Mrs. CushaneAngels & Demons -- Dan Brown
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2006 Staff Picks 2005 Staff Picks
Mrs. Cushane
Angels & Demons -- Dan Brown
It has lots of art history in it and I LOVE art history!!
Mr.
Duca
Reading Lolita in Tehran --Azar Nafisi
Nafisi’s memoir about the loss of female freedom and censorship of western literature. She manages to have class sessions in secret and talk about their life and literature through Vladimir Nabakov’s “Lolita”, Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice”, Henry James’s “Daisy Miller” and others.
Mr.
Parker
Nicholas Nickleby -- Charles Dickens
Although the book (eventually) settles into a
Victorian melodrama, the comic writing of the first tow-thirds reads with
Dickens at his funniest. I have
never encountered a richer cast of eccentric
characters, absurdly funny situations, or comic settings (a dire boarding
school, Victorian theater company, etc.) than those crammed into this novel.
Even as I read it the first time, I knew that I would have to
read it again and again.
Ms.
Bolam
We Thought You Would be Prettier: True Tales of the Dorkiest Girl Alive --Laurie
Notaro
If I weren’t a
teacher, I’d be an author, and this is the kind of book I’d write.
It’s simply hilarious and chock-full of stories that could happen to
anyone!
I promise, all of her other books are just as great.
Mr.
Jorgensen
Band of Brothers -- Stephen Ambrose
A great account of world war II battles such as:
Normandy Invasion, Battle of the Bulge,etc. from the paratrooper perspective.
A true tale of heroes who often made the ultimate sacrifice for their
country.
Mrs.
Lopresti
The Kite Runner --Khaled Hosseini
The
Kite Runner is an amazing true account of a young boy who is faced with
Societal/cultural & family obstacles. The
choices that he makes affect him as a grown man and leads to his discovery of a
true reality that he could have never known as a child.
An amazing coming -of - age story!
Mrs.
McNally
Nineteen Minutes --Jodi Piccoult
Nineteen Minutes may not seem like a long time, but these ninepin minutes traumatize an entire community. Piccoult examines a school shooting and its social and psychological causes and effects.
Mrs.
Skow
Looking for Mary --Beverly Donofrio
Successful writer and author of Riding in Cars with Boys wonders why her son wants no contact with her and why she has never been able to sustain a romantic relationship. Her search leads her to Medugorje where she flashes back on her life and past decisions – an absorbing, humorous, and often irreverent memoir.
Ms. Kaplan
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Entire Series) -- Ann Brasheres
It was wonderful to read how young women who were all totally different supported each other in times of good and bad, rather than fight and be "catty" like women do! They were NOT fair-weather friends.
Guidance Department
Ms.
UZnanski
Heart Full of Soul -- Taylor Hicks
I like Taylor Hicks as a performer. He wrote this memoir after ten years on the road playing to mostly employ houses on the chittlin' circuit in the South. He won American Idol and is now a solo artist headlining his own tour with an extraordinary band. This is the story of his journey form lonely young boy from a dysfunctional family with dream. He worked long and long to achieve his goal of a recording contract and a career in music. He has some good advice on dreaming your dream and being true to yourself.
Ms. Burkert
Beach Road -- James Patterson
Suspenseful, great twist at the end, short chapters which make the book quick and easy to read!
Mr.
Ireland
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner -- Dean Karnazes
Inspirational and motivational to all, not just runners.
Ms. Bogacki
Harry Potter - The Deathly Hallows -- J.K. Rowling
Last book in a series that I'm obsessed
with! The characters are believable; the friendships are genuine; the
fantasy of magic is very enticing!
Ms. Campbell
The Historian -- Elizabeth Kostova
A woman searches through history to find her heritage and traces back to the real Dracula. Fun read with realistic places through Europe described.
Mr. Michael Dempsey
The Poincare Conjecture -- Donal O'Shea
History and Math = Awesome Reading.
The book takes you on a trip through the history of mathematics up to one of the
most important mathematical problems of our time. It is readable for those
who have only a basic high school math background.
Ms. Esposito
A Woman in Charge -- Carl Bernstein
Gives the background to Hillary's run for
the White House and just how much influence she had when Bill was in office.
Mrs. Serano
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- JK Rowlings
It was an excellent end to a terrific series. An ending, by the way, I read FIRST as soon as I got my copy in the mail. I'm impatient - I couldn't help it!
Mrs. Cotton
For One More Day -- Mitch Albom
Easy to read. Short. Self-reflection at any stage of life.
Ms. Burkhart
Marley and Me -- John Grogan
Book is a MUST READ for animal lovers. Humans can learn a lot from a dog!! True Story.
Ms. Burkhart The Kite Runner
-- Khaled Hosseini
Best book I ever read! Book takes you on an emotional roller coaster.
Mr. Patterson
Cat in the Hat -- Dr. Suess
I used to read this book to my sister and children. Always made us laugh. They were the only books I read to them that did not put me to sleep before them. I can remember hurting myself on some of his fabricated words. I think may of those words should have been added to Webster's. They have more meaning than much of the stuff that's in there. If anybody can read his work without it putting a smile on your lips then my "Hat" is off to you.
