the River Haven Homeless Shelter located a block away from our school at least 20 times during the next year.
I grew up in a diverse mostly middle class community near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since that time, I have lived in many different types of communities. As an educator, I agree with Michael Apple and others that schools in the United States sort students based on social class. If we are are truly going to make schooling just and democratic, we need to level the playing field for all students. Funding for schools and the quality of schools need to be (at least) equalized. My own efforts during my career have been to help all students be successful rather than have a bell-shaped curve of achievement. When students have not had access to assistance, materials or technology, I have tried to provide access.
How far should a teacher go to fight for justice? Paolo Freire and others, particularly in Latin America, argue that education should teach students to fight for justice.
Smart Goal
I want to make sure that none of the students' in my sixth grade class are excluded from the Safety Patrol Trip to South Dakota or College for Kids because of economic circumstances. I will obtain funds from the Rusch School Cares Fund for students who cannot raise the necessary funds.
In addition, I will petition the Rusch Parent Club in January 2011 (and August 2011 if necessary) to provide morning milk to students who are in the free or reduced hot lunch program at our school.
Finally, I will volunteer at the River Haven Homeless Shelter located a block away from our school at least 20 times during the next year.
Curriculum Development and Assessment
Baselines and Ideas
This is my strongest area as a teacher. I have one master's degree in curriculum supervision and one master's degree in curriculum and instruction. During my career, I have been involved in writing curriculum, standards, benchmarks and common assessments. I have also helped to develop strategic plans, mission statements and goals. Finally, another colleague and I designed new report cards for the third and fourth grade students in our district. For a while, it become the template for other grades, too. Unfortunately, we have noticed a trend that after local teachers develop materials, they are replaced by commercially purchased materials. For instance, we spent two years writing math and reading curriculum and benchmarks. Then, the district administrators mandated that we use and follow all the material presented in our math and reading textbooks.
How can we remain professionals who decide what are the best methods for teaching our particular students?
Smart Goal
By the end of the first quarter of the fall 2011 school year, I will have completed and implemented standards based grading and reporting of grades for the entire 6th grade mathematics curriculum.
This is my strongest area as a teacher. I have one master's degree in curriculum supervision and one master's degree in curriculum and instruction. During my career, I have been involved in writing curriculum, standards, benchmarks and common assessments. I have also helped to develop strategic plans, mission statements and goals. Finally, another colleague and I designed new report cards for the third and fourth grade students in our district. For a while, it become the template for other grades, too. Unfortunately, we have noticed a trend that after local teachers develop materials, they are replaced by commercially purchased materials. For instance, we spent two years writing math and reading curriculum and benchmarks. Then, the district administrators mandated that we use and follow all the material presented in our math and reading textbooks.
How can we remain professionals who decide what are the best methods for teaching our particular students?
Smart Goal
By the end of the first quarter of the fall 2011 school year, I will have completed and implemented standards based grading and reporting of grades for the entire 6th grade mathematics curriculum.
Best Practice Pedagogy
Baselines and Ideas
Best Practice Pedagogy is a never-ending area of knowledge to pursue. Our teaching methods are constantly evolving as our society changes. In addition, new research is always being conducted and published. Every year when I review best practices, I find things I have been neglecting or forgetting as a teacher. Staying current with educational literature through journals and classes is the main way I try to stay current
What are the best practices for teachers of middle school aged children?
What goals could I set for myself to improve my current practice?
Smart Goal
By January 2011, I want to see my students' positive attitudes increase towards the subject of mathematics as result of implementing the best practice of cooperative work.
Best Practice Pedagogy is a never-ending area of knowledge to pursue. Our teaching methods are constantly evolving as our society changes. In addition, new research is always being conducted and published. Every year when I review best practices, I find things I have been neglecting or forgetting as a teacher. Staying current with educational literature through journals and classes is the main way I try to stay current
What are the best practices for teachers of middle school aged children?
What goals could I set for myself to improve my current practice?
Smart Goal
By January 2011, I want to see my students' positive attitudes increase towards the subject of mathematics as result of implementing the best practice of cooperative work.
Educational Research - Baseline
Baseline and Ideas
When I am taking classes, I enjoy reading and conducting educational research. At other times, I subscribe to educational journals and read back issues like other (normal) people read popular magazines. For many years, I chose to complete action research studies in place of formal evaluations. Past studies have included reading differentiation, multiple intelligences, asking questions, and science instruction. In addition, I completed a narrative inquiry graduate class and learned how to write a narrative research study.
What type of research would be best for pursuing my questions as a teacher?
How have research methods changed since I last conducted research?
What is a good journal for math instruction?
Smart Goals
I will conduct a review of the literature on creating standards based curriculum and grading in mathematics Specifically, I would like to read Marzano's and Wormeli's books and conduct action research to find the best methods for implementing standards based curriculum and grading to increase student achievement of MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Goals in mathematics. I would like to finish reading the two books and an article on using cooperative math groups to achieve standards by January, 2011. Then, I would like to find at least three more articles to support my research and meet with a teacher in Beaver Dam who has conducted similar research in social studies by June 2011. Finally, I would like to read at least 3 more articles after I conduct my final research project during the Fall of 2011 and compare my results with others conducting similar research.
