JD Salinger is one of the reasons I spend sleepless nights writing. He is the reason I took writing classes in college and he is one of the reasons I love books as much as I do. He is, and always has been on my list of top five favorite authors. And, if I were lost on a desert island, "Franny and Zooey" would need to be one of the five books by my side.
Then there is Howard Zinn, this is someone I could write a book about. I could probably write hundreds of pages on how his work changed my life when I was in college and making phone call after phone call for the John Kerry presidential campaign. He and Plato (no, seriously) are the reasons why I went for a degree in Political Science instead of English Literature.
I believe that every high school student should be required to read "A People's History of America." It is not leftist propaganda - it is a beautiful, honest telling of the American story. I also think "You Can't Be Neutral on A Moving Train" is one of the most important books ever written. I think my respect and admiration for Howard Zinn comes from his ability to be so politically active and hold such strong opinions while still writing the most brutally honest and beautiful history of the United States of America that has ever existed. His respect of the truth defined him and every student, every citizen should know his work - even if they disagree with his political actions.Kat
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