Ms. Schuler
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- JK Rowlings
The series is so clever and so much fun to read. The writing is creative and the final book wraps up the the whole series leaving no questions unanswered.
Mrs. Carcel
As Simple as Snow -- Gregory Galloway
Great insight into a teenager's thoughts! It is well written.
Mrs. Carpinelli
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- JK Rowlings
A fabulous end to the larger than life
series! Action, romance, classic archetypes - it's got it all.
Mr. Burke
Jennifer Government -- Max Berry
Oh the excitement! The hilarity.
Mrs. Hall
The Speed of Dark -- Elizabeth Moon
This book gave me an inside perspective
into autism. It was heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.
This was the Nebula Award winner for best novel in 2003.
Mr.
Napolsky
Eragon and Eldest (series) -- Christopher Paulini
If you like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter you'll love these.
Mrs. Naval
Twilight (series) -- Stephanie Meyer
Just a fun read. It's a series of books about a "vegetarian" family of vampires and their relationship with humans and other "regular" vampires.
Mrs.
Marzano
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. -- Ann Brasheres
This modern coming-of-age story us a quick read. Separated from each other for the first time, follow four friends over summer vacation. Each of them undergo life-changing experiences - all witnessed by the "traveling pants." This book brought me back to my teenage years and the wonderful friendships that were formed - friendships that remain to this day.
Mrs. Saponara
Tending Roses -- Lisa Wingate
Emphasizes family values and relationships, especially with older generations.
Mr. Calloway
Manhunt - The 12 Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer -- James L. Swanson
This was a very engaging book that gave me
some new insights into the murder of a beloved president and the attempt to
escape justice by the man who did the deed. A terrific historical
adventure.
Mrs. Valerio
The Pillars of the Earth -- Ken Follett
It has everything! History, love, suspense, etc.
Mrs. Carchidi
The Alexandria Link -- Steve Barry
A great adventure story. It centers
on the search for the lost library of Alexandria.
Mr. Gregor
Freakanomics Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt
It exposes the hidden side of everything,
such as what causes crime and wins elections.
Mr. Barnshaw
Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
-- Eric Metaxas
Well written and insightful bio of a politician who lived by his beliefs. You feel as if you know what made W.W. fight what must have seemed like an unwinnable battle to outlaw slavery in Britain - and win it!
Mr. Kirkwood
Teacher Man -- Frank McCourt
Read it yourself and find out!
Mrs. LaRosa
My Forbidden Face -- Latifa (a pseudonym)
A young woman's story of growing up under the Taliban. A contemporary
true story celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Mr. Rosenello
Forever -- Pete Hamill
A great history of the Irish and New York City in novel form.
Mr.
Rosenello
Why Sinatra Matters -- Pete Hamill
A personal side of Frank Sinatra and life for Italians in general.
Sargent Vincent Stover
The Ten Thousand: A novel of Ancient Greece -- Curtis Ford
Historical facts presented with high adventure. Very entertaining reading.
Mrs. Brodzinski
Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives -- Ed. Kathryn Lynard Soper
This book is a collection of 63 essays written by mothers. These essays
are a beautiful celebration of how children with down syndrome enrich our world.
Each story is very short, personal and inspiring. (Pg. 130 written by Nancy
McCrea Iannone, Class of 1985).
Ms Kelley
One for the Money; Two for the Show... (series) -- Janet Evanovich
A likeable North Jersey girl. I laugh out loud when I read these books!
Mrs. Savill
The Water is Wide Pat Conroy
Great Book! Reminds me of why I wanted to teach.
Mrs. Seserko
True Believer -- Nicholas Sparks
Read and love all of his books. This one was not his usual ending!
Mrs. Mazzio
The Secret Life of Bees -- Sue Monk Kidd
This is a beautiful, heartwarming story
set in South Carolina. I loved the book and could not put it down.
Mrs. Fallon
Lonesome Dove -- Larry McMurtry
I just re-read this book. I don't like novels but this is the best Western I've ever read. Just gripping.
Mr. Budd
The Bible
Wisdom, Knowledge, Peace, Happiness and Joy!!!
Mr. Gable
The Pathfinder -- James Fennimore Cooper
Excellent cultural view of the French and Indian War, in the sense contrasting the "white" culture with the Indian while describing differences between friendly and unfriendly Indian tribes. Very strong characters, good adventure, lots of nautical terminology due to setting in and around Lake Ontario.
Mrs. McKenna-Daily
My Life in France -- Julia Child
The book revealed the story of how Julia Child became the world renowned chef. I was shocked to learn of her background; raised in Pasadena, CA with a chef and maid. Her life story was fascinating, and almost unreal. The book held many surprises about such a beloved chef, which made me look forward to reading the book. The story proved anyone can learn to cook!
Mrs. Anicic
Dive from Clausen's Pier -- Ann Packer
It was interesting to see how a woman who was faced with a huge life changing event handled it all. She did what she had to do whether that be wrong or right by the readers opinion. The book had some unexpected twists and turns. It was a "don't-putter-downer."