Fever, 1793

Ok, so I'm only half way through this book, but in the attempt to get this week's blog business checked off my list, I'm going to be naughty and just go with it.  So, what can I say?  So far, so good, which doesn't exactly come as a shocker given it's authored by Laurie Halse Anderson, one of the (deservedly) 'big dogs' of adolescent lit.  With regards to this title in particular, I think it's safe to say that it's quintessential Anderson -- great characters, rich (but not overly done) setting, and historical accuracy along with diverse audience appeal and wide age range appropriatness (the latter comment not applicable to "Speak," which I'm incredibly grateful that we didn't have to tackle).  In other words, it's fun, informative, and not too terribly taxing.  In other words, I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn a few things, to visualize a slice of historical life, and time travel via the wonders of the imagination. 

(On a personal note, my sweet mama is a nurse, and I'd love to suggest this as a family read for she and my 12 year old niece so we could book bond over the net, which is likely another reason I like it so).

It also appeals to the suppressed forensic scientist in me (yeah, I once fantasized about doing forensic work for the FBI, long before I realized I'd, like have to dissect people and stuff!) and utilizing a book like this in school strikes me as (1) an awesome opportunity to broaden our own respective knowledge bases, and (2) an equally awesome opportunity to co-teach with science and history folk were the chance to present itself.  Of course, a little research practice is the school LIBRARY would also be cool...