On the podcast “Political Junkie” this week, Ken Rudin interviews Stuart Stevens. His book “It was all a Lie” is a powerful indictment of the Republican Party, especially from Regan on. It is worth the read.
In regards to Cheney/Bush, required reading NOW would be Jane Mayer’s book “Dark Side”. Her following book “Dark Money” is more fam…
On the podcast “Political Junkie” this week, Ken Rudin interviews Stuart Stevens. His book “It was all a Lie” is a powerful indictment of the Republican Party, especially from Regan on. It is worth the read.
In regards to Cheney/Bush, required reading NOW would be Jane Mayer’s book “Dark Side”. Her following book “Dark Money” is more famous and is chilling. I actually read “Dark Side” from the library, confusing it with “Dark Money”. I would warn, that sleep will not be easy after reading these two.
Now for a change of pace and heart I listened to an interview by Terri Gross on the podcast Fresh Air. It was a tribute to an author I had never heard of named Gary Paulson who passed away this past week at age 82. Ms Gross interviewed the author all most 30 tears ago. The man is captivating on the interview. Such a life story! I am about to start listening to one of his most famous novels: Winter Dance. I offer this as a possible brief escape from our current nightmare.
Finally, as always, I close with the thought that our only “ultimate weapon” against the current Republican Party is not bad language or insults. It is courage to speak out the truth. Then vote that truth in every election. It is the message of HCR.
I kept a set of Gary Paulson books in my 5th grade classroom lending library. He wrote primarily coming of age/survival books for older children and young adults. His first book in the Brian series, Hatchet, a Newbery Honors book was wildly popular with my students. Once I'd read that aloud to my class there would be a run on his books in my little library. The one book I didn't share with my students, Guts, is a nonfiction telling of some of the harrowing events in Gary Paulson's life. If you think you're too mature and learned to appreciate Paulson's books, think again. Young Adult books are some of the best reading to be found.
I grew up without access to a library on a regular basis. As an adult I discovered juvenile fiction when our children started school and never looked back! Gary Paulson was one of our many favorite authors. Thank you for reading to your students, as a child we only had one teacher who read to us but fortunately I had parents who read to us until we could read to ourselves.
Daphne, I too kept Gary Paulson books in my classroom library. I taught 8th grade and I found reluctant readers who avoided it in 6th grade did pick it up and read it in 8th grade. It was wonderful to have great authors for Young Adult readers like Paulson.
I kept a copy of Watership Down available in my classroom though I read it aloud only one year. I loved the book and its message is certainly relevant today.
O Frank - you are so right; the The way the book and it was extremely difficult to read, but the way it is written gives such a wonderful way to deal with death. Especially for children. I am heavily paraphrasing now, but the sentence that really got me was:
“Knowing that he didn’t need his body any longer, he walked away with his new friend (death)”. Jeez, I get choked up just writing the final words. However, it is an almost sublime feeling and my hope is that I wish us all to have such a peaceful passing.
I am also thinking of Emily Dickinson‘s line, “I could not stop for death, so he kindly stopped for me.“
If you don’t believe Daphne, read Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Material series: Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, and Amber Spyglass. Young adult for adults!
And gain insight into them! I, too, had these books available in my middle-level classroom. The courage of their characters, the obstacles they overcome, the hope of good over evil triumphing are all lessons we need more than ever today!
Totally agree with you, Daphne. I sprinkle MG and YA books in between heavy contemporary affairs. As you wrote, sometimes we need inspiration, humor and art. I was a fan of Paulson, also Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Paterson, Rita Williams, Neil Gaiman, Kathi Appelt, et al. Wonderful, imaginative writers, all I dare to say they would be in agreement with HCR as they are all humanitarians, too.
I love Louise Penny. I just finished "The Madness of Crowds" so pertinent in these continuing Covid days. Thanks for the reminder to read "State of Terror."
Yes! Louise Penny is one of my absolute favorites. I fell in love with that whole series. Madness of Crowds did not disappoint and either will State of Terror. Clinton’s contributions to the story are easy to spot.
Years ago, I invited Gary Paulson to come and speak to my junior high classes in Alaska. He came, red suspenders and flannel shirt, and talked to them about writing and mushing dogs. Always his books were.popular. I read to kids every day when I was teaching because I remembered how my Dad and then my teachers read to me.
My boys loved the Gary Paulson books. In this ever developed world, they provided a world that was wild and uncertain, but the hero, a boy, always used ingenuity and determination to survive.
"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." -- Albert Einstein
If you are ever in D.C., find my favorite statue of Einstein. I'm not sure this quote is on it, but there are many other great ones by him, mostly about peace.
THIS!!! “our only “ultimate weapon” against the current Republican Party is not bad language or insults. It is courage to speak out the truth. Then vote that truth in every election.” Thank you.
Thank you so much. I want to hear this and will find it. Forever happy to have discovered him for my sons and grandsons. And really appreciate your last paragraph 🙏🙏🙏
On the podcast “Political Junkie” this week, Ken Rudin interviews Stuart Stevens. His book “It was all a Lie” is a powerful indictment of the Republican Party, especially from Regan on. It is worth the read.
In regards to Cheney/Bush, required reading NOW would be Jane Mayer’s book “Dark Side”. Her following book “Dark Money” is more famous and is chilling. I actually read “Dark Side” from the library, confusing it with “Dark Money”. I would warn, that sleep will not be easy after reading these two.
