Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County by Kristen Green – 3 stars

November 29th, 2015

Hello again FYRE Committee,

Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County by Kristen Green – 3 stars

 

  •  Positives:
    • I like that the book is specifically about PE County and the Farmville area, I think that this could be a draw for our students to read the book.  There are some historical references that our students are not always aware of (even if an LSEM class goes to Moton)
    • I appreciate that this book would provide a version of history for our students to consider.
  • egatives:
    • I’m concerned that having first year students read this book prior to stepping foot in PE County could setup some misconceptions. (Since the book is one person’s account of her family living in PE County)
    • Compared to other books I have read (notably Boys in the Boat) – I think there could have been greater research regarding the historical aspects of the book.

Overall, I appreciated reading the book. I could see this being an excellent book choice for an Engl 400 or GNED 495 course with upperclassmen who have lived and attended classes (since the years of attending Longwood would provide context for the students vs the blank slate our incoming first year students have when starting Longwood).

I could see Longwood using the book, however I’m not confident that FYRE is the best choice/avenue for the book.

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Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown – 2/3 stars

November 29th, 2015

Hello again FYRE Committee,

Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown – 2/3 stars

I’ve finished reading Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Personally, I loved the book and would give it 5 stars but based on our First Year Reading criteria, I give it 2-3 stars:

  •  Positives:
    • The book is historically accurate and includes historical content from the 1920’s and 1930s.
    • The book is about a college crew team (Washington) – the age range of the main characters could appeal to our students.
    • The book also includes historical aspects of Berlin under Hitler (with reference to the setup for the 1936 Olympics)
    • I think there is a lot of content that is easily adaptable across all disciplines for LSEM.
  • Negatives:
    • The book is lengthy (350 pages)
    • I feel the writing is above the reading level for an incoming first year student
    • There are portions of the book that drag on and could easily lose our students

So, overall excellent book but I don’t think its the best First Year reading choice.

-Jen

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Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer – 4 stars

November 29th, 2015

Hello FYRE Committee,

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer – 4 stars

Over Thanksgiving Break I took the opportunity to read Into the Wild. I really enjoyed the book, a few reasons are listed below:

  • The book is succinct at 200 pages.The book was very easy to read and each chapter is fairly short.
  • I appreciate that this book revolves around a main character (similar to our last two choices with Henrietta Lacks and Wes Moore)
  • The main character in the story is originally from Northern Virginia (and the hometown is referenced off and on throughout the book). I think there is something about this “local” person that could connect with our students.
  • The age of the main character (Chris McCandless) is just slightly older than our incoming first year students (the character is 24 when he dies)
  • As I read the book I felt that the character was having a “quarter life crisis” of sorts (or at least trying to find himself) and I think our students would relate well to this aspect.
  • I think there are quite a few themes that could be used for LSEM: self-discovery, family dynamics, what is wilderness, etc.

-Jen

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Hello FYRE Committee!

November 12th, 2015

Hello FYRE Committee!

Welcome to Longwood Blogs. Please use this blog platform to share your reviews of potential book selections for the First Year Reading Experience for the upcoming year.  The following information will be especially helpful for the committee during the selection process:

1) Title and author of the book

2) Provide a brief synopsis of the book.  (1 to 2 paragraphs)

3) Tell us why this selection is an appropriate choice for the FYRE.  Or, why it isn’t an appropriate choice.

4) Please provide an overall rating of the book in terms of appropriateness for the FYRE using a scale of 1 to 5 stars.   Five stars indicate the choice is most appropriate/recommended.

Please let me know if you need anything further.  Thank you for your willingness to serve on this committee!!

Sincerely,

Stacey Wilkerson

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