Global Summer Reading
World View Staff Picks for 2011

Each summer World View staff recommend a favorite book (or two) that was read in the past year.  These compelling books either highlight the story of a character living or born outside of the United States or focus on a global issue or region of the world.  We hope you enjoy your summer and consider purchasing one (or all!) of these books the next time you head to a book store or an online bookseller.

Carina recommends . . .

Breadwinner
by Deborah Ellis. Groundwood Books, 2000.

Set in the early years of the Taliban regime, Breadwinner follows the tale of 11-year old Parvana who must disguise herself as a boy in order to provide for her family after tragedy strikes. This novel for middle readers explores the harsh realities of life for girls and women in modern-day Afghanistan.

For further reading on children in Afghanistan, check out Mud City (2003) by Deborah Ellis

Parvana's Journey
by Deborah Ellis. Groundwood Books, 2002.

In the sequel to Breadwinner, Parvana must venture out alone into the wilderness to find her displaced family in war-torn Afghanistan. Along the way she encounters three abandoned children in search of food, family, and safety. Together they must fight against all odds for survival. Royalties from this book will go toward an education fund for Afghan girls in Pakistani refugee camps.

Julie recommends . . . two recently published books by
World View Advisory Board Members

The Latino Migration Experience in North Carolina:
New Roots in the Old North State
by Hannah Gill. UNC Press, 2010.

Over recent decades, the Southeast has become a new frontier for Latin American migration to and within the United States, and North Carolina has had one of the fastest growing Latino populations in the nation. Here, Hannah Gill offers North Carolinians from all walks of life a better understanding of their Latino neighbors, bringing light instead of heat to local and national debates on immigration.

The Missing Martyrs: Why There Are So Few Muslim Terrorists
by Charles Kurzman. Oxford University Press, 2011.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, this book asks why there has not been as much terrorism as we feared there would be. Publishers Weekly recently described Kurzman's book: “Impeccably researched, tightly organized, and enriched by his personal experiences in the Middle East, Kurzman’s work is a useful primer on the state of the modern Muslim world as well as a solid argument for re-evaluating the threat of terrorism today and our reactions to it.” (June 13, 2011).

Dr. Kurzman will speak at World View's Fall Symposium on Peace and Conflict: Ten Years After 9-11. Register today!

Kat recommends . . .

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
by Alexander McCall Smith. Pantheon, 2005.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is the first in a series of 12 novels that follow the life of Mma Precious Romotswe, Botswana's first female detective. Mma Romotswe is a unique and lovable character, and it is as much fun to read about her and the other characters as it is to solve the various mysteries she encounters. You'll find the novels may also teach you a little bit about Botswana, as Mma Romotswe travels around her country and describes differences between modern and traditional Botswana practices. These books can be read alone or in a series, and they are excellent light summer reads!

Katharine recommends . . .

A Home on the Field
by Paul Cuadros. Rayo, 2006.

In his book A Home on the Field, TIME reporter Paul Cuadros chronicles one town's decision to start up a soccer team in its increasingly Latino public high school.  Cuadros went to North Carolina intending to study the impact of the growing Latino population on life in the South, but he quickly became involved with the high school soccer team in rural Siler City.  While Cuadros' account focuses on the soccer team, he also delves into the issues surrounding immigration and the demographic shift in our country.  His detailed research, insightful reporting, and clear writing make this book a good read for anyone interested in immigration and the South.

Leslie recommends . . .

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun
by Peter Godwin. Little Brown and Company, 2008.

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is a memoir by New York journalist Peter Godwin who also wrote Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa.  Godwin, the son of British parents who immigrated to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) after World War II, juxtaposes the circumstances of his own family and the death of his father to the deterioration of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe.  Southern Rhodesia, once a sub-Saharan region of promise has become a real-life dystopia for all of its citizens, white and black.  Since 2000 hyperinflation and dictatorial control of resources have toppled the economy.  A weakened economy, crumbled infrastructure, political violence, and AIDs have lead to an average life expectancy of 34 years.  Despite their own experiences of violence, persecution, and loss of wealth and security, Godwin’s family has a deep commitment to the people and the country they consider home. This commitment keeps them persisting through the nightmare rather than abandoning it, and makes Godwin’s retelling of the history of change in Zimbabwe dimensional and authentic. Godwin’s narrative is emotional, political, educational, and even humorous at times, and paints a tragically real picture of Zimbabwe in the 21st century.

Neil recommends . . .

On China
by Henry Kissinger. The Penguin Press, 2011.

Henry Kissinger was the key figure in America's 1971 opening to Beijing and China's subsequent opening to the world. In 50 trips to China over four decades, spanning the careers of seven leaders on both sides, he has labored to improve relationships between the two countries, tirelessly “translating” for both sides. It’s fitting he has now written On China, an absorbing and eloquent book that combines history, memoir, and analysis of Chinese foreign policy.

Kissinger draws on historical records and intimate firsthand knowledge of Chinese leaders over the past forty years to examine Chinese diplomacy, strategy, and negotiation throughout history. He argues that a fundamental shift in the balance of power has made China and the United States mutually dependent economic giants, but left them without a strategic design of partnership. This has serious consequences for the global balance of power in the 21st century, as he feels a cooperative U.S. – China relationship is essential to global stability. In search of this partnership design Kissinger reviews the fluctuations in Sino-American relations.  The book skillfully traces the patterns of Chinese history and contrasts the philosophical differences that separate it from the United States, reaching into ancient Chinese history to define national characteristics.

With a final chapter on the China’s global role in the 21st-century, On China provides an intimate historical perspective on Chinese foreign affairs from one of America’s premier statesmen.

Robert recommends . . .

The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement
By David Brooks.  Random House, 2011.

David Brooks, an OP-ED columnist for the NY Times, is one of the most read commentators in the U.S.  His new book reports the research on the mind and brain over the last 30 years, and there have been remarkable breakthroughs about who we are as humans.  He integrates science and psychology with sociology, politics, cultural commentary, and the literature of success by telling the life stories of two composite characters, Harold and Erica.

His underlying point is that the unconscious mind is where most of the brain work gets done. It is the realm of emotions, intuitions, biases, longings, genetic predispositions, personality traits, and social norms.  It is where character is formed and the most important life decisions are made.  Brooks refutes the western “culture bias” that overemphasizes rationalism, individualism, and IQ.  I found it impossible to put down and an essential read for understanding ourselves and other people.

Do you have information to share?

Do you have information that you would like to share with other educators across the state? You are welcome to submit interesting global education programs that are going on at your institutions, announcements about global education seminars, new resources that others might find interesting, etc. Please email Neil at nebolick@unc.edu with your "update-worthy" items!

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