This week’s list:
Freebie Week!
Make a top ten list about anything book related that you want. That super specific topic you thought would make a great top ten list or that past topic you wished you would have gotten a chance to participate it? This is the week to do it!
Since my birthday is tomorrow, I’m going to share the
Top 10 Books that helped shape who I am today.
I would never have guessed my strong reaction to this book in middle school would be followed by an even stronger reaction to a movie about genocide in my early 20s.
Hotel Rwanda changed my life. I felt such intense emotions (I’m talking sobbing, hiccups, the whole nine) during this movie. I walked out of that theater a changed woman. I could not grasp how 800,00 people perished over the course of 100 days. I was outraged by the lack of international response to the genocide. I was sickened at the world’s apathy.
I immediately changed my degree to International Studies, became a human right’s activist in my undergrad, ran an anti-genocide coalition, called politicians and used my voice, traveled to DC to learn all I could about helping genocide victims, helped local refugees receive proper care, and met the man behind my motivation, Paul Rusesabagina. I applied to the Peace Corps. and set off to change the world.
*slams on the breaks* Then I met my husband. 
So, my dreams of international human rights work died as my love for him grew. I regret nothing, however, my drive to help those with no voice was stronger than ever, especially since my husband shares my passion for helping others. Seeing as how I am responsible (according to him) for giving him the motivation and strength to apply to medical school, I had to figure out the next best option for me. A new Social Worker was born.
I hope to some day work with the refugee population, as it is where my heart lies. However, children and adolescents speak volumes to me as they are a group with as little a voice as any. I want to change that, even if it’s an itty bitty bit.
So, now you know a bit more about Smash, and here’s the rest of my list.
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I will one day find the urge and strength to pick up this book. Until then, my friend…
© 2012, Smash Attack Reads. All rights reserved.
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OH MY GOD we have SO much in common and I'm just now realizing HOW much! Lol. I was a Global Studies major for two years before deciding to drop it in favor of my English major. I was totally convinced that I was going to save the world and end up working for a non for profit helping people somewhere overseas. I actually read Not on Our Watch in high school and was really influenced by it. Furthermore, I was involved in groups that raised money for the people of Darfur and helped spread the awareness of what was going on in Uganda with the LRA and the so-called Invisible Children.
I have to admit I reached a point in my life about two years ago when I started to get a little cynical and jaded and became convinced that the world was going to destroy itself no matter what I did, so I gave up on a lot of the goals I had at the beginning of college. Things have slowly been coming back though, and while I'm probably not as active or passionate about issues like these as I once was, I'm starting to at least follow them again! Maybe one day…
Natalie – this warmed my heat to read. I was the cynical, jaded person BEFORE Hotel Rwanda. Now that I've gotten educated in social work, my perspective has REALLY changed, however, it doesn't make it any easier to work with people who seemingly don't want your help, or won't listen to your professional opinion, or when you try and educate them, etc. *sigh* What helps keep me going is that all people have a story, and it is my job to hear that story without judgment. I no longer point fingers.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU! Don't let people take away your spirit.
I will be saving this list so that I can read these. There are three of four books on here that i actually have on my list to read. A Long Way Gone and Darfur Diaries for sure. Also, the Angelina Jolie book is a must read. I can't wait to get it.
Great list! A Child Called It slayed me when I read it, as did Darfur Diaries. SO very eye-opening!
Check out my Top Ten Books I Think Should Be Read/Discussed in EVERY High School!
Dude! I read A Child Called It while I was PREGNANT with Em… Bad move. I was crazy emotional- sobbing uncontrollably- it was BAD.
Thanks!
The Diary of Anne Frank and The Devil's Arithmetic were single handily the books that got me interested in history! They were both so moving and interesting. Though The Devil's Arithmetic is fiction it dealt with very real parts of that period in history.
Oh man, what a powerful top 10. Yes, Hotel Rwanda was just eye opening and heartbreaking. My sister told me about A Child Called It, and it was so upsetting. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to read that book. I can imagine the words in these books have become a part of what you work for.
I have so much admiration for you and kudos to your husband for going for Med School. What an amazing couple you must be.
Awwww. Thanks so much, Pam. ♥
[...] or horrific acts. But I’m a different person now. If you want to read all about why, go here and here. My opinions of people have changed drastically since becoming a social worker. I no [...]