Feature: Question of the Week

October 9, 2001

In light of the current situation in The Middle East, which books have you been reading to get information or help you take your mind off things?

MonaR119@aol.com
I'm Muslim and I know a lot of Arabs (both Christian and Muslim) so while, like the rest of the nation, I am distraught over the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and D.C., I also have had to worry about hate crimes, threats, and prejudicial remarks. Fortunately, for the most part, the people at my school have been sympathetic and I have an awesome group of friends. In addition, this horrific tragedy has made me think more about the way people perceive Muslims and (since I want to be an investigative reporter) the role the media plays in their perceptions. Right now I am reading a book my older sister gave to me. It's called COVERING ISLAM: How the Media and the Experts Determine How We See the Rest of the World by Edward W. Said and it's really interesting.

PaperPistol@aol.com
THE LINEAGE OF GRACE series by Francine Rivers has taken my mind off things or uplifted me, giving me peace and confidence. THE HARRY POTTER series is as well -- those're fun books that will be classics someday.

LavenLite@aol.com
This beautifully written novel is based on the lives of two youths in the midst of the Korean War. It is a true and historical story about two star-crossed lovers and their story is written by their 2 daughters. Their mother, Heisook, is from South Korea, and she falls in love with Sei-Young, who is from North Korea. Their love is tested by the hate of the two Koreas. History changes the lives for both Heisook and Sei-Young but the novel illuminates the elements of sacrifice, tragedy, and love. Not only is this novel an account of a country's horrible past it is also a poignant story of how two people can overcome it all and choose their own destinies.

PoeticPrincess12@aol.com
The book that I am currently reading to help take my mind off of
things is FEARLESS #13 by Francine Pascal. I believe it helps me take my mind off of the current happenings with terrorism because the book has a hero in it that saves the world and still has to deal with the regular baggage that comes with being a teen. It is a very exciting, adventurous book that I would reccomend to anyone who needs some brightening in their gloomy day.

Djsupa86@yahoo.com
SLAUGHTERHOUSE 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. I had to read it for class last year and I really loved it. So i reread it to help me cope with the insanity and the violence. We've got to love each other, yo.

dizzydana99@aol.com
My mom won't let me watch any T. V. Which is good I think because when I watch the news, i start freaking out. I need to have something to be in my brain so i am reading THE TALISMAN by Stephen King. It makes the world less scary.

jwitchgurrl@earthlink.net
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE TEEN'S SOUL 2. I also have been journaling and writing poems. That's how I can get all the negative energy away from me.

iluvblink2001@aol.com
I just finished reading OCTOBER SKY by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. We had top read it for English class, but its actaully good. And also, it sall about going for your dreams and stuff which is really important to think about no wand not get all stressed out and depressed.