Carrie hosts the MustRead2017 roundup here.
Here I go again, joining another challenge. I want to thank Carrie Gelson and her charge to read that stack of books, those books that I’ve bought on recommendations of others and let sit on the shelf. And there are books that I haven’t caught up with yet, but I want to.
In 2015, I attended an SCBWI conference in Houston. I didn’t know a soul. On the walk across the street from the parking lot to the conference center, I met a delightful woman. She had a charming Scottish accent. She befriended me for the day. We sat together, talked, shared, and ended up having lunch together. Then within the next year, she got an agent and was on her way to publish the very book she was pitching at the conference, Wait for Me. I can’t wait to get a copy when it comes out on January 31st.
At the same conference, I learned about Nicola Yoon and her debut novel, Everything, Everything. I loved it and look forward to reading her second book, The Sun is Also a Star.
Is it cheating to put a book on my list that I just finished? In truth I didn’t start it until 2017, but Wish by Barbara O’Connor was my companion this week while I was recovering from a nasty stomach bug. This book completely drew me in. The character’s voice was charming, real, and compelling. I’m so glad I finally read it.
There are times in my teaching life that I just can’t seem to find the time to read. I read at bedtime and sometimes only a paragraph before I fall asleep. I am hoping my list of “must reads” inspires me to be more dedicated to my reading life. I feel like a hypocrite when I push my students to read, read, read, and I don’t keep up a strong reading life myself. Maybe you can help by checking in with me every once in a while.
And I hope you will share your reading list with me. I think, in truth, that’s what this challenge is really about, connecting, sharing, and reading.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret,
I love your books to be read. I just finished my first by Dan Gemeinhart – and can’t wait to read another. How I long for the set aside time to “only” read each day that we provide our students. Too much of my reading is spent on email, bulletins and policy. I’ve read about schools where EVERYONE (office, cafeteria, yard and plant management in addition to teachers and students and admin) reads from 8:10am – 8:30am or something like that. Doesn’t that sound delicious!
I try to read when my kids do, but there’s always that stack of other things waiting.
I’m glad to see your list, have read some and need to read others. Because I’ve read so many lists I’ve started a 2nd one (te he) of books I really don’t want to forget. I love hearing your intro too! Of your books, I loved Wish and Jeannine’s Finding Wonders, but have taught and really enjoyed The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian. Enjoy any of course.
Margaret,
I saw this on Tara’s feed and thought, “I should do that.” Then the week got busy as it has a way of doing. I sat down yesterday, saw your post, and thought, “I REALLY need to do this.” So I am taking the dive with you. Thanks for continually helping me to stretch. ;o)
Cathy
I have to add “Counting Thyme” to my list. I keep seeing everywhere. Of course, a little Mary Oliver is always good for the soul. I loved loved loved Ghost.
Off to Goodreads….this is going to be dangerous.
Cathy
I read adult contemporary fiction (and some NF) almost exclusively, since I’m on a statewide committee that reads and vets titles for an adult discussion group book kit program. I always have two books going at a time–one next to my bed and one on audio in the car. I’ve decided that audiobooks are the best thing to have ever happened to me (reading-wise). My commute is less than 10 minutes, yet, with commute, normal errands, and the occasional 15-30 mile trip, I manage to get through rather long and fabulous books. Right now I’m listening to To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey, which I’m loving. Another book I’ve listened to recently, and absolutely adored is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
[…] Margaret Simon joins in this year with her list: #MustReadin2017 […]
I am so pleased that you are joining our community this year! I know that read a page drift off to sleep phenomenon – I wake up very early on the weekends and sneak in hours of reading! It’s my favourite time of the day to read. Ghost and Counting Thyme are both titles that I loved in 2016. Happy Reading!
Great books. I need that Billy Collins book and I must do my must read list. Thanks for sharing your book pile. I love how Carrie “sneaks” in the reading time.
Wish and Ghost were both favorite books of this past year. I often carry a book to bed, only to realize that I’m too tired to even read one page (or paragraph)
. But waking up early to read . . . that’s a delicious pleasure!