My Name Used to Be Muhammad by Tito Momen - May book club

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYwqdcqug0U

My Name Was Keoko and Long Walk to Water by LInda Sue Park

“How could an alphabet—letters that didn't even mean anything by themselves

—be important?

But it was important. Our stories, our names, our alphabet. Even Uncle's newspaper.

It was all about words.

If words weren't important, they wouldn't try so hard to take them away.” 

― Linda Sue Park, When My Name Was Keoko

Ann, Paula, Brittany and Carolyn

 Our book club met Thursday, April 28th at Ann's to discuss two of Linda Sue Park's books that we read this month: Long Walk to Water and When My Name Was Keoko.

Carolyn, Carol, Sandy, Darleen and Lillian

 Attending were Carolyn, Carol,Darleen, Lillian, Susan, Ann, Paula, Brittany and  Sandy,  Both books were enjoyed.  We learned so much from both of them and had a lively discussion on both.  

Carol, Sandy, Darleen and Lillian

A Long Walk to Water, at true story, is a book that takes Sylva away from his family as a refugee of war in 1983 and he walks thousands of miles to two diffferent refugee camps and endures the horrors of war.  Nya,another child in Sudan over two decades later, walks eight hours to get water for her family. These two children and their families are woven together in an interesting plot.  A Long Walk to Water is an informative and insightful book on the problems that have plagued the African nations for so long.  Tribal warfare, the political upheaval of governments and lack of religious freedom has caused the refugee crisis in our world to become a huge concern around the world.  We have been asked to reach out and help in the best way we can.  This book helped us all to understand in a small way the incredible danger and difficulties these refugees face each day.  It reminded us poignantly the hope that the gospel can bring into each person's life.  How important the love of family is to all humanity and how that love keeps us going, one step at a time, one day at a time.  Salva's project to go back and help communities in his country have wells and education is vital and another step in helping solve huge problems in these communities.  Studies have shown that when women are educated the economy of a country rises, families flourish and communities are enriched.  The movie, "The Good Lie,"  is also about the lost boys of Sudan and the refugee crisis. 
One step at a time, one day at a time, just today, just this day to get through.” 

― Linda Sue Park, A Long Walk to Water:

Paula

When My Name Was Keoko, by Linda Sue Park was also a very informative book.  Based in Korea during the Japanese occupation before and during WWII, the story is narrated by two children, Sun-hee who has to use the Japanese name Keoko and her brother,Tae-yul.  They are forbidden to speak Korean, and must take Japanese names as well as speak Japanese. In school they must learn about Japanese history and forsake everything they love about their country and culture, including their mother's beloved Rose of Sharon trees in the backyard and family heirloom jewelry. Food becomes scarce, they are watched and scrutinized and forced to make choices with courage and conviction. Another very good read.  

Carol, Sandy, Darleen, Lillian and Susan

 “A mistake made with good in your heart is still a mistake, 

but it is one for which you must forgive yourself.” 

― Linda Sue Park, When My Name Was Keoko

I do think that part of literature's job is to comment on and participate in the social issues of the time. Linda Sue Park