so i’ve decided this is the summer to read different things – this and that – mostly that though…

“captain saturday” – written by inman – who i think is coming to our county in february to speak – basically a story about a middle-aged man who loses everything and discovers what’s important – which is cutting grass – i couldn’t relate… 🙂

“looking for alaska” – again, a guy who’s coming to the county in february – green – this book is – actually, both books are – at the county library – the book’s author satirizes indian springs and weaves in a story about death – a  student death – you’re left to wonder whether the death was accidental or suicide – the second half of the book (the “after”) was better than the first half (the “before”) if just b/c there are certain things i’d rather not know in detail – and those things were described in detail

“lance” – biography on lance armstrong – really enjoyed this book – story of a guy who has faced many obstacles and overcome – inspiring – lots of lessons to draw from – one of them is the question, what motivates you? do you do things out of anger (like lance rode angry when he was younger – and won a bunch) or for other reasons??? (ego, money, love, the like)

must run – children coming at ehes – happy reading

sincerely,
mafeld

happy mid-june everybody!!!

“you haven’t taught until they’ve learned” – i know, heavy irony that i read this book – anyway, it’s by swen nater – a holland guy who was separated from his parents for a few years before finally getting the U.S. – and then he played basketball for john wooden – very famous basketball coach – anyway, the book was very inspiring – for teachers at least – sort of reminds you why you teach (for the money, of course:)

“walk-on” by thom gossom jr – heavily recommended to those of you that bleed orange and blue – gossom was the first au african-american athlete to graduate – one of the first african-american athletes at au period – and he walked on (no scholarship) on top of that – very good, inspiring, story of how you can achieve your goals if you’re determined enough – and a good reminder of how close to remarkable history we all live in

the other reading i’ve been doing lately would concern south africa – a bunch of articles the economist did on the country in ready for the world cup being there – i guess what i learned is that while things look really good at the venues for the games, the country still has many economic – racial – political problems – oh, and education is still very much in need of help – of course, those of you that have me as a teacher are in need of help too:)

guess that’s it – do hope you’re enjoying your break

sincerely,
dr mafeld

went back to some time in high school – i forget when because we read “mythology” by edith hamiliton one year – but i read “the odyssey” by homer this week – i had totally forgotten most of it – like events, no – but how the book was told – so it was an enjoyable read – i’m sure it would’ve been better in greek – except for the fact that i wouldn’t have been able to read it:)

i suppose it stands as a classic for high schoolers because it’s both a love story (man and wife stay true – sort of – to each other for 20 years) and a gorefest – so it appeals to both guys and gals:)

read “sunday” by craig hareline last week – story of how sunday got to be sunday – interesting how sunday came to be viewed as a day of rest – for some – for others, as a day to do other things – like there’s a big difference supposedly between a continental european sunday and a london sunday – and that’s all different from the US

i have a few requests out – one for a book to get me in the mood for the world cup – another for alabama football in the fall (did i just say fall??? ooooh, too far away) – anyway, let me know if you have trouble with summer reading

sincerely,
mafeld