Stephanie recommends:
To Kill A Mockingbird - Had a tremendous influence on my thinking as a child and adult...to this day. The imparted wisdoms - right versus wrong, defending justice in the face of adversity (Atticus Finch), the wonders of curiosity (Scout), the power of widespread myth and prejudice (Boo Radley and the town-folk)...I pined for a father like Atticus as a child. As an adult, I strive to be Atticus-like: fair, measured, standing up for what is right.
Holidays in Hell - I see this theme played out repeatedly in war zones: Hierarchies and chains of command created spontaneously due to immediate need. The subsequent breakdown of these hierarchies, infighting, fragmentation of humanitarianism, basic human nature. Reading this novel was horrifying as a child - seeing it play out in adult life in the real world, even more so.
It’s What I Do - I am reading this now. Lynsey, a war photographer, has been kidnapped, held at gunpoint, threatened, etc. while covering Afghanistan, Pakistan, Gaza, Libya, etc. I relate to Lynsey's drive, her inner push to continue covering war zones, trusting her inner voice, sporadic lack of motivation...Inspiring
Lord of the Flies - I see this theme played out repeatedly in war zones: Hierarchies and chains of command created spontaneously due to immediate need. The subsequent breakdown of these hierarchies, infighting, fragmentation of humanitarianism, basic human nature. Reading this novel was horrifying as a child - seeing it play out in adult life in the real world, even more so.
Children’s Titles
Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss - A classic that's all about inspiration, believing in a dream and reaching for that dream even if it sometimes drags you into frightening, lonely and not-so-great places. A wonderful "can do" work for children and adults.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The imagery, fantasy and themes of humility versus greed, gluttony versus frugality, the message that life is rife with imperfection while being perfect just the way it is...And of course, sumptuous descriptions of chocolate rivers, Everlasting Gobstoppers, the anticipation of finding a golden ticket and the glass elevator shooting through the ceiling. I "consumed" this book as a child, reading it in a single day.
The Velveteen Rabbit - Through love, we become real. Even if it is sometimes painful. The external sometimes belies the internal. And once we become real, we cannot go back to being unreal. Beautiful, poignant and painful.