Witch Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials by Marc Aronson

(Young Adult) This is a well-researched piece of non-fiction written namely for adolescents, though I think the subject matter is a bit more appealing to adults. This book gave me a great deal of insight into the economic issues that fed into the witch hysteria. The fanaticism was largely based on a feud between the Putnams and the Porters - one a prospering merchant family, the other an envious family of struggling farmers. Also, the hysteria was largely fueled by women who seemed to struggle with Puritan ideals. America was on the verge of rationalist philosophy. All of these women were suffering in churches where they were not permitted to speak, and where they were forced to live up to an impossible standard of moral perfection. Most of the women accused of witchcraft were older women who owned property - women who could be viewed as more than wives, mothers and daughters. Their accusers were able to have the best of both worlds: they took the moral high ground by sniffing out evil in their town, while at the same time they were allowed to act out dramatically, speak in public, and generally call a great deal of attention to themselves. This book offers a multi-faceted view of American history and is a definite conversation piece. Favorite Quote: "The moral courage of the accused who could not lie was also a reflection of their Puritanism . . . some people had taken Puritan teachings into their hearts and minds. Conscience proved to be stronger than even a society dedicated to enforcing the dictates of faith . . . there was simply too much danger of using faith to destory innocent people."

Always Running by Luis J. Rodriguez

Initiated into an East L.A. gang when he was 12 years old, Rodriguez experienced more in his teen years than most people would experience in a dozen lifetimes. This memoir is positively brutal. Though a bit of a poet when it comes to writing style, the author does not attempt to sugar-coat the violence and destruction that surrounds a poverty-stricken community that is saturated with gangs. I thought he did a thorough job explaining the economic and political influences that contribute to gang life, but it was frustrating to see how certain initiatives resulted in improvements only to fizzle out when funds and support became unavailable. However, there were a few positive mentors who made a substantial difference in this man's life, and that was encouraging. It's a very subjective viewpoint. I can see why/how this book has caused so much controversy. But at the same time, I can also see why so many young people are engaged and influenced by this tale. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it to just anybody: if you're interested in gang life and/or the effects of poverty, and you are strong enough to handle the truth of what goes on in the barrios, it will certainly give you some new insights. But prepare to be disturbed. Favorite Quote: "'The fight for a better life won't stop just because you aren't ready. What we're doing is not something you decide to do when you feel like it. Whether you're ready or not, this struggle will go on. . . you have to make a choice now. Either the craziness and violence - or here, learning and preparing for a world in which none of this is necessary.'"