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Justice
for All: Earl Warren and the Nation He Made
By: Jim Newton
Recommended by:
Mr. Nieskens
Plot:
Not many people serve as chief executive of the fastest growing
state, run on a national ticket, lead an investigation of a presidential
assassination and preside as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court which struck
the crucial blow to segregation. But Earl Warren did. And along the way he
was widely praised yet widely reviled. This book will explain it all.
Why read?
For over three tumultuous decades,
Earl Warren's life is wrapped around many of the important issues and
decisions of American History. Understanding the man and his role is well
worth the lengthy read.
Somebody:
The Reckless
Life and Remarkable
Career of Marlon Brando
By:Stefan Kanfer
Recommended
by: Mr. Nieskens
Plot:
No one could ever dispute Brando's talent. But this biography goes
beyond his talent and presents a harsher assessment of Brando's career and
personal life. While some may only know him as Vito Corleone, they will find
a career that spanned over forty years mixed with a tumultuous personal life
and a more than passing interest in social causes.
Why read?
Book is a fair
depiction of one of the giants of Hollywood. Not sure this biography will
make one want to "walk like Brando..." but the reader will never lose
interest in the subject.
Mockingbird:
A Portrait of Harper Lee
By: Charles J. Shields
Recommended by:
Mr. Nieskens
Plot: Ever wonder why
anyone would write one of the greatest novels in American literature and
stop right there without writing another major work? Then reading the
biography of Nelle Harper Lee of "To Kill a Mockingbird" fame is a book for
you. Despite its success, Lee doesn't seem to forget her humble Alabama
roots which makes her a more endearing subject. Readers might also find
interesting her relationship with childhood friend Truman Capote and her
extensive work on his enormously successful nonfiction novel, "In Cold
Blood".
Why read?
If you're anything like me and was
spellbound by Mockingbird's story of childhood innocence and portrayal of
early 20th century southern mores, then this is a book to read.
Against
All Odds: My Story
By Chuck Norris
Recommended by:
Andrew L.
Plot: Yes, he wrote a
book. It chronicles Chuck's life, and it's written by the man himself. Get
to know the man who can slam a revolving door.
Why Read? Yes, it's a nice read.
Reviewers Note:
Chucktatorship.
A
Child Called "It"By: Dave
Pelzer
Recommended by:
Riesa T.
Plot:
As a young child, Dave thought that he was the luckiest kid in the world. He
had a mom and dad who adored him and younger brothers whom he could play
with. However, as Dave got older his life began to change. The mother who
was once so loving towards him turned into an abusive alcoholic. The father
who Dave once thought of as his hero turned a blind eye to Dave's mother's
abusive ways. The brothers who Dave once played with turned against him and
tried to get Dave into trouble. Everyday was a new struggle for survival and
for food. In order to survive Dave had to play his mothers sick games and
somehow win. To Dave it seemed that he was no longer a member of his family.
In Dave mother's mind he was no longer her child but a thing, an "It".
Why read? This book is very interesting and intense. While reading this book you will be amazed with a young child's will and determination to survive. Although this book is sad, you will find yourself wondering how the book will end and how Dave will get out of his mother's abusive household. The fact that this a real story will make the events in this book so much more dramatic. It is mind blowing to think of how a young child had the courage to endure such physical and emotional abuse. This book also opens your eye to what kids that are abused have to suffer through each day. I loved this book because although it was very sad I was amazed and awed by Dave Pelzer and by his courage. This book makes each and every reader connect with Dave's feelings and thoughts.
Three
Cups of Tea By: Greg Mortenson and
David Relin
Recommended by:
Ms. Donahue
Plot:
In 1993, Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber, got lost on K2 and wandered
into a Parkistan village. In return for saving his life, he promised to
build them a school. The book chronicles his efforts over the next 10 years
to build nearly 60 schools in Taliban territory on his mission to promote
peace one school at a time.
Why read? The historical and cultural information about Afganistan and Pakistan contained in this book is better than what you'll hear at a Pentagon briefing. When someone lives with the villagers and understands them the way Greg Mortenson does, perspectives shift. Education is our most vital weapon.
