Sunday, February 13, 2011

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.

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