It was a balmy 75F out and Ms. Melinson still served hot apple cider. We drank it all though, so hard to say who’s nuttier. (The brownies flew off the plate as well, but they weren’t nutty; only very chocolatey.)
Ms. Melinson gave us quite a few excellent recommendations. She started with The Dictionary of Imaginary Places, which is penned in the style of a reference book and covers over 1,200 fantastical locations from myths, legends, novels, and the like. She then gave us several recommendations for celebrating National Poetry Month, which happens every April. The poetry books and anthologies included Please Excuse this Poem: 100 New Poets for the Next Generation, Gentefication, the princess saves herself in this one, Citizen, Date & Time, B, and To This Day. She also mentioned a pamphlet-style book she read over break called Humility, which reminded her of the kinds of books Radha would usually pick up because it gives business advice.
Ash plugged their appreciation for Marissa Meyer’s works, having just completed a re-read of Gilded. This high fantasy novel is, according to Ash, a “more interesting” retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. They later lauded the beauty of the Lunar Chronicles, which is also by Meyer.
Jess (counter to the idiom) picked up a book because of its pretty cover. It then proved to be a deeply disturbing read. As a warning to anyone looking into this story, Jess noted that the book comes with more than a full page of trigger warnings, which she highly recommended we take seriously.
Jordyn is back to fantasy after a bit of time in the world of realistic fiction. She returned to the world of The Cruel Prince with the new duology Holly Black just published, starting with The Stolen Heir.
Jenny and Suketa both agreed that The Marrow of Tradition was the best assigned reading they’ve had in a while.
Ms. Z-S read the novella Pax recommended, A Psalm for the Wild-Built, and its sequel, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, and heartily seconded the recommendation.
Mr. Wells is reading Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver’s modern Appalachian take on Dickens’ David Copperfield.
For a list of all the books discussed in the High School Book Club, check out our GoodReads here!
Books & Bytes 