The Unlikely Disciple: The Eye Opening Experience

A while back, I picked up the book The Unlikely Disciple:  A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose.

In it, Roose recounts a semester-long project in which he infiltrates Liberty University--Jerry Falwell's own conservative Christian school.  He describes himself as someone who "grew up in the ultimate secular/liberal family (my parents are Quakers who used to work for Ralph Nader), and I went to Brown University – a school that, by Falwellian standards, is only a notch or two above Sodom and Gomorrah."

I'm not sure what I expected when I opened to the first chapter, but I was sure I knew whether or not Roose would convert before I read the last pages.  What I found in the interim was a deeply moving lesson regarding the "outsider's" view of conservative Christianity.

To call a spade a spade, I would have to honestly tell you that my mouth is my biggest problem.  Sometimes it works sans filter.  Correction.  Often it works sans filter.  But I can't seem to get this scripture out of my mind:  "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless" (James 1:26).

It bothers me.  I haven't done much about it, but Roose's book made it a little hard to ignore.  His major issue was the generous use of the words "gay" or "queer" as an insult to other guys in the dorm.  Those things were particularly insulting to him because he was very close to his two lesbian aunts--two women who would've found that language reprehensible.

What I wonder is why the Christian community doesn't find this language just as reprehensible?  If we're truly called to be set apart, and different, and we're expected to "keep [our] tongues from evil
and [our] lips from deceitful speech," how do we become so married to obviously perjorative phrases (1 Peter 3:10)?

Truthfully, I think it's due to lack of vigilance.  We don't always consider the weight of our words.  We've forgotten the charge laid on us in Titus:  ^"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us" (Titus 2:7-8).

I hate to give any of my readers a spoiler, but the chances are good that I won't internalize this concept over night.  Or in a week.  And since I've been stewing on it for about a month, I think it's pretty safe to say that it's going to be a while before there is an effective follow through.

To be fair, words weren't Roose's only issue.  He encountered a lot of great guys who confessed Christ, but spent more time on personal lusts or gains than in scripture.  While I'd like to say that issues like this one are subject to young men on college campuses, the chances that someone would have the same experience after a semester with me is likely.  Highly.  Likely.

Were there great examples of Christ?  Absolutely.  And some of them really did impact Roose more deeply than I think he's able to articulate in the book.  In fact, I would venture to say that many of those "Christian" experiences have opened his eyes, too.  Thank God that's the case.  I'd hate to think I was the only one who got an eye opening experience out of his words.

In short, which this post totally isn't, you should read it.  For a hundred different reasons.  Whether you believe Christ or not.  Because we could all use a message in what it is to be genuine.

Which is a lesson I suppose Roose learned, too.

Harry Potter and the Theatre of Never Ending Sadness

Source

This week, the last Harry Potter movie makes its debut.

Seven books.  Eight movies.  Now, millions of fans finally get to see what will become of Harry.

And I can finally put my "this-movie-is-not-an-accurate-depiction-of-a-completely-magical-series-and-carries-none-of-the-same-wonderful-qualities-of-the-book" argument.

I'd like to say I fell in love with the books from the very beginning, but I actually didn't discover them until three volumes were already printed and popular.  By then, I just wanted to see what the fuss was about.

Source

When Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire made its appearance via a Barnes and Noble celebration, I was there.  I made a repeat performance for books five, six, and seven.  And, like any good friend, I forced Sheena and Kate to join me for a butterbeer in the lobby while we waited amid throngs of elementary aged people.  (Not to mention Big Bro who was an employee at B&N at the time and always made sure my name got on the reserved list.  In case you wanted to know, I would totally beat a fourth grader to get my copy of the book.)

I also stayed up all night to read each purchase.  Because I'm actually 12 years old.  Or I have the literary taste of a sixth grader.  Whichever you prefer.

