Beyond Courage - history in words and photos

 

Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust by Doreen Rappaport.

I’ve enjoyed browsing this book. It accessible for research, for learning about people and events through words and pictures, and yet it could work as a small coffee-table book or simply sitting on a table for students to browse just because it's there.

Almost every page includes pictures of people and places (in both black and white and antique finish), maps, art work by children, and poetry, making the story personal and engaging. No image is disturbing visually, so to have it on display or near students would be appropriate. 

The summary in my catalog states “provides detailed accounts of twenty-one acts of defiance committed against Nazis in Nazi-occupied countries during World War II. “

To connect the history of individuals, and those who acted against "authority," with visual history is the essence of this book.

 The chapters are organized by place – occupied countries – with sub-headings about something specific to that place, time, or people.

The chapters are short, concise, and easy to read and understand, thus the pages turn quickly.

Even a pronunciation guide is included, just before the important dates, notes, and works consulted.  

All this book needs is a soundtrack. 

Fobbit - David Abrams - Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2011

 Thank you, David Abrams, for writing Fobbit.

     Although Fobbit is fiction, Abrams spent 20 years in the military and time in Iraq within public affairs. Obviously, he knows something about the military and what is involved within its sphere of communications.  However, with this writing being fiction, he is able to take any liberties he desires with his characters and their circumstances, which provides for an understanding of "life" for those working on base, and their experiences of war, which is not on the front lines.  This book acknowledges those who are involved in the daily activities of war "behind the scenes," and rarely, if ever, covered by the media.    For those reasons, I appreciate this book.

     To keep straight the various characters was difficult to do.  From decisions on deadlines to decisions of life or death, there was a lot of activity amongst many characters within each chapter.  In some respect, though, this was not an issue, since each character had his own situation to try to control, despite the environment and personal and professional expectations.  The internal conflict of some characters about working on base rather than in the field presents a new dynamic not seen in characters of typical books on war. I wonder if this conflict permeates the military and/or if we, as a society, hold double-standards of those in the military. 

     Understanding life and the roles of those working on base was refreshing and enlightening.  Many individuals are involved in daily operations and to support those who are in the field/on the front lines.  Yet, at the same time, as one character notes, some decisions are made easily and without reason or reflection when made within an office, with the strike of a pen, or the click of a box on a computer screen.

     I have read comments that some of this writing has come too soon after the war in Iraq.  However, for civilians in the U.S. and to off-set the media coverage, I think Fobbit and related books are necessary and important to our understanding of such a significant time and piece of history, and the influence on the individuals involved.

 

Powers Packs a Punch in The Yellow Birds

     Though the title of this post may be trite, it rings true for this superb novel about the experience of two young soldiers during the war in Iraq. Like Alice Sebold, I've been waiting for a novel about the experiences of this war, and I look forward to add it to my upcoming booktalk for students.

     I'm not sure that I can say anything different about the content from the quotations on the book jacket from other writers/authors; I can only reinforce the points made. Bartle has laid bare his emotions and thoughts. The reflection and honesty is all out there to hit the reader head-on, but with a blunt force, which may sting the reader's emotions, yet illustrates real "truth" we need to know and understand. 

    

     Time and place changes with each chapter, which added a level of complexity to the writing and  character development.  While it is not in chronological order, it seems to be in psychological order - developing the characters, their experiences, and connecting with the reader, thus spinning a framework for the reader who is then caught in a web of grey by the end of the story. 

    

     Survival, death, hate, love, and reality plays with the minds and emotions of soldiers, and can make them take action they never thought possible or rationalize the irrational.  Thus, this is the reality and downfall of Bartle. However, somewhere he finds, or has, the mental strength, to accept his actions, deal with the bitter consequences, and survive, once again.    

    

     Though I was frustrated with the style of writing, the cover is appealing, the width of  the book will attract readers, and the content will provide for a high-quality read, including some great vocabulary!

Double Dewey in one day

While this post isn't about a book in particular, it's about books....

