We've had a really productive week of school here. The boys are engaged and interested and totally interesting. BUT ... they've just finished up reading The Jungle and are working their way through the Great Depression. I never thought I would say I was anxious for WWII to start, but I kind of am after this week. Still depressing, but a new kind of depressing. Nevertheless, I think they need to learn history and, as much as possible, I want it to "feel" real to them. But, I'm finding modern history with teenagers to be completely exhausting.
Upside, Ian continues to improve with his new medicines. Improve is an understatement. After just a few days he even look healthier and has so much more energy. It's amazing to witness this transformation. For fun, we had green beans sauteed in olive oil, garlic and walnuts with dinner tonight. Turns out Ian hates walnuts, but he liked the beans. The rest of us rejoiced in the crunchy goodness of it all.
OK - I need to get to bed. Anyone care to list their favorite books from the 40's, 50's and 60's? I'm trying to get a good reading list together for the boys for the remainder of the year. They're nearly down with "Out of the Dust" and next up is "The Book Thief." I'm thinking Atlas Shrugged might be a little ambitious for now. All suggestions welcome and appreciated.
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8 comments:
To lighten the mood, some Thurber from the 40s. I adored Thurber when I was in middle/high school.
Be careful what you wish for. WWII ushers in widespread destruction in Europe and Asia, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, life under dictators, the Holocaust, and the beginning of the the Cold War. Maybe a review of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the resulting projects that we still use and enjoy today (oral history recordings, national park buildings, etc.) would end the Depression era on a lighter note. I send you a virtual cocktail and all the crunchy veggies you can eat.
Grapes of Wrath! I love this book. They might think it's boring, I don't know. I never read it as a teen.
Uhmm I don't have any suggestions, but I'll be checking back to see what kind of advice you get. I guess we're running behind, because we just finished up the Civil War.
Boy! Am I glad that's over, LOL.
The Freddie Books by Walter Brooks are a beautiful slice of the 40s. They're kids' books, Ben still loves them, but they're slyly funny for the bigger folk to enjoy. They aren't history, of course, but SUCH an interesting look at life...from the point of view of farm animals.
I'm a big fan of books that didn't intend to be a big deal, but that tell a lot about life at the time by looking at what is taken for granted.
Deana - your suggestions are awesome. I like books that aren't out to make a big statement but end up sticking in your head forever.
Kaaren - I ADORE Grapes of Wrath. I'm adding it to the list. I think the Jungle is similar and the boys were really into routing for something, anything, good to happen to the people in the book. I felt that way about GoW.
Obimom - I KNOW what you're saying and I gladly accept cocktails and snacks. I like your idea of taking some time on the lasting positive effects. Thanks.
Mom #1 - you're not behind! It's not like history is going anywhere. I'll post a list of our books when I finally get it together.
I agree with Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck,awesome book.Have you thought of his book East of Eden?
Pre-read East of Eden before handing it to the boys - some r-rated stuff in there (I remember this from my teenage years when I could not believe my mom was letting me read East. in retrospect - she never read the book herself!!!!)
JFS in IL
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