The Middle of
Everywhere
The book The Middle of Everywhere is a truly unique book. A very brief summary of the book is the following of Mary Pipher and how she works with refuges and helps them out here in America. This book touched me very deeply. Although there was little in the book I could actually relate to it began to turn the wheels of my mind. I began to ask myself questions as to how these people survived these events and are still able to work the differently hard life that America has to offer. Their courage and determination have been an inspiration to me. The line that rang out to the most clearly was "We are born on third base and think that we hit triples". This quote has so many means to me but they all share a commonality. That is the idea that people who are born to families who have lived in the United States their whole life take their rights and blessings for granted. As I read this I began to look at my life and how fortunate I really was. Something I will definitely take from this book is everything I have been given and begin to be thankful for the simplest things because I am so lucky to have the opportunities I have
This book has been very relevant to another class I am currently taking here at Concordia, Human Relations and Diversity. In this class we talk about how people are different, other cultures, what makes up a culture, and many other topics that coincide with this book. It has reiterated what has been discussed in this class. For example: we recently talked about what makes a culture and who is a part of it. Many times we look at people and hear their accents and immediately put them with a certain culture and the stereotypes that follow. By reading this book I have learned that not only are these people not like most of the stipulations we put on them, but in all reality our stereotypes and stipulations are completely untrue.
This book has most certainly changed my perspective and way of thinking. For one thing I have heard stories from the really hard side of life. I thought I knew some difficulties of life but the events in the book have opened my eyes to a whole new world I really didn't know existed. Remembering these stories will help me to look back on my life and see all the good and positive parts to the problem. Also that the problem I am facing is really easy to solve or just a matter of stepping out of my comfort zone and giving some time. Lastly my view of my country has drastically changed. I look at all that America has to offer and feel a sense of pride. We have some many opportunities that are just a few steps away. I cannot let those chances and experiences get away from me just because I run into a small road bump. After all if someone half my age can climb a mountain and watch his brother die in front of him I can more than complete my degree and go off to help others learn theses lessons.
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