Mrs. Riggs > Recent Status Updates

The story of Marguerite de La Rocque was fascinating, and I look forward to learning more about her, but this book was definitely a slow burn - it took quite awhile for me to invest in the narrative.

When Sade realizes that Jade is dead, Abike-Iyimide writes, “The clouds looked dark and heavy, much like her soul, ready to pour all its wet, icy contents onto the school grounds” (Abike-Iyimide 280). The author creates a metaphor comparing Sade's mental state and the weather to make the reader feel gloomy and depressed, like Sade.

I learned that Sade’s identity is shaped by grief over her father’s death, her Nigerian background, and her struggle to fit into a privileged boarding school where she often feels like an outsider.

After the death of her parents, Sade Hussein enrolls at Alfred Nobel Academy, a boarding school. As she begins to settle in and make new friends, her roommate, Elizabeth, suddenly disappears, so Sade teams up with Elizabeth’s best friend, Baz, to search for the missing girl.

I was stuck when the author wrote, " she was watching Sade." I didn't know who she was, so I went back, and I re-read the paragraph right before this one.

When I found myself confused about the characters and why Sade was at a new school, I went back and re-read to find out how Sade's parents died.

Sometimes you just need a quick, engaging read…Weaving in podcast episodes with Lucy’s story was clever, and Beverly (the grandma) is such a fun character!

History+London+Bookstores+Mystery+Love+Sisterhood - how could you not love this book?!

“The best stories are soul making. But stories we tell about ourselves, and even the harrowing ones told by others about us, can also be soul destroying. We have to choose what is good and true. Not what will destroy.”

Reading with my daughter. A beautiful story so far!

My 8-year-old is reading this to me. She absolutely loved this book!

I revisited this passionate novel with my students this semester. I’m grateful for the opportunity to re-meet Janie and learn more about Hurston’s history.

This is going to take awhile; however, I am enjoying every minute.

Abandoned - I’ll come back to it!

Reading with H.

This book shifted my perspective of (and enhanced my appreciation for) the restaurant industry, and I was constantly drawing parallels to the leadership in schools. Anyone in a leadership position - or who wants to be - should read this book.