I did, however, feel connected to the characters.  If Rowling can be commended for anything, it should be for her ability to draw readers into a story and get them to commit to the imaginary people she fleshed out over the course of a couple thousand pages.  I felt for Harry.  I cheered for Neville.  I wanted to be admirable like Luna (though, a little less weird).  Smart like Hermione.  Accepting like Ron.  Farsighted like Dumbledore.  (We'll stop here before I list every single character from the book. I would TOTALLY be willing to do that.  Every.  Single.  One.)

It's my commitment to those characters that makes me despise the movies with everything in me.  Three of the major actors have admitted they've never read the books.  If you read the article, you'll note that the actors who play Dumbledore, Snape and Voldemort haven't read the books because they feel it's enough to follow the screenplay.  Unfortunately, there is a personality that has been created and sustained--and that personality will be clearly played out in the books, guys.  You know.  The ones you refuse to read because you don't see it as necessary.

I waited in line to see the very first Harry Potter movie.  I almost wet myself in anticipation of seeing the mesmerizing words play out on the big screen.  Thirty yawns in, I realized the film misses something--and I don't just mean actors who don't capture the characters and scenes that don't quite match up to their literary counterparts.  There's just something that isn't quite right.

Now, I just reread the books almost every year.  Every time I put them down I feel a little sad that it's all over again...but I find the result of the fight between good and evil exhilirating--and that's a feeling I never got sitting in the theatre (Which was totally not the case with Lord of the Rings.  But that's another topic for another day.)

I'm just asking...because I need to offer my two cents... please, don't make your judgments on the movies.  I'm afraid they are a sad substitute for the real deal.

Aspirations and Books

Sometimes I wonder how the Pioneer woman does it.  She blogs, writes cook books, takes pictures and manages to run a ranch AND homeschool.  I managed to get out of bed and get ready this morning only to get to school and somewhat get material across. 

When I got home, I fix a couple of hotdogs and called myself good.  I'm sure her homemade chili would've tasted better, but I'm good with the hotdogs (and they were quick).  But that doesn't stop me from being jealous of all the things she seemingly does with ease.  Simply put, I want to be the Pioneer Woman.

_______________

Since I seemed to put it by the wayside last year, I thought I'd try to randomly update what I'm currently reading throughout the year.  While I'm still awaiting the delivery of a couple of these books, I thought I'd go ahead and give you a quick glance at what's on my shelf.

Currently reading:

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

I decided to read this book at the suggestion of another blogger I really appreciate.  So far, I haven't been disappointed.  At first I was a little confused.  Then I was astounded and now I'm mesmerized.  It's one of those books that makes you ask the question, "What's the point of this?" only to turn around and say "I have to know what happens to these people."

The last book of his I read was The Unconsoled.  Frankly, I don't remember really liking it (but, in all fairness, I don't remember much about it).  After this experience, though, I'm going to check out The Remains of the Day.

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

I am awaiting its arrival from Barnesandnoble.com and I'm really disappointed that the delivery has been delayed.  It was another suggestion from the same blogger listed above.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

This is one of those books that I've heard about for years but never did managed to pick up.  I'm rectifying that situation as soon as Barnesandnoble.com manages to get their deliveries together.

Of course, I'm also willing to be excited about a book that Anna Quindlen pitches because I happen to think she's a fantastic author.

I'll attempt to update my feelings about each of these books in turn.  I've decided to put up a "What I'm Currently Reading" section on my bulletin board in my classroom (and I'm getting rid of my Word of the Week thing).  I'm hoping that if the students know I'm actively reading, they'll be more willing to discuss books with me and even read more.

A Brief Book Break

I've been working on a post (in my head) for preservice teachers.  I have a lot of information I want to share regarding my personal experiences.  I am by no means experienced in the realm of education, but I am at this in-between stage that gives me the opportunity to remember what would've been helpful to learn during my time at a university.  Stay tuned for that as soon as I have enough brain cells, time and sleep to write something understandable.

Until then, check out this book:

I'm only in the first chapter and it's truly fascinating.  Of course, I am fascinated by Deitrich Bonhoeffer and have long since wanted to learn more about his life and his influence on theology.  It's rare that I read a book this thick with information without the desire for a nap, but I assure you that this book is well worth your time.

