Book Review February 20-26th

This week, the "Freshman Feed and Read" at school is The Last Exit to Normal by Michael Harmon. This book is engaging, quick, fun, and sad. It tells the story of a young man who finds out his dad and gay and has to move to a small Montana town to start a new life with his dad and his dad's partner. It describes small, rural lifestyle and the value of learning hard work. It also emphasizes embracing new cultures and accepting different lifestyles. The main character is easy to relate to. My students seem to relate with his struggles and his conflict. It was a great read and I would give it four out of five stars.

Book Review February 13-19

This week LJ convinced me to read Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. It is the story of an elite group of Navy Seals sent on a mission into Afghanistan. They were ambushed by the Taliban and 3 of the 4 men died. The book details Marcus' survival and the help he received from a local tribe along the way. The story is tragic and sad. It details why wars are unfair in the adherence to rules of engagement and why servicemen are often fighting more then just the enemy- they are fighting the American media and perception. Often times it felt like the book was a soap box for Marcus' personal vendettas. Ignoring those parts, it is the story of American spirit and the will to live and how people are placed in our lives to help us survive. It will make you cry and it will make you think. I recommend this book- I think there is a movie coming out as well. Too bad it will probably be rated "R".

Freedom of Speech?

I found a blog that linked me to this article.

A teacher in Pennsylvania blogged about her students in horrendous way. When I first saw the headline, it freaked me out a little bit and I quickly searched my brain for anything I have written that could be considered mean. After reading her comments though, there is no way my blogging has even come close to what she said.

It reminds me that yes, there is freedom of speech in the United States. However, when you are in a position of responsibility or in charge of impressing young minds, it serves one well to evaluate their conduct and ask themselves if they would say those things in front of their constituents. As teachers, people critique our every move and we have to be aware of the image we are portraying at all times.

Yes, me students drive me crazy on occasion. Yes, there are days I go home and wonder if I really am the worst teacher in the world. Yes, I have bad days at work. In the end, I really do love my students and wouldn't do anything else.

A Little Encouragement

Over the last year I have been deeply burdened with the trials of life. Often times I have prayed earnestly to my Heavenly Father for his help. This short video adequately shares his healing power and comfort he can provide. You can view it here.

I hope it inspires you as it did me.

Better Late Then Never

I have managed to read a book each of the last two weeks, but I just haven't managed to blog about them.

Life has been a blur or legislative hearings, association meetings, television forum, etc.

Don't forget, teaching, planning, grading, working out, sleeping...

How did I manage to read?

Seven Miracles that Saved America by Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart
My mom bought this for me for Christmas. I learned some interesting facts about history from this book- I need to refresh myself on Chinese History and I will forever be learning more and more about wars in American History. I enjoyed the mix of narrative story and commentary in the book. I did not like the lack of assertion. I felt like the authors simply stated a bunch of what-ifs, without making assertions themselves. They argue that without these events America would not have ended up where it is today, but they fail to put forth alternative endings had events changed in any way. It reminds us all of the miracle that our country is and how blessed we are to live in our country. How time and time again, we overcome obstacles and live on. I enjoyed the book, but it isn't one of my all time favorites. I would say 3 stars out of 5.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Every year my students read this book in English class in third quarter and every year I reread it with them. I love this book. Note: I hated this book when I read it in 9th grade. I can't get enough of it now. What a timeless story of the race issues America experienced throughout the 1900s. It tells the story of growing up in a small southern town, childhood games, difficult neighbors, mysterious neighbors, and wild adventures. I love the metaphor of the Mockingbird and the mysterious friendship with Boo Radley. This book is timeless and everyone needs to experience life as Scout and Jem lived it. 5 stars out of five.