DROP DEAD HEALTHY by A.J. Jacobs

First read: I read this over February vacation this year while visiting my parents in Florida. I kept sneaking off to read, which I know is rude, but the book was so funny, I didn't want to put it down. Sorry parents...

The story: This is a non-fiction account of Jacob's quest to become the healthiest man in the world. In 27 short chapters he visits all the areas of the body and presents his experiments in maximizing their healthiness. Some areas he manages to master right away. Some take several chapters. He spends a lot of time on the stomach and the heart with hysterical results. His wife and children are also affected by his experiments and the whole thing is just wonderful.

Re-read: I read it so recently I didn't feel a need to read it again for summer. But I probably will at some point because it was fun as well as informative.


Summer Reading Tips:

• Make your own health plan based on Jacob's research.
• Read this book standing up.
• Better yet, read this book on a treadmill!

THE LIST by Siobhan Vivian

First read: June 2012. I read this at the very end of the school year last year. As I read it I was thinking about the difference between fall and spring at a high school. It isn't just the Freshmen who change, everyone seems much more confident in the spring and more relaxed. (Except maybe Juniors who begin to really freak out about the SATs. Relax Juniors in 20 years the only thing your SAT scores will be good for is to hang them over the head of your husband when you are arguing about who is smarter.)

The story: The List comes out every fall. No one knows who writes it, but it is law at Mount Washington High School. The prettiest girl in each grade and the ugliest girl in each grade are posted and they are treated accordingly. The book is told in the voices of the eight girls in the seven days between when the list comes out and when the homecoming dance takes place. It shows their inner lives as their outer lives are changing. And they are all affected. It isn't the label of "pretty" or "ugly" that causes the trouble, it is the fact that there are labels at all.

Re-read: Last month I read it again and was surprised at how well the voices of the girls held up. They are all unique and tell the story beautifully.

Summer Reading Tips:

• Think about your definition of pretty and ugly. 
• Write an emotional timeline for each character.
• Do NOT make a list of your prettiest and ugliest friends. Seriously, did you even read the book?

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

First read: I don't remember where I started it, but I finished it at my desk at work in January of 2012. And I cried and cried! A kind senior asked what was wrong and since she had read the book, she knew exactly what I was feeling. It was very moving!

The Story: Hazel Grace and Gus are in love. And Hazel has cancer. And they love this book written by a reclusive writer who lives in Amsterdam. And their friend is going to go blind. And the play video games and watch movies. It is just beautiful.One of my all time favorites. Romantic and funny. Really funny...

The re-read: I reread this the beginning of last month and I read it on my ipad which was an interesting experience. It was no less wonderful for the technology.




Summer Reading Tips:

• Check out Nerdfighters. You may already be one.
• Fall in love.
• Read this with a box of tissues next to you.