Book Challenge Day 7: A book that is hard to read

Wiesel's autobiographical description of the inhuman treatment he and the Auschwitz's prisoners undergo is always difficult to read. I have read and taught this book several times, but it still has moments that horrify  me. This novel retains it's power, because it simplistically describes the realities of the  world's largest concentration camp and the genocidal depravity that was fostered and celebrated in the Nazi regime. Wiesel shows his readers the ugliest side of humanity. The side of us we pray goes away and doesn't return, Reading this books requires paying attention to the plight of others, no matter how uncomfortable that may make us.

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe.” 
― Elie Wiesel

Book Challenge Day 6: A book that makes you cry

Alcott's novel about life on the Civil War home front, is a moving piece of literature. Jo is one of my all time favorite characters, and they dynamic of her family is precious. This book makes my cry for two reasons 1. Beth, I won't ruin it, but man it gets me every time 2. Amy and Lori coming home. When I was younger, I was always angry at Alcott for not giving Jo the romantic ending that I longed for, but as I get older, I appreciate the end and the message it shares with young girls.

Book Challenge Day 5: A non-fiction book you actually enjoyed

I would like to say that I resent the prompt for today. There are so many nonfiction books that I have enjoyed that this may be the hardest day of all.

1. As a huge mystery buff and a history junkie, this book hit my ultimate sweet spot. Larson weaves the tale of  America's first documented serial killer with the background of the Chicago World's Fair. His narrative is so well written that it is difficult to remember that this is a nonfiction book.  I love it.

2. This book changed the way that Justin and I looked at food and the food industry. It was one of the books that you can't forget about. It led to a change in our diet and a healthier life. I think everyone should read it.

Book Challenge Day 2: A book that reminds you of home.

Thinking of a book that reminds you of home is difficult because I had to define what home meant. To me, home means safety, comfort, and love. This book brings that back to me every time I read it. When I was little, I would sit on my Grandpa's lap and he would read this book to me. For a girl who had no Dad, I was blessed to have one of the most loving, supportive, and outstanding Grandfathers that anyone could wish for.  For me, this book represents a legacy. This is a story that was read to me before my naps, and I would fall asleep dreaming of fawns, lions, and grand adventures. I have noticed that whenever I read it, I instantly feel calmer. In my mind, I can still hear my Grandpa's voice describing Lucy, Peter, Edmund, and Susan's adventures in Narnia.

This book reminds me of home, because it connects me to a man who represents the foundation for a lot of the good things in my life. I can't wait to for my son to be old enough for us to be able to read it together. It will be my opportunity to not only pass on a wonderful story, but to be able to share with him stories of the man who's name will be his middle name.  Narnia will always have a special place in our home.

Book Challenge Day 3: A book that completely surprised you (good or bad)

I resisted reading this book for years. Someone told me that it was written as a diary and, as I posted yesterday, I am not a fan of books that take the form of diaries. I decided to read it in order to see if it was a novel we could do in the 8th grade, and was blown away by it.  I loved that Arnold wasn't a perfect kid making perfect choices. I was intrigued by Alexie's description of life on a modern day reservation, the book takes place just outside of Spokane.  I loved the illustrations. This was a great book. I am sad I waited so long to give it a try.

Book Challenge Day 2: My Least Favorite Book

I cannot decide between two so I am including them both.

1. A friend suggested that I read this book on my long flight from Portland to Paris. It was the only book that I brought along and I loathed it. I have since read other Vonnegut books and I just don't like him. Catch 22 is ok, and I could read it and not be annoyed the whole time, but this book just bored the crap out of me. I hated all the characters and I didn't care what happened. I made myself finish it, but I was so angry I did.

2. This may make me an awful person, but I find Anne to be very, very annoying. I know she is caught in a tragic event, and I appreciate that she provides a face for the millions who were slaughtered in the Holocaust, but I can't stand her writing. For the past five years, I have taught the play, which is actually worse than the novel, and I just feel bad about it. I think their are better novels about a teen in the Holocaust. To me Night is a much more powerful story. I know that she is in hiding and Wiesel in a camp, but I also think that there is value in the fact that he wrote the book after his interment and it isn't based on a diary.  My diabolical plan is to switch to teaching Night next year. I admire what this book does for educating people about the various sides of the holocaust, but I just can't stand Anne.

Book Challenge Day 1: My Favorite Book

I love this book. I first read it when I was 12 and I wanted to be Scout. I read it once a year, and every time I do a different character or scene appeals to me. I am currently working in a 9th grade classroom where they are reading it, and I want to stop and discuss each paragraph with students. This time around, I am considering the character of Mayella in a way that I never have before. Harper Lee's masterpiece stands the test of time. The Trayvon Martin case has shown how the themes of this book are as applicable to our current world as it was in 1952. I love how the characters stay with you. Every time I read it, I hope it will somehow have a different ending and I still cry when the jury finds Tom guilty, and my heart breaks when Scout realizes that Boo is as scary as she thinks he is.