Assigned books worth reading Assigned books worth reading

JESSICA MARRELLA STAFFWRITER

JRM722@CABRINI EDU

Bookstore receipts are proof that students are spending a lot of time reading for their classes. Of all the books a student reads, which ones were page turners that take the cake as being a book worth reading?

One book that makes this list is “The DaVinci Code,” by Dan Brown. Dr. Margaret McGuinness, a religion professor assigns her religion 105 class to read this book. “The book teaches, but it’s also fun to read ” Jess Watson, a sophomore religion major, said.

Other books that McGuinness feels are worthwhile are “Dead Man Walking,” by Tim Robbins, and “Growing Up Empty: The Hunger Epidemic in America,” by Loretta Schwartz-Nobel. “I try to choose books that are relevant to the class and reflect the latest in scholarship,” McGuinness said. McGuinness takes student opinions into consideration, and if she gets negative feedback regarding a book, she most likely won’t assign that book again.

Rob Debasto, a freshman math major, enjoyed reading “A Child Called It,” by Dave Pelzer, for his seminar 100 “coming of age” class, taught by Jenny Yoos, an English and communication professor. The book is a true story about a boy who is abused by his mother and grows up to help other children who are abused. “The book actually makes you think about that stuff because things like that happen in real life,” Debasto said.

Yoos chose to assign the book because it gave students the chance to see into the “insightful mind” of someone who had suffered from abuse.

“This is the lives so that he is not defeated and I think it is something that the students really can identify with, even when it is something small they may be facing,” Yoos said.

Halbert, an English and communication professor, also make the list of must-read books. One book is “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas: An American Slave,” which is a story of American perseverance and triumph. Students actually complained to Halbert that the book was too short.

Another book Halber t assigns is “Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas,” by Hunter S. Thompson. This book tends to get students’attention because of its style and the way in which narcotics are presented. “It’s about as close to a trip as one can take without actually taking drugs,” Halbert said.

Lastly, “In Cold Blood,” by Truman Capote, is also one of Halber t’s successful books.

Books assigned by Hal national conservation tour. I flew to Washington to discuss the proposal with Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who liked the idea. So did the President,” Nelson

The book is arguably the greatest piece of crime fiction ever written. The book takes you into the lives of both the killers and victims without taking sides. This hits home the idea that terrible crimes can happen anywhere and to anyone.

Of all the books that students invest in, these are just some of the books that take the cake as great reads.

So how can you get involved and partake on Earth Day? A couple ideas include planting trees or getting a group of people to pick up trash. But remember, Earth Day can be celebrated every day by simple things, like not smoking, not using aerosol cans and remembering to recycle.

Summer jobs; the good, the bad

ALYSSA SCHOENLEBER

STAFFWRITER

AMS725@CABRINI EDU

With the semester nearing its end, many students may be thinking about sand and surf, road trips and other fun times with friends and family (and possibly finals). You just might be one who is eager for those summer activities and perhaps finding that summer job is towards the back of your mind.

“Don’t wait. Summer jobs often get f illed fast, so get going on your job search!” says Alison Doyle, writer for “Your Guide to Job Searching” on About.com. To best be prepared when starting the job hunt, Doyle says to have a resume and references ready. When applying online or in person, some sort of resume and references are usually required. In addition, she suggests asking for help from college Career Services or those whom you may have networked with, for they may have contacts with someone to get you that needed summer job. Doyle suggests, in addition to checking with Career Services and those in your network, to keep an eye on the classified section of your local newspaper. Although jobs can be found through the classifieds, one of the best ways to find retail, shore and local jobs is by applying in person, says Doyle. There are also various career websites, such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com, which allow searches for part-time jobs. Although these may be helpful, another website, SummerJobs.com, allows searches for particular kinds of strictly summer employment.

Be sure to include visiting job sites, filling out applications and interviewing in your summer job search deadline. Remember, the sooner you get out there, the sooner you’ll lose the worry and have the money for those fun summer activities.

Erin Schell, a junior English/communication major, thought she was going to be a veterinary assistant one summer during high school. She liked working with animals and thought it would be a great learning experience. What she didn’t expect was what she spent her summer doing. “I ended up having to clean up animal waste, taking the animals outside and worrying about getting bit when giving medication,” she said.

Andrew Madonia, a sophomore English and philosophy major, said he had a great summer job working at an inter net company. “Then again,” he said, “any teenage kid would say it’s a good job if they are making more than $8 an hour.”

While some students may have summer job horror stories, others f ind decent jobs that last them those valuable three months. Regardless, money can be considered a vital factor when indulging in fun activities and vacations. Furthermore, below are some websites you can take a look at for tips on how to land a good part-time job and keep those wallet-empty summer-time-blues away.

Summer job search websites:

• summerjobs.com

• http://www.ccusa.com/

• monster.com

• careerbuilder.com