Last week on April 1, Shepherd faculty announced the Common Reading book for the 2014–2015 school year: “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai. Students voted online and chose the book among four others for the book that will be studied by all students next year. All five books are available in Scarborough Library. Even though some did not win, all of these books are extremely informative and entertaining, so check them out. Here is a quick look at the candidates and the winner.
Winner:
“I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education and Was Shot By The Taliban”
By: Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai made international headlines in 2012 when leaders of the Taliban attempted to assassinate her for her political activism. She had been speaking out against their control and stood up for her rights and other girls’ rights to an education. Malala was shot in the head but miraculously recovered by 2013. She met with President Barack Obama and has appeared in American news programs to spread the word about the control of the Taliban in Pakistan.
“They Were Soldiers: How The Wounded Return From America’s Wars: The Untold Story”
By: Ann Jones
This harrowing volume details the many effects that war can have on the American soldier. Whether physical or mental, all soldiers return home changed people. Ann Jones is an avid journalist who has focused on women’s issues in the past but paints a candid picture of the lives American heroes live and how they are touched by war.
“Still Alice”
By: Lisa Genova
Genova’s novel describes the toll of early onset Alzheimer’s in 50 year-old Alice Howland. As the novel progresses, readers witness the changes the disease makes in Alice, her life and her family.
“Anatomy of Injustice: A Murder Case Gone Wrong”
By: Raymond Bonner
Bonner’s book follows the work of attorney Diana Holt as she uncovers the truth in the case of a murderer sentenced to death. This book forces readers to reevaluate their idea of the American court system and their view on the death penalty and realize how easy it is to be falsely convicted.
“When The Emperor was Divine”
By: Julie Otsuka
Otsuka’s historical fiction novel describes the experiences of a Japanese-American family sent to internment camps during World War II. The story is told from the perspectives of four family members who evolve during their three-year stay in the camps.
More information on the common reading program and next year’s choice can be found at shepherd.edu/commonreading.
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