book swag for today

[aamcnamara]

Book swag acquired:

Firebirds Soaring-- incoherent squees--it was slated for November, and then moved to March, and then I didn't hear about it for a while until sartorias posted. I have begun reading. From the introduction by sdn: "--I am perennially looking for non-dystopian science fiction. Help me!--". Lovely. I have begun reading, but might dip in and out of it for a while. Though I will read it in order, at least at first.

Fire Watch-- an anthology of Connie Willis's short stories. Connie Willis is great.

Time Traders-- by Andre Norton. The store didn't separate out what is considered "YA" of hers and what is considered "adult SF/F", so I picked at random--I haven't read any of hers, so I figure one is probably as good of a starting point as any other.

... and I was really looking (apart from Firebirds) for papersky's Half-A-Crown, since I enjoyed the first two so much, but my budget couldn't stand the hardcover. I have gift certificates for other bookstores, however, and will probably order it online.


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I have been watching the TV show Criminal Minds lately. I blame matociquala. As a reader of Shadow Unit, it's particularly fascinating to mark the ways in which Criminal Minds is an influence on SU. Although maybe some of them are general to all such shows, and I just don't watch enough TV to note the difference.

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Colleges, if you were wondering how to make me stop freaking out, at least momentarily, about the admissions process? Follow Mt. Holyoke College's example and send me a soothing letter about how much you like me.

I think perhaps this tactic has wider applications in society, too.

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I'm in a history class at my highschool taught by two teachers who switch off quarters. One teaches first and third, and the other, second and fourth. Though they are both remarkably good teachers, they have markedly different teaching styles.

One requires active participation--speaking in class, in other words--to get the highest amount of points for the day. The other hasn't told us his scheme for grading participation, but judging by responses and grades, I don't think that this teacher requires speaking in class to get the most points.

One of them is extroverted. The classroom is always loud when he's there; everyone talks loudly. He has to shout for our attention; when teaching, he grows impassioned about his topics, talks louder, more quickly.

The other one is quiet. He doesn't shout. He sits down and waits for us to stop talking. After a couple of weeks, we grow used to this. We don't break out into arguments during class; we don't jump over each other to speak. But we do speak if we have something on our minds, if we have a question or a legitimate comment. We don't repeat each other for the sake of an extra point a day in the gradebook.

Personally, I like that teacher more. But there are people in my class who hold the opposite opinion. Neither of us are wrong. Neither of them are wrong.

But online, no one can see you rock back in your chair, no one can see your eyes widen or hear your breath go in.

... which is tantamount, in my roundabout way, to beginning to say: I am listening. I am here, present, with you.

I don't think I have much else to contribute to the discussion, which is why I haven't posted before.

Comments

[aliseadae]

Mm. yes. I like what you say about history teachers. It makes sense in many contexts.

[vash137.livejournal.com]

Love Criminal Minds! Not familiar with Shadow Unit but I may check it out if it's similar (after I graduate, when I have time)

*Hugs*