April Reading Log

Just to warn you, this past month I did not read as much as planned. I spent half the month reading a very dense book by St. Francis de Sales that was written in the 1500s, but I only got half way through. Anyway, that totally threw my reading numbers off for the month. But, here's what I did end up getting through:

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
I bought this book after seeing Malala's interview on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I had heard of her prior to the interview, but didn't know much about her background, but felt that her book was a must read. I was correct. Malala tells the story of her country, Pakistan, and growing up under Talibanization. She has a very simple but beautiful way of describing some complex and terrifying experiences. The book is also a very glowing tribute to her father, whom she obviously adores and respects, and how he, too, is trying to make a difference for men and women in their home valley of Swat. I already handed the book over to Elisabeth to read and will be having all my kids read it (not to mention pressuring everyone else and their kids to read it) as well. It's very easy to get complacent about the freedom of education and I felt this book was a great reminder to appreciate the total accessibility of education in our country.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
I totally bought this book based on the cover (it was pretty!). Thankfully, my randomness paid off because this was a good book. Brunt weaves a story of love, mourning, and friendship by having 14 year old June tell us in her voice about losing her uncle Finn to AIDS during the 1980s. There was supposed to be a parallel between June's relationship with her older sister Greta that mirrored their mother's relationship to her brother Finn, but the June/Greta thing felt forced and underdeveloped. However, the dynamic between June and Toby was well written and great. A good read overall. Someone else should read it so I can discuss it with another person!!

Yep, that's it. Two books. I'll have to make up for it in May, I guess.
20 books for the year, for those keeping track.