"The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis

Of my top five books of 2011, one was about the robe of Christ, another made sound arguments against god, another had me fearing “big brother”, another had me wishing Al Gore had been President, but none played with my imagination like The Chronicles of Narnia.

To read the original review, click HERE.

"The Thirteen American Arguments" by Howard Friedman

"Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser

 I dare you to read this book and then walk into a McDonald's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-a, etc. again. This book paints a beautiful, yet painful picture of the stranglehold of Fast Food on the American landscape. Schlosser does a wonderful job giving the reader the complete history of fast food and then point by point describes its impact on our cities, our health, our environment and the animals on which we depend to feed our addiction. 

To read the original review, click HERE.

"John Adams" by David McCullough

We all know the stories of prominent founders like Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson. Somewhere in the course of history, we've lost the impact of John Adams. After reading this book, I was left with the belief that he should be credited for what is the United States of America. McCullough's attention to detail and research is nothing short of remarkable. He paints a picture of an Adams who is steadfast, political, loyal, but above all else, someone committed to the cause. 

To read the original review, click HERE.

"Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

If you’ve read “Into the Wild” or seen the movie, you more than likely find yourself in one of two camps; those with great respect and envy for Chris (Alex) or those who believe he was ill-prepared and selfish. I saw the movie long before ever flipping a page and as the credits rolled I found myself filled with admiration for Chris and his sacrifices. When I finished the book, I found myself shifting more toward the other camp, but not fully committing. That’s where I stand today; somewhere in the middle.

To read the original review, click HERE.

"A Brother's Journey" by Richard B. Pelzer

Dave Pelzer has written several books about his journey out of a home consumed with horrific child abuse. If you haven't read, "A Child Called It," "The Lost Boy," and "A Man Named Dave," I highly recommend you do. They are very challenging reads due to the level of violence, but I believe they are essential reading for any parent and educational professional. "A Brother's Journey" is written by Richard Pelzer, Dave's brother. It speaks to the psychological and physical abuse he endured after Dave was sent to foster care. The book is just as challenging and heartbreaking, but once you finish it you'll have a better understanding of why child protective services across the country take the actions they do to rescue an entire family. 

To read the original review, click HERE.

"The Discomfort Zone" by Jonathan Franzen

Looking back on your own life is more than a mere reflection. As you age, it is an opportunity to question major milestones and events. It is a chance to take stock of these experiences both good and bad in an effort to see how they shaped you. As you review, these moments interweave themselves together into the story of you. For those of us who choose creative endeavors, our art is an attempt to make meaning of these moments and share them with the world. They influence everything we write, paint, act, sculpt, sing, and express. By sharing them, we attempt to free ourselves while letting others in to experience our true selves. If we are really good, others will see they are not alone in the joy and moments of tumult in this world. “The Discomfort Zone” by Jonathan Franzen is an attempt to do this. In it, I found an author I could relate to on a personal level; one of my great hopes when consuming art in any form.

To read the original review, click HERE.

"Crank" by Ellen Hopkins 

I am a product of the ’80s. I grew up with “Just Say No,” D.A.R.E., and the War on Drugs. Throughout elementary school, my classmates and I were brainwashed with these messages. Our televisions were filled with images of eggs frying in skillets and the harm of drugs. For the most part, these messages worked on me. I avoided drugs all throughout high school. The first time I saw cocaine was in college. I immediately left the party. I didn’t experience marijuana until I was a senior. When I did, my opinion totally changed. Now, I live in a state where recreational use is legal. So, popular opinion is obviously changing.

To read the original review, click HERE.

"Driving Home" by Jonathan Raban 

Reading “Driving Home,” it was impossible to not think of what originally attracted me to the Pacific Northwest. Like countless others who arrived before me and all those who followed in the well-worn path taken by us, I arrived at this collection of states hanging in the untamed left-hand corner of the United States with a mission of being closer to nature and defining life on my own terms. Raban’s book forced me to question that migration and what it means to make a place home.

To read the original review, click HERE.

Be good to each other,

Nathan 

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