Surprises and Slam Dunks

I think it’s only fitting that I closed out my March reading with Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover. Not usually one for basketball, I didn’t participate in March Madness (not even a book bracket!), and I wasn’t sure what I’d think of the book. Actually, I do know. I thought it would be, as a Newbery winner, worthwhile, but ultimately something I wouldn’t be terribly interested in, or be able to relate to, or want to read again. Well Kwame Alexander did a crossover on me because I honest-to-goodness was crying through the last few pages. (it was probably not the best book to bring to read at work, but hey! I didn’t know that was going to happen). I can’t describe it or what makes it work; you’ll have to read it for yourself. Its fresh free verse bounces, spins, and swishes – and mesmerizes with every step. (plus: it’s a quick read).

I had a few other surprises in this month’s line-up…

Red Harvest, one of the first hard-boiled detective novels that I had a hard time taking seriously, regardless of how innovative it is (but it was enjoyable nonetheless).

Sanctuary, which was both disturbing and confusing, and Absalom, Absalom, which I do not regret to tell you I did not finish.

The Conjure-Man Dies, another mystery, but set in Harlem, which I had never heard of but fascinated me from start to finish.

Disquiet Time, an essay collection about quirky, confusing, unsettling, and surprising passages in the Bible, which was a nice reflection over Spring Break.

also over Spring Break: In Defense of Food, which convinced I am probably going to die soon unless I start eating less cereal. But everyone should read it, as it is excellent, and we should probably stop obsessing over nutrition and just eat regular, whole food (cereal doesn’t count, apparently). 

And finally, in prep for my upcoming return to the Kaigler Children’s Book Festival, I read Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo and a whole stack of books illustrated by Bryan Collier. I have about 60 more books out from the library to read in between now and Tuesday, which isn’t going to happen, but I still have hope!

So it wasn’t a bracket, but it was a bit of madness! And I’m happy to say that I think all of my reads this month were totally worth it – a slam dunk, perhaps?