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Summer Reading Chair
The President Calling
Assignment 2: Comments for The President Calling
Click here to jump to the comments page for The President Calling.After listening to at least 15 minutes of taped conversations by one of the Vietnam era presidents(JFK, LBJ, or Nixon) at iTunesU (a free element found at the iTunes store), post your comment about the presidential comments by clicking below on "Post a Comment" (just underneath Comments).
Be sure you include your first and last name with your post. Additionally, identify the president and the topic of conversation prior to your comments.
187 comments:
Brianna Reilly
I am reading The Crucible because the Salem witch trials interest me. I also love that this book is written as a play.
I will like to read Coming of Age in Mississippi because I happen to have a deep interest in what life was like for African Americans in the 20th century and that is exactly what the main focus of this book in.
Sarah Hadden
I choose The Age of Innocence. I choose this book because anything during the time frame of the 20's interests me. I wanted to read something that I have a lot of interest in because it makes reading a much more pleasant experience.
@Brianna Reily
- Sarah Hadden
I find it cool that you are reading a play because you love theater and stuff so i think it is cool how you are taking your interests and using it so you can further enjoy your summer reading. I have interest in the witch trails as well. I think that book (play) will be a great choice for you!!!
@Sarah Hadden
-Brianna Reilly
I think it is cool that you are reading something that interests you. That will make the book a whole lot better. And I also love the 20's. So many interesting things happened back then that we can never experience. I think that book will be an awesome choice for you.
Brianna Reilly
The Crucible is a very interesting book. I actually like the fact that the book weaves in and out of play form to give you background information. Without that background information, I honestly would have no idea what was going on. I also love the fact that there are many different stories and people that somehow all connect to each other.
Erik Isenberg
I chose The Killer Angels because I thought I needed to know more about the Civil War. It turns out there is a lot I didn't know.
Erik Isenberg
@zakiyah pinkston
That's cool that your reading about blacks in the 1900's. stuff really got rolling for them back then and it's good to know your history.
Sean Isenberg
I choose to read Killer Angels because i already owned a copy and didn't want to go to the store. The cover looked interesting and the book helped me learn things I didn't know before about the Civil War.
Sean Isenberg
@Erik Isenberg
It's cool you're reading a book that interests you, maybe you should read more about that topic
Tyler Bennett
I have chosen we were soldiers to read due to my fascination with US wars with pretty much anyone and i have been interested in learning more about their specific conflict with the viet kung
Tyler Bennett
@Sean Isenberg
I think that is a very intelligent way of preserving time and money used and Killer Angels is an excellent book used for its purpose.
Sammie melles. I picked killer angels because I was intrested in the civil war
Lol
I am reading The Age of Innocence because I am interested in the urbane society of New York in the 1920's. The struggle of conventionality versus matters of the heart is captivating and truly reflects the high value and morale of New York culture at that point in time which we would now refer to as "old school". This book is a perfect example of how society has changed due to individuality and self determination.
That's great! I think we should all learn to be a little more frugal like Sean. Well done Sean:)
David Rodriguez
I am reading the book killer Angels because I love to learn about America's war history. I have learned a lot about the civil war and the courage that many of these men possessed. This is a great book if you want to learn about a turning point in American history. I'm so totally looking forward to watching the movie in 3d. Peace out yo.
Hit me up so we can go to imax
I also think it is a important event in american history and it is important to learn about it
Ya I alao think it is a important event in american history
Ily civil war :D:*
Alao I will go too Sammie
I'm so happy you are reading a great book. I bet the movie is going to way better. 1920's new york is always interesting and learnig about its culture is super cool. Its crazy to learn about how much new york has changed over the years. Can't wait to hear how you like it. Hole back girl. :O
Hola autocorrect is dumb tho k
Catch-22: Anna Sandstrum
I chose this book because not only do I find World War II extremely interesting, I think the point of view taken for the book will make it a compelling book.
Anna Sandstrum
@ Brianna Reily
I love that you're reading The Crucible! I almost chose it myself and I know the fact it's also a play will make it that much more entertaining because of your wonderful love of theater.
Keilani Melendez- The Grapes of Wrath.
I choose The Grapes of Wrath because it's one of the Hallmarks of American literature. The intriguing tale of an Oklahoma family making its way to California for a better life or so they thought. This book gave me a new perspective of the hardships a family in the 1930s went through.
Keilani Melendez
@ Anna Sandstrum
I was going to read Catch-22 because of the intensity and suspense throughout the book. Plus, it sounds really good.
I have decided to read A Raisin In The Sun because I am interested in classic African American literature. I have also already seen the movie, so completing the comparison graphic organizer would be enjoyable and simple.
@ Zakiyah Pinkston
I just noticed that even though we are reading different books, we have a similar reason on why we wanted to read our respective books.
The book that I chose to read is The Crucible by Arthur Miller. I reviewed the synopsis for most of the books on the list and once I came across The Crucible, it intrigued me that it was a play based on the actual Salem witch trials.
Jeremy Pennington -
Since I didn't sign in using the mcapush sign in the 1st time, I'm typing this again. I chose The Crucible to learn more about how the Salem witch trials began since the play is based on the actual events.
Jeremy Pennington -
@ Anna Sandstrum
I almost picked Catch-22 because I think the concept of the phrase is interesting and I wanted to know of its origin.
