BOOKS THEY READ: Timothy Hatcher, teacher

Which are your favourite books?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; the characters are well developed and very memorable. It leaves an everlasting impression on you. It is a book about growing up where children ask many questions. It has a strong message; ideals of race, compassion and justice. This is a very a strong statement coming from the south in that era. As a teenager, The Autobiography of Malcolm X made a big impact in my life. I was about 15 and when I was confronted with some of the unpleasant realities in the world, which influenced my view of the world. I love autobiographies in general, we all have great stories and it’s important to learn from other people’s life stories. Little Girl Lost by Drew Barrymore is remarkable about her life through stardom and addiction.

What kind of stories appeal to you?
Fablehaven: The Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull: This is a terrific follow-up to Fablehaven. I actually think the plot and characters were better written than in the first book. This is for young adults, an area which I am interested in. As a teacher, I have to spark students’ interest in books.

Which books didn’t you enjoy reading?
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin: Bizarre. I won’t say that I loved it. Sci-fi is not my preferred genre. Interesting. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: While elements of the story were interesting, and I liked the character of Liesel, I thought the writing was forced and pretentious. Some of the descriptions were just too contrived. Flyte by Angie Sage, while there is so much in this series I like, I hate when a book is bulky and not much takes place on the pages to merit the size. Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar, what a riot! I recommend that it be read out loud to an audience for full, outrageous effect. Why wouldn’t this book make a great television show? Praying Mantis by Andre Brink, the first and last thirds of the book were captivating. I found the middle third boring.

Which are some of the books you couldn’t put down?
It by Stephen King; the story follows the exploits of seven children as they are terrorised by a predator that exploits the fears and phobias of its victims in order to disguise itself while hunting its prey. I watched the movie while I was a child and the movie was horrifying. The movie meant a lot to me and my friends when we were young so in a way, I am reminiscing my childhood. I haven’t read Stephen King in 15 years. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: A post-apocolyptic Lord of the Flies meets Survivor reality television. The buildup left me hoping the games would not begin. When they did, I was shocked. Brutal. Violent. I Couldn’t put it down. The actions are well placed and the characters are very interesting. It explores modern society with obsession with fame. It is satirical look at reality television. Dispatchers from the Edge by Anderson Cooper. This is his experience as a warzone journalist.

Which are some of the books you enjoy teaching?
The Wright 3 and Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet, it teaches children not to take things on face value but to question everything going on around them. It teaches children to have confidence in their own intuition. The story is a fantastic mystery. Ms Frisby and the Rats of NIHM by Robert C. O’Brien; it is a great way to have children question morality - right and wrong. It is a brilliant story.

Which Ugandan books have you read?
Ballad of Black Bosco, a novella by Ernest Bazanye is a hilarious book which makes fun of pop culture and fame in the Ugandan context. It is the funniest book I have read in a while. It can be downloaded online. Abyssinian Chronicles by Moses Isegawa is an interesting book and he uses names to give more information. Dawn of the Pearl, a poetry collection by Pamela Acaye has a number of interesting poems.