Now...on to laundry.

Summer Reading Update

School starts in a week and a few days.  A week, people.  One week.  Seven days.  Where did the summer go?  That deadline has definitely given me focus--to improve a few lesson plans, to get my classroom together and to put my game face on.

But it's been a great summer.  I haven't read quite as much as I would've liked, but I will continue to work through a few books during the school year.  I just don't have nearly as much time to devote to books when I also have papers, journals and other assignments that require attention.  Not to mention time with Favorite and house projects (which I will update later this evening).

At any rate, here are the books I recently finished:

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert--I don't agree with her religious ascertations, but I love her writing style.  Gilbert has a wonderful way of drawing you into her story.  I tasted every single one of those meals in Italy (and was super jealous I couldn't actually partake) and found myself jealous that she wanted to learn a language simply because she thought it was beautiful.  I also developed this odd "dream-like" state regarding her ability to pick up and travel in Europe and Asia for a year.

The Romance Readers' Book Club by Julie L. Cannon--I found it on an endcap at Barnes and Noble and it was super-cheap.  In addition, the back of the book made it sound like an easy read; it was.  Am I going to recommend it?  Well, it wasn't a horrible book, but it wasn't the best thing I've ever read, either.  There were parts that were amusing, and it only took me an hour and a half to read it.  So take it for what it is.

Please Stop Laughing At Me...by Jodee Blanco--I bought this book to add to my library of autobiography/memoir/biography in my classroom (since the sophomores have to do a project with this type of book).  I agree that school bullying is an issue.  I think that Blanco has a pretty compelling story; however, her writing is bland and unemotional.  I think it's likely that this book became a New York Times Bestseller based on the subject matter, because there were points in the story when I wished Blanco's writing style conveyed the amount of emotion her experience obviously opened in her.  That said, I still think it's worth reading.  Sometimes it's hard to remember that it's rough navigating the world as a teenager.

Under the Dome by Stephen King--Stephen King fans, you might want to skip this review.  I am not a Stephen King fan.  In the past, I have really enjoyed a few of his short stories/novellas ("Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption," "The Body"), but I have never really liked any book he's written.  This book is really no exception.  I thought the synopsis on the back was interesting enough, and there were parts of the story that were really well done.  For instance, the concept of vying for power in a small town was exceptional; however, there were too many things that were downright bland.  Many of the characters fall into the bland category.  In fact, I found it hard to keep many of them straight because they were so unimportant and bland.  Too many of them seemed similar.  Likewise, when I found out what was actually causing the dome (no, I won't ruin it for you in case your opinion will differ from mine), I just stared at the page and said, "Really?  Seriously?  That's what he came up with?"  So do what you want with this information, but know that I remain unimpressed with Stephen King on the whole.

In between a few of these books, I also picked up (and reread) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  There's something to be said for characters that practically jump off the page.  Stephen King could learn a thing or two from these books.

Currently Reading:

Crazy Love by Francis Chan--I'm not very far in because this is a book that has to be considered and savored.  So far?  It's well worth reading.  Sometimes I forget the greatness of my God.  It's nice to have a reminder.

Action Strategies for Deepening Comprehension--I'm sure there was just a collective groan from the blogosphere regarding this educational piece of literature, but I'm telling you that it's actually an interesting read.  I love it when something like this gets my creative juices flowing and reminds me that education was never supposed to be about cramming my students' heads full of random knowledge.  It was always meant to be functional.  I am reminded that one of the questions I should be asking myself when I create lesson plans is "What is the purpose of this information?"  In other words, how will this benefit the student when s/he leaves my classroom?

The reading will continue.  The house building will be updated and school will start in just over seven days.  And I'm thankful for the opportunities each of these things affords.

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Books and Purses--What more could you need?