     In one morning, on two different occasions and to two different students, I explained the Dewey Decimal System, and with one student I went into further explanation of Cutter numbers. (I never thought I'd ever talk about Cutter numbers to students!)  Both students appreciated the "lesson," and I do hope it made sense to them. They said they understood, and I can only hope it really did make sense to them, and that they will retain the information for future visits to any library, especially when it may be for a academic project that's not so fun. 

     Whole numbers, decimals and the alphabet. Maybe it should be incorporated into lessons on learning decimal points. Teachers can hit two learning objectives within the same lessons, and students will learn math and a very practical application!  

Little Brightness in The Fault in Our Stars

     I was excited to read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I probably had high expectations due to the excellent stories in his other books, and from the high praise I read and heard about this book. Unfortunately, I don't have lots of stars to give to this book in my rating. 

      Hazel has a rare and difficult challenge to face, and life is not easy for her, especially as a teenager.  The same can be said for the other members of the Cancer Kid Support Group, where she befriends Isaac and Gus.  Hazel and Isaac are believable characters, yet there were some instances with Gus that I found hard to believe. Yes, this is a work of fiction and Gus has some reflective statements and thoughts; however, I'm not sure how much students could relate to him. 

     What throws this story for me is the disjointed plot line of Hazel's obsession with the ending to her favorite book and a random trip out of the country to visit its author.  The connection come together at the end, yet, even how it comes together seems unrealistic and distracting from the core of the story.

     Green handles serious illness and death realistically, with much sensitivity, and appropriate humor needed for these characters to fight and/or accept their condition and the awful side effects of cancer and treatment.

 

E.E. Cummings "lives" through Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls

Based on real events and experiences in the life of Mary Downing Hahn, author of Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls , she writes a story that is more complex than one might expect from the first chapter.  The characters appear as "typical" teenagers  - young and innocent, yet they are confronting questions and ideas that have no easy answer, and are almost "bigger" in scope than the teens know how to handle.

     The start to summer of senior year for Nora and Ellie brings them the greatest tragedy of their lives as teenagers - the murder and death of two friends.

     The story unfolds with the town "black-listing" the ex-boyfriend of one girl, who is assumed to be the prime suspect, even after passing two lie-detector tests, and the negative repercusions that ensue. Religious beliefs are questioned, friendships and family dynamics are tested, and mental health is a concern, but quite taboo. 

     Time is a subtle, yet important element in the development of the crime, physical place of characters, and emotional development of characters.  Beginning on Friday, June 15, 1956,  the book covers that summer, fifty years later in Dec. 2006, and an afterword of the present. 

      I almost passed on this book, but I forced myself to continue, and I'm glad I did so to learn more about Nora and Buddy. I think this book would take some selling to students, and probably would be read more by girls, yet poses some good food for thought and discussion.

Education ourselves through The Miseducation of Cameron Post

     I looked forward to reading The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth because of the female, teen protagonist who is gay. I enjoyed getting to know Cameron through her dynamics with her friends, her relationship with her grandmother and family members, her reactions to the loss of her parents, and the change that is brought into her life that is not her choice.

     I do think a lot was missing in the understanding of Cameron as a young girl who realizes that  she has a sexual preference for girls, especially when living in a small town and with family members who have strong religious beliefs. I was left with lots of questions about her activities, experiences, and her reactions, or lack of reactions to all the changes in her life. 

     The internal conflict of one's sexual identify is a difficult challenge, and is handled in different ways in numerous books that deal with LGBTQ issues.  While I'm glad that Cameron seemed "okay" with her sexual identity, I'm not sure how or if teens going through such a conflict would be able to relate to Cameron.

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

     I may be "done" with the series of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin.

     Great cover art!  Created by George Mayer, the cover is what attracted me to the book. I’m also familiar with Zevin from Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac.

     Anya Balanchine is a strong, female character, which is wonderful to encounter.  However, she could be a strong character on her own or without such a focus on a romantic relationship. 
      Anya has been dealt an unlucky deck of cards, and she continues to be dealt cards that don’t work in her favor.   As a chip off the Balanchine crime family, Anya has to face the reality of what is happening in her extended family and the attempt to remove her and her siblings from the lineage. Of course, she’s only 17.
      A student of mine made the comment about too many books with weak female characters or storylines of strong female protagonists that always involve a romantic relationship with a guy.  Good point! As a result, it lingers in my mind whenever I read reviews or books. 

