Me - Today I am recommending Paddington at Large by Michael Bond. This book is about Paddington and the Browns, and Paddington's friend. Mr. Gruber. In this book, Paddington had a lot of adventures with Mr. Gruber. For example, they went to the symphony and then, another time, they had a picnic. Paddington always gets into a lot of trouble. This book is very funny. It is one of the best Paddington books. Children who like funny books and bears or specifically Paddington would love this book.
Mom - Today I am recommending two books. Both deal with people who get caught up in bad situations.
The first is Tanner McKay a high school student in The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson. Tanner's talent for debate has gotten him a scholarship to prestigious Bannerman Prep where he is paired up with the mysterious Duke who rules the school. It is Tanner's one chance to get a scholarship to a good college and overcome his humble beginnings to make something of himself. However, there is more to the Duke than meets the eye and Tanner's association with him may cause Tanner to lose everything he's worked for. This book has been called a modern The Great Gatsby. The character of the Duke is a lot like Jay Gatsby. However, that is where the similarity ends. In The Great Gatsby, the narrator is much more of a background player while the narrator, Tanner McKay is much more a part of the action of the story here. In fact, the story revolves around Tanner. Also, even though the character of the Duke remains somewhat mysterious throughout the book, you still feel like you learn more about him than you do about Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. The characters in this book are very real. They all have their flaws. They are all very fascinating as well. The story really draws you in and makes you want to keep reading to find out how it will all turn out.
The second is college student, Cory in From Bud to Blow by Brian Connor. When a hazing incident leaves Cory feeling out of control, he decides he never wants to feel that way again. Taking control of his own destiny he begins taking bets which leads to selling pot which leads to selling harder drugs which could eventually lead to Cory's downfall if he's not careful. This book is a cautionary tale. It shows how easy it is to get caught up in something that is wrong. We think of drug dealers as really bad guys not as average likable college kids like Cory. The fact that Cory remains so likable and so seemingly average throughout the story keep the story likable and keeps you wanting to read the story through to its conclusion. The book also helps you see how a basically good person could get caught up in a bad situation and how hard it is to get out of it once you're in it.
And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
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