2018 Reading List
January: Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia M. Axline
This classic narrative case study of Play therapy written in 1964 was an easy read that described an ideal course of treatment for a gifted young boy. For somebody wanting to learn the basics of play therapy this would be a fun place to start but it does not dig in deep enough for an experienced mental health professional.
February: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
This story, told from a Dominican-American teenager's perspective, weaved Dominican history with that of an immigrant family in America. Footnotes throughout the book help fill in historical information and translate some of the Spanish used.
March: The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
Another classic. This was written in 1903 and reflects that time in American history. Much of the book discusses Reconstruction and the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. Unfortunately, many of the issues raised are still relevant today...
April: Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama
So good! My favorite book this year. An incredible and uniquely American tale. Well written and insightful.
May: Feedback: The hinge that joins teaching and learning by Jane E. Pollock
A short how-to guide to improving classroom engagement strategies.
June: Jackie Robinson: A biography by Arnold Rampersad
Jackie Robinson lived from 1919-1972. His life spanned Jim Crow, World War II, the Civil Rights era, and Vietnam. He was a force through all of these generational changes in American history. His story is one of drive, determination, and grit.
July: Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran-Foer
Anybody that cares about their body, climate change, or animal rights should read this book. It not only covers the obvious problems with industrial and factory farming but also discusses the personal challenges associated with changing eating habits.
August: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Tough to read but insightful, inspirational, and informative about capital punishment and the discriminatory and inhumane practices in our criminal justice system.
September: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
A powerful personal narrative (and blockbuster movie starring Reese Witherspoon) about addiction, loss, and self-discovery with the backdrop of a lengthy backpacking trip.
October: Whatever it Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America by Paul Tough
This book follows the formation and early years of a new kind of school in Harlem while also exploring best practice and innovative ways to educate youth from minority, traumatic and impoverished backgrounds.
November: Fleeing Castro: Operation Pedro Pan and the Cuban Children’s Program by Victor Andres Triay
Did you know that 14000 child refugees entered the US from Cuba in just 18 months before the Cuban Missile Crisis?
December: Dare to Lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts. by Brene Brown
Last but not least. Another in a string of books by Brene Brown that spread the gospel of vulnerability and courage. Brene teaches that empathy is the key to transcending shame and that being brave enough to be vulnerable leads to wholeheartedness.
Retired Special Education Teacher
6 年Wow, Dan, this list is so serious and focused.? I read much lighter fare.? If you get tired of deep contemplation, you might want to check out the IQ series by Joe Ide.? Fast and witty along with the suspense.? Or how about Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by ZZ Packer?? If you're into memoir, I recommend Time Pieces by John Banville, who has lots of mysteries worth reading, penned under the name Benjamin Black.? Currently reading Born to be Posthumous, The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey, Dickens' A Christmas Carol (which I read every year about this time), Sexual Politics by Kate Millett and The Likeness by Tana French.? I always have several books around, like several kinds of food.? Never know what I might be hungry for in the moment.