First Boy by Gary Schmidt

This is a good solid book.   This book has strong messages of strong values, of hard work and of things that truly matter.  This is a story about a boy named Cooper.  Cooper has some challenges in his life.  Homework, Cross Country running, and getting chores done are all things he struggles with.  But then, suddenly his grandfather passes away and he has to worry about everything by himself.  It has mystery that starts with dark, black Sudans that are hanging suspiciously around the town.  Find out who is in the vehicles and how this amazing boy figures out how to get by without his grandfather.  I enjoyed this book that wasn’t afraid to talk about religion either.  It is a refreshing book.  I liked it a lot.

Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

This book is beautiful.  I am still finding myself pondering some of the words and thinking about the story.  There are so many lessons to learn in this book.

This story is based on South Africa.  It is a story about a man who goes from his small village in search of his son in the big city.  In the process I learned much about South Africa that I did not know.  I fell in love with the characters and was inspired by their actions.  Human kindness, Poverty, Big Cities, Africa, Family, Politics, and Choices are all talked of in the book.  This book is written differently than most books I've read and I enjoyed learning a new way.  The conversations are written differently and many times I noticed that the dialogue had changed on me and I didn't notice it right away.  It kept me on my toes.

I highly recommend this book and recommend re-reading it if you have.  :)