    This was all I could think about when I read this book – Anya is struggling, while being forced to be the foundation of and for her family.  I would have liked to see the focus remain on her strength of character as personal development, and how she handles her immediate and extended family, especially when ethics are involved and she could, or be forced to, follow in the footsteps of her father and take leadership role.  While some of the relationship is realistic, it distracts from the potential of Anya, and what may not happen in the real lives of readers.

Separate the parts, is there still a whole? Unwind by Neal Shusterman

     Shusterman has hit a bulls-eye with Unwind. The reason I attempted to read it for a 2nd time was due to the rave reviews of students.  What a book for adults to read, too!   
     Shusterman poses questions about advances in technology & medicine, right & wrong & grey areas, the "essence" of a person, life & death, and role of government and authority. There may be more, too, that I've forgotten!
    Connor - the Akron AWOL, and runaways Risa and Lev are teens who are destined to go to the Chop Shop - they will serve the needs of others by "donating" their body parts.   However, upon stumbling upon the help of an underground support system, they fight the forced end to their lives, and it's no easy task.
     Together, they influence each other to think for themselves, stand-up for their individual rights, and help each other to do what is right, even if there is potential for failure or loss.
     Like so many other novels and authors, Unwind defies the stereotype of literature geared towards 15-22 year olds.
     I have encountered many people in the world of education who consider young-adult literature to be "less than" - not high-quality, well-written material that challenges students vocabulary, belief systems/philosophy, ability to think abstractly, analyze and synthesize, or material to which young-adults can relate.
     This novel could be used in a myriad of ways, engaging higher-order thinking, questioning, and writing, and relating to many facets of "real life" for students. 
     May this book get in the hands of many students and adults.

   

What did you read during the summer?

There are many lists published and posted of good books to read during the summer.

Then, there are those books that were recommended by someone, sitting on a table, or with a cover that caught your eye - in physical or electronic form.

What did you read, and how would you rate it?

Once a Jarhead, always a Jarhead by Anthony Swofford

     Variety, Honesty, and thought-provoking are three words/phrases that come to mind to describe Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of The Gulf War and Other Battles by Anthony Swofford.  Swofford kept me engaged from page 1 with his storytelling that changes topics from chapter to chapter. Because the chapters are not necessarily tied together, he is able to move between people, events, and time, and he does not get bogged-down in details, as is the case in other books on the "experience of war." This variety keeps the pages turning and the stories "easy" to read; I was curious what the next chapter would bring.    

     I thought I would learn about the experience of a Marine, which I did; however, there was so much more than the work of the scout/sniper.  It's the humanity versus politics of war; the waiting, needing, and wanting out of war; the front lines, enemy, and death of war.  The insight and honesty commands understanding and respect.

     Swofford shares some of his experiences in boot camp, and when leadership can take one's power too far; the discipline developed through the Marines, yet the unexpected habits developed in order to handle the job; the personal conflict between knowing one's job is to serve and potentially die, yet when in war, really not wanting nor ready to die; how the Marines distinguish themselves from the other branches of the military, yet the politics that exist means that not everyone is cut for the job; the psychological war towards the enemy, leadership, and oneself.

     Now, if only Swofford could answer all the questions I have written in the margins! 

Library of Congress Exhibit "Books That Shaped America"

A new exhibition from the Library of Congress website:

Books That Shaped America

June 25–September 29, 2012

Books That Shaped America marks a starting point—a way to spark a national conversation on books and their importance in Americans’ lives, and, indeed, in shaping our nation.

This exhibit will overlap with  the National Book Festival on the National Mall—September 22–23, 2012

"The titles featured here (by American authors) have had a profound effect on American life, but they are by no means the only influential ones. And they are certainly not a list of the “best” American books, because that, again, is a matter of strong and diverse opinion. Curators and experts from throughout the Library of Congress contributed theirchoices, but there was much debate—even agony—in having to remove worthy titles from a much larger list in order to accommodate the physical constraints of this exhibition space. 

