The Kat Files

Another month has come and gone. I’m in awe with how fast the time is passing. Today is 01 August. My youngest son’s birthday is today, and he is officially 12 years old. The new school year starts in 12 days with my return to the classroom. And, this month my hubby and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Lots to celebrate this month.

In July, I posted the books I planned to read throughout the month. I was a bit ambitious by choosing four books, one of which was 642 pages. I finished two of the four books (Crispin and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry) and read half of The Historian. I am still working through Practicing the Power of Now. Therefore, I have not chosen a nonfiction selection for August. I will continue reading The Historian and will add two more selections.

I absolutely love Neil Gaiman. I read a book by him (Coraline) while working as a librarian several years ago. Then I read The Graveyard Book which I had purchased at Andrew’s school’s annual book fair. Recently, I discovered he writes graphic novels and is a big deal in the comic book world. He writes adult fiction, as well. For my adult fiction selection this month, I’ve chosen his newest novel, The Ocean at The End of The Lane. Returning to his childhood home to attend a funeral, a middle-aged man takes a walk down memory lane and rediscovers the magic and darkness from when he was a small boy.

The Ocean at The End of The Lane by Neil Gaiman

The children’s literature selection is another summer reading book chosen for grades 5th-8th. I read this book earlier this year, and want to reread it since I will be incorporating it in my classroom throughout the school year.  August is a ten-year-old boy who up until now has been home schooled because of a facial deformity. He enters Beecher Prep as a 5th grader and soon experiences what it means to be different. This novel is a wonderful tool for teaching tolerance and acceptance.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Time for me to sign off. I have a doctor’s appointment. Of course, I will be taking The Historian along with me. Hope you find time to read something terrific this month. Happiness!

“The reader became the book; and summer night
Was like the conscious being of the book.”  

~ Wallace Stevens