Intro - nice to meet you!

[libfish825]

Hey all! I used to lurk a lot on the book club board on TN, but it's been a while since I've been there.

I absolutely love reading (lit major in my undergrad) but I feel like I've been stuck in a school-time rut for the past year or so. I'm going for my MLIS and, lately, even when I get to read something besides an article or a textbook, it's something that I'm reading for a review and not just to relax. Plus - my concentration is in youth services so half the time those are picture books.

I have a one-year-old daughter that I'm home with for most of the week, so my commitment to children's lit. goes a bit beyond school and career, too.

Otherwise, it's really hard to call any books my "favorites" because it feels like I'm cheating on all of the others. There really aren't too many things that I don't appreciate reading.

I look forward to chatting with all of you! I will tune into the chat about "The Handmaid's Tale" tomorrow, but it's been so long since I've read it, I don't know that I'll have much to contribute.


ETA: I also have a blog at www.practicallypatientlyparenting.wordpress.com ... I haven't figured out how to get it into my profile, yet. It doesn't have much in the way of book commentary but there are a couple reviews of children's books on there.

[writingwithheld]

Welcome to the board! We have a lot of newbies around (including myself). I'm with you on the favorites thing. I have a couple of books, but I always have a hard time making a real list because I try to find appreciation for everything, although I sometimes fail.

I have been trying to read more classic novels to strengthen my close reading skills. I am doing my first Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice). I am finding it a bit bland so far.

[apelila]

Hi and welcome! Is an MLIS a masters in library science? And if so, what exactly could one do with it? I've been (VERY) loosely toying with the idea of going back to school, but really I just want to take literature classes!

[libfish825]

writingwithheld - I love love love Jane Austen. One of my favorite courses during my undergrad was Victorian lit! For me, things got a lot more interesting when I got some additional information about the time period and the social customs. ...maybe it'd help you!

@apelili - Yep, Masters in Library and Information Science. For me, it was a logical progression from literature. I'm really enjoying my coursework. I'm at Drexel University, in their online program. It's been wonderful because I can just manage to juggle two courses a quarter with my mommy duties and not feel like I'm slacking on either.

[apelila]

Sounds fun! Thanks for sharing.

[imoan]

Welcome!

What are you currently reading?

[libfish825]

I just finished Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (for the second time). There's something so entrancing about her writing... it makes me want to run off and start a huge garden... not in the rocky hill that is our yard.

I'm up for suggestions for a next book. I have t-minus one week (after I finish my last final, today) until summer classes start!

I will read pretty much anything. I've covered most of the popular series and NY Times bestsellers that have been talked about, lately.

[writingwithheld]

Doing a little research on the background sounds like it could help. I always waffle back and forth between letting the history/ author's background sway my interpretations or if the words should stand for themselves. Clearly my undergrad has been lacking in critical theory courses.

[bookbunny]

Welcome and glad to have you! In addition to my school work, I'm currently reading The Phantom Tollbooth (I never read it as a kid, and I'm so glad I'm reading it now! I really like it!) and listening to The Color Purple (It's one of my favorite movies, so I'm excited to listen to the book).

Are there any books you would recommend to start a young child's library?

Looking forward to getting to know you!

[mayflowers22]

Welcome!

[BravoBravo]

Welcome!!!

[funkybunny]

hey there! I'm brand new here also, just looking for some like minded folks to chat books with. Currently reading Tawny Weber's Blaze final in her series, Sex, Lies and Valentines.

I'm a blogger and a writer, plus the Day job, the husband, the dog and the kid.
www.decembergephart.com is my blog.

[whitepicketfence]

Hello and welcome!

To the PP who mentioned The Phantom Tollbooth, I vividly remember reading that in 6th grade. It's the first real story that we read in school that I absolutely loved.

[libfish825]

Jun 16, 2012 2:12:58 GMT -5 bookbunny said:

Are there any books you would recommend to start a young child's library?

Hmmmm... well, the website for the Association of Library Service to Children has some great recommended book lists for building home libraries, to start. They are organized by age group.

www.ala.org/alsc/compubs/booklists/homelib/alacbcbuildinghomelbry

I think it's pretty important (and useful) to work ahead of your child's age, too. It's great to have books and the next level (or two) that are available when s/he wants to explore. Plus, lots of times kids can be drawn to books that are "for older kids" and be inspired to develop their skills more quickly.

Personal favorites of my daughter (who's almost 2) and me are:

• anything by Don and Audrey Wood
  
• anything by Graeme Base
  
• "Llama Llama Red Pajama," by Anna Dewdney
  

(of course there are tons of other, wonderful choices for young children, but I end up reading some combination of those books multiple times every day)

Hope this helps! Thanks for asking... makes me feel like I have something to offer, lol.