Daniel Keller - I'm readin The Grapes of Wrath. I read one of Steinbeck's books last summer and I enjoyed it. I also heard that the book is about the dust bowl which I've read about before.
Daniel Keller -
@Jeremy Pennington
I almost chose The Crucible because the name reminded me of something I've seen before.
Crisper Labaddan
I am reading the Killer Angels because the Ciil War interest me. Even though i don't like the authors writing style, it's still very accurate and depicts how war was fought among the officers and generals during that time.
Angela Duan
I chose the book We Were Soldiers because I do not know much about the Vietnam War and I am interested to know more. It is an inspiring story of soldiers who survived the war and persevered through hardships.
@Tyler Bennett
I also chose We Were Soldiers because I am interested in the topic.
Tori Holloman
I chose to read "A Raisin in the Sun" because I like African American History and I enjoy learning more about it.
Alex Wagner
I am reading Coming of Age in Mississippi because I like the book The Help which is set in the same place and time period as the Coming Age in Mississippi. I feel like these books are about similar topics, which I like to read about. I also like to read Autobiographies
Alex Wagner
@Keilani Melendez
The Grapes of the Wrath sounds very interesting. I love reading American literature.
I chose to read Uncle Tom's Cabin because i am familiar with the story, and i saw part of the movie in my African American history class last year.
@sammie
Dude i hope you like Killer Angels i hear it's an awesome book.
Micaylin Condo
I am reading We Were Solders Once... and Young. I chose this because my father is in the National Guard which sparks my interest in novels based on events occurred during a war.
@BriannaReilly I think it's neat that your book is written as a play, and the fact that it's written about witch trials reminds me of the witch DBQ we did in Mrs. Oliver's class!
Tiye Rosier
@BrianaReilly The Crucible is really amazing both play and movie and I'm sure you'll love it.The writing style is very interesting and it's amazing to understand the severity of the power of the church back then.
Brianna Reilly
@Keilani Melendez
I think its cool that the book you are reading gave you a new perspective of family hardships in the 1930's. And I did not know that it was one of the Hallmarks of American literature. That sounds fantastic.
Nathan Morse
I am reading A Raisin in the Sun because I do not know much about African American history and I thought this would be a good way to learn. I read the whole book and I still don’t know what the title means, though. I was a little disappointed in the book because it was mainly just looking at depressing poverty, angry family members, and racism, so I do sort of wish I had read something more appealing. But it wasn’t a bad read.
Nathan Morse
@ElenaChang
I've never read Age of Innocence but I am familiar with it. I've heard that the author came from high-society New York and she does a really good job of capturing that urbane culture in the book. I like your comment about how society changes due to self determination!
Khamari Spraggins
The book I am reading is A Raisin in the Sun. I chose this book because I would like to refresh upon my knowledge of African American history.
@Tyler Bennett
That would also be an interesting topic that I would like to learn about as well.
Austin Bryant - The Grapes of Wrath
The book I am reading is The Grapes of Wrath. The reason I chose this book is because I was interested of the struggles that families had to face during the 1930s.
In addition, it is considered to be one of the greatest pieces of American literature ever written.
Austin Bryant - The Grapes of Wrath
The book I am reading is The Grapes of Wrath. The reason I chose this book is because I was interested of the struggles that families had to face during the 1930s.
In addition, it is considered to be one of the greatest pieces of American literature ever written.
Austin
@Jeremy Pennington
That's great that you're reading The Crucible! I heard that this book is very interesting in the way that it portrays the true horrors of the Salem Witch Trials.
Austin Bryant
@Jeremy Pennington
That's great that you're reading The Crucible! I heard that this book is very interesting in the way that it portrays the true horrors of the Salem Witch Trials.
Kimsey Scott
I am reading The Last of The Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. I chose to read this book because of its title which made it seemed like a good classic story that would be full of adventure on every page.
Kimsey Scott
I am reading The Last of The Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. I chose to read this book because of its title which made it seem like a good classic story that would be full of adventure on every page.(sorry for the last typo)
Kimsey Scott
-Elena Chang
I am glad that you got to chose a book written about an era that you love! I myself have not read the book The Age of Innocence but am now thinking of reading it thanks to your recommendation because I also love anything about the 20's.
Chase Fortier
I chose to read the Crucible because the Salem witch trials are something not often taught in schools because of the fact that they are an example of religious persecution in our nation's history, which seems to be something we as Americans like to deny ever happens. It is for this exact reason that Arthur Miller wrote the play, but as opposed to religious persecution, people were being falsely accused and hunted down for being so called "Communists."
Chase Fortier
@Angela Duan
I highly considered reading "When We Were Soldiers" but I have difficulty enjoying war novels published in America because they seem to glorify our nation as some what of a "World Police" if you will, and I personally don't believe that we should get involved in every conflict in the world. Then the fact that we lost is often attempted to be justified and overlooked by minimizing what was a war to "the Vietnam Conflict."
Linda Mbiza
@ToriHolloman
I chose Uncle Tom's Cabin because I am also interested in African American history.
Tiye Rosier
I am reading Devil in the White City. I chose this because the title sparked my interest and then after reading what the book was about my interest was at an all time high. I want to be a criminal profiler when I'm older so a true story of a serial killer was my obvious choice.
