I've learned an important lesson about books over the years, and it's this: there are far more books out there that will bore you to death, than books that will intrigue you and inspire you. With that said, there are still thousands upon thousands of powerful books as well. Books that have a way of opening your eyes, and even changing your mind about things. Here are my five favorite:
1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: I put this book at the top of my list for several reasons. To begin, it's about one of the most important topics any of us could grapple with: living a meaningful life. Tuesdays with Morrie is a true story about a college professor who is dying. Yet, as Morrie Schwartz is dying, he speaks with one of his old students about the importance of living better, more fully even. This book, more than any other, has had the greatest impact on the way I live, the way I think, and even the way I teach.
2. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah: (Mature content) Civil wars have become all too common in Africa, and this nonfiction book relays a story about a child in Sierra Leone who becomes a child soldier. The book describes, in detail, the atrocities that take place during the war, and the manipulation that takes place in order to convert Ishmael into a child soldier. This is a fascinating novel, but it's also graphic and emotionally challenging to read. If you're thinking about reading it for class, you must have permission from you parents.
3. Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli: Sometimes the most recent books we've read become our favorites simply because they're so fresh in our minds. This is partially the case with Milkweed. However, it's also an amazing story about a child during the beginning of WWII, who wanders the streets of Warsaw, Poland, stealing food and different goods from the rich, and even giving to the poor. A WWII Robin Hood of sorts. It's a powerful story, and extremely well written.
4. A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer: During my first year teaching in California, a student gave me this book and said, "Mr. Topf, you HAVE TO READ THIS. It's easily the best book I've ever read." Sure enough, the story was incredible. A young child, around the age of eight or nine I believe, grows up in an abusive home. His father and mother are both alcoholics and the mom take all of her anger, unhappiness, and frustration out on her son, Dave Pelzer. What makes this even more tragic is the fact that it's a true story. Every student who has read this book has loved it, and been moved by it.
5. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson: I read this book last year and it inspired me in so many ways. This is non-fiction, and it follows a man on his journey through Pakistan and Afghanistan, trying desperately to build schools in villages where there are none. In the process he gets captured by the Taliban, watches war break out, and risks his life regularly to help the children get an education.
More Books: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Alchemist, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Maus I and II, and so many more...
