Monday Morning Book Review--March: Book 2

March by John Lewis details Lewis' personal experiences with Freedom Summer in Mississippi in 1963.  This graphic novel biography (shelved in the pink label area) captivates the reader from the very beginning.  Through Lewis' words and Nate Powell's artwork be transported back to the Civil Right's movement and see what the time was really like for those that were there.  A great insight into a key moment in American History.

Monday Morning Book Review: This Star Won't Go Out

This Star Won't Go Out by Esther Earl--These are the blog entries, diary entries and drawings of Esther who died of cancer.  John Green credits her with inspiring The Fault in Our Stars after he met her through Catitude a fan fiction site.  Esther's story will inspire readers that liked Green's book.  Her raw honesty about cancer yet her positive outlook on life can teach us all how to live to inspire others in our sphere.

Monday Morning Book Review--Bossypants

Bossypants by Tina Fey is the autobiography of the comedian and TV personality. A funny upbeat look at her life path that takes you from her childhood to writing and producing 30 Rock. If you enjoy Fey's TV work, you'll enjoy her book. A fun, laugh out loud read.

Monday Morning Book Review--The Butterfly Mosque

The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson.  The author of this book was here on campus on Friday 1/27.  This memoir details her journey as a young American college graduate to Egypt, converting to Islam, falling in love and bridging the gap between two cultures.  The book is a love story, an insight into a religion that came sharply into focus after 9/11, and a unique look at the culture and beliefs of the Middle East beyond the media.  This book is one of the two Silicon Valley Reads selections for this year. 

Monday Morning Book Review(on Tuesday)--I Am Nujood

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali with Delphine Monoui--Nujood's father arranged her marriage to a man in his 30's when she was only a child.  This true story of her experience and fight for a divorce in Yemen opens the eyes to a world far beyond our own. 

Monday Morning Book Review--The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer--This is a non-fiction book with a great message.  William was born and raised in Malawi Africa.  He's the son of a farmer who was unable to continue sending him to school because of the cost.  William took advantage of the small three-shelf library to continue reading and educating himself in physics and electricity.  Using what he learned, he scavenged the parts to build a windmill to bring light into his family home.  Read this book for an uplifiting story of the difference books and education are making to those who don't have the privelege we take for granted.

Monday Morning Book Review--Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars by Lebron James & Buzz Bissinger--I loved this book! Lebron James recognizes that it's hard work, the right attitude and the people in his life that helped him get to where he is today. This isn't so much a biography as a book honoring friendship and commitment to the values one is taught early in life shape the person you become.

Monday Morning Book Review--a different life

a different life: growing up learning disabled and other adventures by Quinn Bradlee--what is it like to be different? Quinn knows. He was diagnosed with VCFS (Velo-Cardo-Facial-Syndrome) at fourteen. His parents were told he'd never be able to function independently and that he was hopeless, but Quinn and his parents knew differently. Read about Quinn's struggles from bullying to girls. For more about learning disabilities visit the website FriendsofQuinn.com

Monday Morning Book Review--Born Standing Up

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin profiles his early days leading up to his successful career as a stand-up comedian. Recommended as an Outstanding Book for the College Bound, Martin's easy-to-read writing style pulls you into his experiences working at Knott's Berry Farm to performing in sold-out stadiums across the U.S.

Book Review--Dreams from my father

Dreams from My Father: a story of race and inheiritance by Barack Obama--If you haven't read the story of our new president's young life, you should. It will give you a personal insight into the path that led him towards the White House.

Tuesday's tip--Searching for People

Some hints for searching for people:

Use quotes "George Washington"
Put last name first Washington, George (Books are always indexed by last name & in the biography section of the library (921's) )
Add their occupation to your search "George Washington" +President

Monday Morning Book Review--Standing Tall

Standing Tall by C. Vivian Stringer: Vivian Stringer is basketball coach at Rutgers University which became the center of a media storm when they lost their Final Four championship game. Stringer's guidance in the response comes from her own life experiences and challenges. This is a fascinating read of grace under pressure and the difference one person can make in the life of so many.

Monday Morning Book Review--Not a Genuine Black Man

Not a Genuine Black Man: my life as an outsider by Brian Copeland--This is the Silicon Valley Reads selection for 2009. For once, I've read the book early enough to recommend it, when the time for reading and discussion takes place. The story takes you on Copeland's journey living in San Leandro in the 1970's when the city was 99.99% white, and how he coped with the challenges of not being a "genuine black man" in the eyes of some. This story will make you laugh, but will make you pause to consider what makes a person "genuine".

Monday Morning Book Review--My Lobotomy

My Lobotomy by Howard Dully--At the age of 12, Howard Dully was given a transorbital lobotomy (the process of drilling into the skull and using an ice-pick like device to effect the brain). Dully's life was radically changed and at the age of 50 he began looking for the reasons why...For those who've read A Child Called It, this book will resonate with a young boy who is innocent yet treated wrongly by the adults in his world. Dully grew up in various places in Santa Clara County and still lives locally.

Monday Morning Book Review--Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground by Mary Tillman is the story of professional football player and San Jose native Pat Tillman. Pat left the NFL after 9/11 to join the Army. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 by friendly fire which was covered up by the US military. This book takes a poignant look at Pat's childhood and the family's struggle to get answers about his death.

Monday Morning Book Review--The Blind Side

The Blind Side by Michael Lewis--This is a book about football--high school, NCAA and professional. It follows the evolution of the Left Tackle position to a critical, key position on the team. It follows Michael Oher's evolution as a homeless, inner city child to an NFL prospect. (Michael is currently playing his senior year for Ole Miss). This story appeals on so many levels--football fans will be enthralled with the history of the sport and the changes that occurred to elevate the importance of the left tackle position. 49er fans will enjoy how the history of the Bill Walsh and the 1980's team of the decade played a key role in this transition. Others will be fascinated by the rags to riches story of Michael Oher and the obstacles he's overcome to get where he is...Can you tell, I loved this book! READ IT!

Monday Morning Book Review--Not Quite What I Was Planning

Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Famous & Obscure Writers--This is one of those books you pick up and read for a minute or two. These are just what the title says, six words that summarize someone's life. What would your six-words be?

Monday Morning Book Review--After the Fire

After the Fire: a true story of friendship and survival by Robin Gaby Fisher--In January 2000 a fire in a dormitory at Seton Hall University burned freshman roomates Shawn and Alvaro. Their story of survival, recovery and friendship demonstrates the strength of family, determination of doctors, nurses and therapists and the power to move on. This book illustrates how a single incident can change the course of a life but move people to greater things.

Monday Morning Book Review

Ana's Story by Jenna Bush: The story of seventeen year old Ana chronicles her challenge to overcome abuse, teenage motherhood and HIV-positive status. A powerful portrait of the world crisis with AIDS.