Kathryn Rawls- The Killer Angels

I choose to read Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels for my summer book because I felt that I didn't know much individual battles of our Civil War, and I felt that a book on the Battle of Gettysburg would be the best way to learn. The author tells the historic battle over the course of four days, from the viewpoints of the generals, such as Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet. Through out the book the generals speak of what they feel the war is about, and in the southern generals perspective the war is not about slavery, but a right they have to consent what the government does. I was born and raised down here in Florida and I always thought that it was over slavery, so I really have enjoyed this new perspective and it brings the Civil war into a new and different light. I have really enjoyed reading the book so far, and I hope that the movie can live up to it.

Michaela Paul - Devil in the White City

I selected Erik Larson's Devil in the White City due to my newfangled interest in dark history, such as the serial killers who quietly resided in our world in the past. The author apprises readers of the remarkable events that revolve around the 1893 Chicago's World Fair. Larson speaks the story of two particular men: H.H Holmes, a serial killer impersonating as an endearing doctor, and Daniel H. Burham, the architect held liable for the construction of the fair. Burham was pushed to his limits greatly, as he was forced to overcome the loss of his partner in a short period of time, and bypass obstacles to construct the "White City" in which the fair was located in. Holmes devised the World's Fair Hotel, in which he included a gas chamber and crematorium, and used the nearby fair grounds to lure his victims in. Overall, the book can be a challenging read, as there is a lot of information to store, but the captivating history overrides this and makes the pages seem to turn faster and faster.

Ryan Woodward - The President Calling

I listened to JFK speaking with the Governor of Mississippi regarding the admission of an African-American to a university in the racially-charged South.  Over the course of four calls, JFK begins by "giving advice" to the Governor on why he should allow James Meredith, an African-American, to be admitted to Ole Miss. The President is clearly leveraging his might as President to persuade the Governor to back down on the issue. Later, JFK warns him to deter possible riots and make sure he keeps his citizens in line. The President continues to address the nation on the peaceful resolution of the issue, only to find out that the people of Mississippi have rioted, endangering Mr. Meredith. He becomes seemingly angered at the Governor and urges him again to take control of his people through  some obviously frustrated words.

This shows the ability of the World's Most Powerful Man to sway outcomes of major events through the use of strong words alone, and further displays the sheer skill in conversation President Kennedy possessed.

Kaitlyn Daramola - Presidents Calling

 I listened to the discussion between the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, and John F. Kennedy about the ban that would not allow James Meredith from entering the University of Mississippi. I think that it is horrible that the Governor will not let Mr. Meredith into Ole Miss solely on his race and not taking in to consideration his intelligence and work ethic. But what makes it worse is that Mr. Barnett tries to cover up his racism and states that Meredith is not able to attend the university because he has committed a “crime” when he actually did not. It displays the corruption of the Governor and the government of Mississippi itself.

Kaitlyn Daramola - Coming of Age in Mississippi

I chose the book Coming of Age in Mississippi. It is about a young woman named Anne Moody and how she goes through living in the South and being Black in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s. In the novel she goes through many trials such as, working as a maid in order to help her mother put food on the table, encountering horrible racists like her boss, Ms. Burke, and many other things.  But she also tries to better the lives of Blacks, and herself by going to Natchez and Tougaloo College, and joining the NAACP. I picked this book because I am an African-American girl, and I believe that it is my duty to know what my people have gone through in order for me to have the opportunities I have today.  Although there still is racism in America this book has made me appreciate living in the 21^st century because it could have been much worse for me to live during Ms. Moody’s time period.

I thought the book was amazing; while reading I forgot it was an autobiography! It is extremely personal and it feels like the reader is going through the exact same thing as Anne is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

Ryan Woodward - Devil in the White City

Devil in the White City was a pretty comprehensive look at how a serial killer was able to feed off of an influx of visitors for the 1893 World's Fair. H. H. Holmes was a man with an incredible ability to lie and emulate an intense compassion for his audience, and easily gained the trust of scores of women who were manipulated into taking out life insurance policies - in his name. Holmes wasn't like most serial killers however. The eventual reason for his incarceration at Moyamensing Prison was his evasion of long-standing debts. During his jail time, his elaborate murder plots were uncovered by a crack detective named Frank Geyer, who was projected into fame through his Sherlock-like endeavors. Holmes was later tried successfully and executed in 1896, at Moyamensing.

Ashlyn Dewit- President Calling

I listened to John F. Kennedy phone calls with Governor Barnett discussing the issue of letting a colored student, James Meredith, into Ole Miss. It is contemptible how people were treated and people still got away with it. Meredith was no different than any other students, hardworking, smart, and determined, but because of simply how he looked he was not able to attend the University of Mississippi. Although it was an upsetting conversation I was glad that President Kennedy decided to try and convince Governor Barnett to let Meredith enter the campus, so he could attend. Kennedy did not want to have to use federal troops because he did not want to lose votes from the South. Thankfully today at Ole Miss there is something called the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, which helps advocate for diversity. 