I made a commitment to chronicle all the things I read over the course of the year on this blog, but I'm a dismal failure on that front.  Instead, I'm probably going to randomly update what I've been reading.  Be prepared for some overlap because my memory isn't that great.  As it stands now, I'm just going to quickly review what I've read since the summer started.

1.  The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan--Interesting.  I could see how kids would like this guy.  He's engaging, but it's really not much different from his Percy Jackson stuff.

2.  Raven Stole the Moon by Garth Stein--I reviewed it in an earlier blog.  To read my thoughts, go here.

3.  Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman--It wasn't as compelling as American Gods, but I think it's worth a gander--particularly for those interested in any kind of mythology.

4.  Coraline by Neil Gaiman--A really, really creepy children's story.  I was actually a little scared.

5.  Smashed  by Koren Zailckas--An entire story about a girl who was a binge drinker...and she tells the truth in a way that is both shocking and eye-opening.  It's a classic train wreck; you won't want to look away.

6.  Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner--First book of hers I've ever read.  Definitely a read-on-the-beach sort of thing.

7.  Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult--I had higher hopes, Jodi.  I SO love your style.  I really want to love your books.  But I'm tired of crying.  Kick Nicholas Sparks out of your tent and find a new niche.

8.  My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares--A slow starter, but surprisingly not bad.  I would almost bet you $100 that she has read (and loved!) The Time Traveler's Wife, though.

9.  Mennonite in a Little Black Dress  by Rhoda Janzen--A memoir about returning to a Mennonite community.  I have never laughed so hard in my life.

10.  I got halfway through Franny and Zooey.  All I can say is that I'm giving up on you, J.D. Salinger.  I tried to like The Catcher in the Rye.  I tried to like this book.  Failure.

That's all I can remember to date.  I have several books that are waiting for attention.  Here are a few things I'll be devouring before the end of summer:

She's a bit of a slow starter, this one.  But I have high hopes.  The back gives next to nothing regarding the story, but it does share that it's the story of two women whose lives are intertwined.

Who doesn't love a story that leaves a little to the imagination?  I think that's partly why I bought the book.  I couldn't help myself.

I've heard really great things about Crazy Love, and I have every intention of dedicating myself to it before the end of the summer.  Seems like a book you need to chew on for a bit.

I've started it, and Chan's writing is both personal and in-your-face.  He's honest about what a relationship with Christ is meant to be.  And that's a reminder to me of how far I have to go.


Several people I know have read Velvet Elvis, so I'm just on the curious side.

I was impressed with Rob Bell in his video Everything is Spiritual.  I guess we'll see.  I've had this book for more than a year and never have managed to pick it up and actually read it.


So it's obvious that books make me happy.  I really, really love to read.  I'm pretty sure that was instilled in me by my mom who also loves to read.

But I also love handbags.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that my dad instilled that in me, but that doesn't mean my dad carries a purse.  He does love accessories, though...and, well, so did my Gramma Mays.  She probably fed the frenzy just a bit.

That said, I thought I'd share a few handbags I am currently LOVING (yet not owning).

I've shown you this one before.  It's called the Coach Sydney Metallic Leather and it's $798 (for those of you interested in that sort of thing).

Tell me it isn't beautiful, though.  *SIGH*  I love any bag the color of starlight (it's my blog; therefore, we will use my descriptions).  It's perfectly structured, and yet it will never be on sale.



This is the Calvin Klein Python Satchel.  In comparison to the other purses in this post, it's a steal at $128.  In my personal opinion, it is the height of classy.  That pretty much means that when I carry it while wearing my Target workout pants, it will be the equivalent of walking into the unemployment office carrying a Prada bag (Ah, Jen Lancaster).

It comes in brown or black (I prefer the latter), and would truthfully be a gorgeous addition to any outfit.


The lovely pink bag is the Coach Peyton Carryall.  It is a mere $358!  (Hey, in comparison to $800, it looks good, no?)

I love that this bag looks very pulled together and professional, but comes in this awesome color.  What girl WOULDN'T want to carry the perfect pink purse?  Particularly THIS pink purse? 

