Becoming by Michelle Obama
"In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African-American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms." |
Key teacher, Ms. Erin French, coaches Junior Field hockey. She likes to spend her free time with her dog.
Ms. French's favourite genre is biography. So why did she select this one? "I love Michelle Obama." And why does she recommend it: "If you enjoy reading about strong, passionate kind human beings, this one is for you!" 
Dean of Student Life and Leadership, Ms. Samantha Weiss, coaches Girls Rugby and sponsors Encounter. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, preferably in the outdoors and following Michelle Obama on Instagram.
Ms. Weiss is a fan of biographies. She chose this one because: "'I laughed, I cried, it was better than cats!' I read it once and couldn't put it down, I can't wait to read it all over again!" 
Ms. Angela Walsh teaches Studio Art and AP Art History and sponsors Prom Committee and ArtsMag and the Morven Mural Club. She spends her free time making art and has an active practice in her studio in Squamish and is an avid outdoor enthusiast: skiing, mountain-biking, camping, and hiking.
Ms. Walsh loves a good fiction novel as well as biographies and anything uplifting of body, mind or spirit. She chose to sponsor this book because: "Michelle Obama is a hugely positive role model for everyone - particularly women everywhere and her life is an inspiration! At a time when our world could use a positive role model, I think this will be an excellent uplifting read for us!" |
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
"Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag". In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father's junkyard. Lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge."
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Math teacher, Ms. Darien Allan, coaches Junior Girls Field Hockey. In her free time, she like to: read, do puzzles, learn, hike, and visit with family and friends. Her favourite genres are mystery, historical novels and popular fiction. So why choose this memoir: "It was highly recommended and I think it is a great book to promote thought and discussion."
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Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
"Hitler describes his life, frustrations, ideals, and dreams.In 1924, Hitler led a coalition of nationalist groups in a bid to overthrow the Bavarian government in Munich. The infamous Munich "Beer-hall putsch" was unsuccessful, and Hitler was arrested. During the nine months he was in prison, an embittered and frustrated Hitler dictated a personal manifesto to his loyal follower Rudolph Hess. He vented his sentiments against communism and the Jewish people in this document, which was to become Mein Kampf, the controversial book that is seen as the blue-print for Hitler's political and military campaign. In Mein Kampf, Hitler describes his strategy for rebuilding Germany and conquering Europe. It is a glimpse into the mind of a man who destabilized world peace and pursued the genocide now known as the Holocaust."
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Senior Key teacher, Ms. Holly Schofield, teaches AP Psychology and coaches the Golf team. Her favourite genre is crime. So why pick this book? "I have always wanted to read Mein Kampf. It will provide the fodder for deep discussion."
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