The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is one of the most unorthodox books you’ll ever read. Written as an autobiography, it details her life growing up with a dysfunctional family. Her parents were creative thinkers who preferred to live their lives differently from society. They constantly moved their kids to new places, and relied on their children’s self-sustenance to keep the family afloat. Jeannette and her three siblings, Lori, Brian, and Maureen, depended on each
Breaking Clean is a memoir by Judy Blunt. It follows Blunt’s life growing up on a farm in rural Montana and the challenges involved with that lifestyle. Blunt touches on gender roles, poverty and coming-of-age.
This was one of the most inspiring memoirs that I have ever read. We read about Tara Westover’s personal experiences living in a very strict, radical Mormon family. It’s a very empowering book about her journey out of her prison-like life under her radical, abusive father. She talks about all of the challenges she faced as her brainwashed religious side fought against the other side of her that wanted an education and wanted to leave her home. You get to read about her journey to getting an education after not being taught much as a young girl.
Ishmael Bea, as a young child, gets dragged into the war in Sierra Leone. He has nothing to do with it, and he wants nothing with it either. He attempts to escape the war and goes on a journey along the way. He shares his experience on the battlefield when he eventually becomes a child soldier.
Educated by Tara Westover is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that changed my life, just a little bit. Her ability to retell events that completely changed her personality and life completely took me. I would read it for hours when I was supposed to go to bed. I would read it when I could have played on my phone. I would read it when I had any moment of free time where I could get ahold of it. If it was within my reach, I was reading it.
This work recounts the point of view of Elie Wiesel as he faces the horrors of World War II. His family was taken away, and he was shuffled into concentration camps. This account showed to many that the people that were affected by the holocaust are more than numbers. They are living, breathing humans, with aspirations for the future and their life today. A thought-provoking work that truly makes one readjust their worldview to diversify for more and different insights. Recommended for all teens and above, and also recommended for a reread. Five out of Five.
Who Was Mother Teresa? by Jim Gigliotti is a non-fiction book. This book emphasizes how Mother Teresa was a missionary and a nun. She was famous for going to India and helping the less-fortunate there (hungry, sick, poor, etc). She ran many missionary organizations to help people in need. This book shows her story and her will to help others.
Who Is Barack Obama? by Roberta Edwards is a non-fiction book. This book focuses on one of the USA's presidents, Barack Obama. This goes over his background and early career. It also mentions all the efforts and hardwork he has to go through to reach this position, as well as his perspectives. The author also mentions the hardships and obstacles he has to overcome to successfully gain his position. This book is engaging to read, and is inspirational to see how he grew in his journey.