Soteria (Chisom) Omeke
I am reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. I want to read it because we watched the movie in Middle School but I don't remember all the details of the movie so I would like to refresh myself while also reading the book. I also want to learn more about African Americans during the Civil War.
I am reading Coming of Age in Mississippi because we never learn much about what prefaced the civil rights movement and I believe this novel will provide insight on what it was like living in the south before racial equality.
Campbell Sears
I chose to read Uncle Tom's Cabin because the issues that are talked about and discussed are pivotal in the shaping of the society that we live in.
Campbell Sears
@Leah Danielle Langston
racial equality is an extremely interesting and controversial subject.
(Brian) Connor McClellan
I chose to read Catch-22, for its surplus of paradoxical logic and humor. I'd always been curious about what the phrase "catch-22" meant, so I figured reading a book with that title would teach me.
(Brian) Connor McClellan
@Tiye Rosier
The title seems appropriate for a book about a serial killer. It'd be interesting to find newspaper articles about the actual event and compare them to the book, if it's a true story, to get a few additional perspectives.
@Campbell Sears
Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to hold a place of high esteem in the literature world, i'm interested to see what you get out of it.
Brendan O'Healaigh
I chose to read Catch-22 for my summer APUSH assignment for several reasons. The time period that the book takes place in interests me most out of the selection of books. After reading about the book itself, I decided on it for its humorous qualities and horrific details. I didn't realize it was quite so thick until I checked it out of the library!
Brendan O'Healaigh
@Connor McClellan
I see me and you have chosen the same book. I hear the novel can get pretty gruesome at times.
Kaleb Johnson
I chose to read We were soldiers once... and young. I read this book because of my interests in joining the military one day. I have learned, however, that during the Vietnam war Americans died from malaria almost as much as they died from combat.
Kaleb Johnson
@David Rodriguez I chose my book for the same reason as you. I'm really interested to see how Americans handled situations and reacted during war times.
Brendan Schneider
I have chosen to read Uncle Tom's Cabin. I've heard that it was a popular book at one time and fights against slavery and stereotyping as a whole.
Brendan Schneider
@Brendan O'Healaigh
Catch-22 sounds like an interesting book in any case. I may read that one sometime if I ever get a chance to on one of these assignments.
Tiye Rosier
@Connor McClellan
Wow I never thought about that! Thanks for bringing that up now I'll be doing some further research into Henry H. Holmes and his killings.
Shannon O'Healaigh
The book that I am reading is The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. This book takes place in 1826 during the French and Indian War. This book courageously combines the worlds of the Mohicans and the Colonials with bloody battles and romance. I chose to read this book because Indians (Native Americans), fascinate me. I find the Indians' way of life intriguing. Also i already had the book... The way that the Indians in this book coexist peacefully with nature makes me yearn for the lost art of living with the land instead of just living off the land.
Shannon O'Healaigh
@ Kimsey Scott
KIMSEY! I am reading the same book as you! I hope you are finding lots of adventure between the covers of this book. Native Americans fascinate me so much. I sort of wish we still lived like them.
Emily Weeden
I decided to read Killer Angels because it details the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. I previously knew that the Battle of Gettysburg is considered the turning point of the American Civil War, but am interested in learning about the soldiers' perspective. Additionally, I chose to read Killer Angels because the Civil War was my favorite subject to learn about in history when I was younger.
Lisanne van Engelen
I am reading the book Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. It is about a family that lived in Oklahoma, but is forced to move after their land is taken. Along with hundreds of other families that are forced to do the same, the family decides to leave for California, because of the promise of work. I choose to read this book because it seemed interesting and I would like to learn more about this part of American history.
@ Emily Weeden
I think that it is a good idea to read a book about something that you liked to learn about. I was considering reading that book as well.
Emily Weeden
@Shannon O'Healaigh
I think it's really intriguing that you decided on The Last of the Mohicans because of your view on living off the land. I almost chose that book as well, but rather because I like learning about the time period. Additionally, I hope you enjoy the book because of your interest in the cultures of Native Americans.
Grace Choi
I chose to read Silent Springs by Rachel Carson.
The reason for my choice would have to be because of previous reconmendations from the past and since I have a background knowledge from AP Enviro. The books mostly accounts the harm the humans have done to the environment and nature as a whole.
Grace Choi
@Lisanne Van Engelen
I almost chose the novel you are reading, since I had read novels by John Steinback before. I hope you enjoy the book.
Tyler Palmer
I am reading the book Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Most of the novel takes place in Chicago in the early 1890's. I was interested in the fact that Larson takes so much pride in the historical accuracy of his books, especially when imagining new characters. Additionally, I find it remarkable that Larson is able to sustain multiple plot lines throughout the book.
Tyler Palmer
@ Grace Choi
I find it great that you show interest in the conservation of our enviroment. I was also considering that book for my project. I hope you enjoy it.
Ashlee Trusik
I am reading the Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton because I like the time period in which it takes place and also it covers many locations throughout the story.
Ashlee Trusik
@Brittany Pollock is reading the Age of Innocence, because she also shares the interest in the 20's time period. I think she'll enjoy this book just as much as I am.
Chase Yerger
I am reading The Crucible because the trials on witchcraft have always interested me. Also, the fact that the book is written as a play caught my attention because they are more exciting to read.
Chase Yerger
@Ashlee Trusik
I think your book, The Age of Innocence, seems really intriguing due to the fact of the many locations portrayed. This book seems like it should suit your curiosity well.
