Wednesday, August 26, 2015 – The Book Report or What Did You Read This Summer?

Bryan Carnegie History Center, Bryan, Texas Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie firmly believed in self-education for everyone and that libraries helped those who helped themselves. He would provide funds for the construction of libraries if a city would provide a suitable site and agree to provide money equal to at least one tenth of the construction grant annually in order to maintain the library and purchase books. Bryan, Texas was among the early cities that took advantage of his offer in 1901. http://www.brazoscountyhistory.org/node/22

I see where a Duke freshman does not want to read a book on the Duke University recommended reading list because it is against his moral stance. The name of the book is Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.

From the article – “This is the latest case of college students rejecting literature that deals with sexuality, violence, racism, and other themes that might make them uncomfortable. What we’re seeing here is a phenomena in which students are seeking not freedom of speech but freedom from speech they dislike.” http://news.yahoo.com/duke-freshman-s-moral-stance-against–fun-home–part-of-larger-movement-against-uncomfortable-education-224428685.html

Here’s What I’m Thinking – Number one – the book is on the recommended list. That means there are other books you can read. Number two – a reason to go to college is to expand your viewpoints and learn about other cultures and viewpoints. It is does not mean you have to change yours. What are your plans for the rest of your life? To live in an intellectual and socially isolated bubble that contains only those who share your belief structure? Good luck.

I was offended (and it does take a lot to offend me) that the population of the United States went apedookey crazy over Fifty-Shades of Gray. Yes, I read all three. The entire series was offensive in terms of content, plot, characters and writing style and it should be offensive to every great writer that has ever come along. However, offensive I found the book, it did not make me want to run out and buy whips, chains and tickling things.

This summer I read the following books. I provided a short word or phrase that offends my moral stance on issues. I would recommend them all. What did you read?

Texas Rising – Stephen L. Moore (war; overthrow of government)
The Sound and The Fury – William Faulkner (poverty, ignorance, incest)
The Zookeeper’s Wife – Diane Ackerman (Nazis, WWII, Holocaust)
Go Set a Watchman – Harper Lee (racism)
Dead Wake – Erik Larson (World War I; killing of innocent people; )
Catch 22 – Joseph Heller – 2nd time and actually understand it this time (World War II)
All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr – Pulitzer Prize Winner (Nazis, Holocaust, WWII)
The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins (murder, adultery,)
Diamond Willow (read twice) – Helen Frost (teenage runaway)
Cat’s Cradle – Kurt Vonnegut -second time to read; funnier this time (WWII and the atomic bomb, a satire)