1984

Title: 1984

Author: George Orwell

Summary: In the midst of an ultra-controlling society full of lies and contradictions, the main character Winston begins to think for himself. He falls in love (which is forbidden by the government) and begins noticing the flaws of his society. However, "Big Brother" (This phrase originated with this novel.) is watching Winston, who is soon captured, tortured, and brainwashed. The book has an unsettling ending, which I won't spoil for you, but which really makes you think about the role of government.

Why it's been challenged: The book has been challenged for its sexual content. It's also been challenged for pro-communist material (I don't understand that complaint; in my opinion, the book seemed anti-communist. Maybe I just don't know enough about politics.) (ALA)

If I were still teaching, would I allow my class of high schoolers to read this book? I think I'd allow it. I'd probably inform parents of the suggestive material. The sexual content isn't overly explicit, but it gets steamy a few times. However, I think high school students would really enjoy this book, and it would spark great political discussions and debate. A possible alternative would be George Orwell's Animal Farm. It is also very political, though more from a metaphorical historical point of view, rather than from a hypothetical futuristic point of view. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley would also be a great tie-in, though it also has suggestive material.

Here's a great quote from the book:

"What can you do, thought Winston, against the lunatic who is more intelligent than yourself, who gives your arguments a fair hearing and then simply persists in his lunacy?" (262)

The Man Who Knew Too Much - Summer 2010 - Genre: Suspense

Genre #10 -- Suspense
The Man Who Knew Too Much by G. K. Chesterton
read 6/30/2010 - 7/1/2010

This was a fantastic read. I'm not sure why I haven't read this book before. Each chapter was its own separate mystery, which I really liked; however, all the chapters were tied together and came to a great conclusion in the final chapter. The mysteries were very ingenuous and quite enjoyable. My only regret is that I wish I knew a little bit more about English history so I could follow the politics of this book. I highly recommend this book and am considering having my high school students read a few of the chapters, if not the whole thing.

This book was part of my 2010 summer reading program.

Lord of the Flies

Title: Lord of the Flies

Author: William Golding

Summary: A group of adolescent boys between the ages of 6 and 12 are marooned on a deserted island. There are no adults, so they must rely on themselves to survive and to seek a means of rescue. At first, all is fun and games, and the children enjoy the society they have created and the ability to live as they wish. However, as hopes of rescue begin to diminish, things begin to unravel. The boys turn against each other, causing a terrifyingly violent chaos that ultimately shows the depravity of man (even as children) when left to his own devices.

Why it's been challenged: The book has been challenged for its extreme violence and gore (at first in the hunting of animals and then in the children's treatment of each other). Others challenge the book on issues of racism, profanity, and sex. I personally did not feel these themes were abused in the book. One school challenged the book because it is "demoralizing inasmuch as it implies that man is little more than an animal". Ummmm...well, theologically, I do believe that man, in his natural state, is a despicable creature, so I have no issues with that aspect of the book. (ALA)

If I were still teaching, would I allow my class of high schoolers to read this book? Hmmm...yes, I think I would. I would probably write a disclosure letter to the parents and ask for permission first. Some of the passages are really quite disturbing due to their violence (but most teens probably see this quite often in the movies they watch). However, I would probably opt to teach Richard Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game". It is much more tame but still deals with a similar topic and the idea that man is an evil creature.