The book I chose to read for the Summer Reading assignment is "The Age of Innocence". I chose to read this book because my father recommended it and Edith Wharton is one of his favorite authors. I also like the fact that it is set in a different time period which allows me to see the difference in life now and in the past.
Kierra V. Mathis
@Linda Mbiza
I think that it's great that you are reading Uncle Tom's Cabin because it gives you information on your ancestors and how they were affected. It helps you to better know your history.
Ania Johnson
The book I chose to read for the Summer Reading project was "Catch-22". I chose to read this book because I heard many great reviews!
Ania Johnson
@ Kierra Mathis
The Age of Innocence seems like a great read! I was actually considering this for my summer reading project!
Elisabeth Gardner
I am choosing to read Uncle Tom's Cabin because it is one of my dad's favourite books and Uncle Tom is his favourite literary character.
Elisabeth Gardner
@Ania Johnson
It's great that you're researching your books before you read them! Hope Catch-22 lives up to your expectations!
Tori Holloman
@Nathan Morse
I agree that "A Raisin in the Sun" is a little depressing and I also struggled to figure out the meaning of the title. I enjoyed reading the book though and I'm happy I chose it. I look forward to seeing the movie.
Amanda Mascarenhas
I chose to read Age of Innocence because it focuses on New York society in the 20th century. I was interested to see how much the society in this dynamic city has changed over the years.
Amanda Mascarenhas
@Ashlee Trusik
I definitely agree with you that the early 1900's were a pretty interesting time period. It really affects the morals of the characters.
Ryan Pennington
I choose to read last of the Mohicans as I enjoy works of fiction from that time period. The book also came highly recommend from my family.
Ryan Pennington
@jeremy Pennington I agree it was a hard concept to turn down reading it seemed like a great idea.
Loren Rykard
I chose to read The Age of Innocence because it was recommended to me by a friend. I'm excited to read this book because the romance during the 1920s captures my attention.
Patricia Walker
I chose to read The Age of Innocence because it sounds like an interesting love story that takes place in the 1920s. This book was recommended to me because it captures New York's society at the time.
@Loren Rykard
I think The Age of Innocence will be a great book to read. I am also excited to read about the romance that goes on in the book.
@Patricia Walker
The Age of Innocence was also recommended to me. I agree with you that the love story that takes place in the book will be very interesting to read about.
Kathryn Moore- The Age of Innocence
When I was trying to decide which book to read for summer reading I did some researching on each book, The Age of Innocence seemed to spike an interest in me because it almost seemed that the name of the book is somewhat comical due to the fact that the 20's weren't really an innocent time at all. This book seems extremely interesting and so far it is. I'm excited to continue reading.
Kathryn Moore
@Patricia Walker
The Age of Innocence has really been a great book. The romance in it is certainly exciting! I can't seem to put the book down
Justin Bartell
I chose Catch-22 by Joseph Heller for this summer assignment. The main reason I chose this book was because I wanted to know where the term "catch 22" originated from. It is a highly humorous, satirical work that I enjoyed immensely. It focuses around Yossarian, a bombardier in WWII, but changes its focus to other characters by chapter. It is set in the time of WWII in a war camp that is filled with idiosyncratic people who think everyone else is crazy. Humorous paradoxes litter this work, making it a very entertaining read. Heller, in a humorous way, pokes fun at many elements of war, religion, etc. in this book. Most likely, I'll be reading it again.
Justin Bartell
@Lisanne van Engelen
The Grapes of Wrath seems pretty interesting (especially since the family went to Cali!). I'll probably be asking how that book went for you in the future. I almost chose that book simply because of its sweet name (The Grapes of WRATH. Who can't like that?) but my interest in the "catch-22" saying was too much. However, your book does sound interesting by your brief description, and you'll have to tell me if it was actually interesting or if you just said that to make the teacher happy. :D
Logan Featherstone: I decided to read this book because i had it.
Rozsa Gomory: @Elena Chang
The Age of Innocence sounds really interesting and it seems like that book has a lot to tell about the upper class New York society of the 1920's and how that culture has changed due to new social standards.
Madison Short: I decided to read 'Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton because the plot intrigued me and i find the social changes of that period interesting. This book seemed like a good way for me to enhance my knowledge on the subject.
Rozsa Gomory: I decided to read The Age of Innocence because it was recommended to me by many people and the changing culture and society of upper class New Yorkers in the 1920's seems like a very interesting topic to learn more about. The plot of the book with the romance and scandal allows for a really intriguing read.
Madison Short
@Rozsa Gomory: I agree! The plot full of romance and scandal seems like a great way to learn about the history and be interested in what I'm reading at the same time.
Serena Ramos: I chose to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller because I was interested in finding out what happened in the Salem witch trials.
@Kathryn Moore: I believe it is best to research things when you have such a wide variety and choose the one that interests you the most. Hope you enjoy the book that you are reading! :)
Sterlin Waters
i chose to read catch-22 because of the recommendations for it
Tyler Bennett: The Presidents calling JFK
President Kennedy persuades Ross Barnett into taking James Meredith into ole miss due to the segregation of the laws of Mississippi. The measures that President Kennedy was forced to take was definitely a small step to further abolish the issues of segregation during this time period.
