![]() This book is a guide to Vipassana meditation. Mahathera describes the practice, how to deal with possible obstacles, , and how to live mindfully in highly accessible language. It might even feel like he is in the room speaking to you as you read. I read a friend's copy of this book at his offer. He is deeply committed to Vipassana meditation and mindful living, so I felt it would be worthwhile to understand those practices more deeply. I am, perhaps, an unusual reader of this guide book in that I did not practice or begin a meditation practice while reading this book. I expect that is my loss. Nevertheless, the book is clearly written, practical, and insightful.
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![]() Today is Leonard's birthday. But it is not a happy birthday. Instead, Leonard brings a gun to school with a plan to shoot his best friend and then kill himself. Quick writes this gut-wrenching tale with Leonard's voice, bringing the reader right into his mind throughout the day. This novel was recommended to me initially by a colleague, but I have read it again with student groups a few times. Each time, I can't put the book down. This book is about a high school kid with a gun, but it is not a school-shooting story. Leonard is endearing and Quick employs a few unique writing techniques that bring life and variety to his narrative. ![]() Samantha McAllister has a lot going for her. She is popular, athletic, and does well in her classes. But she also works very hard to keep up that image by trying to repress and conceal her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Then when she meets the weirdos in the Poet's Corner, everything changes and Samantha has to figure out was is real and what is important. This novel was recommended by a student and it was a worthy read. The story lulled me into thinking it was predictable, and then it took a surprising direction. It made me go back through the novel seeking more understanding and I had to check my thinking at times. ![]() This book starts when Julia's perfect sister, Olga, dies. Julia's parents want her to dress like a good girl, only say nice things, and stay home with them forever. This is not Julia. With the help of some formative experiences, Julia recovers from her sister's death and discovers some familial secrets along the way. The plot of this novel surprised me a number of times. Julia sees the world in a pretty dark way, which is understandable considering her circumstances. I found Julia's struggle to establish her true identity heartening and important: she grapples with the expectations of her undocumented conservative Mexican parents and her reality as an American teen in realistic ways. One aspect of certainty here is that Julia has a strong narrative voice throughout the novel. |
J. HiEBERBibliophile Archives
June 2020
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