Review: Life Sucks

Life Sucks
by Michael I. Bennett and Sarah Bennett

Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Publication Date: April 9, 2019

LIFE SUCKS is not a story, but more of a (slightly comedic) guide to life. It goes into detail on many common problems one may have in their life, from home to family to friends and more. This book gives advice on how to deal with many issues, understanding these issues, and how what you need to do might differ from what you think you need to do. But my favorite section of this book is “What your parents say to try to help," “...and why it isn’t helpful at all." These sections are fairly self explanatory. 

As someone who felt his life sucked for the past year, I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels like their life sucks or is struggling with any of the mentioned topics. However, I would recommend this book even more to the parents of kids who are struggling. 

Review: 1968

1968: Today's Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change

edited by Marc Aronson & Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2018

A historical nonfiction anthology might not be for everyone, but if that sounds just as intriguing to you as it did to me, you’re sure to love 1968: TODAY'S AUTHORS EXPLORE A YEAR OF REBELLION, REVOLUTION, AND CHANGE. Edited by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartletti, 1968 explores its titular year through the lenses of just about everyone. A man reflecting on his youth in Southern California. A Southern woman recalling how she broke free of her family’s racism. A young Chinese American researching the effects of Mao’s regime, and the true nature of the Red Guard. 

If you’re interested in history beyond the facts and dates and memorizable tidbits, reading an anthology like 1968 is a real treat. It gives you insight into more than just the landmark events of the year; rather, it showcases what it was really like to live through it. Experiences varied vastly— depending on age, location, race— but 1968 does its best to highlight this, providing multiple perspectives.

Each story is riveting in itself, and I hope you’ll enjoy catching a glimpse into what life was like in 1968. CW for violence.