Ms. Wagner's Website

Books Books Books
    I freely admit I've got an addiction. I read everything — books, magazines, newspapers, billboards, shampoo bottles, candy wrappers; I can't help myself. If it's written, I need to read it.
    Although this list isn't completely current, below are suggestions of good picks if you're looking for something to read during a school break or whenever you have free time.
    And if you have suggestions for titles to add, please let me know so I can add them!

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller --There's no argument: this is Heller's best work. His black comedy about the decisions behind war is one of the funniest novels to ever address humanity's general stupidity. Heller makes an excellent argument for pacifism by pointing out the ridiculous nature of governments' red tape.
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole --A laugh out loud look at the life of Ignatius J. Reilly, a flatulent, obese man caught in the seedy New Orleans society. Between his continual hirings and firings and his sex-crazed, long-distant girlfriend, this comedy of errors shows the despair of loneliness and the joy of living.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury --Students are supposed to drive me crazy with not wanting to read assignments, but Bradbury's vision of a world without books is a warning to us all about the extremes of censorship. One quick lesson: question everything.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven & Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom --Sometimes the little books we read impact us more than anything else. These two quick reads have obvious lessons, but they come at a price: a box of tissues.
Jennifer Government, Syrup, and Company by Max Barry --I don't think it's possible to find more perfect modern novels. It's possible that my lust for Mr. Barry biases my opinion, but you're sure to love his satirical exploration of consumer-driven society. If you overlook the fact he's married (thus crushing my hopes of marrying him), he's absolutely perfect. Oh, and the books are great, too.
A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving --Grab the tissues because you'll be crying with both laughter and sorrow after embracing a little boy named Owen Meaney. Irving's talent shines through in this engaging story of an only child who thinks he's "God's instrument." (PS- the real thing blows away the movie version, Simon Birch.)
Royko's columns --Just about anything you can find by the late Chicago Sun Times and Tribune writer is phenomenal. Mike Royko never backed down from a fight, and he fought to point out the errors in this world. In "Wy cant' this man git a job?" Royko won my heart by pointing out how dumb people are and reminding us all that we're not entitled to anything.
Time's Arrow by Martin Amis --Engage your brain and pay attention or you risk losing out on one of the most unique books you'll ever read. Follow the main character's life in reverse as the narrator, a voice embodied within the main character, tells the story of Tod Friendly's journey from New York back to his former life as a Nazi concentration camp supervisor.
Up the Down Staircase by Bel Kaufman --It's not possible to understand the humor, frustration, or love of teaching without peeking through the window Kaufman opens to show the daily fight to educate our children. Through memos, letters, student comments, and daily announcements, Kaufman's characters give a voice to public education and expose one teacher's fight to teach in the face of school bureaucracy.