When I am taking classes, I enjoy reading and conducting educational research. At other times, I subscribe to educational journals and read back issues like other (normal) people read popular magazines. For many years, I chose to complete action research studies in place of formal evaluations. Past studies have included reading differentiation, multiple intelligences, asking questions, and science instruction. In addition, I completed a narrative inquiry graduate class and learned how to write a narrative research study.
What type of research would be best for pursuing my questions as a teacher?
How have research methods changed since I last conducted research?
What is a good journal for math instruction?
Smart Goals
I will conduct a review of the literature on creating standards based curriculum and grading in mathematics Specifically, I would like to read Marzano's and Wormeli's books and conduct action research to find the best methods for implementing standards based curriculum and grading to increase student achievement of MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Goals in mathematics. I would like to finish reading the two books and an article on using cooperative math groups to achieve standards by January, 2011. Then, I would like to find at least three more articles to support my research and meet with a teacher in Beaver Dam who has conducted similar research in social studies by June 2011. Finally, I would like to read at least 3 more articles after I conduct my final research project during the Fall of 2011 and compare my results with others conducting similar research.
Learning in Community - Baseline
Baseline and Ideas
I like reading the comments and posts from colleagues in our DL2 Community, but it is helpful to have another person, Mary, in the same building, too. Many of my closest friends (and my husband) are educators. Almost all my team-teaching experiences have been positive, and I enjoy sharing common planning time with my colleagues (but dislike meetings). Our grade level teachers meet four or five days a year, and that helps keep us connected. Over the years, I have also tried to develop both social and work related groups. For instance, a group of teachers in my current district meet socially the last Tuesday of the month at a local restaurant. We call it our "Treasures" Meeting based on the meetings we used to have when we were piloting the Treasures' reading book series. I have also organized education book discussion groups and staff get togethers and student get togethers in my home.
How can we improve the communication in our DL2 Community?
What are other ways we can increase communication with others?
Smart Goal
My goal is to implement math cooperative groups in my class and create an algebra learning community on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school with the result that I will have ten students complete a pre-algebra self-study course and at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
I like reading the comments and posts from colleagues in our DL2 Community, but it is helpful to have another person, Mary, in the same building, too. Many of my closest friends (and my husband) are educators. Almost all my team-teaching experiences have been positive, and I enjoy sharing common planning time with my colleagues (but dislike meetings). Our grade level teachers meet four or five days a year, and that helps keep us connected. Over the years, I have also tried to develop both social and work related groups. For instance, a group of teachers in my current district meet socially the last Tuesday of the month at a local restaurant. We call it our "Treasures" Meeting based on the meetings we used to have when we were piloting the Treasures' reading book series. I have also organized education book discussion groups and staff get togethers and student get togethers in my home.
How can we improve the communication in our DL2 Community?
What are other ways we can increase communication with others?
Smart Goal
My goal is to implement math cooperative groups in my class and create an algebra learning community on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school with the result that I will have ten students complete a pre-algebra self-study course and at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
Reading List
For the South Dakota trip, I bought The Killing of Crazy Horse to read on my IPad because it was related to our travel destination, and because it won The National Book Award. (I have never been disappointed by a book on that list). Even though I didn't finish more than a 100 pages before my daughter, Sasha, and I returned, I did eventually finish the book, and it was worth reading.
After skimming through Mindset and The Penderwicks, I am now reading The Greater Journey mainly because it's a new book by David McCullough and because it has to do with France. When my daughter, Sam, leaves for France in July, I'll be picturing the country described in the book's pages, the memories I have from my own travels in Paris and all the new adventures Sam might have!
Today, I spent some time putting together my own Summer Reading List. Nooooo, I won't read them all, but Phil and I decided to have another Book Club this summer. We usually like the same books so I combed a number of blogs and reviews, and I'll let him pick the actual books we read.
Book List
.Guns, Germs and Steel
.The Master and the Margarita
.HMS Ulysses
.The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language
.The History of Danish Dreams
.Norwegian Wood
.Cloud Atlas
.Wiseguy
.Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era
.Klondike:The Last Great Gold Rush, 1896-1899
.A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books
.A Walk in the Woods
.The Song of the Dodo
.Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television
.Georgiana: The Duchess of Devonshire
.The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat
.Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science Faith and Love
.Surely, You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
.Harriet Lane: America's First Lady
.Brother to a Dragonfly
.I Married Adventure
After skimming through Mindset and The Penderwicks, I am now reading The Greater Journey mainly because it's a new book by David McCullough and because it has to do with France. When my daughter, Sam, leaves for France in July, I'll be picturing the country described in the book's pages, the memories I have from my own travels in Paris and all the new adventures Sam might have!
Today, I spent some time putting together my own Summer Reading List. Nooooo, I won't read them all, but Phil and I decided to have another Book Club this summer. We usually like the same books so I combed a number of blogs and reviews, and I'll let him pick the actual books we read.
Book List
.Guns, Germs and Steel
.The Master and the Margarita
.HMS Ulysses
.The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language
.The History of Danish Dreams
.Norwegian Wood
.Cloud Atlas
.Wiseguy
.Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era
.Klondike:The Last Great Gold Rush, 1896-1899
.A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books
.A Walk in the Woods
.The Song of the Dodo
.Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television
.Georgiana: The Duchess of Devonshire
.The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat
.Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science Faith and Love
.Surely, You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
.Harriet Lane: America's First Lady
.Brother to a Dragonfly
.I Married Adventure
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