What's Mr. Allison Reading Now?
If books were food, then I would definitely be a BOOKivore! Here is what I am currently reading and a list of what I have read in the last year. Keep track of what you read too!
Currently reading
Men on a Mission: Valuing Youth Work in Our Communities by William Marsiglio
In 2005 Dr. Mrsiglio, from UF approaced me and asked to interview me for a study he was doing about men who work with kids. Since I am Native American I fit a small demographic and he was not able to find many. Through first hand interviews and comapartive analyses of case by case studies, Dr. Marsiglio examines a variety of men who work with youth and what lead them to this choice. He considers racial and ethnic background, personal past histroy, and examines in detail how men reach the youths they work with. A fantasic examination of men of our time who are actively involved in shaping the lives of children. Appropriate and timely when America has more and more fatherless homes."
Read in the last 6 months
Ping, the Duck by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese
I was first introduced to this book when i was 5 years old as my grandmother would read it to me before my afternnon nap on the farm. I recently found a copy at an old book sale and now have it in the class. A Classic story of a little lost duck on the Yantze River trying to find his family. A fun read for lower levels."
The City of the Soul by Lord Alfred Douglas
This book, first published in 1899 is a work of true poetic art. In the last work Doulgas collaborated with Oscar Wilde on, while staying Sicily, he perfected his use of the ballad and sonnet. City of the Soul is truly a moving work as well as a classic study in writing sonnets."
Every Branch In Me, Essays On the Philosophy of Man
In my endless search for "why" the authors in this book offer some of the best thoughts from around the world and other cultures on why we exist and what our purpose ultimatley is supposed to be."
Bosie, The Biography of Lord Alfred Douglas
Murray reveals a detailed and most times poignant account of one of the best poets of England, albeit little known. Lord Alfred Douglas was known primarily for his scandalous relationship with Oscar Wilde, but as the author points out, "Bosie" was an apt writer and editor and a master of the petracharan form. A must read for anyone interested in writing sonnets or verse."
The Outermost House by Henry Beston
The author's account of his building a house on the outerbanks of Cape Cod and the solitary life he lead there. This is a great book , as he described the seasons and life among the seashore with the waves sometimes bringing the tide right to his doorstep."
Our Plundered Planet by Fairfield Osborne
Originally written in 1948 and reprinted in 1970, this book was known as the "Bible of Ecology" and traces the slow but steady destruction of the planet through mankind's misuse. Osborne provides startlingly accurate information based on scientific observation of the times and projects what will happen to the planet if we do not see the error of our ways."
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
One of the longest novels ever written and said to be influential in people's lives second only to the Bible, Rand explores a world in which those who perform mental tasks, go on strike because they are underappreciated. What follows is the gradual collapse of civilization. Soon to be released as a motion picture which, I am certain, will not do the book justice."
Thoreau Revisited, Diary of a Country Year by Stephen Kraseman
This beautiful picture book contains full color photographs of the change in seasons on a country farm. The book's commentary follows passages from Thoreau's writing and illustrates the fragile and wonderous connection we share with our planet."
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau's account of the two years he spent living near Walden pond. In the book he explains why he went in the first place and what he feels are at the root of, men living lives of quiet desperation."
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Basho
Basho writes in prose and haiku as he travels throughout ancient Japan. A must read especially if you want to truly understand the art form of haiku."
The Sioux by Royal B. Hassrick
An in depth look at the culture and traditions of the Great Sioux Nation written at the turn of the century."
Tangerine by Edward Bloor
Paul's family moves from Houston to Tangerine, Florida where his football star brother is more than he appears, lightning strikes at the same time every day, and people think Paul can't see. What's going on?"
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Hear the tale of what happened to the Truffula trees straight from the mouth of the Onceler. Seuss' look at a possible future."
The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols
Nichol's take a look at the history and enigma surrounding the seers who guided the Celtic kings and left a history shrouded in mystery."
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Naturalist, philosopher, poet, observer of life, Whitman puts his thoughts and ideas to pen in this famous book. A short read, but it will make you think."
A Little History of Astroarchaeology by Michele
The author examines the controversies surrounding the megalith culture and builders of Europe and traces the ideas that stone sites like Stonehenge and Newgrange served as markers for seasonal events."
The October Country by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury is one of the most talented writers of this century and in The October Country he treats us to bone chilling stories of horror that will have you looking over your shoulder as you read and checking outside the curtains before you turn in for the night."
Fatal Revenant by Stephen Donaldson
The latest excitng installment from the Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant find Dr. Linden Avery on a quest to save her son and lost love, Covenant from the horrors of Lord Foul and an unaware People of the Land."
Hydroponics for the Home Gardener by Kenyon
A how to manual for the begginer. This book helps home gardeners examine the cost benefits to raising vegetables at home using low budget systems."
Anam Cara by John O Donoghue
Words of wisdom and a method for tackling tough personal issues in today's society from a former Catholic priest. O'Donoghue draws on the ancient Celtic sayings and traditions to weave a magical book of guidance."
Runes of the Earth by Stephen Donaldson
The first book in the Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant finds Dr. Linden Avery in her own world confronted by the kidnapping of her autistic son by a servant of Lord Foul. She must pursue him through a storm and into The Land."
Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith
A book for any teacher who has ever felt frustrated by those around who are in education for the wrong reason."
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The classic story of the revolt of farm animals from a ruthless farmer and the unforeseen consequences of thier actions. Orwell's fairy tale commentary on spread of communism. "
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzche
This is the author's attempt to sum up his philosophy inot a comprehensive form the reader can clearly follow."
