Poisonwood Bible Review

I first read Poisonwood Bible because a friend of mine from my high school days suggested it and wanted my opinion.  It was nothing to write home about. 

At first I liked the missionary aspect and the dad's struggle and the family aspect and adventure.  But the life destruction or spirit destruction of each person in the story was just too much.  It was not something I would have chosen to read on my own.  I did not see the book as valuable.

The second time I read it for the English department at the high school.  I could not in the end recommend the book for adolescent reading.  This to me was clearly adult reading.  I do not want our children thinking that this is normal life, that the decisions made were good ones, or that it was okay to turn out like these characters.  I would prefer they read in class and discuss more morally upright and inspiring books.  I could not justify this as a choice for these students.  Regardless of what students may read on their own, we educators have the responsibility of filling thier minds with the best of what can be, not the worst or even the most mediocre.

The books is not terrible, but it is not literature in its finest hour.