Some of the titles on display have been the source of great controversy, even derision, yet they nevertheless shaped Americans’ views of their world and often the world’s view of the United States. As you go through this exhibition, we hope the books you see will inspire you to think of other “books that shaped America” and that you will share your choices for future lists at www.loc.gov/bookfest. Please tell us how you think your book shaped America."

See the list of all 88 books at the Library of Congress' website and vote for your three favorites.

Mental Bind

    The Double Bind by Christopher A.Bohjalian meshes reality with "imagination" and contemporary characters with the story of Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby. And weave an interesting story is what Bohjalian does in this novel. 

The story is woven around Laurel who works at a homeless shelter where she met Bobbie Crocker. When he dies suddenly. he leaves behind a collection of photographs, which captures not only an initial interest of Laurel, but eventually an intense curiosity or obsession.  She is on a mission to solve a mystery that she senses lies within  the photographs.

This is realistic fiction with a few twists. An engaging read; however, I was left with a sense of confusion, though, and felt like I missed something along. I felt like I just read a fiction version of A Beautiful Mind.

Something Wicked This Summer

I had all intentions of reading Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury this summer. When he passed away in June, I decided to read this book first.  What a fun book to read in the summer, too!

The carnival has come to Green Town, IL in October, and Jim and Will have a wild and crazy time of magic, mystery, and surrealism with Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show. What these boys encounter play with the mind as to what is reality and what is imagination. When blended, how does one know the difference, as there is more than what meets the eye. 

I had to read a few pages before I was hooked, but by page 50, I was intrigued, and by page 200, well, another turn is taken, and I had to know what happens next!

Sci-fi/fantasy was not a genre I read much of in the past. However, a student assistant from 2011and a sophomore and senior from the 2011-2012 school year have encouraged me to add even more variety into my reading. Thank you, Ray Bradbury, for your wonderful contributions to the literary world.  

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins continues her talented and unique writing with Impulse.

Having read several of her other books, including Crank and Tricks, I was expecting characters with issues and conflict bigger than themselves. Certainly this is what I found with Conner, Vanessa, and Tony. These three characters find themselves at a rehabilitation center, each with different issues, yet it is this emotional, mental, and sometimes physical conflict that is a common thread between them and the other teens at the center. 

Impulse wasn't as difficult for me to handle as her other works, yet the topics are just as serious and important for teens to read about to try to understand or help other teens.  The material is important for adults to read about and be aware of, especially when working with teens. 

The directness with which Hopkins writes is cushioned with care and concern, and when her characters are ready to share. Their stories are shared throughout the book, as part of their own process of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. 

I hope Hopkins' books can get in the hands of teens who need to read such stories - who need to know they are not alone in a struggle.  The topics of a few of her books could limit their appearance on the shelves of certain school libraries, yet this could be a significant part of a teen's first step to seeking help.

Growing-up in the 1980s - immigrant story

Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen is not a new book (2007), yet it is a different perspective on the immigrant experience. Nguyen is brought to the United States from Vietnam as a very young child and spends her formative years in Grand Rapids, MI with her father, sister, grandmother, step-siblings, and step-mother, who is Hispanic.

Not only is Nguyen a minority, she is part of a blended, inter-racial family.  She has a lot to contend with as a child within her own family and the "American" culture that surrounds her from her neighbors to school to television.

Food is a constant theme throughout the book, which not only underscores her ethnic culture - Vietnamese and Hispanic - but highlights what she is not and does not have - "American" like her classmates - Betty Crocker meals, Lil Debbie snacks, Toll House cookies, homemade cupcakes. 

Always feeling awkward - the "cool" factor of her step-sister, thick glasses, the "smart" sister, while her sister is the "pretty" one, and just not always sure how to handle her family - Nguyen finds escape in books and the comfort and security of Noi, her grandmother who is always present, calm, and constant.

Nguyen keeps her story moving, though at times the story gets thick with details about TV shows or food. While, at the same time, some additional details could have been added in other chapters. 

Experiences, issues, and conflicts that many readers could understand. A nice addition to the immigration story. 