Don't tell me it's not perfection, because I know better.

I've never owned a blue bag, but I love that this bag looks like your favorite pair of blue jeans.  Of course, there is a definite sense of classy and pulled-together with this bag.  (Do you see a theme here?)

This one is the Coach Kristen Graphic Op Art Tote and it is $398.

The only thing that makes me wary is the amount of white on this bag.  It won't take long to see that my life doesn't exactly promote white on clothing or accessories.

And that's it for today.

Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll get some great pictures and will later post my birthday fun.  It's been a blast already.

Review: Raven Stole the Moon

I was first introduced to Garth Stein when my brother suggested I pick up The Art of Racing in the Rain. It was wonderful. I fell in love with Enzo, and while I think it might have something to do with my unexplainable love for my mean, little shih tzu, Barky, I also think the character was so real and alive, it would be difficult for any reader not to love him.


So I was optimistic when I picked up Raven Stole the Moon. Based on author notes at the end of the book, I get the idea that this may have actually been his first novel—which makes Racing his third, and explains a lot of differences between the two.

In Raven, Stein introduces Jenna Rosen, a woman distraught over the loss of her only son. On the two year anniversary of Bobby’s death, Jenna leaves her husband at a party, begins to drive and, after a series of quick decisions, finds herself in Wrangell, Alaska—her late grandmother’s hometown. Wrangell is very near the Thunder Bay Resort—the same place Bobby disappeared. Since his body is never recovered, Jenna finds herself desperately searching for a way to put the mystery and the pain behind her. Her search uncovers a series of enigmas—Tlingit beliefs, her own insecurities and a son who disappeared into thin air.

Stein’s characterization abilities are certainly well-developed in Raven. I liked Jenna and found myself as desperate as she was to find answers to her son’s disappearance; however, it’s necessary to note that Raven is a much different type of book than Racing. It requires a suspension of disbelief. Much of the story revolves around the belief systems of Alaskan Indians known as the Tlingit, and much of that belief system is anchored to the idea of a “spirit world.” For me, this suspension wasn’t an issue, because the integration of these beliefs into the novel doesn’t feel forced. I also appreciate the fact that Stein’s style flows seamlessly and that creates an effortless read on the part of the audience.

He has this interesting way of finding an “in” with his reader, and that makes his work relatable and enjoyable. I think he would be a good replacement for those who insist on keeping Nicholas Sparks books in their reading rotation.

Why would I compare Sparks and Stein when they are obviously such different writers? Well, to be honest, I couldn’t figure out what bothered me so much about Sparks’ writing until I read Raven. It occurred to me that I’m bothered because Sparks seems to handle serious situations in such a trite manner. Characters become extremely happy or have a really overwhelmingly emotional experience and then he lowers the axe: cancer, death, a lover gone missing, etc. The list goes on and on, but, down to brass tax, it’s the same story.

Stein, on the other hand, doesn’t feel any need to give you a big, cosmic boom. His books don’t culminate in human despair…though, I wouldn’t exactly call every ending happy, either. And he doesn’t shy away from the difficult things in life. I just don’t think the entire story builds to the point of catastrophe.

But catastrophes aside, rest assured that this book deserves a once-over if you are willing to put your logical mind to rest for a bit. If not, pick up The Art of Racing in the Rain. Yes, the dog is telling the story, but try to convince me that my dog hasn’t had the same thoughts…

Reviewing Esme

I read several book lists that touted teacher "must reads." Well, since I am such a dedicated reader, I thought it might be in my best interest to pick up a few of these books. At the very top of several of those lists was a book called Educating Esme.

When I found the book, it was in the "Teacher Help" section of Barnes and Noble--an automatic strike. It was sitting next to educational atrocities like Harry Wong's First Days of School (and yes, that is his real name). Needless to say, I felt obligated to continue with my personal sense of dedication, but I was no longer excited about the work.