James Meredith being enrolled into oxford has caused a lot of conflict with riots and blockades but by Kennedy’s use of the phone he was really successful because he used much more than he planned for in the beginning which led to success.
Southern racism has caused the segregation of races to be much more violent and completely unnecessary. But even though nothing went according to plan in Kennedy’s actions he came out successful in getting Meredith into this completely white and segregated school.
Brianna Reilly- The Presidents Calling (Kennedy)
I chose to listen to Kennedy's calls. From listening to his calls, I learned that Kennedy was a very impressive politician and an honest man. I also believe that Kennedy was a pretty chill person because when faced with the sensitive issue of race, he kept his cool. He didn't let anything make him angry, or if he did, he didn't show it.
Emily Weeden
The President Calling: Lyndon B. Johnson
From Johnson's recorded calls, one can learn that, during his presidency, Johnson used relentless persuasion constantly. For example, soon after Kennedy's death, Johnson tried to convince Richard Russell to work with Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren on The Warren Commission, but he declined. Johnson, however, just announced Russell's appointment and claimed they were in agreement from the beginning.
Additionally, Johnson worked with Martin Luther King during his presidency in order to extend the right to vote to African Americans. Johnson used persuasion when he led Hoover, the FBI Director at the time, to crack down on violence caused by the Klu Klux Klan.
Overall, Johnson used the element of persuasion in order to carry out the majority of his domestic policy.
Nathan Vinson
The President Calling: John F. Kennedy
From Kennedy's recorded calls, I learned quickly that Kennedy works well under pressure. The tension I felt in those calls were beyond compare as the nation waited to see what the president was going to do in time of social bravery by James Meredith. Kennedy told Governor Barnett exactly what he needed to do succinctly and swiftly, which was to establish order during the riot before they even tried to move Meredith.
Also,President Kennedy did not let everyone see him sweat. During his national address, he oozed poise, confidence, and temperance as he appealed to all citizens to just let Mr. Meredith attend the University of Mississippi without any hassles. Even though this idea didn't come to fruition, President Kennedy thought with his brain, and not with his emotions, in the face of adversity and potential peril in Mississippi.
Osaze Anyabwile-We Were Soldiers Once...And Young
"We Were Soldiers Once...And Young" is a book which provides the reader with both view points of the war from both the American side and North Vietnamese and accounts for the lives of the various Calvary troopers involved in the Vietnam War, and tells their stories through their eyes. Furthermore, this book describes the atrocities, sacrifices, courage, bravery, honor, commitment, and tragedies that the soldiers involved in the fierce fighting in the Ia Drang Valley, the Chu Pong Massif, Landing Zones X-Ray, Albany, and Columbus endured and how their lives changed and the lives of their families as a result.
The President Calling: Lyndon B. Johnson
Based upon Lyndon B. Johnson's recorded calls in respect to the Vietnam War to both the Senate and the Secretary of Defense at the time Robert McNamara he sounds distraught at the ever escalating situation occurring in Vietnam. Johnson manages to maintain a calm tone of voice in his attempts to obtain a situation report of what is occurring in Vietnam. Johnson in a phone call to Senator Richard Russell looks to Senator Russell for advice and his personal opinion on the ever escalating Vietnam War. Russell states that he knew the Americans would be in trouble with the North Vietnamese once they intervened and says that he thinks President Johnson should pull the Americans out.
However on the contrary President Johnson thinks the Americans should stay involved in order to maintain a treaty with the South Vietnamese. Senator Russell states to the President that he does not know what to do about the situation in Vietnam and that President Johnson should look to his Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara for the answers. From this phone conversation it can be concluded that President Lyndon B. Johnson did not know what to do and was panicking and looking for a quick fix solution to the War in Vietnam.
Lauryn Gressel: I picked the book, "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien because I wanted to learn more about how the soldiers in te Vietnam War reacted to the experience.
Lauryn Gressel: @Serena Ramos: I believe it is important to find out what happens in history. I didn't know that witch craft was that big of a deal!
@Shannon O'Healaigh
I wanted to read the Last of the Mohicans but I didn't because I thought it would make me sad because we don't respect the land like they did, but I'm sure it was a very interesting book.
Malik Williams-The Autobiography of Malcolm X
I chose to read this book to get a better understanding the struggles that Malcolm X went through and better appreciate his contributions to the civil rights movement and society itself.
Malik Williams
@Austin Bryant
I was thinking about reading that book as well, but the plot didn't keep interested in reading it.
Marjory (Natasha) Junkermeier- The Devil in the White City.
I chose the book because I kind of have a soft spot for the darker side of life. I found myself very interested in the Holmes character. I was also very thankful the author decided to breakup the boring(ish) architect parts and have no two chapters featuring the same characters' stories.
Josh Lindsey-Last of the Mohicans
I am reading The Last of the Mohicans. It seemed like an interesting book as it tells about the French and Indian war.
Mallory Glenn-
I chose to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller because it was about the witch trials which I learned about last year during European History and the topic interested me. I also chose to read this book because it was a play and I liked how I was notified when the different characters were speaking. I found this book to be very intriguing because of the topic but I was also disappointed and surprised by how the author decided to end this book.
I chose to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller because I was interested in the witch trials that took place in 1690's. The book was intriguing because it showed what peoples lives were like during that time, how they dealt with the trials, and how it made a lasting impression on the community.
