9: The Sparrow

I have read a couple books in my own spare time. This is the first.

I learned about this book on a forum I read that's not connected to teaching in any way. Some people said they read this book and it was something memorable that really stuck with them. I can't resist listening to what people outside of education say about what they're reading, so when I got a chance I read this book.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is a memorable book. In fact, I agree with those people on the forum who said this is a book that you remember for quite a while afterward. The only problem is that, while very interesting, Russell just didn't pull off this book. She had some very interesting ideas, but about midway through the book, it just fell apart. Characters started behaving in ways contrary to their character, the plot just zipped along, not really focusing on characters as it should, and the end is just a little too pat.

I was hugely disappointed with this book.