I have to admit that when we had our intitial discussion of the "Poisonwood Bible" I was a bit skeptical of having to read something so controversial. As I read the book I continually reminded myself- "Holly- this is fiction!" In the end I felt like there only a few places that stirred controversy within. Overall I felt it was a reminder of how insensitve we can be to people of other cultures when we have no idea what life is like for them. What did you think in the end? Was it controversial for you or did you like me walk away with something to ponder?

Holly, I agree with you. The initial discussions of the book made me nervous, however, I thought that the themes were very applicable to our lives and to our educational influence. Even though there were some times that struck a nerve with me as I read it, I think that it was written to do that to evoke reactions out of its readers.

I agree with both you. I was nervous at first about reading the book. I feel it truely relates to so many of our students. I think our students are culture shock and we do not always no how to handle.

I like you, Holly, felt Poisonwood Bible was very thought provoking, but not about religion. I felt like there were other areas that really had me pondering several things. First of all, how we treat each other, especially when things are hard. The major theme I got from the book was more about human nature than about religion. Each character handled the situations they faced in completely different ways from Nathan, who was focused and could not deviate from his choosen path to the twins, who each took a different path. I guess you never really know what you are capable of until you are put into those kinds of circumstances.

I think because the story was a work of fiction it was less controversial. Had it been nonfiction I may have had a problem with some parts. But I focused more on the struggles of the Congolese and the interaction with the Price family.

I agree with you Holly. The book was not as controversial as I had imagined after our initial discussion. I think that many times in soceity those in a position of power can be overbearing and forceful of their views like Nathan in the story. In our classrooms we have learned that we must be respectful of other cultures and teach all students to have pride in their culture.