Change of seasons? Reading choices

[Catrin]

I am reading a brand a new autobiography of Queen Isabella. It's quite academic in the beginning, not historical fiction at all, but I am really into it. It's long, too. What a tough woman. I love reading about the Renaissance. Too bad one of the names that just came up is a name of a guy who was a big leader in the Inquisition.

For some reason I am in a Tudor phase, both history and historical fiction. Really enjoying Alison Weir's (the British historian not to be confused with the American woman by the same name) books right now, most of her work is history though she has written some historical fiction. Her history books are well written and tell a very good story - they aren't a dry academic recounting of dates and places. I am starting her book "The War of the Roses". Just finished "Wolf Hall", first in a trilogy on the life of Thomas Cromwell written by Hilary Mantel. She brings more nuance to his character in her novel than is perhaps usually seen. The second book is out and I have it on hold from the library. I've others I am currently reading or listening to in my car - I don't ordinarily have so many books going at the same time! More and more reading, less and less television

I don't read as many adult books when school is in session. I read a lot of children's lit. as I like to keep my classroom library up to date. When the Newberrys get announced in January, I'll order them all right away. I'd estimate I spend a least $1,000 a year just on books for my classroom. Contrary to what some people think, I do actually care about my students. I have a lot who profess to dislike reading, although the diagnostic tests I've done say they are capable. Research shows that so much of our vocabulary growth comes from reading. So I'm always on the look out for books to "hook" them. I no longer have enough space on my classroom bookshelves for all the books I have. I do have multiple copies of some things so those are in storage.

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break because we're heading to Maine to visit family. Lots of time on a plane means lots of reading. I recently discovered Mira Grant, definitely what I would describe as brain candy for adults. I've read the first two of the Newsflesh series, just got the third one from the library and I'm in the middle of Parasite right now. I'm in the queue for a set of the Dresden Files and The Girl with All the Gifts. I'm hoping I get them before break.

Veronica

Who says you don't care about your students Veronica? Those who say that know nothing about you, your posts over the years here give the lie to that idea. You are not the first one to recommend the Dresden Files. I've seen an episode or two on NetFlix, but I gave up on them. I am curious enough to see how the original books are, I suspect the books are better than the tv series!

I pretty much read the same things year round, fantasy, sci fi, suspense, mystery and some historical fiction.

I really enjoyed Mira Grant and The Dresden Files is one of my all time favorite series. They are just fun enjoyable books. If you like them you should try Simon R Green's Nightside series.

I agree, the Nightside series is great! It is good to see what others here find interesting, I think that is how I originally discovered the Nightside series.