Joanne's Suggestions

The Ugly American
by Eugene Burdick and Wm. J. Lederer

Synopsis: First published in 1958, The Ugly American became a runaway national bestseller for its slashing expos&eaccute; of American arrogance, incompetence, and corruption in Southeast Asia. Based on fact, the book's eye-opening stories and sketches drew a devastating picture of how the United States was losing the struggle with Communism in Asia. Combining gripping storytelling with an urgent call to action, the book prompted President Eisenhower to launch a study of our military aid program that led the way to much-needed reform.

From Joanne: I recently read this and was thoroughly engaged. I remembered this title back in the 60's when I was a teen and heard many references to it but being only interested in romance and art at the time, paid no attention. It is a series of stories of Americans in different governmental capacities who go to Southeast Asia to live and work for the government. Some of them are idiots and some are heros who really work for the people of those countries. It was a great read and now I can see why this book was being talked about and referenced and why it was so controversial. The heros of the book remind me of what our missionaries are expected to do.


North and South
by Elizabeth Gaskell

Synopsis: Mary Gaskell's North and South examines the nature of social authority and obedience and provides an insightful description of the role of middle class women in nineteenth century society. Through the story of Margaret Hale, a southerner who moves to the northern industrial town of Milton, Gaskell skillfully explores issues of class and gender, as Margaret's sympathy for the town mill workers conflicts with her growing attraction to the mill owner, John Thornton. This new and revised expanded edition sets the novel in the context of Victorian social and medical debate.

From Joanne: A young woman from the south of England moves to the north of England with her family. She must confront the prejudices she brings with her about the people and their lives. There is a romance but it does not overshadow the compelling contrast of north and south England in the mid 1800's. The is a BBC mini-series based on this book. I have not read this, got it on good recommendation from a friend.


Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold
by C.S. Lewis
324 pages

Synopsis: This tale of two princesses - one beautiful and one unattractive - and of the struggle between sacred and profane love is Lewis’s reworking of the myth of Cupid and Psyche and one of his most enduring works.