Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

This very interesting and accessible book, Prisoners of Geography, looks at maps of 10 regions and/or countries around the world, including Russia, China, the USA, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Japan and Korea, and Greenland and the Arctic.  In each case, Tim Marshall highlights the impact of geography over time. For example, in the chapter on Latin America, he describes South America as essentially being “a demographically hollow continent [whose] coastline is often referred to as its ‘populated rim’.” Marshall goes on to comment about how during the second half of the twentieth century “Central and South America became a proxy battlefield of the Cold War,” a topic that our students are currently studying. He turns to more modern issues, too, noting the growing influence of China in the region with examples like construction of the Nicaragua Grand Canal.

Marshall’s experience and knowledge of geo-politics is extensive; he has reported for over 25 years from over 30 countries, covering conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and throughout the Middle East.  Also interesting for our students is that he is looking through a European lens -- here is a short video of him discussing Prisoners of Geography with a correspondent from the BBC: 

Our copy of Prisoners of Geography is on order and will be available soon.

Freakboy by Kristin Elizabeth Clark

      Freakboy is a fast-paced novel, written in verse format, about 3 young adults who are learning about themselves, how to survive in a culture in which they do not conform, and how to be honest with others, when it’s the hardest thing to do.
  

     In particular is Brendan.  A senior high school, Brendan has everything going for him – high school sports, academics, a great girlfriend, and opportunities for college.  But, something just doesn’t seem to be right; something just doesn’t feel right, but he can’t explain it. Feeling frustrated without knowing what to do or where to go, Brendan makes some choices that will have negative consequences. One of those consequences may be just the thing that will help him get back on track.  With the help of a friend, he may not get onto the right track immediately, but he now has some answers – some reasons why he feels as he does, and a sense of hope to move forward.
    
     Clark exposes some of the hidden realities and brutalities of life, the lure of simply letting go, and the love and care that can be found in the most unexpected places.  Brendan, Angel, and Vanessa are courageous and strong, more than meets the eye, and represent so many people who are taking strides, or maybe baby steps, towards who they feel is their “true” self, and all within a culture that is now beginning to recognize, understand, accept, and respect the LGBTQ community.  Clark brings us one step closer to acknowledging and helping this community – both those who identify with it and for those who are wondering, just like Brendan, and aren’t quite sure what to do or where to go on their journey of life.

The Hours Count by Jillian Cantor

Jillian Cantor’s new book, The Hours Count, is a fascinating look at Cold War America from a very personal perspective.  The main character, Millie Stein, is a young, impressionable housewife and a new mother when she meets her neighbor, Ethel Rosenberg, in 1947.  Over the next six years, the women develop a friendship and share child care duties as they try to support each other.

While Julius Rosenberg is portrayed as an attentive and kind father, Millie’s husband, Ed, is cold towards his son David who does not speak and thus has trouble communicating.  Millie, too, is isolated and eventually forms a bond with Dr. Jake Gold who ties to help David. Frankly, Millie’s character was not especially likeable – the poor women seemed overly naive and certainly reflected stereotypes of the time.  For example, she was very dependent on her Russian immigrant husband’s “generosity” for weekly food money and new furniture.

Throughout The Hours Count, there is a melancholy sadness. This is partly because many readers will know that Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were the only American civilians executed for espionage activity during the Cold War, leaving their young sons orphaned in 1953.  The mood of the book is also somber due to the “fear” that seems pervasive and multi-layered: fear of disease (small pox inoculation scene); fear of some mysterious “fog”; fear of the atomic bomb; and fear of Communists; Millie’s fears of loneliness and of her husband. Yes, in the end, there is even fear of the FBI and the American government. The suspense builds and trust teeters as the time for the Rosenbergs' execution approaches.  

The Hours Count received a starred review from Library Journal. For more information, Jillian Canto lists several books which she used in her research on the Rosenbergs, including titles written or edited by their sons: The Rosenberg Letters, An Execution in the Family and We are Your Sons.