So here’s a thing.
I love reading because it helps me identify my blind spots. No for real, we all have them and I continue to be amazed at the many many historical blind spots I posses. September’s reading challenge brought into sharp focus my utter lack of knowledge around Russian history.
Haddi had the pleasure (yes, I’m aware that is not how she sees it) of reading dystopian fiction while I found myself submerged in the real life horror of Russia’s revolution which covered not one, but two world wars AND a book detailing the events and impact of Chernobyl. Yep, that’s right, I don’t do anything halfway. If I see a cliff, I just jump right on off that cliff…never even consider climbing down…sigh.
Needless to say, this past month has been a crash course in a relatively small, though action packed window of Russian history. I didn’t know this was where my month of reading would take me, but alas that was where I ended up. And truth be told, I’m so glad I read Vera Figner’s story and the as-yet-unfinished, Chernobyl books as well. These books even proved their worth this past week as I attempted to explain the context and import of the fall of the Berlin Wall to six 7th and 8th graders. (Yeah, my job is weird sometimes…)
Bottom-line, I dig this reading thing. Even when its hard. Even when it exposes my blind-spots and gaps in history, knowledge and perspective. Even when it slows me down and I lose my lead in The Book War. Reading sustains me and I wouldn’t trade it for anything…not even kicking Haddi’s butt…at least I don’t think so…
Happy reading everyone!
Goodread review: The Defiant Life of Vera Figner: Surviving the Russian Revolution by Lynne Ann Hartnett.
