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I can't encourage you to read enough. If you don't like to read, I usually think you just haven't found the right book yet!
Many universities participate in the Freshmen Common Read in which all students and faculty read the same book on the summer before fall classes begin. Many of those on that list are now in our library. Those of you applying to the U of A in Fayetteville will be asked for 5 works of literature that have impacted you, that you have read in the last year. As you choose your books to read, you might keep that in mind.
In the meantime, here are some of my favorites...
Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni is a must-read for any student and parent wondering about where to apply to a college. I read it this May and wish I could have shared it with our seniors this year, especially those stressing about the application process.
Another resource is a book by Frank Palmisani, Right College, Right Price. Frank is a high school counselor and financial aid expert. His point is that you can still afford college, but it should be a thoughtful, rational process matching you with a school you can afford and still get the education you need. I haven't read it, but it's on me Want To Read list!
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
A nonfiction book telling the story of Louis Zamperini. Our character traits of resilience, perseverance, courage, respect, and forgiveness are exemplified in this story. It's in our library. Check it out!
David and Goliath:
Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
by Malcolm Gladwell
A fascinating book about turning disadvantages into advantages,
being resilient, innovative, and courageous.
Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder, is the story of Dr. Paul Farmer. He founded Partners In Health, and this is the story of his work in Haiti while in medical school. Initiative was the character trait we discussed with this book.
My Beloved World is the autobiography of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
We talked about this book when we discussed the character traits of initiative and responsibility.
The Glass Castle, the true story of Jeannette Walls, now a journalist for msnbc, is an amazing story of resilience and perseverance.
http://www.npr.org/2011/08/18/139755304/the-freshman-common-read-the-other-wes-moore
The Other Wes Moore is the true story of two young men, both named Wes Moore, who grew up just miles from each other, but whose lives went two very different directions. The author was a featured speaker at Harding's lecture series last year.
Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario
Named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle,Miami Herald, and San Antonio Express-News.
Named the Best Non-Fiction Book of 2014 by The Latino Author.
Among the most chosen books as a freshman or common read: 87 Universities, 16 cities and scores of high schools nationwide have adopted Enrique’s Journey as a their freshman or common read. Middle schools are now adopting a version adapted for young readers as their common read.
Code Talker by Chester Nez
I listened to this on CD and it was an eye-opening experience for me to hear about the Native American experience of Chester as a young boy living on the Navajo reservation and how he came to be a United States Marine and part of a WWII secret plan using the Navajo language to send secret messages. I'm not sure if it's in our school library, but I found it at the Beebe Goff Library. It's excellent! I did find a number of books in our school library about this same subject and they are on the Accelerated Reader list. Check them out!
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