Orwell: Wintry Conscience of a Generation
By: Jeffrey
Meyers
Recommended by:
Mr. Moran
Plot: Even people who never read know about
Big Brother. Meyerss
biography of Big Brother's creator explores the
ways in which the rough experiences of the young Eric Blair (Orwells real
name) led to the novels and perfect essays of the adult writer.
Why read? Meyers is never stuffy or pretentious; his biography is readable, intelligent and convincing. If you enjoyed Animal Farm or 1984, pick up a copy of Orwells essays and this biographyyoull have a great summer.
Eleanor Rooselvet: Volume I
Recommended by: Mrs. Aufiero
Plot: This biography (which reads like a novel) is a fascinating look into the life of Eleanor through her first year as First Lady. Perhaps the most important American woman of the 20th century, Eleanor changed her own life...and then the lives of millions!
Why read? Eleanor is a great example of overcoming challenges, facing fears, & tackling our inner demons to rise above adversity. You'll probably want to read volume II as well to learn why Eleanor is the greatest American president we never had!
The Emperor of Scent
By:
Chandler Burr
Recommended by:
Ms. Donahue
Plot:
Luca Turin, a brilliant scientist, develops
a new theory for how the sense of smell works. He anticipates receiving a
Nobel Prize but is met with suspicion by scientists with a lot to lose if he
is right. The author shows corruption in the scientific peer review process
and provides insight into the perfume industry, scientific secrecy and
corporate greed.
Why read? Physics, biology, chemistry and the other sciences are very different. However, we can only understand the sense of smell by combining our knowledge of each science. Turin is brilliant enough to do this. The science in the book may be difficult to follow at times but the story is no less compelling and current.
The Map that Changed the
World By: Simon Winchester
Recommended by:
Ms. Donahue
Plot: While rather a dry read, the story of the inventor of the geologic map is fascinating. William Smith is credited with being the father of geology.
Why read? Rock lovers will see what Smith but no one else could seestrata. Set in the Victorian era in England, the book is also a commentary on social structure. The good guy wins in the end.
No Pretty
Pictures: A Child of War By:
Anita Lobel
Recommended by: Betsy
W.
Plot:
Childrens book writer and illustrator
Anita Lobel tells the harrowing tale of her childhood in Poland during World
War II and her mothers heroic efforts to keep the
family alive in the face of a brutal enemy.
Why read? This is a thrilling true tale of survival against all the odds with an ending that will leave you astonished!
Luckiest Man: The
Life and Death of Lou Gehrig
By: Jonathan Eig
Recommended by:
Dmitriy Y.
Plot: The life story of Lou Gehrig, how he got into baseball, and how ALS put to and end the career of one of the greatest baseball players ever.
Why read? Its a very sad but inspiring story that anyone can appreciate, baseball fan or not.
The Glass
Castle By: Jeannette Walls
Recommended by: Cara
Schorpp
Plot: This book is
about Jeannette Walls interesting and
extraordinary life. Jeannette was not like most children her age. Her family
was quite different. They moved from house to house, place to place. They
were always on the go. Her father taught her many different things.
Jeannette's parents were not as normal as other parents. They taught their
children in different ways, like how they never
really had their children stay in one school, and than homeschooling them
the rest of the time. They also lived in a very weird way. They never had
garbage cans, they would throw all their garbage into the middle of the
kitchen floor. After learning a lot from her parents and moving along with
her life she discovered new adventures. By reading this book you will
discover many adventures Jeannette Walls had.
Why read? This book is worth reading because, it teaches you how a family can survive by doing things not as normal people do. Also, they all stuck together in hard times and that teaches you a lot about families. I believe that people my age should read this book because these kids had a life without any of the things we have today. Computers, gameboys, expensive clothes, etc. They lived a life based on moving and not being able to have what they wanted.
Reviewers note: The Glass Castle is filled with many page turners and exciting adventures. I recommend that kids and adults should read this book.
John
Adams By: David McCullough
Recommended by: Monica P.
Plot:
The detailed life of John Adams, adamant proponent of the American
Revolution and second president of the United States.
Why read:
For any history lover who truly wants ALL
the details! However, it could be tedious for someone who is not passionate
about the subject.
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