Currently Reading What's currently on my nightstand?

Recommendation of the Month My favorite reads. Don't look for a rating system; all of these books are on the top of my list, or I wouldn't post recommendations for them. These aren't reviews, but recommendations. If you would like to see older recommendations, check out the archive. If you want to be notified when the recommendations are updated, join my Notify List.

I am an English Language Arts teacher, and I have a great deal to say about books. Don't worry. I promise not to make this into a reflection of your worst English class session, but I do want to share some of my favorite books with you through recommendations. I'm no Oprah, but I've got some ideas (and I promise not to be a "teacher" about it). Drop me a line if you think any of these seem interesting to you:

• An actual reading group. Members could take turns suggesting books, and we could discuss them on a forum or chat session set up for the group.
• A comments section, whereby you could tell me what you think after reading books I recommend and your comments could be posted on this site.
• Any other ideas?

Currently on the nightstand...

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling.

I am in the process of reading this series for the second time. I find that it is enjoyable in a different way than the first time, because I have inside knowledge of events to come. Rowling is gifted. She has created a fantasy world to rival those of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. And she doesn't shrink from telling it like it is. This is a dark book; no two ways about it. But in the Wizarding World, as in this one, events don't always unfold neatly into a happy ending. I'm glad that Rowling has the integrity to write as she pleases. I wait impatiently for the next book.

Recommendation of the Month

Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts.

This is one of only three novels I've read in one sitting. I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen to Novalee. What a life story this girl has! I love the characters in this book. Letts resists the temptation to make any of them perfect, but their faults are endearing. This is not the most well-written book I've ever read, but it is one of the most engaging. Letts manages to draw the reader in to Novalee's life, cheering her on during her victories and crying with her setbacks. In some ways, this isn't the most realistic book you'll ever read; however, in others it is one of the most honest, touching, and ultimately believable novels I've ever read.