The pile on my nightstand.

Have you ever been tempted to fake sick and stay in bed and read? Those of you who are reading during math class, science class, health class...I know you know that feeling! Don't worry, Mr. Knoss, I'd never do that, but it sure would help with that pile of books on my nightstand!

On the list of books Stenson is looking forward to reading soon:

1. Orphelia by ?? Maddy M gave it to me, it's based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, and it looks like a book to get lost inside of.

2. What Would Martin Say by Clarence Jones (non-fiction about Martin Luther King Jr. written by close friend and personal lawyer)

3. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard (I ran into one of my favorite college professors, and she's the one who first introduced me to Ms. Dillard. This is not a book I would recommend to most 8th graders because there isn't really a plot. It's a narrative created with brilliant language, written, I think, to call careful attention to how glorious Nature is.

4. Dog Years by Mark Doty (Everyone knows my best friend--besides Ms. Sbrocco--is my loyal, lovely black lab Puckett. I can't pass up a book about dogs and the gifts they bring this planet).

5. There are also three poetry books in my stack of books. I don't really understand poetry very well....but much like I preach to my student...reading (poetry too) is like anything else; you have to practice it.


6. Playing for Pizza by John Grisham (those of you who love a suspense or mystery would love Grisham's books. However, this novel of his isn't a mystery or thriller, but I've always been a fan of his, so I'd like to read this one too).

Anyway, tell me what you are reading or what is on your list of "Books to Read Soon".

Can't wait to hear the titles. Can't wait to jump back into that pile on my nightstand.

Here's to those never-ending lists of books we can't wait to get our hands on!
Stenson