Great Summer Reads for Teachers and Other Enthusiasts

When pondering worthwhile reading material for the summer, I perused my mind for reads that would be worthwhile, not only for the classroom, but for literary value as well. As far as genre goes, I try to avoid putting books into categories. Should a person recommend a romance novel to me, although I may not immediately be excited by the subject matter, I would instead look for the ability of the author to capture my attention, the character development, and anything else that will improve me as a reader, writer, and person. A wise man once said to me with regard to reading, “Chew the meat and spit out the bones.” Therefore I offer you, my colleagues, my recommendations for five very meaty reads.

1. The Stand

The first novel that comes to mind when I think of a book I could not put down, is The Stand by Stephen King, first published in 1978. Constantly, to King’s chagrin, this book has been voted as his fans' favorite novel. The basic premise of the story is good vs. evil, against a backdrop of civilization itself. The story begins when a human-created super flu escapes containment via a guard’s carelessness when he contracts the disease and flees, spreading it over America’s southwest. Eventually, ninety-nine percent of the population perishes at the hands of the flu. The survivors begin to have lucent dreams about two diametrically opposed beings: an endearing elderly woman who represents good, and a faceless drifter who represents evil. The purest in society (and not the cliché representations of heroes) seek out the kind old woman who invades their dreams, and the dregs of society seek out the drifter who manifests himself in their twisted minds. Slowly, each side finds its counterpart and a sense of community. Needless to say, the conflict arises, which I will not spoil.

Of course, a good storyline does not always make for a good novel. What makes this book a real page-turner is King’s character development. With most novels I read, I can barely remember a particular character’s attributes, let alone his/her name. With this book, however, I felt like I knew the players personally. I also found it very intriguing that religion was left to a minimum.

Throughout the novel, there is an undercurrent that applies meaningfully to the human condition. I would have to say that this novel is truly King at his best.

2. Still Life with Crows

Still Life with Crows, by Preston and Child, is a captivating read that kept me turning the pages into the early morning hours with its descriptions of the of cornfields, caves, and the human mind. The skilled writers bring life to a small rural farming community in Kansas. The character development is mesmerizing, especially that of the FBI agent that graces many of their novels. This not the most popular novel, but for me, it is a memorable one. I was surprised when reading reviews that said the ending was poor. To the contrary, I found the last paragraphs dark, eerie, and funny all at the same time.

3. Crafting the Very Short Story: An Anthology of 100 Masterpieces

I took a creative writing class many years ago and this was the textbook for the class. At the time, I was disconcerted about paying more than seventy dollars for it. Yet, I have used it time and time again in my classroom and as a resource for my writing. It has one of the best assortments of classical short stories, beautifully collected and dissected into voice, point of view, and setting. Technical examples illustrate, rather than tell, what the authors of the stories meant to engender in the reader and inspire in the writer.

4. The Prince

Machiavellian was the word. The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon is a term used when one hears a word, then seems to see and hear that word everywhere. Naturally, the curiosity engendered within me caused me to research the meaning of the new word that dripped into my lexicon. Alas, I discovered that most politicians read this book, and most people try to read politicians. A person who does not comprehend the harsh principles of politics is too naïve to understand why their leaders behave as they do. Politics occur in government, business, and family life, as well as numerous other scenarios. Machiavelli’s rules will apply to all of these situations.

This book is harsh and I imagine that some of the more politically correct learning institutions do not readily endorse this book. Morality is not mentioned, other than when he points out when a leader may need to fake it. Looking at this book and at the wider world, one will see Machiavelli’s rules in action, even though one may be hard-pressed to admit it. After reading this book, I see the news more clearly, although one may feel that the cynical door to my brain has been left open when I discuss this work.

The Prince will intrigue my fellow instructors whether they teach political science or ESL. This book may irritate the uninitiated, yet it should be on the shelf of a teacher and a student of life.

5. Poland

This book is one of the many novels written by James Michener, and I chose it for several reasons. First is my Polish ancestry, and second is the enlightening historical background. Poland is a country that has been center stage to countless conflicts, although Poland's people did not initiate these conflicts. . Unless specifically educated concerning Poland’s history, This book will awe, inspire, and even horrify its readers as it brings to light what Polish people have endured throughout the centuries. Mr. Michener artfully weaves his tapestry of Poland over the course of thousands of years, while his captivating and educating his readers.

Other resources of interest:

Machiavelli’s The Prince

High schoolers compare and contrast their concepts of leadership with Machiavelli's, as outlined in The Prince. Students identify positions that call for leadership and brainstorm qualities necessary for such a role. High schoolers then create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast Machiavelli's idea of a leader with their own.

We’re Booked

Pupils share their all-time favorite books with peers. They read and discuss the article Notable Children's Books of 2007. Afterward, they create book webs and compose reviews based on their book selections.