The Geekly Reader

 Greetings and Happy New Year to all. After I reviewed my November 2020 Read of the Month   I made the executive decision to give myself some time off for the month of December to enjoy some time away from my computer screen. With most of my work time being on screen, the last thing I wanted to do was spend any additional time looking at a computer screen. So what did I do for the month of December then? Well besides going into work and setting up our remodeled library I: Finally read Long Way Down  by Jason Reynolds . What a great book, written in free verse by Reynolds. It tells the story of Will (William Holloman) seeking revenge for his brother's violent murder. On his journey down the elevator from his 8th floor apartment Will is visited by a new person (that also died of gun violence) that enters the elevator at each floor. Each tells Will (and the reader) the story of their death. Give this one a read, powerful and you can finish it in a day or two. Consider this my mini Dec

 Ok, time to review my November 2020 Read of the Month   The Red and the Blue and the Birth of Political Tribalism by Steve Kornacki. The book was a great read for the election month of November (which for some reason seems to still be going on here in December). Here is what I liked about Kornacki's book: Kornacki is very fair and unbiased, not showing favoritism to the Red or the Blue (right or the left, Republicans or Democrats) in his writing It is a great history book, reviewing the national political landscape from the late 1980's up through 2000.  At the same time, it is sad, because as the book points out the 1990's is when then current political landscape we live with seemed to grow. In my own words, action in Congress and Washington D.C. was no longer about solving problems and helping Americans, it was about scoring a "win" for your side.  The book was really well-written, but sadly the information presented is lousy. Today, in the news our leaders in D

 This was always one of my favorite posts back when I was keeping up with this blog. "Letters to Santa" are one of my favorite holiday traditions. Yes, I am 45, but that is not going to stop me from writing my letter to Santa. "Black Friday" is the perfect day for this post. Who knows....if there was ever a year we could all use a visit from Santa it is 2020. In order of importance to me.....here we go: A safe, effective Covid 19 vaccine : This is top on the list because it will make everything about 2021 better for so many others, not just for me All those first responders and medical personnel, that have difficult jobs in normal times, will have a return to "routine" work days....which are rarely that normal to begin with. Small business owners, especially those in dining, entertainment, leisure, and travel industries can thrive and survive. I miss being able to meet my dad and friends for beers at the local bar. I miss travel. All my friends in educatio

 Sorry, I have been slacking with my November Read of the Month. I have been spending a great deal of time working in my library trying to get it 100% set up after a summer remodel. Thankfully I have about 98% of the books shelved and now I am just waiting on new furniture in December.  Ok, enough rambling about my library...it is time to introduce the November 2020 Read of the Month... A perfect book selection for the month of November Election 2020 has led me to my  November Read of the Month   The Red and the Blue The 1990's and the Birth of Political Tribalism by Steve Kornacki. I have the book sitting here in my office and have been wanting to read it for a while. Watching Kornacki for hours during election week peaked my interest to pick the book up and give it a read. A few reasons I am looking forward to reading this book: I am a political geek, and this kind of stuff peaks my interest I really like Steve Kornacki He is a proud geek, just like me His work on the election ma

It is the first day of the month, that means it is time to review my " Read of the Month " from last month. My pre-ordered copy of Mick McCabe's Golden Yearbook  finally arrived and it is going to be a great addition to the library at Carlson High School. It is a great book for any sports fan in Michigan. Here are some reasons why I am such a fan of the book: A thorough review of the top "All-Time" Michigan High School football and basketball athletes and coaches A thorough review of the top "All-Time" football and basketball teams Some great stories about some of the most famous prep stars and coaches in Michigan history. Rankings of Michigan prep stadiums, school nicknames, and concession stands (something I am always reviewing while coaching/attending events). Outstanding photographs from The Detroit Free Press  archives McCabe's outstanding writing, which always makes me laugh and think.   Not Going to lie, it was cool to get a "Shout Out&

 Yes, I just finished and reviewed my September Read of the Month ; yes I realize it is already October 24th; yes I realize there is only seven days left in the month of October. This is not stopping me for squeezing in a book for October. My October Read of the Month is Mick McCabe's Golden Yearbook .  My pre-ordered copy just arrived and I have already started reading. My pre-ordered copy just arrived  McCabe has been covering high school athletics for fifty years for the Detroit Free Press  and decided to commemorate his 50th anniversary at the Detroit Free Press by writing this book. I look forward to reading his rankings and stories about some of the greatest high school athletes in Michigan history. Look for a full review before the end of the month....I promise.