There are millions of books in the world, some popular, some unknown. Each book is unique and creates a world for people to explore in their minds, even if that world is the one they live in. Many people have their favorites, ones they go back to time and time again and never get bored of. On Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, the Highlander staff shared their favorite books.
Assistant Principal over Athletics and Activities Patti Myszkowski said, “I have a lot of favorite books, but I think one that a lot of people will recognize is To Kill A Mockingbird, because it was a book that I taught here when I was an English teacher here a few years ago, and I just really enjoyed reading that book with my students and talking about the issues that go along with it, and applying that book to the things that students in our world is still going through today.” However, in her spare time outside of work, she usually reads crime novels instead.
Lead Library Technician Debra Mackey said, “There’s so many good books out there, but I think what stands out for me is the Harry Potter series because that was something that I read with my children, to my children. I love it because there’s so many aspects to it, the fantastical, magical-ness of it. It’s a whole journey, really. Harry Potter discovering he’s a wizard, and growing up, and the whole effort to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. You get caught up in escapism and I think that’s the magic of it. I love that it’s not just good vs. evil, it’s a coming of age story, it’s about friendship, some romance in there too, but learning life lessons. So I think that’s why there’s so many cool parts to it.”
Library Technician Linda Rodriguez said, “There’s a series called Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson. The first book has to do with Disney World, the second has to do with the Epcot Center, the third book is the Magic Kingdom, so each book was different. And it talked about how they were making holograms to entertain guests and take them through the park, but at night time the evil people like Maleficent and Ursla would come alive. The Pirates of the Caribbean, the pirates would come alive. And it’d be mysteries and riddles that they’d have to solve.”
Assistant Principal Ms. Jordan Hoffman said, “I just recently reread Matilda, because I have a little girl and that probably is up there on my favorites right now because it’s all about young people finding their voice and their power, to the point of having this magical ability to make things and their future happen for themselves. So I think that’s a really powerful message to send to kids.” Typically, she likes humor or sci-fi books, but she says that Matilda stands on its own.
Special Needs Educator Gadino Garcia said, “I have lots of favorite books, but right now I’m reading one by Stephan King called The Institute, it’s very interesting. It’s about students who have telekinesis, telepathic abilities but they’re recruited by a secret agency to do plots for them, but nobody knows this institute exists.”
Student Store Assistant Sarah Hartnett said, “I read Michelle Obama’s biography, and it was all about her life all the way from childhood throughout President Obama’s presidency, and so it talked about her early life, her school life, her early professional life, all the way into supporting Mr. Obama through his presidency.”
Principal Michael Hall said, “My favorite book is Ready Player One. It’s all about pop culture, which is what I love, and it’s a fun little fiction book that explores pop culture, and how video games are prevalent.”
Campus Supervisor Norma Bramdila said, “I have a favorite author, which is usually Patterson, and I also like Lee Child, because I like mystery, and I like to see who done it.” This is her favorite genre, and she likes how some authors will take from real cases to inspire their books.
Campus Supervisor Perween Jaffery likes to read dramatic or adventure books. She said, “My favorite book was Harry Potter, and I like it because it’s imagination.”
Campus Supervisor Amy Martinez said, “The notebook is my favorite book, and it’s a love story.” She likes to read fiction books, and in high school, her favorite used to be The Great Gatsby.
Many people will have a unique opinion on books, or reading in general, and they can get a new perspective by talking to those around them. They might be able to find one that will become their new favorite and discover or rediscover their love of reading.
