A Bit of Book Botherment
As much I proclaim to be a Book Bookster, I fear I’m not a proper one, for if I was, wouldn’t I be scandalously boring about reminding everyone that September was National Get a Library Month (“get carded at your local library”) or that October was National Book Month? I’m not fully living up to my potential. I’m hoping it’s okay that I just read and blog about what I’m reading. Guilt does overtake me now and then that I should be organizing parties and perpetuating cute little cookies in the shapes of books or something. Perhaps I need one of those calendars that they tend to pin on the wall in the staff bathroom that spouts when it’s national Eat a Chili Pepper Day or National Hug Your Bank Teller Day. There must be a calendar app just for bibliophiles.
However-
In an attempt to make amends for not noticing October was National Book Month, I will reprint an article about books that have influenced a batch of Ted Educators. We do like our Ted Talkers.
If I were a Ted Educator and someone did ask me about a book which had influenced me, I would wholeheartedly reply: To Kill a Mockingbird for the reason that having read it I keep passing on my passion for it on to my students. It’s not just required reading. It’s required to read to understand our US country’s history better and how Jim Crow laws affect who we are today, and how walking around in someone else’s shoes should be a lifestyle commitment not just the answer to the question on the test of “name a famous Atticus quote.” I know the book makes a difference in my students’ lives because when they return to me three years later as seniors that unequivocally agree that TKAM is “such a great book.”
As to the idea of books making a difference or creating an impact in live I provide for your entertainment and enlightenment John Green’s list of books he appreciates.
So, by the by–which book has changed your life? Or is there a book you want everyone to go and read right now?
Pam Webb 
TKAM did not change my life; I read it in high school and never thought to reread it as an adult. Buuuut…I just bought Go Set a Watchman so TKAM is the next book on my To Read List. I plan to read both novels back to back.
So TKAM may change my life after all. Maybe Watchman will, too. I’ll keep you posted.
I will be interested in your opinion of Atticus after Watchman…
Me too! I’ve heard the spoilers.
Keeping in mind Watchman was actually her first book and the flashbacks within were developed into TKAM–or is a spoiler? enlightenment? MuseNotes?
In my work, I’ve interviewed a fair number of “do-gooder” lawyers. Each has never failed to say that TKAM influenced the decision to become a lawyer.
I used Scout’s walking around in someone else’s shoes today in class. A bit of Finch philosophy goes a long way.
I’m not a proper anything.