Now for a change of pace and heart I listened to an interview by Terri Gross on the podcast Fresh Air. It was a tribute to an author I had never heard of named Gary Paulson who passed away this past week at age 82. Ms Gross interviewed the author all most 30 tears ago. The man is captivating on the interview. Such a life story! I am about to start listening to one of his most famous novels: Winter Dance. I offer this as a possible brief escape from our current nightmare.
Finally, as always, I close with the thought that our only “ultimate weapon” against the current Republican Party is not bad language or insults. It is courage to speak out the truth. Then vote that truth in every election. It is the message of HCR.
I kept a set of Gary Paulson books in my 5th grade classroom lending library. He wrote primarily coming of age/survival books for older children and young adults. His first book in the Brian series, Hatchet, a Newbery Honors book was wildly popular with my students. Once I'd read that aloud to my class there would be a run on his books in my little library. The one book I didn't share with my students, Guts, is a nonfiction telling of some of the harrowing events in Gary Paulson's life. If you think you're too mature and learned to appreciate Paulson's books, think again. Young Adult books are some of the best reading to be found.
I grew up without access to a library on a regular basis. As an adult I discovered juvenile fiction when our children started school and never looked back! Gary Paulson was one of our many favorite authors. Thank you for reading to your students, as a child we only had one teacher who read to us but fortunately I had parents who read to us until we could read to ourselves.
I read to my children until they could read themselves and then they read to me at their bedtimes until at least middle school.
Daphne, I too kept Gary Paulson books in my classroom library. I taught 8th grade and I found reluctant readers who avoided it in 6th grade did pick it up and read it in 8th grade. It was wonderful to have great authors for Young Adult readers like Paulson.
Did you read Watership Down aloud? My kids loved it. I just couldn’t not read aloud the last chapter, too emotional!
I read many books aloud to my students but not "Watership Down." I did have many students read it independently. Such a great one!
I kept a copy of Watership Down available in my classroom though I read it aloud only one year. I loved the book and its message is certainly relevant today.
O Frank - you are so right; the The way the book and it was extremely difficult to read, but the way it is written gives such a wonderful way to deal with death. Especially for children. I am heavily paraphrasing now, but the sentence that really got me was:
“Knowing that he didn’t need his body any longer, he walked away with his new friend (death)”. Jeez, I get choked up just writing the final words. However, it is an almost sublime feeling and my hope is that I wish us all to have such a peaceful passing.
I am also thinking of Emily Dickinson‘s line, “I could not stop for death, so he kindly stopped for me.“
Beautifully written Thank you
If you don’t believe Daphne, read Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Material series: Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, and Amber Spyglass. Young adult for adults!
...to take your mind off current events!
And gain insight into them! I, too, had these books available in my middle-level classroom. The courage of their characters, the obstacles they overcome, the hope of good over evil triumphing are all lessons we need more than ever today!
Exactly.
Totally agree with you, Daphne. I sprinkle MG and YA books in between heavy contemporary affairs. As you wrote, sometimes we need inspiration, humor and art. I was a fan of Paulson, also Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Paterson, Rita Williams, Neil Gaiman, Kathi Appelt, et al. Wonderful, imaginative writers, all I dare to say they would be in agreement with HCR as they are all humanitarians, too.
So true!
Thanks for the reading list Daphne! I am a voracious reader and I do love young adult fiction.
Currently reading fictional “State of Terror” by Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton.
I love Louise Penny. I just finished "The Madness of Crowds" so pertinent in these continuing Covid days. Thanks for the reminder to read "State of Terror."
Yes! Louise Penny is one of my absolute favorites. I fell in love with that whole series. Madness of Crowds did not disappoint and either will State of Terror. Clinton’s contributions to the story are easy to spot.
Years ago, I invited Gary Paulson to come and speak to my junior high classes in Alaska. He came, red suspenders and flannel shirt, and talked to them about writing and mushing dogs. Always his books were.popular. I read to kids every day when I was teaching because I remembered how my Dad and then my teachers read to me.
Love this.
My boys loved the Gary Paulson books. In this ever developed world, they provided a world that was wild and uncertain, but the hero, a boy, always used ingenuity and determination to survive.
"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." -- Albert Einstein
An Einstein quote I have missed until now but absolutely love. Thank you Richard!
If you are ever in D.C., find my favorite statue of Einstein. I'm not sure this quote is on it, but there are many other great ones by him, mostly about peace.
I also keep a book of favorite quotes though more for myself to reread when I feel like I’m losing my sense of self in the din of noise around me. ❤️
You are most welcome, Christy. Over the years I have written in a book various quotes I liked and have kept to share with others.
THIS!!! “our only “ultimate weapon” against the current Republican Party is not bad language or insults. It is courage to speak out the truth. Then vote that truth in every election.” Thank you.
His books sound very interesting. Thanks for the heads up on this author.
Gary Paulson's books are a good read, not just for our preteens.
Thanks, Bill, for all of this.
Author's surname is spelled Paulsen.
RIP Gary Paulsen!
"Courage to speak the truth." Absolutely! Thank you for this.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the suggested reading list.
Thanks for the info on reading material etc. always looking for good true information...
Thank you, Bill, for the recommendations and call to action! I too enjoyed the Paulson interview — keep me posted on Winter Dance!
Thank you so much. I want to hear this and will find it. Forever happy to have discovered him for my sons and grandsons. And really appreciate your last paragraph 🙏🙏🙏