The H-Bomb & the Jesus Rock - The whole book - Spoilers OK (Jul 2019)

[LindaJ^]

In this thread we will discuss the whole book.

To start, I'd like to have us all consider what this review says Manderino had to say about the his inspiration for the book (I could not find the original source) - https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwbook.... The particular comment I am referring to is --

‘Following 9-11, there was a disturbing sense that the ‘War on Terror’ was a crusade, which reminded me of the period during my childhood when the Cold War was being characterized as a religious struggle between the forces of godless Russia and Christian – indeed, Catholic – America,’ says Manderino. ‘Actually, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the nuns, the priest, and the Pope led us to believe that this frightening stand-off was the result of our failure to pray with sufficient ardor for Russia to turn to Jesus.’ … ‘Through the story, I attempt to show the way in which a profound national crisis gets interpreted, played out, and ‘resolved’ by children,’ adds Manderino. ‘It’s important that we understand the way fear operates in children, the way they absorb, and respond to a moment of national emergency as well as what narratives they use to ‘resolve’ the issue, the adult ideas they draw on, and how easily they are manipulated into a particular interpretation of the crisis.’

Manderino wrote this book in 2010 - 9 years after 9-11. Another 9 years have now passed and we are still fighting the "war on terror." How do you respond to the points Manderino makes in the above quotes?? Do you think this book is relatable to the ongoing war on terror or is it limited to the time and event it addresses, i.e., the Cuban Missile Crisis?

[Sarah]

Linda, thank you for this focus for initial discussion.

‘It’s important that we understand the way fear operates in children, the way they absorb, and respond to a moment of national emergency as well as what narratives they use to ‘resolve’ the issue, the adult ideas they draw on, and how easily they are manipulated into a particular interpretation of the crisis.’

I agree with Manderino. In my work as a School Psychologist, fear was a constant theme to address. Children led our discussions to safety as well. Basically, my work and interactions with students in the classroom was framed by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Physiological needs were targeted then safety needs moving upward to self-actualization, i.e. completing school work. Most of my career was spent at the sister school of Columbine High School so I was involved with safety for decades. Students at all levels now deal not only with national emergencies but prevalent school shootings as well. Individual students deal with these issues in different ways and parents seek guidance in talking with their children. These are links that I found helpful.

https://www.911memorial.org/sites/def...

https://www.today.com/parents/how-tal...

https://www.romper.com/p/how-to-expla...

[LindaJ^]

Thanks for those links Sarah. I think the articles are full of good advice concerning 9-11 and other terrorist attacks, such as, in this country, Oklahoma City, and some of it can also be applied to school shootings - something that just did not occur when we were in grade school. And then there are the inner city kids who don't see school shootings but do see street corner and drive-by shootings ….

From another perspective, I liked the way this book moved from kid to kid to kid, giving us three perspectives of what was going on, which were sometimes very different. And I liked that it dealt with serious stuff in manner that was often lighthearted. What do any of you think about the writing style?

[Ella]

I really want to thank you for introducing me to this book. I loved it. I was raised Catholic, and ever since reading it, I've sort of been dying to go to confession and say "I shot a man in reno just to watch him die." It flies through my head every now and again and cracks me up.

What I thought was so well done was the tone - seemingly light and airy, but with these kids seriously concerned and looking to tiny gestures or one word from their parents/adults to make them feel safe or worried. It's so true - parents and teachers can say a lot of things, but kids pick up on these little things that nobody says and that's what sets the tone. I really enjoyed the read, and since I am just a touch too young to remember this part of history, I also learned a lot.

[LindaJ^]

The book seemed more serious to me on my second read for purposes of moderating this discussion. It still caused me to chuckle on occasion but I picked up more of the fear, in both the kids and their parents. I've read another of John Manderino's books -- Crying at Movies: A Memoir -- and, while a memoir, it is similarly written. I am surprised that he is not better known.

Thanks for joining in the discussion. I'm still hoping there are some others who will be checking in before the 15th. This weekend's madness made me think of this book and how do parents explain mass shootings to their kids?