Ashlyn Dewit- The Autobiography of Malcolm X

I choose to read and watch the autobiography of Malcolm X. I thought it would be interesting because it was different than all of the other books listed. Reading about the struggles that Malcolm had to over come, really makes me thankful for the time period I live in. It was hard to believe some of the things people would do to make them appear like the “superior” race, such as a conk hairstyle. The book follows Malcolm in both his good and bad times. It follows Malcolm, as he had to move in with his sister Ella, became a Hustler and began to gamble and do drugs. But Malcolm’s life changes when he is thrown in prison for burglary, he converts to a branch of Islam promoted by the Nation of Islam. Malcolm stops doing drugs, prays, studies language, and becomes part of the prison debate team. 

Jacob Moudy- LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination

I listened to Lyndon B. Johnson addressing a Joint Session of the United States Congress for the first time as President of the United States.
This speech was given just days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He wanted Congress to pass the civil rights bill and tax cut as soon as possible. Johnson felt this was the best way to honor the memory of the late President Kennedy. Johnson continued to tell Congress that he will do his best as the new President, but he could not do it alone and needed every bit of help from Capital Hill.
The speech lasted a total of 24 minutes with 32 interruptions if various bursts of applause as well as a two minute ovation at the end.  

Jacob Moudy- We Were Soldiers

I am reading the book "We Were Soldiers". It follows the story, told by Lt. Colonel Hal Moore, about one of the most intense battles of the Vietnam War. Moore explains every little thing that happens throughout his time in this battle as well as the events and strategies that led up to it. It makes you feel like you are in 1965 and experiencing everything that is happening.
I chose this book because I love history and the military. I've heard many great things about the movie, so I believed that the book would be great too.

Zola Hoehn - Wag the Dog

I chose to read the book Wag the Dog because the book and the movie looked interesting and seemed to have a different plot. Considering that it incorporated both politics and film into the book, it created a different type of story about how a GOP chairman created a plan to help keep the President in office. I thought that this book was really cool because it was coming from an actual event that occurred which to me made it better because it was factual but still had elements of fiction brought into it. I also thought it was interesting how originally the book was published as “American Hero” but after the film was released it was republished under “Wag the Dog”.

Irfan Kovankaya- The Presidents Calling

I listened to the conversation between john F Kennedy and Mississippi Governor Barnett about letting James Meredith into Ole Miss, a college in Mississippi. It is moments like these that make me realize how far we have come as a society. Although personally I am disgusted by the racism here into not letting an intelligent hard working human being not get a quality education simply due to skin color regardless of ones personal merits; it shows how much society has changed for the better in this regard. I am also impressed how JFK did not disregard the Supreme Courts decision to let James Meredith enter the class regardless of possible loss of votes in the south. He was able to carry out the courts decision while taking up most care to avoid any possible violence which to me is the mark of a good president one who uses caution to avoid violence.

Chase Vaughn- Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal

I listened to the first fifteen minutes of the speech given by president Nixon to the American people. It was interesting how he smoothly discussed his feelings towards the incident without without bias towards his administration. He talked as a president, not as a politician which in this day in time is something unheard of. He began to talk about the plans that he had for America down the road. In doing this he indirectly shows the American people that this scandal is not the end of the government, but that it is just bump in the long road of America's government.

Chase Vaughn-Ragtime

I chose to read Ragtime because of the story. It seams very interesting seeing people who shaped America come in and out of a type of mash-up story. The book is about a family in New York who experience all of these other characters from other times in America's history after Harry Houdini crashes into a pole outside their house.

Irfan Kovankaya: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

I chose The Autobiography of Malcolm X because he as an individual has always fascinated me especially being a Muslim myself. And although I do not agree with the racist doctrine of his early preaching I definitely respect his impact on America and his refusal to compromise for the well being of his people. The controversy surrounding his life is something that I found intriguing. Him being a figure I've always wanted to learn more about is my main reason for choosing this book.
     This book deals with the life of "The Nation of Islam" speaker and leader Malcolm X who being an African American fought for their rights and freedoms however unlike most African American leaders at the time he proposed segregation rather then integration as he felt that there would never be true equality for African Americans in a "white mans" society so he decided it would be better for them to have their own state. This was an extremely controversial idea at the time and caused many white people to consider him a speaker of evil and hatred. Although his doctrine was harsh and he changed his views later in life he is still respected to this day for his outspoken beliefs and refusal to compromise for his beliefs regardless of some perhaps inappropriate views regarding race. 

(And to clarify the Nation of Islam is a radical Black Muslim group that does not practice the original teachings of Islam and their views should not be mistaken for Islamic viewpoints.) 
   

Claire Wilhelm: Ragtime

I chose to read this book because it was the only one on the list I recognized. I had heard of the musical but had never read the book.
I would recommend Ragtime to anyone looking for a good story. It is a little confusing at first due to the many different perspectives and randomness, but in the end, all of the characters come together and it all makes sense.It also deals with class struggle and discrimination.

The Last of the Mohicans - Catherine Wilhelm

I chose this book because I love the film soundtrack, and it appealed to me more than any of the other books on the list.

This book was a great read, and used many words from the SAT vocab list! It was boring at the start, due to his droning on about the setting, but when it picked up the action, suspense, drama, and thrill was definitely brought out in full. The ending I did find depressing, spoiler alert, but much better than a lot of cheesy endings books have now.

Week of May 19th through May 25, 2014

President Calling Summer 2014

Summer Reading 2014 Blog Posts