@LakerskidKS24
I think that was a great reason to read A Raisin in the Sun! Refreshing your knowledge of African American history would be very beneficial before taking a class like AP U.S. History.
@Loren Rykard
I think the age of innocence would be very interesting due to the romance that takes place. If I had not read my book I would have chosen that one.
Matthew Maleszewski
I read The Grapes of Wrath because it was the first book that stuck out to me, specifically the title.
Matthew Maleszewski
@Jeremy Pennington: I did that for the same reasons, that sounds interesting!
Sean Butscher- I am reading the book the last of the mohicans. I chose this book because I dont know too much about native american history and it seemed like an interesting book to read. It also seemed like a novel that would keep me interested and keep me wanting to read.
Colby Vaughan- I am reading Coming of She in Mississippi because the slave era has always been interesting to me and I wanted to learn more about growing up during that period.
I think your book is interesting being about the witch hunts and the fact that it's written as a play, I was considering it for my project. It just came down to subject matter.
I read Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. It was a hilarious and brilliantly written book centered mainly around Yossarian, a bombardier in WWII. I chose to read it because it was the only one of the books on the list that I owned and I had also heard it was very good.
I am reading The Crucible because I wanted to learn more about the 17th century witches and witch hunts. Also wanted to learn about how the women of the 17th century lived with women always being portrayed as witches.I probably would have chosen to read the book The last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore cooper because it seemed energetic and full of action, with twist and turns to the plot.
Andy Asher
I chose to read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair because I felt that it was interesting to learn about some of the hardships that immigrants were going through at the time.
Andy Asher
@Osaze Anyabwile: The book sounds very interesting. It's nice that it shows different points of views on the Vietnam War, and the fact that that the stories told are by actual war veterans is great aswell.
Logan White
I am reading "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young" by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway. I chose the book because I didn't know much about this war and I wanted to learn more. The book is about a very prominent battle of the Vietnam War which took place in the Ia Drang Valley. It was a very moving book and I enjoyed it a lot.
Cedric Tryman
I am reading " A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry. This play poor portrays a African American family in Chicago, who suddenly gets a chance at escaping poverty when a 10,000 dollar check comes in from the father's life insurance. I read this book because it was short and to get more knowledge of African American history.
Cedric Tryman
@Logan23z
I don't know much about this war as well. But when I looked it up it seemed pretty interesting, and how the war stories were told by veterans gives a great perspective of how the war was. Hoped you enjoyed it.
I am reading the book "The Last of The Mohican" because I would like to learn more about the struggle between the two nations and the conflict between the Native American tribes.
This book sounds very interesting. I always have wanted to learn more about the Vietnam war so I will probably read this book now
Natalie Sena- I chose the book Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe for a couple reasons. In the movie, The King and I the king's children act out several scenes from Uncle Tom's Cabin to impress the leaders of visiting nations. Ever since I saw the movie I have been interested in reading the book so I could compare the play with the original story. I was also curious as to what Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote that could have helped spark the Civil War.
Natalie Sena
@Leah Danielle Langston
I read Uncle Tom's Cabin for the same reason. I wanted to learn more about how African Americans were treated before they received their rights.
France Green:
I chose The Jungle by Upton Sinclair as my summer reading book because it is has many parallels with the working class today(i.e. The Occupy Movement, other protests against unfair wages by the working class, and the alleged corruption of people in power). By reading the book, I can better understand some of the current events occurring in our country in the present day, such as the ones outlined above. The Jungle is also one of the shortest books on the list. This enables me to take my time to read at a pace where I can holistically understand the story and it's influences, both from the book and outside sources. Lastly, Upton Sinclair's muckraking of the horrible conditions of the meat-packing industry reminds me of another muckraker/whistleblower, albeit a current Australian man who tends to catch the media's watchful eye from time to time.
@AndyAsher I also find the immigrants' hardships, and especially the implications of these hardships, to be one of the most interesting aspects of the book.
Last comment to Andy Asher was from France Green.
Travia Gallon: Coming of age in Mississippi
The book I chose to read was entitled coming of age In Mississippi. I chose this book simply because I enjoy coming of age themed novels and literature about the African-American civil rights movement.
I am also aware of the importance of being exposed to the different perspectives of America's political,social, and economic hardships in order to have a fair understanding of the actual progress our country has made.
I feel as though it allows Americas current state of equality, though still flawed, to be better appreciated, critiqued, and improved.
@France Green it is good you are reading this book because it seems as if it will allow you to reflect.
Allison Street
I chose Catch-22 to read because my dad recommended it. Catch-22 was a great book; it was witty and complex. The majority of the book was paradoxical, but also extremely profound and thought provoking! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be intellectually stimulated.
Allison Street
@Elisabeth Gardner
Interesting that we both chose books our dad recommended! I've always been curious about Uncle Tom's Cabin since it was pretty impactful.
Christopher Draper-The Last of the Mohicans
I choose this book because I remember one of my previous history teachers talking about the book and how it would be a good book to read. Also I didn't know anything else about the books besides that they are old and I have to read one of them, so I picked The Last of the Mohicans because I knew slightly more about it than the other books.
Keilani Melendez- The President's calling:The Mississippi crisis.
