Independent Reading List (Reasons)

Reasons for Choosing:
I only wrote reasons for the first ten, but I may read other books than what is on this list.

“Monster”- Walter Dean Myers: I decided to read this book because it has literally been starring me in the face for the past several years. I bought this book when it had just come out and I wanted so bad to read it but I was always too busy. This semester I knew that I could finally read the books I had been dying to read for so long, like this one.

“Send me Down a Miracle”- Han Nolan: I choose this book because the back of the book really seemed interesting. I found the characters to have a relatable struggle, with religion, socially acceptable behavior and customs, as well as the idea of trying to “fit in” and staying true to your own beliefs and dreams. I knew that the issues in the book would be heated for debate and I love reading a book that can get me fired up.

“Perfect”- Natasha Friend AND “Lush”: I choose to read “Perfect” before I had even discovered “Lush”. I thought this would make a good, younger book about a “real issue” for young teens, especially young girls these days. I wanted to read something with a teenage reality to it. Once I read the book I decided to read another one of her books as my “two books from the same author” requirement. I think it looks quite similar, in relation to having an “issue” as the main theme of the story, so I thought it might make for another good read.

“Crooked”- Laura and Tom McNeal: This book stood out to be because of the cover. I don’t know what to make of the synopsis on the back, but it seems weird and interesting enough. This book was also one that has been sitting on my shelf for some time and I would like to put it to a better use than simply collecting dust.

“Go Ask Alice”- Anonymous: I choose to read “Go Ask Alice” because I have heard many people talk about how good the book was and how much it had to offer. I have had it for so long that I can’t remember if I have actually read it before or not. I do however know that a book like this can offer a lot more than a potential “issue” book, it can give a lot more for potential use in the classroom, so it looks for now.

“Whale Talk”- Chris Crutcher: I decided on this book because I really like this author. I have read “Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes” and fell in love with it. When I saw the other books that were from this author I thought that it would be a good idea to give more of the work a try and see what happens. I hope not to be disappointed, seeing as how I loved the other book so much.

“Thirteen Reasons Why”- Jay Asher: This book was talked about so incredibly much last semester than I knew I had to see what the buzz was all about. I have heard many good things about this book and since about half of the people I know who read on a daily basis said this book was awesome. I knew I had to see for myself if it was true and it was just too enticing not to try.

“If I stay”- Forman Gayle- This book not only sounded really interesting but I don’t think I have ever read a book with a story such as this before. I choose this book for the differences that I thought it could bring to my on-going book list. I know that others have had a great experience with this book and I wanted to try to have a great experience too.

“Hoot”- Carl Hiaasen- This book came up on the first day of class when we discuss books we have all read. I could remember hearing about it and some of the story but I have never read the book. After we started our “read aloud” everyday with a book entitled “Flush” by the same author, I discovered this author had a fun way of writing. This fun writing seemed like a good reason to try another book of his and so this book met my hands.