This book is spectacular and better win all the awards. I felt everything while listening to this. And speaking of listening, I can't imagine experienThis book is spectacular and better win all the awards. I felt everything while listening to this. And speaking of listening, I can't imagine experience this book any other way than listening to the audio. The author narrates it and it was like listening to 3 1/2 hours of spoken word poetry. Seriously amazing....more
This book is absolutely wonderful and quietly powerful. I'm going to read this aloud to my freshman classes this year. It's a new all-time favorite anThis book is absolutely wonderful and quietly powerful. I'm going to read this aloud to my freshman classes this year. It's a new all-time favorite and I want you all to read it....more
I'm not sure how to express how much I love this book. It's raw and true and tragic and hopeful. Jeff Zentner is an author to watch. Review to come clI'm not sure how to express how much I love this book. It's raw and true and tragic and hopeful. Jeff Zentner is an author to watch. Review to come closer to the release date....more
Wow, there's a lot to take in and mull over after reading this. It makes me want to read it a second time to align some of the stories. I'm left wondeWow, there's a lot to take in and mull over after reading this. It makes me want to read it a second time to align some of the stories. I'm left wondering about a few characters as well. Powerful, powerful book....more
This is fantastic as audio and it might end up being one of my favorite books read in 2015. There are mature themes and language, but I want to use thThis is fantastic as audio and it might end up being one of my favorite books read in 2015. There are mature themes and language, but I want to use this book in class somehow. The poetry, the thoughts on women's roles/rights, etc are so worth discussing. ...more
Audio Review: I couldn’t buy a physical copy of Walk on Earth a Stranger yet, but I really wanted to read it so I dReview originally posted on YA Love
Audio Review: I couldn’t buy a physical copy of Walk on Earth a Stranger yet, but I really wanted to read it so I decided to download the audio via Scribd. I’m so thankful that I did because the audio is great and so is the story. Erin Mallon has a voice suitable for a sharp shooting girl who’s fleeing to the west. It’s just the slightest bit gritty and easy to listen to. Also, the audio is almost 11 hours long and I finished it within a few days because I kept finding excuses to keep listening. There were a few times I walked into work a little late so I could keep listening in the parking lot. And I did the same thing in my garage. I was thoroughly entertained.
Book Review: I’m a big Rae Carson fan so I had high expectations for Walk on Earth a Stranger and I’m sure her other fans feel the same. Looking for epic world building? You’ll feel like you’re trekking into the wild west with Leah. Want to feel a crazy bond with the characters? I haven’t felt so close to a group of a characters in a very long time. I was hoping for more fantasy elements, but this is a stunning piece of historical fiction.
Did any of you play the Oregon Trail game in elementary school? I remember playing in my 4th or 5th grade social studies class and loving it. I clearly remember the wagon I built with my dad for our class project. Reading Walk on Earth a Stranger was like playing the Oregon Trail game on steroids. There’s an especially vivid buffalo scene that made my hair stand on end. I’m sure the audio helped, but I really felt like I was alongside Leah throughout the story. Her magic sense added an extra layer of excitement, but I liked the historical elements even more. For some reason I’m not always quick to pick up a historical fiction novel, but if they were all this entertaining I’d read more from the genre.
Let me tell you, I experienced so many emotions as I read this book. Some of the men in this book made my skin crawl. During the Gold Rush era women still weren’t respected and treated fairly. I love that Leah fights that and so do some of the other women she meets. It was also difficult listening to characters depict Native Americans in such a backwards and bigoted manner, but that’s sadly true to the time period. There were also a few moments that had me tearing up and had my heart swelling. There’s a good reason why Walk on Earth a Stranger is on the long list for the Young People’s Literature category for the National Book Award!
I wish I didn’t have to wait a year to read the second book in the series. I’m expecting more magic as the series progresses, so I know it will continue to be a fun series to read. Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson is a must read!...more
If more memoirs were written like Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler, I would read more memoirs. His debut novel isReview originally posted at YA Love
If more memoirs were written like Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler, I would read more memoirs. His debut novel is humorous, heartfelt, and honest.
Something I like best about Aaron’s story is that it exposed me to a world I’m not very familiar with. I did have a friend in elementary school who was a very strict Baptist, but even her lifestyle wasn’t as extreme as Aaron’s. I grew up in a religious home, so I understand and appreciate the importance of it, but reading about Aaron’s family and their beliefs was eye-opening and also frustrating. I can’t imagine getting into an argument with my dad about whether or not I wore socks to church. My parents were strict about the music I listened to, mostly when I was younger, but I was never made to feel guilty or ashamed about it. Aaron Hartzler does a wonderful job helping the reader understand where his parents are coming from, but he also does a fantastic job making the reader feel for him. I can’t tell you how many times his parents made me angry while reading this memoir. I will admit, however, that I sometimes felt bad for being angry at them since I know they felt they were doing what’s right.
I hope some of my students will read Rapture Practice. First, it will most likely be an eye-opening experience for them just as it was for me. Second, I want them to read more memoirs and this is a great book to get them started and help them understand what a memoir is. Third, Aaron Hartzler’s story will probably resonate with many of them. Even if they aren’t living in a strict religious household, I’m confident many of them are questioning religion, rebelling against their parents, figuring out where they fit in the world, etc. They’ll likely find a piece of themselves in this book.
I do, however, wish Rapture Practice included more about Aaron realizing that he’s gay. It’s one of the reasons why I wanted to read his memoir. Unfortunately, this part of his life is brought up, but it’s not as fleshed out as I wanted. I’m assuming his real revelation happened after this book ends, but I’m not entirely sure about that. I’d love it if he chose to write a second memoir which goes into more detail about his self-discovery and how that affected his life and family. I’d read another one of Aaron Hartzler’s books regardless of what it’s about.
I know our reading lists are long, but I recommend taking the time to read Rapture Practice. It’s easy and enjoyable to read; it’s written very well. Aaron Hartzler is an author I’ll be looking out for in the future....more
Ohmygosh! This book! And the ending! I'm so happy I ordered a copy for my classroom. Ohmygosh! This book! And the ending! I'm so happy I ordered a copy for my classroom. ...more
Sarah (YA Love)
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