What are you reading? I read a lot. Sometimes, it goes with the job. Gotta keep sharp. Sometimes, what I read is a product of curiosity.
Since my job is a mix of teaching various levels of students, fiction and poetry writing, and writing speeches, this covers a lot of territory. Some American classic one day, a leadership book the next, and probably the Bible as well throughout.
The best writers, you’ll hear me often say, are the best readers. I’m not suspect of writers who don’t read. I’m dismissive. I will not hire a writer who hasn’t got a strong grasp on the classics.
Controversy
Two classics I read recently are controversial and occasionally excluded intentionally from high school libraries. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Lord of the Rings.
I don’t say censored because the United States government didn’t stop Ken Kesey or William Golding from writing or publishing, or anyone here from buying them. They may be censored in intellectually stifled countries like China and the Sudan, but here, just go to Amazon.
These two are controversial for reasons of violence, language, and sensuality. I have a student who needs to learn them so I’ll work with them. Read them and you’ll see why. Whether you believe they should be taught to teenagers is another question, but there is no doubt
Are you struggling through a book filled with difficult issues? Contact me. I can help.
What about you? What’s on your nightstand this week?