War - the embedded perspective

War by Sebastian Junger is a new favorite in this genre. Many people feel this way with the reviews noted in the front pages of the paperback published by 12.

Junger, a journalist reporting for Vanity Fair, is embedded with troops in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan between June 2007 and June 2008. The results include this book and the documentary Restrepo, produced and directed by Junger & Tim Hetherington. 

Junger speaks to the reader about the soldiers - their experiences,  brotherhood, the strategies of war, the interplay of military and community leadership.  He opens with O'Byrne, a soldier who is a constant throughout the book, and I was immersed in the book immediately,  This is the first book I read of the "embedded" perspective, and it made a difference. 

There is always a human side to war, and Junger emphasizes this side, as the theme of brotherhood resonates throughout the story, as the book opens with an introduction to O'Byrne, a soldier Junger returns to throughout the book.  Because Junger is involved on a day-to-day basis, the reader gets a glimpse into their work, their "down-time," their living conditions, the risks they take, and their "wins" and  tragic loses.   The reader can begin to understand the war these soldiers are fighting, and what the soldiers must do to survive - both physically and mentally. 

 While we must understand, or at least try to understand, their experiences, Junger includes the conflict of one soldier to return home to civilian life or to re-enlist.  It is part of his writing and reporting. This last dose of reality is one more message of the human side of military and war, and what I sensed to be a significance message. Or, maybe it's just not common in the war genre.  We - civilians and the government - must also be sure that they be able to survive upon their return home. Junger leaves us to wrestle with this and many other responsibilities.  

   

Wormfood - strong stomach or imagination?! Jeff Jacobson

Wormfood by local author Jeff Jacobson is quite the piece of creative writing.  His vivid, specific descriptions illicit quite the images of the characters, their circumstances, and all the "gross" activity involved, that made me laugh, squirm for a moment or two, and flip the page to know what happens next.  
 16-year-old Arch Turner finds himself in some weird situations over a weekend that will never end, yet, he learns a little about himself, his abilities, and what desperation will do to people. He is a laid-back, grounded kid suddenly thrown into the greed, deception, and lies of many adults in his community.  Add in the element of worms, and this makes for a good, fun read. Plus, the cover is excellent! For something different, this might be worth reading. Do note, this story may not be for those with a weak stomach and the vocabulary is not for everyone, either. 
I gave my signed copy to someone, and have yet to get it back. I think it was that good!


See cover  and reviews at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Wormfood-Jeff-Jacobson/dp/1605421014

"War is hell, but war is also paradise" - The Ghosts of Wa by Ryan Smithsonr

Ghosts of War by Ryan Smithson is his experience in Iraq as a soldier of the U.S. Army.  His story made me laugh aloud in front of strangers, brought me to tears, even though I tried hard not to cry, and gave me  pause for reflection that I turned down corners on many more pages than I expected.

His writing is deeply personal - he says these are the words that save him.  At the same time, these words can save us - to remember, appreciate, and support.  He informs and explains, educates, and shares stories using various writing techniques throughout that carry the reader from chapter to chapter.      


What is most heartening about Smithson's story is that his missions deal with dump trucks, concrete, sand bags, and other construction equipment.  He is on the "front lines" with every mission to work on roads, water pipes, or other infrastructure.  His role is not what first comes to mind when one thinks of soldiers in Iraq; however, this work does make a difference to many adults and children of Iraq - one hole sealed, one water main repaired, one bottle of water at a time.   

I think this book will find a place on my desk and sit high in my repertoire of books to recommend and/or booktalk.  I hope that many readers can take something from Smithson's experience and insight to try to face our fears, have faith in humanity, and  realize the power of brotherhood.

To Smithson and all other military personnel on U.S. soil and abroad, thank you.    

Book Trailer in audio-visual form....excellent! This trailer sells the book for me!

Crater by Homer Hickam

National Public Radio - Books has a list of potential good books for the summer!
"Summer Books 2012: The Complete List."  includes recommendations from indie booksellers, 13 Great Books on the Horizon, suggestions from Nancy Pearl, and cookbooks. See links at bottom of page for covers of and details about books.