DECEMBER The Sherlockian by Graham Moore Moderator, Brad Craddock JANUARY My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallant Moderator, Shelley Davis Hurtling from present day New York to Victorian London, The Sherlockian weaves the history of Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into an inspired and entertaining double mystery that proves to be anything but "elementary." In December 1893, Sherlock Holmes-adoring Londoners eagerly opened their Strand magazines, anticipating the detective's next adventure, only to find the unthinkable: his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had killed their hero off. London spiraled into mourning-crowds sported black armbands in grief-and railed against Conan Doyle as his assassin. Then in 1901, just as abruptly as Conan Doyle had "murdered" Holmes in "The Final Problem," he resurrected him. Though the writer kept detailed diaries of his days and work, Conan Doyle never explained this sudden change of heart. Afte
This year's selection of titles offered a good variety of titles that could be utilized in part or whole in our classrooms. Jason Mott's Hell of a Book was definitely read by many creative writig majors who also received a master class from the author in the fall. N.K. Jemison's science fantasy novel is very contemporary and could work well for independent readers or even isn itshort story form in class. Isabel Allende's reflections on feminism can also be used in classes such as Women's Litrature. I assigned the novel about the struggles of Syrians hat continues to this day as an independent writing project to a junior who responded beautifully to the writing and story. Ross Gay's mini-essays in Book of Delights can be a model for mindfulness and SEL activities--daily journaling? And of course, Brene Brown offers so many insights in her Atlas of the Heart (which is also such a beautifully published hard cover book!). Lots to think about and offer with these readings.
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