[LM_NET] HIT: KINGSBURY

[LINDA WILSON <WILSON_LINDA@SALKEIZ.K12.OR.US>]

The thread on the free books from Karen Kingsbury is certainly timely. 
I also received 2 free copies of 'a thousand tomorrows."  (and yes, the
title is in lower case).  I, too, am always a little suspicious of books
that arrive unannouned.  I read the book yesterday, and in this case, my
suspicion was probably unfounded.  It is reasonably  well written, and a
quick read, if a little "pat."  The reader knows early on that the girl
will die of cycstic fibrosis, but cannot help hoping that it will not
happen. thus setting up a 3 Kleenex ending. The main characters are a
young and angry bull rider, and a  barrel racerwho has CF.  Both are
rising champions who are following the rodeo circuit.  This may limit
interest in my urban school, but the love story may win readers who know
nothing of these sports. The information on Cyctic Fibrosis appers to be
factual and accurate.
   There is no reason it would not be acceptable for middle school,
except that the protaganists are young adults of 19 and 20, and their
problems may not be of interest to middle schoolers.   The author states
in her introductory letter, enclosed with the books, that this title "is
not considered a specifically Christian title."  Perhaps not, but the
underlying themes of unconditional love , healed relationships, and
redemption are certainly so. I will add it to my collection and probably
publicise it with other "books to make you cry."

Linda S. Wilson, Library/Teacher
McKay High School
2440 Lancaster Dr. NE
Salem, Oregon 97305
wilson_linda@salkeiz.k12.or.us

"Knowledge is of two kinds.  We know a subject ourselves, or we know
where we can find information upon it." Samuel Johnson

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