Teacher Picks

"Without a doubt, one of my favorite books is Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. This true story chronicles the life of Chris McCandless who renounced his family’s wealth and decided to follow his own path in life. Chris completed a university degree and then sold or gave away virtually all of his possessions and traveled the US by working short term jobs and living in the wild as much as possible. He ultimately made his way to the Alaskan wilderness. Chris unfortunately ran into many obstacles and made some fatal mistakes. This story is very moving for me as it speaks to that quest in all of us of trying to figure out who we are and how we fit into the world. I loved his resilience and his passion for the outdoors. It’s a great story, though admittedly there are parts of the biography that I feel are not necessary to the story. If you like biographies, this one is a great choice!"

This book was also turned into a movie-adaptation by the same name!

"When I recall my time as a high school student, it’s mesmerizing to consider the number of changes in my life since then. While some things have remained the same, many have not. Indeed, we are all in a state of constant change and evolution. While, understandably, this can be a frightening and overwhelming reality, if you read “The Brain that Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge, you may see that personal change can be liberating and beneficial.

I first came across this book as a student at Memorial University. At the time, I was considering a career as a teacher, and this book played a significant role in solidifying my decision as it showed me that education and learning can have profound effects on a neurological level. The book, which can be described as a brain science book intended for a general audience, focuses on the science of neuroplasticity. In other words: the capacity for the human brain to change in fundamental ways. It primarily focuses on one’s ability, through intentional actions, to improve brain function in a positive way. It was while reading this book that I discovered that measurements such as IQ, rather than being fixed from a young age, can increase or decrease, flourish or flounder, depending on how one uses their brain. The book also sheds light on how one can improve other brain functions such as memory, attention, focus, and empathy.

While the book was, and still very much is, a source of hope for me, it also presents a key social justice challenge. Namely, if education and brain-stimulating activities can improve cognitive function, then we as a society have a collective obligation to inform people of the power of the brain to improve throughout their lives, and to provide accessible, tangible means for people to do so. After all, if change is inevitable, why not try to create positive change for the greatest number possible."

'“It all counts.” This is Grace Lisa Vandenburg’s opening statement in Addition by Toni Jordan. I easily fell into the details of Grace’s life in Australia. In her world, everything “counts”, literally. She counts how many steps she takes to the sidewalk in front of her apartment, how many bananas she chooses to buy, how many times she brushes each tooth … and more. Counting gives her a sense of calm when the numbers work out. But, it distresses her to the point of paralysis when they don’t. Grace believes that counting keeps her focused on what is really important in life.

“Life is brushing your teeth or making a sandwich or watching the

news or waiting for the bus. Or walking. Everyday, thousands of

tiny events happen and if you’re not watching, if you’re not

careful, if you don’t capture them and make them count, you could miss it. You could miss your whole life.”

Grace’s early life, her childhood, is a mystery to her but she doesn’t dwell on it. She doesn’t consider herself to be an emotional type. Why waste energy on being sentimental or getting attached? As her story unfolds, however, she comes to realize she might be more flexible than she thought. Counting is predictable. Life, and all its surprises, is not. This book reminds us to embrace the unexpected and stay present in our own lives."

"One of my favorite books is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffers and Annie Barrows. The book tells the story of a small community who come together during the Nazi occupation of the island of Guernsey during World War II. In my opinion, this historical novel has the perfect mixture of friendship, humor and romance, while also emphasizing a strong sense of place and belonging. If you are looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend this one."

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is a historical novel set in World War two. It is an epistolary novel, meaning the story is told through a series of letters sent back and forth by the characters. The novel is a New York times bestseller, and has since gone on to be adapted into a Netflix original, starring Lily James as the protagonist.

"I was in grade 10 at Holy Heart of Mary High School and was sitting in Newfoundland Culture class when my teacher introduced me to what would become my favorite book. Mrs. Wall told my class that she had just finished reading “Trinity” by Leon Uris and found it so interesting, she wanted to share it. She explained some of the comparisons between Newfoundland and Irish culture featured in this novel. Although interested, I did not run out right away to purchase a copy; however, I never forgot her enthusiasm. About a year later, I bought a second-hand copy at a used bookstore. I was intimidated by the 800 plus pages but dove in nonetheless. I was hooked from the first page! The opening takes place in Ballyutogue, Ireland in the late 1800’s. I met Conor Larkin, a young boy who had just lost his grandfather. The history and culture of Ireland came to life through Conor as he navigated friendship, family, love, the Troubles and warfare. The author’s ability to weave detailed historical facts and various aspects of Irish culture into a fictional story is captivating. My love of history started with this novel and developed as I read all of Uris’s other works. I still have my tattered and yellowed, yet much-loved, copy of this novel. "

Trinity was published in 1976, and spent weeks atop the bestsellers list. The novel made Irish history more recognized, and exposed a generation of readers to Irish culture and heritage, much of which we see as an influence to the culture of Newfoundland.

"The book I'm currently reading and enjoying is a memoir by Bono called Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story. U2 is my favourite band and I have been long fascinated by Bono the rock star and Bono the activist. I'm also doing something I've never done before and that is following along while I listen to the audiobook. Narrated by Bono himself, the audiobook contains snippets of the band's songs, some of their influences as well as snippets of reworked/reimagined songs from U2's discography (an album of these reworked songs is supposed to be released in the next little while). Listening to the author recite these stories as well as hearing new and familiar tunes is proving to be quite the immersive experience."

The novel was published November of this year, and can be bought online at Chapters or Amazon.