Week 8: Assignment 4

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass written by himself is the autobiography of an American slave. He details his experiences as a slave from boyhood to manhood and describes in graphic detail the physical and psychological torment of African american slaves under their white masters. We follow him from the plantation to Baltimore, Maryland where he learns to read and discovers the definition of abolition. At some point, he becomes the property of Master Auld, a cruel and sadistic slave owner who takes a special interest in attempting to break the soul and spirit of Douglass.  This is a highlight of the narrative as Douglass uses a compelling and exciting writing style to describe a relentless two hour battle in which Douglass stands his ground and refuses to relinquish control to his oppressor. I would recommend this book to teen boys because it is a fast, simple and engaging story with well-developed characters. It definitely reads like a novel. Any adult who is interested in the historical details of American slavey will experience the brutality of this period coming to life through Douglass's fascinating account of his life.

Left to Tell: One Woman's Story of Surviving the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee ILibigaza fulfills the expectations of a top notch disaster novel. Immaculee gives a gripping and suspenseful account of her near death escape from genocide during the Rwandan Holocaust. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats as she stays one step ahead of the machetes of the hutu soldiers. I would reccommend this book to adults interested in women's history, because of the strong female heroin facing dehumanizing oppression. Fans of Christian fiction will also be drawn in by Immaculee's telling of how her spiritual faith and conviction helped her escape a tragedy that claimed the lives of her entire family.