Ms. Dufur's Recommended Reads
I have re-read this book countless times, in addition to the other books in the series. It is a fantastic contemporary introduction to sci-fi for readers of all ages and skill. I hope they make an amazing movie out of it!
This book was my introduction to Hesse and, in addition to Camus, God's Debris, and Existentialism, it played a large part in shaping my worldview.
This book is one of my favorites. I've written many essays on it. It provides insight into Native American ideologies and issues. I was especially interested in exploring the trials Native Americans faced when trying to survive in a whit...
Very good ethnographic account of the Hmong community in California and discussion of the immigrant experience, the struggle between Western and folk medicines, and the limitations of Western medicine.
This book had a profound effect on my outlook on spirituality and religion. It's written by the most unlikely person--the guy that does the Dilbert cartoon...
This book is often criticized as "hipster lit", I suppose. It WAS released by MTV... However, I loved this book and I feel that many teens can relate to the issues discussed or to the protagonist, as I once did.
Again, here is a book that I struggled with in high school, but now appreciate. Could be used in a discussion of classic Russian lit, or about the monster that is hidden within every man.
McCammon does a wonderful job of putting an American spin on magic realism. This book is reminiscent of the movie Big Fish.. but SOOOO much better!
A good world history lesson or review for someone who has slacked off in that area. Also very depressing to read all of humanity's failings... I had a nightmare about Nashville being attacked by terrorists, which is unusual for me.
One of my favorite books of all-time... I'd say my favorite book by Vonnegut, but I love Breakfast of Champions and Cat's Cradle as well. Tough choice. This one is more autobiographical than the others. Somehow his dark satire is even da...
This is a very, very long book. However, it is worth the read. A white missionary family from the South moves to West Africa (I believe), and of course, there is chaos. I love most books which give some insight into cultures colliding.
While not my favorite Bradbury book (Martian Chronicles, if you're interested), this book is a great introduction to Bradbury, sci-fi, and dystopian literature.
This was a surprisingly hilarious book. It begins with a guy getting furious about seeing someone pollute on the highway. He follows them, intending to give them a piece of his mind, and a crazy plot ensues... Love it.
I trudged through this novel, and it was worth it. Very unique subject matter which should perhaps be explored more often (transsexuality), especially through the lens of a specific culture (in this case, Greek-American).
David Sedaris, the brother of Amy Sedaris (from one of my favorite shows, "Strangers with Candy"), is a riot. Each one of his books incites belly laughs... which is a rarity in my life. It makes sense, considering the absurdist humor his...
Very interesting and informative read for anyone curious about why history repeats itself, and why some cultures have seemingly dominated others.
I LOVED this book and it is probably my favorite out of all dystopian literature. It is great to read in conjunction with 1984.
I definitely struggled with this book in high school, but gained more appreciation for it once I studied African history, the Slave Trade, and the origins of racism.
Although I didn't like this book at first when I read it in high school, I came to appreciate it more after studying African history and through comparison to Heart of Darkness.
Depressing and vulgar in turns, this is still a classic satire which predates (by more than two centuries) some of my favorite satirists (Vonnegut and Sedaris). Reading it in its original French added another dimension.
This book, along with the introduction to Existentialist philosophy, changed my worldview in high school.
A great early introduction to dystopian literature. I will always wish for a decent follow-up or movie.
I am fond of some of her later works. While this is a classic and can inspire the younger crowd to wonder about biology and space/time/physics, L'Engle often verges on being rather corny...
Interesting insight into the ways which hedonism and vanity destroy the soul. As Dorian lives a life of debauchery and sin, his portrait ages, while he does not. I loved this book... very dark subject matter.
