Amanda’s Comments (group member since Jan 26, 2012)

Amanda’s comments from the Mt. Mercy University 2012 group.

I don't think I am aware of very many YA books, turned movie. And if I am I never had any interest in watching them. One that I particularly remember though, was Dear John. I have countless soldiers in my group of friends, my family, and my community so it really touched a nerve, especially with so many being deployed now or getting ready to come home from being deployed soon. One thing I realized, was that whenever a book becomes a movie, you can't sit and compare the two the whole time, it will only ruin it. So, I took each for separate stories until I left the theater and then thought back.

With my own children I plan to have them be active readers from the getgo, learning to love reading at a young age. As for my students, as I get to know them a little better I might try to reccommend one book a month for each student, that I think would suit their interests. That is, if they are struggling to find ones they like, or don't know what would be good. I think we as soon-to-be-teachers often take for granted the trust our students place in our opinions. If we have an idea for a good book they might like to read, I say we tell them. Share the wealth.

I loved "Thirteen Reasons Why." I think it might be because of the clever voice the narrator has and her whit and charm on the tapes. Also, it was really good at keeping me interested and wanting more--which is a difficult task, let me tell you. I also thought it was a neat and different way to tell the story. I haven't read any books like this one before.

"Thirteen Reasons Why" would be my book of preference. I went to a small school and grew up in a very sheltered community. We didn't have the experiences that inner city school students had, similar to that of this novel. It would have really opened my eyes to how serious life is for some young adults.

I read "The Secret of Platform 13" several times. That was the first book I remember ever wanting to read more than once. My junior and senior years though I was pretty crazy about Nicholas Sparks. I'm a big sap when it comes to romance, so his writing is just my style. Some of my favorites from him are "Dear John" "Message in a Bottle" and "A Bend in the Road."