Editor’s Note: The Catholic Star Herald is asking known book lovers around the Diocese to recommend their favorite reads and explain what makes these not-to-miss tales. This is the first in an occasional series.
Marie Staley remembers the exact moment when she wanted to be an English teacher.
“I was at Paul VI High School, sitting in Mrs. Hendricks’ junior English class, learning about ‘The Canterbury Tales,’ Geoffrey Chaucer’s magnum opus about the lives and concerns of those in medieval England, she recalls. “We got a taste of what it was like in the Middle Ages, a window into society back then.”
This look into the world and humanity, “observing the adversity of everyday people, persevering,” demonstrated the power of the written word, she says.
“Reading books can help you empathize with others … spark imagination and conversation, and make you a better writer,” she continues. “You can’t understand the world if you don’t read.”
As she enjoys her summer before beginning her 17th year at the Haddonfield school, she shared her recommended all-ages summer reading list, beginning with Mark Haddon’s mystery novel, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” (2003).
The book’s protagonist is 15-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone, an outsider who knows all the world capitals but struggles with human emotion. His narration focuses on his love of math and mysteries, and the book shows his emotional growth in understanding what is truth, Staley says. “Christopher struggles with trust, so when the person he trusts most betrays him, he has to find ways to cope.”
As well, the mystery of who killed the neighbor’s dog sets the main character on a quest for what is true, which takes precedence over almost everything else.
“Finding the truth is more important to him than facing his fears,” Staley explains.
With the main themes of honesty, trust and braving the unknown, readers like Christopher “who feel different, can understand how to overcome adversity,” she continues. For others, “it’s a chance to learn to get along with those who are different.”
In addition, she adds, the flawed adults in the book who find reconciliation with Christopher prove that “you’re never too old to admit your mistakes and be redeemed.”
Staley, who will be teaching senior world literature, junior British literature and sophomore American literature this upcoming school year, also recommends these books:
- “The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto” by Mitch Albom
“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
“To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
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