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
A futuristic tale set in Orwellian stlye of a society that takes it's children and trains them from infancy in the art of war and combat."
Read in the last year
The Soul Unearthed by Cass Adams
A collection of short essays on Man and nature and our relationship to the Earth. Adams has selected some beautiffuly moving works that lead the reader into thoughtful contemplation about our interactions with the planet and creatures who share it with us."
Five Essays On Man and Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson
A collection of classic philosophical essays on society, politics, nature and mankind. A great book to help the reader understand the mindset of people at the turn of the century."
The Dhammapada (Buddha's Path of Truth) by Buddha
The Book of Truth underlies much of Hindu and Eastern thought and philosophy."
I Read But I Don't Get It by Tourini
For any teacher who has struggled with below level readers in their classes, this book will provide case scenarios, methods and strategies for helping struggling readers succeed in the classroom."
Selected Poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This is a great book I picked up at a book sale that was printed in 1924. Classic poems from one of the Greats!"
Keeping Heart On Pine Ridge by Vic Glover
A collection of short stories and essays about modern day life on the Rez. Glover does an excellent job painting a picture of life as an Indian in the 21st century often with wry Native American humor, observation, and heart."
Last Child in the Woods by Lobel
Lobel takes a direct and startling look at what he terms nature deficit disorder and how it is affecting childen today. He cites an over protectionism, too much "indoor time" and several other factors that may be contributing to the growing cases of ADD and ADHD in America."
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
This book has been required reading whenever I have taught high school. Quinn's classic of a man jaded by society who reads an ad in the newspaper, asking for "anyone who has a sincere desire to save the world. Indignant at the audacity of the ad, he responds and goes to the address listed. Inside the office he finds a single chair in a darkened room. One chair and a gorilla in a glass cage. His fantastic voyage through the history of civilization and the possible outcomes of our current society gall him, but fascinated, he returns again and again to meet with the gorilla named Ishmael. I honestly believe that this single book is one of the most influential books of this century and should be required reading by every student in America."
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
A classic 6th grade novel written about an earlier, magical time of childhood. Dandelion Wine traces one summer in the life of Douglas Spaulding and his hometown of Greentown, Illinois. I usually require this book as in class reading for 6th grade."
Gildenfire by Stephen Donaldson
Gildenfire is a short story set in the Land during one of Thomas Covenant's visits. While there, two of the Lords set off on a quest with their self proclaimed protectors, the Haruchai. The book is the record of the fate that befalls the Lords, their steeds, and their protectors."
The Story From the Book, From Adam to Armageddon by Billy Graham
Throughout his life Billy Graham has spoken to people about the power of the Lord and the words from the Bible. Now he takes the entire Bible and sets it as a continuous story that is easy to follow and does not fall into the archaic language that makes the Bible a daunting read for most people."
The Oracle Bones by Peter Hussler
Hussler spent a long time in China and traces it's ancient history up through the present and gives insight into the thoughts, mechanisms, and methods that are driving Chin's push toward becoming a world power."
The Druids by Ellis
Another author's insight into the mystical Druids and the societies they influenced."
Skywater by Melinda Popham Worth
Skywater opens with a shriveld old man swishing a cinnamon ball from side to side in his mouth as he comtemplates completing a task he is loathe to do. His wife, Hallie Durham Ryder lives in the Sonoran desert with him and their neighbors consist of a traveling band of Javelinas, numerous rodents, and a band of coyotes lead by the one they have named Brand X. Years ago the aging couple took to naming the animals around them for the discarded trach thrown out by pasing motorists and on this day, they couple is about to do something that will forever alter how the animals relate to them. A book destined to become a classic told with a Native American twist."
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
A short sotry about a man who has worked for years repairing roller coasters and rides at a New York Beach amusement park, but on this day, he sees a little girl playing and one of the cars is about to fall crushing her. He rushes over to push her out of the way and wakes up in a strange place. He soon learns from a person from his past that he is in heaven and will meet five people who had a major influence on him in life even though he was not aware they did. At times chilling, but a book worth reading that may bring a tear to your eye, at the same time it makes you think about your own life."
1421 The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
An absolutely amazing book that may force us to rewrite history and give Chain the place it deserves in the rols of discoverers and inventors. Menzies traces the trade routes of the ancient Chinese fleet, a massive flotilla of ships that dwarfed any ship the Spanish, Dutch or Europeans had afloat. The author traces the routes around the globe and categorizes the discoveries and hardships facing a fleet that had well over 15,000 people in it. He then examines historical, genetic, and cartographic records to lay the foundation for the claim that China lead the rest of the world in exploration and may have even provided Columbus with the maps to set sail to America.."
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
Proulx's extremely short story that became a major motion picutre and confronted the ideas, predjudices, and denial surrounding the relationship between two men."
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
A close look at how the dominant society became so and the tools that were used in conquest."
Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History by Couteur and Burreson
A fascinated and sometimes amusing look at how 17 basic molecules have changed the world and affected the course of human development."
Chinese Civilization, A Sourcebook by Patricia Ebrey
Ebrey does an absolutely amazing job of introducing the reader to the wonders of Ancient China and the huge strides they had made before Europe even entered the Dark Ages. Had China not withdrawn from world contact the author points out that early Chinese civilization may have been the model for all of European development."
Anthem by Ayn Rand
Another author's vision of a future where your job is decided for you, as well as your mate, your free time activity, and even your thoughts."
Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon
Heat Moon argues that the best way to see America is to travel the backroads of America instead of traveling the "Blue Highways" listed in an Atlas. his account of a trip he took around America and the interesting people he met. A wondeful book for those who get wanderlust."