I chose to listen to the discussion between Governor Barnett and President John. F Kenddy on the Mississippi crisis. The president remained calm and collected throughout the recording. I thought that the President handle the situation with respect to the Governor and the people. President John. F Kenddy kept reinforcing the need of order at the university and insisted there to peace. The insurance of James Meredith to attend the university was a step towards a non segregated state and John F. Kennedy knew that James needed to proceed forward for a brighter future.
Austin Bryant - The President Calling
I chose to listen to John F. Kennedy's phone call with Governor Ross Barnett of Mississippi on the decision to ban James Meredith from U-Miss. Kennedy remains calm and informs Barnett that he's going to everything in his power to get Meredith into the University. They both get into a small debate about how they both have of their responsibilities as people of power and that they don't want to have any injuries or causalities due to the outcome of their decision. Kennedy ended up demanding that the riots to be stopped by Barnett, so that James Meredith could be moved safely and they could work towards converting Mississippi into a non segregated state.
Malik Williams:The President's Calling
I listened to the phone calls with President Johnson,FBI Director J. Edgar,Martin Luther King Jr. In the first phone call, Johnson employs Edgar to be a spy in order to arrest Ku Klux Klan members. Even though Edgar doesn't even like black people, he still does the job at hand and succeeded. This conversation showed that President Johnson was a powerful man who could get anyone to do whatever he wanted.
In the second phone call, Johnson had a discussion with Martin Luther King about how the voting rights bill was going to be passed. President Johnson told King that in order to pass this bill, King would have to get America's attention ,whether by TV or radio, to how black people are treated while they're registering to vote. Therefore, King organized a march in Selma, Alabama which resulted in "Bloody Sunday". The aftermath of this event resulted in the successful passing of the voting rights bill. Throughout both of these calls, President Johnson remained calm and focused on the task at hand, but he also displayed his skills in political tactics.
David Rodriguez-The President Calling
I listened to President Richard Nixon address the nation regarding the Watergate scandal. Throughout the speech, Nixon acted as if the news that members of his staff were involved in illegal activities were a complete surprise to him. He also acted as if he had no idea of any cover ups that may have taken place. He then went on to announce the resignation of two of his closest associates in the White House Staff: Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. He then proceeded to take blame for their involvement. He also played dumb and acted as he was completely unaware of his staff’s involvement in the break in of the Democratic Party headquarters until long after it had happened. However, he did know about it early on and he was aware of it to the point that he tried to thwart the investigation and help cover up the people that were involved. Nixon then began talking about how the future for America is bright and that he has high hopes for the rest of his presidency.
Haley Proctor- The President Calling
President Nixon attempted portray himself as being oblivious to any involvement with the Watergate scandal.He indirectly implicated his top two aides and other White House staff as the miscreants of the scandal. Nixon was very cordial and manipulative until his secret recordings were found. The recordings held evidence of the President's involvement and the leadership he had in the Watergate scandal. His recordings also had other political abuses that were carried out under him. Nixon's failure to cover up the scandal led to his resignation while still serving in office on August 8, 1974.
Brendan O'Healaigh-Why Did JFK Record Himself?
I find it extremely intriguing that presidents such as Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon made secret tapes of their daily conversations ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary. These tapes were made (to my knowledge) to hold other politicians to their word and for memoirs that presidents would write later down the road. This aspect is what makes the tapes so interesting: they reveal everything because nothing was meant to be hidden or screened in anyway.
Out of the three presidents that taped their phone conversations, I find John Kennedy's the most interesting. There are several reasons for this. Kennedy was the first president to start this "precedent;" a forerunner of sorts. John had a brilliant political mind and his idea to hold other politicians to their word by taping them was groundbreaking. This very practice of taping conversations was what allowed him to resolve the crisis in Mississippi involving Meredith's enrollment in "sacred" Ole' Miss. By threatening to release tapes of Kennedy and Barnett's negotiating, John was able to persuade Ross into helping him resolve the conflict without excessive bloodshed.
Cedric Tryman- President's calling
I listened to the phone conversations between President JFK and Governor Barnett of Mississippi about the riots and uproars in Mississippi. This crisis started when James Meritith who was a African American who applied for college at the university of Mississippi. President Kennedy wanted the governor to take action to control the situation before further violence occurred. I was impressed how President Kennedy stayed calm throughout the situation.
Calvin Merritt - The President Calling
LBJ after assassination
The president is not saying we should feel sorry for Kennedy but remember how honorable and what a great president he was. He also is saying that he needs the help from everyone in this time of trouble and needs to be even stronger than before.
Travia Gallon- The President Calling
I listened to the conversation between President John F. Kennedy and Governor Ross Barnett. The conversation took place because Governor Barnett would not allow James Meredith, an African American air force veteran, to enroll at Mississippi State University. During the time of this conversation schools have been integrated therefore it was not only unethical, it was illegal for Barnett to not allow Meredith to be admitted.
I admire Kennedy’s approach to the situation, for initially he uses an empathetic tone as he attempts to persuade Barnett into allowing Meredith’s admission. I feel he tries to somewhat relate himself to Barnett by mentioning the oath he took as president to serve the people, because Barnett too has taken a similar oath.
In Kennedy’s next approach his tone was more firm and serious but he was still willing to compromise. This is when the plan to send troops, to escort Meredith into the school, formed. Listening to the Presidents phone conversation shines a more common light on him. Sometimes as citizens we forget president is human just as we are.
