How One Prep Hawk Makes Time for Reading

Article by Michael Washlick

Reading is not all about school. It is also a big part of my personal life. I read at school and home. It is what I choose to do during my free time. My daily schedule is always packed, however I read at every opportune moment. I leave my house at six o’clock in the morning and spend an hour and ten minute commuting to the Prep. Once at school I read during homeroom, lunch, or the beginning of class. If I am not taking a nap on the way home, I put on headphones and listen to music while reading a book.

Reading can teach you a lot about the different perspectives of other human beings. Take for example the new movie and book, American Sniper. Most people have never been a sniper in United States military, but reading the book will help them to understand what the soldier faced during his life.

You can always make time to read. If you do not want to buy a book you can find one for free online or at McShain Library. Put the school books away for now and find a book that you want to read. Once you have found one, put it in your backpack or gym bag. For example, I always carry a copy of Jack London’s The Wild with me. When I get home it is like hell on wheels because my family can be loud. I just go upstairs and read for a bit. Also, do not forget, libraries of all kinds do exist. They hold books from many different genres. If you cannot find what you are looking for ask a librarian.  They are more than happy to help you find a book to read.

Right now I advise you to pick up a book from the library, sit down, and read until you finish it. It does not matter what anybody else thinks. All that matters is that you read.

Entrepreneur and mentor Tai Lopez explains the benefits of reading everyday.

Shane Loves McShain Library!

Book Review

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Book Review by William Ouligian

Check out William Ouligian’s review of the Seth Grahame-Smith novel-turned-movie, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. 

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a historical fiction novel that chronicles the struggles of Abraham Lincoln’s life. There is just one twist. Honest Abe is portrayed as a fit, axe-wielding, vampire exterminator. In this literary work the goal of our 16th President is to extinguish all vampires from American society. Written in the first person, the reader is given insight into the causes behind Lincoln’s political actions and his character as he develops from a boy to the President of the United States.

While reading this book I was mildly surprised at the length Seth Grahame-Smith went to preserve historical propriety while still retaining a coherent and exciting plot. The story contains some factual evidence. The falsehoods are written in such a way that they could be construed as believable because of how well they fit within the historical context of the book. Grahame-Smith has tied vampirism to various, unrelated events and persons throughout American history. Examples are the disappearance of Roanoke, Edgar Allen Poe, slavery, and the Civil War. Grahame-Smith has also made this story unique in another regard. He has introduced the popular portrayal of vampires within a new literary genre.

There are two issues I have with Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. In the author’s attempt to mimic Lincoln’s writing style he overuses antiquated words to the point of redundancy (for example, ‘notwithstanding’). Second, I felt there was a pacing and action issue in the novel. Ironically, the Civil War (and a large part of Lincoln’s political career) receives minimal attention, despite being the single most important series of events in his life. Instead, the majority of the novel focuses on Lincoln’s childhood, early adulthood, and family life. The story would be complete if the author had given more attention to the Civil War.

This book should be very interesting to most students because the story carries so many intriguing qualities. I think it is best suited for those who are interested in historical fiction. The setting, characters, and absurd plot reinforce the mannerisms and events that were commonplace during the Civil War era.