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 Faculty Recommended Books and Films
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Books
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In the Time
of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez
Recommended by Kitty Kuzma
This is a fictional account (based on facts) of the three Mirabal
sisters (known as “las mariposas”—the butterflies) who were murdered
during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. The
hardcover book is 344 pages long. For those who prefer watching the action
unfold, there is a film version! |
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Hairstyles
of the Damned, by Joe Meno
Recommended by Carey Millsap-Spears
Punk rock never sounded better—this book is a must-read for anyone
interested in the music of rebellion and the kids (and adults) who enjoy
it. |
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Maison
Ikuko, by Rumiko Takahashi (14 volumes)
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
Maison Ikuko is a beloved graphic novel series done by the
“mother of manga (graphic novels)”, Rumiko Takahashi. In the span of
14 books, the reader follows the ups-and-downs of Yusaku in his
quest to woo the beautiful Kyoko. By the time I reached book 14, I
wanted the story to go on forever. By reading this collection of graphic
novels, readers will get a sense of what some adults in Japan enjoy
reading. These novels offer a fascinating way of
understanding the culture of Japan. |
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Fast Food
Nation, by Eric Schlosser
Recommended by Sandra Beuchamp
You will never, ever look at another Chicken McNugget the same way.
This book caused me to boycott fast food for nearly three years now. Not
only does Schlosser uncover the history of fast-food in the United
States, he charts its influence on a global scale. The results are
frightening and everyone in this nation should read this book. |
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Killing
Bono, by Neil McCormick
Recommended by Carey Millsap-Spears
Anyone interested in becoming a rock star should read this book
first. McCormick offers a harsh look at what it takes to make it in the
world of popular music and culture—even if you went to high school with
the members of U2. |
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American
Chica, by Marie Arana
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
Marie Arana has a great love for the United States, her mother’s
country, and a great love for Peru, her father’s country. However,
having parents from different cultures means Arana can never be
completely Peruvian or completely American. Arana likens her identity to
a bridge, “never quite reaching either side” (3). This is one woman’s
fascinating memoir about learning to understand and deal with what it
means to be a bicultural individual. |
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Of Love and
Shadows, by Isable Allende
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
Many people were kidnapped, tortured and murdered under the
dictatorship of Pinochet’s oppressive regime in Chile. At the heart
Allende’s novel are Irene and Francisco, two young, extraordinary people
also threatened by their brutal government. Allende keeps her
readers wanting to know Irene and Francisco’s final
fate. Allende indeed allows us to experience the pain of the Chilean
people on a very personal level. |
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Frida: The
Biography of Frida Kahlo, by Hayden Herrera
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
For those who are fascinated by Frida Kahlo and her intensely
personal paintings, this is an excellent book. Herrera does an
outstanding job of thoroughly researching Kahlo’s life and interpreting
the artist’s paintings. Readers will gain an understanding not only of
the artist and her paintings, but also of the Mexican historical context
under which she was working. |
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Jazz, by
Toni Morrison
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
Toni Morrison was once reading about a young woman who was shot in Harlem
by her boyfriend. As she was dying, this young woman told the people
around her that tomorrow she would tell them who had shot her. Morrison
was so fascinated by this selfless display of love that she created Jazz, where she retells the story of this young woman and provides an
interesting account of some African American individuals’ experiences
during
the Jazz Age. |
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The Good
Women of China, by Xinran
Recommended by Carey Millsap-Spears
The Good Women of China outlines the situation that many
Chinese women
face—lives that are not entirely their own. Xinran tells horrifying
stories of real-life women with the clarity of a reorter and
the skills of a poet. |
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Films
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Metallica:
Some Kind Of Monster
Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky , directors
Recommended by Carey Millsap-Spears
A film for fans of the metal band and for those who just like to see
how artists create art. This "Monster" shows how art is just another form
of life. |
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The Colors
of Paradise
Majid Majidi, director
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
The blind child Mohammad is forever being shunned by his father, who
is ashamed of his son’s disability. The greatest breaking point for
Mohammad comes when he starts to wonder if perhaps God does not like
blind people and has forgotten about them as well. What follows is a
fascinating response from his teacher, who presents a very illuminating
insight about the nature of God, and provides Mohammad with hope.
Mohammad is a very lovable character who can never be forgotten. |
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Real Women
Have Curves
Patricia Cardoso, director
Recommended by Sandra Beauchamp
This film follows the story of a young woman growing up between two
diverse cultures: one represented by her Mexican mother, the other her
American boyfriend. This film provides an interesting context for
student-centered discussions about diversity, cultural conflict,
traditions/mores, concepts of the beauty “ideal”, and self-realization. |
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The
Motorcycle Diaries
Walter Salles, director
Recommended by Sandra Beauchamp
A great film to introduce students to Che Guevara and regions of
South America. It may be interesting to couple this film with a reading
of On the Road, by Jack Keroac. |
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Supersize
Me
Morgan Spurlock, director
Recommended by Carey Millsap-Spears
A perfect compliment to Fast Food Nation, this documentary
highlights the dangers of poor eating habits with humor and insight.
After watching this film, you may never want a McDonald’s fruit and
yogurt parfait again—enjoy! |
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The Color
Purple
Steven Spielberg, director
Recommended by Sandra Beauchamp
Based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same title, this film depicts
several women, who in their own diverse ways, find freedom and
themselves. |
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Pandaemonium
Julien Temple, director
Recommended by Carey Millsap-Spears
A fascinating look into the lives of two of England’s greatest
poets: Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. The in dreams, realities, and missed opportunities are shown with candor and wit. |
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To Live
Zhang Yimon, director
Recommended by Amani Wazwaz
This movie follows the struggles of Fugui, his wife Jiazhen and
their children during different stages of Chinese history. |
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Whale Rider
Niki Caro, director
Recommended by Sandra Beauchamp
Magical, mystical tale of a young girl who tests the traditional
societal expectations of her Maori community. Web site:
http://www.whaleriderthemovie.com |
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