A Lesson Before Dying- Audio

Ernest J. Gaines writes compelling stories that requires readers to think beyond their typical viewpoint. After reading his novel, ...Miss Jane Pitmann, I was looking forward to reading A Lesson Before Dying. Gaines highlights two stories closely, Grant and Jefferson, who are in the midst of recognizing human worth, learning about their relationship with God and their purpose in life. Grant, a school teacher in the quarter, is asked to meet with an inmate who is on death row. Jefferson, that inmate, is thought of with little value except from his nana. Gaines highlights the unfair treatment of African American people in 1940s through specifically the judicial system. 

I was challenged to look further of who God is and how different cultures view their ability to receive God's love. As a white person, it was eye opening to think about how some African American's can view God as for white people and not for all. It is saddening to think of the many hinderances that were done "in the name of God" but negatively represented Christ. 

I listened to this audio book, partially on a drive through Thanksgiving and then when I returned to my home. I wasn't captivated by the writing or story for 85% of the story. At the last disc, I was finally interested when it came to the viewpoint of the inmate. As the narrator read through the journal of the inmate, the story became more interesting. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend the story, but if someone asked specifically for the book, I wouldn't dismiss it. It is important to view other's stories, this story accomplished that goal.      

The Road to Little Dribbling

Bill Bryson is a favorite author of mine, who shares a sarcastic sense of humor and has travelled to many areas I would like to. Bryson walks, rides and drives throughout Great Britain noting significant (and insignificant) thoughts of what he experiences. He weaves humor into each chapter and highlights his favorite parts of Great Britain. Bryson lived in the United States before moving in college. Though there are many fun facts in this book, one important lesson, cows kill more people than bulls. I would recommended this book, though there are a lot of foul words being used and some sexual references. This was borrowed from the public library. 

Troublemaker

I heard about this autobiography while listening to a podcast, remarking about how Leah Remini had auditioned for the role of Monica on Friends, unsuccessfully landing the part. I was further curious to have a better understanding of Scientology which she left. I wasn't a faithful fan of The King of Queens, but knew who the actress was before I read the book. What an eye opener of Scientology, it is saddening to read this and learn of what people choose to do and how some raise their kids. I don't know anyone personally who practices this belief, but know how to better pray for people in this cult. Leah is very blunt about what has happened through her life so far, good, bad and ugly. For the honesty, I am impressed and thankful. It is not all as bright as it looks on the other side. I borrowed this from the public library. This contains a lot of foul language.

Red at the Bone

Every other Jacqueline Woodson book I have read was an outstanding book that I recommended and often bought. I am unwilling to do either for Red at the Bone. This book is vastly different than the kids books that I appreciate by Woodson, this adult novel is very graphic with sexual content and has a high rate of cursing. I realize that this is based on a culture and lifestyle, but it didn't add to my appreciation to the book. The story would be more likable without the above content. I borrowed this from the local library. It has been on the bestseller list for multiple weeks.

The Blind Side - Evolution of a game

I saw it at the library, I didn't pay attention when the movie said based on the book by Michael Lewis. There are plenty of lines in the book that are quoted word for word. Michael Lewis goes beyond the Tuohy family to find the history of the offensive linebacker, the position Michael Oher is seemingly built to play. Lewis introduces the rise of importance of the offensive linebacker, laying out the important physical build to lead up to Oher's experience of the game. 

As most people have at least heard of the movie, there is a basic understanding of Michael Oher's life in Memphis, transitioning from an all black neighborhood to moving in and becoming family with a white family. Going beyond what a movie is able to portray, Lewis highlights the struggles and life Michael had and how by looking at his childhood, there is no way he should be in the position he is today. 

Michael Lewis intertwines the various stories to give the reader views they have not previously been exposed to. Though some sections are harder to remain focused on, this book challenges readers to look beyond their race and upbringing to identify people they can help another human being out. 

Lewis is similar to Malcolm Gladwell, identifying the oddball that doesn't belong in a situation, and identifying the factors that propelled them to their success. Looking deeper than just the "stars lining up," to identify key factors throughout a persons life. Michael Lewis has written other books focused on sports, including Moneyball, highlighting the key stats that make winning baseball teams. 

Orphan Train

 A novel that opens your eyes to an event that you haven't heard of before is truly a gift. This novel highlights historical events that shaped the Midwest as we know it, providing children as laborers and house workers for many farms and families. Christina Baker Kline created a story that drew you in to both main characters, created a picture of growing up in the 1920s and provided a reader with realities of living in the foster care system. It is not always a favorable picture, the truth isn't always. Kline does provide a redemptive ending, demonstrating throughout hardships people can rise and find a family of their choosing. 

Kline highlights the actual orphan trains in the 1920s and has done quality research to inform readers of conditions these orphans endured. The story intertwines between the Midwest and a coastal Maine town, proving  relatable to many. The updated ending also includes a book study guide and questions answered by the author. This book challenges how we interact with foster children and to examine the grim reality of the past. 

Borrowed from administrator at school, and will pass along to another co-worker.

The Women in the Castle

Jessica Shattuck takes an approach to a historical novel that I hadn't really thought about or read about. Shattuck writes of German citizens that opposed Nazi rule during World War II, highlighting the people that lead the resistance and their goal to stop Hitler. 

It might be easy to clump all Germans together, aware of what was going on and supporting Nazi forces, that would be a mistake. Take a step back and remember media and information was not as widespread as today, and hindsight is more clear than the moment. Reading this novel reminded me that not every German supported Hitler and some people do the best they can with the information they have been given. This book is a reminder to dig deeper, to not be satisfied with the information presented to you and the importance of friendship and forgiveness. 

Jessica Shattuck is a writer of both fiction and non-fiction, with multiple listings on the New York Times bestsellers. This book was found at the local library. 

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

Usually when I read, it is an author that looks like me, talks like me and frequently thinks like me. I have been challenged to read, grow and learn from authors and people that challenge what I have grown up and live with. I don't want to live in an echo chamber, and I know I live in a world that is privileged for me. So, I will broaden my reading library and learn from other stories and lives. 

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines was recommended off a reading list for high school students. I wanted to preview this book before possibly having a class read it. To be honest, I hadn't heard of this novel or the author. Ernest J. Gaines was born in 1933 in Louisiana. This particular story is historical fiction taking place in Louisiana, following slavery to freedom rights movement, particularly focusing on the life of Jane starting as she was a slave on a plantation to when she is 109.  Throughout reading this story, I was challenged to understand context and language but more so challenged to understand history. History that I have not really been exposed to or understand a different point of view and what really happened. Through this book I have a better picture or really a glimpse of how people different than myself have been and continue to be treated. What am I going to do with this information I learned? My goal is to remember that people experience the world different than I do, and do what I can to change that in my classroom. 

This book was borrowed from my local library, it did take over a month to be able to borrow it after I put it on hold. Gaines has a collection of published books in African American literature. 

Gaines, E.J. (1971). The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. New York: Dial Press.