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Suggested Reading from Students and Staff

Book

Author

Date Assigned

Comments

Star Island

Carl Hiassen

Jan 2011

 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Stieg Larsen

Winter 2011

Originally entitled Men Who Hate Women, this Swedish author delivered the first of his successful trilogy by illustrating through actual events in his books, his concern over the sexual abuse of women in his country.  Compelling reading.  Recommend by Diana Lynch Belden

Flurries

An Anthology

Christmas 2010

This winter-Christmas themed anthology delivers five delightful stories from five talented authors.  Recommended by the entire staff of Frayler Academy.

The Help

Kathryn Sockett

Summer 2010

An interesting portrayal of the plight and life of black domestics in Mississippi during the early 1960s.  Students will have an accurate idea of the life and times of the deep south as well as seeing how they can apply their education and make a difference or change the status quo.   Recommended and assigned by Margery Trask.

Convergence:  JTN

Terran Moffatt

Spring 2010

Intriguing science fiction that leaves room for romance, mystery and a touch of the supernatural.  The characters quickly draw you in to the tale, with a leading female character that quite simply kicks butt.  Along with her mind melded earthly partner, the tale becomes a page turner and you mus know what will be the fate of Nyorfias and Rett’s squadron.  Recommended by Trixie Belden Frayne 

The Chronicles of Narnia

C.S. Lewis

Summer 2009

Series of Seven Books; Students will be required to complete all seven books prior to the beginning of Winter Term and be prepared for testing.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

J.K. Rowling

Summer 2009

The sixth book in  a series of seven, all students must complete the reading in order to participate in the school field trip to the Cameo for the movie premiere.  Students in grades six and below are permitted to use books on tape for the required reading. 

Boo

Rene Gutteridge

May 2009

First in a series of books about the quirky Indiana Town of Scary.  Their claim to fame is a resident best selling author of horror books, a la Stephen King.  Just different enough ...  Recommended by Martin Belden.

Trace

Patricia Cornwell

 

If authors jump the shark like television shows, then Cornwell and her character Kaye Scarpella have done so.  This one was hard to make myself finish and doubt it’s worth the bother to try her again.  -- Beatrix Belden

Portrait in Death

J.D. Robb

 

Eve and Roark at their finest, with an insight into Roarke’s past that’s interesting and almost heartbreaking.

Purity in Death

J.D. Robb

 

Eve Dallas does it again, this time using a terrorist group that appears to be using vigilante justice.

Gods In Alabama

Joshlyn Jackson

 

A lecture by the author of this book simply confirmed it’s excellence.  Well written and typical of southern cultures, this book fascinates by both characters and the unfolding mystery.  Recommended by Elizabeth Wilson.

How to Murder A Millionaire

Nancy Martin

 

A Blackbird Sisters Mystery  -- Recommended by M.G. Wheeler-Belden

Jemima J

Jane Green

 

Chick Lit at it’s finest.  Oddly written where the writer’s stle will have the character stepping outside the story to talk directly to the reader.  - Diana Belden

Drop Shot

Harlan Coben

 

Action packed books that sometimes include super sleuth and sports agent Myron Bolitar and his faithful associate, Eperanza and sometimes partner, Windsor Horne Lockwood III.  Faithful to the series and an excellent read.  -- Dan Mangan

the curious incident of the dog in the night-time

mark haddon

April  2006

A captivating book! Written through the eyes and impressions of an autistic child who ventures on a quest as a detective to investigate and solve the mystery of the death of the neighbor’s dog.  Unusual in it’s style, like nothing else.  You won’t read this book and not have learned something about life.

Hissy Fit

Mary Kay Andrews

April 2006

The second book I’ve read from this author, who has a wonderful grasp on small southern towns and gossip. It’s better than Little Bitty Lies although similarities in the story occur.  You can’t help but like Keeley Murdoch and how she handles the hissy fit that starts this story and sends Keeley down a trail of growth and investigation into the background of what happened with her mother.  You also develop a strong liking for Keeley’s father and her Aunt as well as her quite funny friend, the gay florist named Adam and the demanding client and owner of none other than a bra-factory - Will.  Two-thumbs up.

Little Earthquakes

Jennifer Weiner

 

What a fantastic book, with characters most of us can relate with as they make do with what they’ve been given and try to use their talents as best they can.  -- Diana Belden