Watching the Tree

Watching the Tree, by Adeline Yen Mah, is a book of Chinese philosophy and thought. "It is said the every Chinese wears a Confucian thinking cap, a Taoist robe, and Buddhist sandals", and in Watching the tree, Adeline Mah reflects on the various influences, both religious and personal. She speaks about various topics, from religion and philosophy, to basic Chinese proverbs and wisdom passed down to her from her grandfather. Almost like an introduction to Eastern thought, Watching the Tree brings together the various influences on Chinese culture in a way that allows both those who are inexperienced and experienced in Chinese thought to receive something from the book.

Watching the Tree was the first book to fully immerse me in a thought process other than the one that I was brought up in. Though I have always been fascinated by Eastern living, I never understood the depth and breadth of idea that many of these ancient ways of thought could bring to light. I received something special from the book, and it is not a stretch to say that others could receive the same. Even if you are not looking for a change in your basic philosophy, it is always good to broaden your horizons, and this book is a great way to do that. For those looking for new ways of thinking, the topics discussed are interesting, but the book does not go into depth which leaves you with a strong sense of curiosity that will help you precede in your search. All in all, Watching the Tree is a great introduction to Chinese philosophy, religion, and wisdom that will give you a new perspective on the East.

Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska, by John Green, is a novel about a young man named Miles "Pudge" Halter whose love for last words drive him to search for the "Great Perhaps" ( The last words of Francois Rabelais). He travels to boarding school where his life is turned upside down by Alaska Young, a quirky girl who as an event all on by herself. Alaska takes Pudge along for the ride on her roller coaster of a life. Pudge is pulled into the inescapable world of Alaska Young and the crazy happenings around Culver Creek Boarding School. He meets new friends, makes new enemies, and does more within the first month than he thought he could ever do in a lifetime.

I enjoyed Looking for Alaska a lot. It offered a good view of teenage life, but had enough scandal and twists to keep me entertained in places where I normally would not have been. Though the story sounds like one about a boy becoming a man through a process of trials that are placed before him, it is really a story about dealing with loss. The book is set up in a distinctive two parts, and the contrast between the moods and tone of the parts made me reflect of the book all the more. However, the abrupt change in style does not distract you from the plot, but rather it enhances your understanding of the characters, and gives you even more to think about than you had before.

As it would seem, this is a book for high school students, and even though it could entertain some adults, I think that they may want to pick up another book. Though they may receive something from the plot-line, it is very little compared to what a high school student might get out of reading the book. Looking for Alaska is a powerful novel, and a great read for high school students.

A String in the Harp

A String in the Harp, by Nancy Bond, is a story about 15 year old named Jen Morgan who flies to Whales to visit her family for Christmas. She is not expecting very much from the trip, and at first it seems that she will leave unsatisfied. Her brother Peter is angry at her, her little sister missed her a lot, and her father is preoccupied with his job as a teacher that brought the family to Whales after their mother's sudden death. However, when her brother finds a magical harp key that shows him glimpses of an ancient bard's life, Jen and Peter must work together with their family to save the hard key, and protect themselves.

When I read A String in the Harp, I remember thinking that it had an enjoyable story-line, but it was not a book that I would necessarily read over and over. I am not sure why I did not connect with the story, but I think it had to do with the fact that I could not really relate to the characters. The way the author portrayed them made it so I had a hard time comparing myself to them. This kept me from immersing myself in the story the way that I normally like to do with books. It does have a good fantasy story line though, so I would recommend it to upper elementary and middle school students who are looking for a fantasy book to fill the time in between the releases of Harry Potter and the third Inheritance Trilogy.

