Virtual Book Discussions

 Virtual Book Discussion #1

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Discussing Drama by Raina Telgemeier was the first book discussion I took part in. I wasn’t sure what to expect aside from the participants sharing their opinions and ideas after having read the story. I really enjoyed how everyone collectively discussed their opinions on the book: likes, dislikes, popular themes, or if they knew anything about the book before or after they read it. One of the things I enjoyed the most was simply the opportunity to respectfully discuss a book we’d all read. Generally, my friends and family all read differently themed materials. Some prefer audiobooks, others read tear-jerking dramas, and others read owners’ manuals. Discussing Drama was a fun opportunity for us to talk about it and is definitely something that I would participate in again – in and outside of class – and something I will definitely want to host with teens in the future. If they are given the opportunity to discuss a book they enjoyed with other individuals who enjoyed it as well, teens may be compelled to read more and frequently. Simply the experience of a book discussion could encourage teens to read. However, I would definitely mix up the genre between each book discussion to encourage the young adults to expand their reading palate and to appeal to different readers. Additionally, despite the fact that the group had collectively come across the information that the book is and has been on the “Most Challenged Books” (American Library Association, 2020) list, it was still disappointing to know it is there. I feel that based on the story, characters, and challenges they face this book has so much potential as a tool for young adults to relate to and learn from. It is disappointing to understand that for the same reasons myself and the group agree that Drama could be an effective tool for teens, others believe that it is inappropriate and/or should be removed from the shelves.

American Library Association. (2020). Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists. Banned & Challenged Books. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10.

Telgemeier, R. (2012). Drama. Graphix.

 Virtual Book Discussion #2 - November 9, 2020

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys 

On Monday, November, 9, our group discussed Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, a historical fiction novel taking place during the early 1940’s about displacement of Lithuanians by Soviet Russian. The group discussed what we thought the key concept was for the novel – what seemed to be an ongoing theme as we read. I enjoyed hearing the very different ideas that were presented. They were all presented each person’s idea of what made this book so important for teens to read since this topic is so unknown during the 1940’s Holocaust period. It was also interesting to discuss the similarities between the book we’ve all read and the film adaptation which I viewed. I enjoyed hearing my classmate’s perspectives on it based on the differences I addressed. Personally, I felt that certain plot points that added to the message of the film as a whole were removed and I feel that was echoed by the remarks of my classmates who were part of the book discussion. Overall, I once again enjoyed discussing the story Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys and would look forward to hosting a similar opportunity for teens outside of the classroom.

Sepetys, R. (2011). Between Shades of Gray. Philomel Books.