Welcome to the Slant, where you'll find reviews and original writings by the members of Martin Library's Teen Advisory Board.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Book Review: Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival (Anderson Cooper)

by Nathan W.

Anderson Cooper, the host of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” wrote his memoir, “Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival.” Anderson’s life, before CNN, had already been filled with much disaster; at 10, he lost his father to a heart attack and later he lost his older brother to suicide. Cooper’s book makes tragedy seem even more real and even closer.

Most youth have the dream to explore the world. Anderson did that, but for a different reason. In the book, he describes, very vividly, the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia in 2004, the civil wars, genocide and HIV epidemics in Africa, and the post- Katrina New Orleans. Having visited these areas of the world, Anderson knows what he’s talking about, unlike other television journalists.

Because of the incredible detail and first- hand experience, “Dispatches” is a must- read for every human. You’ll be able to understand the tragedy Cooper went through, as well as all the disasters he encounters. Well, what other book would you expect from “the most trusted name in news” (CNN)?

I think the only other tragedy we’ve experience that Anderson could have included was the September 11th attacks. This is definitely the most powerful, dramatic non-fiction book you’ll ever read, and in years from now, it should be required in history classes.

1 comment:

olsond said...

This is by far one of the most interesting and well written books I've read. He writes it with an exceptional perspective and insight into his life, the things he has been through, experiences lived by him and others and describes all of them in an excellent and unique way.

A definite for reading.