And Still We Rise. Assignment 2 Book Review Response

Since, I already read the whole book, I can say that my experience reading this book was both frustrating and exhilerating. I got so into the stories of each of the students, especially Olivia, and I was excited to read the next part of their story in future chapters. It gets kind of intense because you start rooting for these students- you want them to succeed but they are encountering so many obstacles that it seems almost impossible. This was a little frustrating because the students are going through so much and even though it is plausible that a solution could be found to some of these problems, like Olivia not being able to find a stable foster home, it simply just doesn't happen because of the flaws in government. The chapter about Affirmative Action also contributes to this frustration, because as if the students are not already encountering so many struggles, they cannot be helped out by affirmative action now either. The book really changed my perspective in terms of this- before, I was really insensitive to idea of affirmative action and the struggles that students like this faced because I had not been exposed to their experiences. This book though, has taken me on a ride that had broadened my perspective and has allowed me to see their struggles more clearly.

I have not read book reviews before I buy books. Usually I just buy books on a whim if they look good and so far I usually have good luck. However, I do think it could be beneficial to look at book reviews just to see what other people think of the book and what good and bad elements the books has- basically everything it has to offer. I honestly don't think a book review would determine whether or not I purchase a book because just because someone else doesn't like it doesn't mean that I won't like it or get something out of it. I might listen to whatever a friend recommends if the friend knows what I like or likes the same things as I do. However, I still wouldn't let this completely affect my decision whether to read a book or not because I think everyone sees different elements of books and no two people are exactly the same. Although it might tilt me one way more, it wouldn't completely affect my ultimate decision. I usually just choose books that I think I will like and usually find some kind of good in all of them.