Finished: Things Fall Apart (Achebe). Interesting book about the customs and beliefs of a village in Nigeria. Okonkwo is the main character, and a leader in the village. He is also fierce, quick-tempered and prone to beating his children and wives if they disobey him or show any weaknesses. The primitive, backwards nature of these village people breaks my heart. For instance, if twins are born...they are taken to the woods to die because twins are considered a bad omen. However, I think it broke my heart more when the white man came and interfered...bringing religion that conflicted with the village's beliefs in many gods, etc. Things fell apart, as the title says, and violence ensued in the name of civilizing or teaching the villagers. This was another of those books that Josh read during high school that I've been anxious to read. I'm glad I read it and continue to be amazed at the broad spectrum of books my  kids read in high school!