The Last Lecture

This book was different than many of the others I've read. This is one of the few that doesn't seem to match Ms. O'Brien's model for student's independant reading -- that is, it doesn't feature any rape or mental problems. That being said it is still a great book. Randy Pausch reflects on his life, which despite the lack of conflict, is still realitively interesting. Pausch offers his prospective on just about everything from raising children, to teaching students, to success with a career. Pausch focuses on 2 major ideas: working to acheive your goals and being easy to work with. He's come up with unique lesson plans to instill this idea in his students minds.

I personally find him very easy to agree with. He focuses a lot on not letting "brick walls" get in your way, which, although I would never phrase it like that, I do agree with that philosophy. It's a shame that Pausch couldn't have been around later to instill these ideas in his kids too.

The Alchemist

As the quarter winds down, I find myself in the best spot I've been in all year in terms of Independent reading. The story of Pat Tillman is done, and that was a good book, and I'm almost done with The Last Lecture.

I have to say, in the words of Ms. O'Brien, The Alchemist was "El Sucko". I felt that there was absolutely nothing about it that I liked. The plot was boring, a boy in search of his "personal legend" or treasure, who cares! There is absolutely nothing unique about this book except for how poorly it was written. Normally authors slip casual messages about human nature in through the actions of their characters, here Paulo Cohelo simply stated his ideas in dry boring statements, that were hard to relate to. Long story short, I would not recommend The Alchemist to anyone who looks to enjoy reading a book.