Matthew Maleszewski - The President's calling: The Mississippi crisis.
I listened to the conversation on the Mississippi crisis between Governor Barnett and JFK. JFK was calm about staying firm on his opinion that there needed to be order at the university. He did his best to insure James Meredith could attend the university, which would be a progress towards a non segregated state.
Sarah Hadden - The President Calling
I listened to Nixon as he addresses the nation on Watergate. Nixon seems to be surprised about the news that his coworkers were involved. After Nixon announces that two of his closet co workers had already resigned. He also talks about that he wanted peace for America and he knew that Richardson(a hired man to collect and report information to Nixon)would be fair. One of his closing remarks were his days left in office which was 1361 and that he wanted them to be the best. Nixon had hope for the future and wanted Americans to have hope for the future and to have hope in him.
Natalie Sena- The President Calling
I chose to listen to the Mississippi Crisis involving President John F. Kennedy and Governor Ross Barnett. Student James Meredith yearned to be matriculated at the University of Mississippi, but due to racial discrimination he was unable to join. No African American had ever attended Ole' Miss and Governor Barnett was determined to keep it that way. After several phone conversations President Kennedy decides to send Federal Marshals to Mississippi to protect Meredith from white segregationists. During his phone calls with the governor President Kennedy remains harmonious and placid. His primary objective is to grant Meredith admission into the university without causing violence or riots. Kennedy's actions demonstrate the care and concern he has towards his country. He wants no blood to be shed when matters can be resolved peacefully. These qualities prove that he is befitting for presidency.
Ania Johnson
I listened to President Lyndon B. Johnson talk with Martin Luther King Jr. and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The conversation between LBJ and MLK was discussing the ways to pass the voting bill for African Americans. LBJ asked for MLK's help with showing Americans the wide discrimination between African Americans voting. Martin Luther King Jr. later organized a march to Montgomery from Selma, this was later known as "Bloody Sunday". After this incident Martin Luther King Jr. arranged many more marches. One of these marches even led to the death of a white women named Viola Liuzzo. Viola was seen taking a black male home after a march and was killed by the Ku KLux Klan. After Viola's death Lyndon B. Johnson held a conversation with J. Edgar Hoover. During this conversation they talked about the FBI catching the killers of Viola. I believe that Martin Luther Kings Jr.'s organization of more marches after the "Bloody Sunday" was a good idea because the marches seem to lead to the passing of voting bills. I also found the way the FBI caught Viola's killers very interesting as well.
Ania Johnson- The President Calling
I listened to President Lyndon B. Johnson talk with Martin Luther King Jr. and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The conversation between LBJ and MLK was discussing the ways to pass the voting bill for African Americans. LBJ asked for MLK's help with showing Americans the wide discrimination between African Americans voting. Martin Luther King Jr. later organized a march to Montgomery from Selma, this was later known as "Bloody Sunday". After this incident Martin Luther King Jr. arranged many more marches. One of these marches even led to the death of a white women named Viola Liuzzo. Viola was seen taking a black male home after a march and was killed by the Ku KLux Klan. After Viola's death Lyndon B. Johnson held a conversation with J. Edgar Hoover. During this conversation they talked about the FBI catching the killers of Viola. I believe that Martin Luther Kings Jr.'s organization of more marches after the "Bloody Sunday" was a good idea because the marches seem to lead to the passing of voting bills. I also found the way the FBI caught Viola's killers very interesting as well.
I listened to JFK talk about the Mississippi crisis. I was very impressed by the composure and choice of words JFK used to avoid any violence or loss of votes from southern democrats at the next election. He was very calm and collective in his thoughts but still spoke with the certainty and re-assuring voice a president should have.Throughout the argument he continued to assure the governor that the black man should be allowed to attend ole' miss and that it was his job to allow him to do so. JFK acted as though it his duty to allow this instead of his choice to avoid rioting and other violence. Overall i was quite impressed by the composure of JFK.
France Green- I chose to listen to the first 6 Nixon podcasts because by using the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Typing Instrument) I determined JFK and LBJ to have the same personality type while Nixon was the odd man out. Also, I found that Nixon's podcast's were compelling to listen to because he recorded the most conversations of the three presidents, which ended up hurting him by exposing the infamous Watergate Scandal. While I listened to Nixon, I noticed how he almost cuts off some of the people he's talking with to get to the point of the conversation rather than "beating around the bush." Additionally, I noticed Nixon was very ruthless and extremely strategic in his orders to his advisors. Lastly, Nixon was very aware and concerned with how he was perceived in the public eye, mostly regarding his speeches, and ensuring that the media put out propaganda that would put him in a good light because he talks briefly about that in anime.
The President calling - Linda Mbiza
I listened to Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) addresses Congress days after assassination. LBJ gives a eulogy to honor JFK and his impact on America. I liked how he shared all of the dreams that JFK had for America, such as education, more jobs, care for the elderly, and the dream of equal rights for all Americans. He acknowledges that JFK has lead this country so that we as American should accept peace. He states that even though a great leader has left us, that they will still lead this country under his great legacy.
i read The Grapes Of Wrath,sorry i posted this late, but i read it because it seemed unique and decided to try it out of the selection, it turned out to be quite good, i learned a lot about the people who suffered the great depression and realize i have never gone through anything as bad as them and feel lucky.
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