Book Review: After Tupac and D Foster

After Tupac & D Foster
Reviewed by Suzanne Macaulay, Spring City

Before I read it, I wondered how relevant After Tupac & D Foster would be. Was it a book that should have been written 10 years ago? Would today’s readers appreciate a book written with the music of Tupac Shakur as the backdrop? Yet, despite my misgivings, Jacqueline Woodson tells a timeless tale of friendship and life's unexpected twists and turns. She reminds us how strongly music can shape our memories, particularly during those tumultuous adolescent years.

Every reader can relate to the emotions in this book—confusion, anger, sadness, loneliness, longing, comfort, and hope. These feelings are universal. Perhaps that is why Woodson does not give her narrator a name—because she could be any one of us. After Tupac & D Foster is interesting and thought-provoking. Jacqueline Woodson’s authentic voice will make this Newbery Honor Book a favorite among teen audiences. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Book Recommendation

Metamorphosis (Graphic Novel)

by Franz Kafka and adapted in a Graphic Novel
by Peter Kuper

This week I read the graphic novel version of Franz Kafka’s short story The Metamorphosis. Peter Kuper both adapted the story and illustrated the graphic novel. Having never read the short story myself, I cannot compare it to the original. I really did though enjoy the graphic novel.

The story is about a traveling salesman named Gregor Samsa who hates his job. He works hard and supports his parents and his sister Grete. One morning he wakes up to find himself transformed into a large insect. His family is repulsed by him, thought they still love him. As an insect his spends much of his time hiding under the furniture in his bedroom, staying out of the way of his family who do not want to see him. Will Gregor stay an insect forever? Will his family be able to support themselves now that Gregor cannot work? Find out the answers to these questions and immerse yourself in an interesting story. Read The Metamorphosis the graphic novel.

Technology

Have you ever wanted to compare books with your friends or keep track of what books you have read? You might want to check out Goodreads. Users can invite friends to join or check to see if any of their friends already have accounts. Let your friends know what your reading or what you have read in the past and rate what you have read.