We can’t get enough of what you are reading! And a number of you can’t either! Some of you have even emailed and called and stopped us on the street to let us know how much you are enjoying this “What are you reading?” series. So we wondered, what are our wonderful partners up to in the world of books?
Here’s what a few of them said.
That was Then, This is Now by S.E. Hinton.
-Cate Jarvis, School Grief Support Counselor, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
I just started A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway and also just finished 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created by Charles Mann, which was a fascinating read on the consequences of early globalization.
-John Curran, Executive Director, First Day Shoe Fund
I just finished reading a novel written by William P. Young entitled The Shack. I love to read the book prior to seeing newly released movies. I just started reading a leadership book written Jon Gordon entitled The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy.
-Lola Amos, Director of Programs, Prevention Works
I’m reading Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad, by M.T. Anderson. It explores a dark and grim period in Russian history as experienced and expressed through the life and work of the famous composer. It was actually written as a book for teenagers, whom the author clearly regards as capable readers who can handle the real story. I highly recommend it as a captivating foray into a dense and difficult historical subject, especially as we grapple with deeply divided social and political beliefs in our own society.
–Liz Youker, Vice President of Education and Community Partnerships, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
I am reading The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey.
-Julie Righter, Manager Operational Excellence, Pfizer Kalamazoo
I generally read several books at a time. I am currently reading The Power of the Other by Dr. Henry Cloud, Possessing the Secret of Joy by Alice Walker, and Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter.
-Sherry Thomas-Cloud, CEO, Family & Children Services
I am currently reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. It is a powerful novel that tells the story of a pre-Civil War slave named Cora. I’m also reading Kareem Abdul Jamar’s Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White.
-Jane Baas, Associate Dean of WMU Lee Honors College (and coordinator of WMU Medallion Scholars who volunteer at Milwood Magnet Middle School)
I’m reading The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande.
-Amy Kuchta, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring
I am participating in the Kalamazoo Public Library’s Community Read. The book is: Writings On the Wall authored by Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeldand. I am also honored to be facilitating one of the chapter discussions at the Douglass Community Associations Powell Branch Library. [Note: This Reading Together event with Von Washington Jr., Dick Shilts, and Beth Washington took place last night. A KPS student in attendance said it was “really good and made you think.”]
-Von Washington Jr., Executive Director of Community Relations, Kalamazoo Promise
Thanks for letting us know what you’ve been reading! And thanks, especially, for working with us to help kids stay in school and succeed in life!
Here at Ask Me About My 12,000 Kids, we’re officially expanding March Reading Month into April. In a few weeks, you can learn what CIS board members are reading!
Tags: Amy Kuchta, Books, Cate Jarvis, CIS, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Jane Baas, John Curran, Julie Righter, Liz Youker, Lola Amos, reading, Sherry Thomas-Cloud, Von Washington Jr.
