Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles [Adult Nonfiction]

By Christine, age 17

Oedipus Rex is the story of a young man named Oedipus whose father was cursed for violating “Xenia”, or hospitality. The curse states that someday Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother. To prevent this, Oedipus’ parents try to kill him at birth. Instead, he was rescued and adopted. He believed his adopted parents were his real parents, so when he fulfills the prophecy, he does so unknowingly. Most of the story is about Oedipus trying to solve the mystery of the murder of the previous king. He doesn’t realize that he is the murderer and the king was his father. When he discovers the truth, he gouges his eyes out. This book is not for younger kids… the whole marrying-your-mother thing could be traumatizing.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom [adult nonfiction]

by Kristen, 8th grader

Tuesdays with Morrie is an inspiring story about a dying college professor and his old student. Although Morrie has a crippling disease and won’t live much longer, he is able to teach his old student many more lessons. Throughout this story, you will learn many life lessons and will learn, like Mitch, what is really important in life.

Teach like Your Hair’s On Fire

Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire, by Rafe Equith [adult nonfiction]

by Marina, 8th grader

This is a wonderful book. Anyone who wants to become a teacher HAS to read this book. This is a new nonfiction book written by an incredible teacher. Rafe Esquith teaches a class of fifth graderse in a small underfunded school in California. The children that he teaches all speak American as their second language. They are believed to never amount to anything, but they are blessed with this teacher. His methods and ideals are incredible. His ways of teaching are so interesting and they work! These kids are smarter than most middle schoolers and high schoolers. They perform Shakespeare as the Hobart Shakespearians, they’re known across the country. The best part is though, they understand it. You really have to read it to get the full impact. It’s an amazing book. You have to read it even if you’re not planning on being a teacher. I highly recommend it!

Freakonomics

Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt [adult nonfiction]

by Helen, 11th grader

The book, Freakonomics, is a great book that’s well worth your time. It is unlike all the other books I have read. The author has incorporated statistics with many new views on today’s society. Contents include topics such as “the similarities between real estate agents and sumo wrestlers” and “why drug dealers live with their moms.” Not only is the topics and perspectives fascinating, there are also many humorous elements that will keep all readers entertained. It is most certainly a must-read for older high school students.

It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump

It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump, by John O’Hurley [adult nonfiction]

by Jeana, 8th grader

As an animal and dog lover, this book is simply a heartwarming and very well-written collection of stories about dogs in the author’s life and lessons he has learned from them. We explore the purity of dogs, like the magic of just listening to problems, rather than having problems fester, but being able to release those problems without being judged. At the same time, learning that everyone has their own unique bark.

On Writing

On Writing, by Stephen King [adult nonfiction]

by Matt, 12th grader

If you need help understanding writing or need clarifying, then this book is very good. It will help improve your writing. But I found that it was a little dry and boring.

Lucky

Lucky, by Alice Sebold [adult nonfiction]

by Courtney, 8th grader

I am absolutely obsessed with this author. I love her and I love her books. This book is about her rape as a college freshman. This tells all and is told from her point of view and I think this is a really great book and you should really read this.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, ed. Jack Canfield [YA Nonfiction]
by Sharyl, 11th grader

You should read these books because they are very touching and they could make you cry.

Who Killed my Daughter?

Who Killed My Daughter? by Lois Duncan [we don't own, for now]

by Courtney, 8th grader

I read the book called Who Killed My Daughter? by Lois Duncan, and I really enjoyed reading it because I liked hearing how sad and hurt she felt about her daughter going missing and the police not being able to find her.

The Wu-Tang Manual

The Wu-Tang Manual, by the RZA [we don't own]
by Ravi, 11th grader

The Wu-Tang Manual introduces the philosophies of the Wu-Tang Clan. It has a plethora of subjects it covers from religion to lyricism. There are many lessons of life to be learnt through the entering anecdotes.