But the book is an educational gem.  It truly is.  Esme has the heart of a real teacher--one who feels success and failure in the same hour.  She is curt but smart, funny but firm and consistently entertaining.  The book honestly reads like a series of stories--some humorous and some that would enrage the most docile of educators.

I found the book inspiring but realistic.  She doesn't paint a rosy picture that leaves educators feeling as though they can never live up to the hype (see Freedom Writers, Dangerous Minds, etc.).  She shares honestly and openly about her experiences with her students.  Some of her ideas are amazing, out-of-the-box and completely inspire the children to learn.  Yet she finds herself frustrated with situations that cannot be solved in the classroom, and a school Principal (and Vice Principal!) who was obviously not hired for his interpersonal communication skills.

The book is worth a purchase based solely on the story about the fifth graders who stabbed a substitute in the rear end.  Their reason was completely founded based on classroom rules--albeit, they needed a bit of clarification ;)

When I put the book down, I didn't feel like I couldn't measure up as an educator.  I honestly felt like I was doing everything I could do to make my students as successful as possible...and, at the end of the day, that's all anyone can ask for.

Review--Sparks & Riordan

We're only two months into the new year and I've already fallen behind regarding the books I've read that I pledged to keep track of. Just a couple to share feelings about this time around:

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
To be fair, I should begin this review by stating that I don't like books written by Sparks. I watched (yes, as in the movies...) A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle and The Notebook so I get the idea that Sparks may be the kind of guy who dwells in the unrealistic world of the hopeless romantic (with extremely depressing endings). That said, when a student of mine brought me this book and said I just "HAD" to read it, I was less than agreeable.

Yet I have determined that if my kids are willing to read a book, I will also read said book so we can discuss the subject. So I read. I maintain that I am correct about the unrealistic world of the hopeless romantic. Sparks does have a narrative style that makes it easy to read his works, and I find the characters relatable and understandable. But the selling point of this book? The ending. It wasn't what I expected AT ALL, but I was totally amenable to the way it ended. If you can manage to stomach all of the "blah blah blah-love-of-my-life" garbage that I rarely find palatable, you may actually learn something realistic from the end--that marriage is sacred.

The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
I totally realize it's a kid series, but that's not going to stop me from reading. I have always loved Greek Mythology and all of the trivial characters that make up that web of interesting. Riordan has the talent and skill to take that mythology and weave it into a character that is both fun and interesting. It's easy-reading fiction that serves to heighten the sense of hero-will-overcome-evil mentality. I haven't read the last book yet, but I'm really looking forward to what I assume is Percy's final stand against the Titans.

The Current List

It's my goal to try and keep up with the things I read this year. I thought I'd give a run down of what I'm currently reading and the things that are next on the list.

Currently, I'm reading Teacher Man by Frank McCourt. I read the other two memoirs and am really enjoying this one. I can totally relate to a lot of the stuff he says--like constantly thinking like a teenager. I guess it comes with the territory.

Next up is Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. This is the same woman who wrote The Time Traveler's Wife. Ronnie isn't real optimistic about her sophomore book, but I'm willing to give it a chance. If it's half as good as her first literary accomplishment, she's got a hit on her hands.

After that, I have a book called Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality by Anthony DeMello. This was one of a few books suggested by a good friend of mine (Alvin) who thus far has had pretty decent taste in literature. Nonfiction can get tedious if it's not well written, but I have faith in this book (and Alvin's suggestion) so I guess we'll see.

The great thing about snow days is that they afford me lots of opportunities to read--which I love. Although, I have to be careful because sometimes I get a little too involved in a book and forget that I have a real life with real people who expect me to do real things. It's a personal fault, I suppose. I've really started spending a lot of time by myself, and I appreciate reading about the situations of others without ever having to experience some of the garbage they experience :) Vicarious living can be fulfilling. But I guess, in the end, reading is not real living and I occasionally have to put down my book in the name of washing dishes, doing laundry or going to work...the latter being of the upmost importance.

Feel free to leave book suggestions. I'll add it to my list if it sounds interesting.