How Much "America" Is Really in America?

In the brutal, raw, and unblinking novel about the life of a young man named America, E.R. Frank is quite honest about the emotional and psychological chaos in the life of this character. The author is a therapist and social worker. Do you think she has created a character born out of her work with young people who have great difficulties in their lives?

Here are a few questions to ponder:
Is America a likeable and sympathetic character?
How do we get to know America and his interior thoughts?
What does it mean to "get lost in the system" and how did this affect America?
What is the significance of the shoelaces? Of the lighters?
Who contributes to America's ultimate forgiveness of himself? How?
How would you describe America? Is this an appropriate name for him?

If you liked America by E.R. Frank, try Life Is Funny and Wrecked

Harry Potter, Anyone -- Everyone??

Who read the last installment of the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? Was this volume a satisfying end to the series? The book tackled issues like self sacrifice and honor for the greater good along with the destruction of families through the horror of war. In his final battle, Harry displays courage in the face of an unbeatable enemy… death.

Let's talk structure and vocab! How was the flow and use of language in the book? Is this one series that makes one want to look up a word so it can truly be understood or find those clues that foreshadow events? Should we teach these books in school because they teach good lessons and proper use of the English language?

So let's pose some more questions to get a discussion going:

If you could change something about the ending, what would it be?

What was the true significance of the Hallows?

What was your favorite book in the Harry Potter series and why?

Summer Reading -- A Time to Connect

Summer offers time to grab a book and head for the hammock or the beach. What were some of the memorable books you read this summer?

For me, A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini spoke volumes. After reading his novel about Afghanistan, The Kite Runner, I became intrigued about the nature of the country before and after the Taliban and September 11. In his second novel, the setting is Afghanistan and the focus this time is the brutal world of women there under the unforgiving male-dominated world of religious extremists. Through Hosseini's writing, I can gain a better perspective on Afghanis and the impact of religion in their lives as well as the effect and confusion of the Western world on their culture. These books do what is essential: inspire empathy and break down stereotypes.

If you also read this book, add some comments. If you've read another book that illuminates another culture, let us know about it.