Dial-A-Ghost

Dial-A-Ghost, by Eva Ibbotson, is a wity fantasy story about a boy named Oliver Smith, and a family of ghosts called the Wilkonsons. Dial-A-Ghost is the name of an addoption agency that pairs people with abandoned ghosts. The ghosts get a nice place to live, and the people get companions or haunts for their houses. The story is fairly simple. Fulton and Frieda Snodde-Brittle are looking for a pair of mean spooks to haunt an estate and "accidentily" scare the Oliver, the young heir, to death. However, a mix up at the ghost adoption agency sends the Wilkonsons, who are very nice ghosts, instead. Oliver and the Wilkonsons hit it off well, and the Snodde-Brittle plans are ruined. As the story progresses, evil ghosts turn out to be not so evil, and the story ends with a great twist.

I enjoyed reading Eva Ibbotson's books. They are filled with fantasy and adventure, and Dial-A-Ghost is no exception. I first read it when in fifth grade, and though I have read it since, I have been able to read it in about one sitting. Therefore, I think that the book would be more suited to younger readers. The interesting plot will keep them well entertained, and they will enjoy the stories of ghosts and spooks. The story has a good ending as well that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Dial-A-Ghost to an elementary school reader, as a book for a report or project or for just plain enjoyment. This great story is a fine example of the work that Eva Ibbotson is know for.

Ironman

Ironman, by Chirs Crutcher, is about a young teenager named Bo Brewster an aspiring triathlete with family problems and a drive to compete.After an angry outburst against his football coach, is sent to Mr. Nak's class for Anger Management. There he meets a group of teens who are even more high strung and on the edge than he is. It is in that class that he also meets and falls in love with Shelly, a tough girl who can beat Bo up three times over. In the course of these events, Bo is training for a triathlon that could catapult him into the big time. With witty dialog and a unique first-person style, Ironman is a great sports book by a great sports author.

Chris Crutcher specializes in capturing the ups and downs, twists and turns of a teenagers life. All of his books are about young adults, many who participate in sports. Similar to Breathing Underwater, Ironman is told from the main characters point of view, which makes for a very interesting story. I really enjoyed Ironman because I thought that it offered a harsh-but-true view of adolescence. Often I think that people miss the uncertainty of teenage years, and I think that Ironman does a great job in depicting these uncertainties.

Though Ironman is not a book for the elementary student, upper middle school, and high school students will find a great story in the pages of Ironman. I also think that the book holds some good things for adults as well, if only so they can reflect on their own teenage years.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsbirg, is about two children, Claudia and Jamie who run away from home to go live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They settle down in the museum and become accustomed to a life of avoiding guards and bathing in fountains. One day however, a special piece comes to the museum. It is an angel said to have been made by Michalangelo, and mystery surrounds the sculpture. Soon Claudia and Jamie are caught up in the adventure as they try to solve the mystery of Angel on their own. Their search takes them to Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler and a challenge that even they might have trouble passing.

I throughly enjoyed this book. It had genuine and enjoyable characters, and had a good mix of humor and adventure. I also like the story of the runaways and the daring nature of their escape appealed to me when I first read this book. Though it might be a short read for middle school students, higher elementary children will really enjoy this book. It offers them a good mix of adventure and suspense, and they might even learn something about art in the process. The book also has a good pace for elementary school students, and the action never really dulls, which will help keep them engaged in the story, even due to its cultural content. This is a great book for reading with a child, and even adults will have a good time reading this book.

Buddhism: Plain and Simple

Buddhism: Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen, is a book about being awake. The book offers you a view of Buddhism without the traditions and customs that have accumulated over the course of five-thousand years. Steve Hagen is a great writer who I think captures the spirit and essence of Buddhism and gives it to you in a format that is both easy to understand and meaningful. Unlike some other books on Buddhism that I have read, Buddhism: Plain and Simple cuts straight to the chase, and it stays true to its goals throughout the whole book.

For someone who wants to learn about a great religion, or just wants a refresher course in the true essence of Buddhism, this book is a great choice. With down to earth advice, and great examples and excerpts from the great teachers of Buddhism. This book does not offer very deep insight if you want to go very deep into the ideas and practices of Buddhism, but it does give the beginner a good platform to start their travels into Buddhism.