Hold Fast Your Dreams: Twenty Commencement Speeches - Softcover

Colen, Kimberly

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0439237041 ISBN 13: 9780439237048

Publisher: Scholastic, 2001

Synopsis

Offers an inspirational collection of twenty commencement speeches from an array of celebrated figures, including Dr. Seuss, Carl Sagan, and Gloria Steinem. Reprint.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

A compilation of 20 college commencement speeches, some very recent (Florence Griffith Joyner in 1994, Ken Burns in 1993) and some relatively old (Dr. Seuss in 1977, Ralph Nader in 1981), arranged in alphabetical order by the speakers' last names. There are no common themes or revelations, just an unrelated group of speeches by a varied group of speakers, among them Colin Powell, Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry's), Cathy Guisewite, Carl Sagan, Marian Wright Edelman, Wilma Mankiller, Robert Fulghum, and Billy Joel. Many of the pieces are not very inspiring and some don't translate well from oratory to the printed page, as when Jimmy Carter tells his audience at Rice University, ``We make our living writing books. My wife's only request was to announce to you that our books are still on sale.'' The final selection is Gloria Steinem's, who says in her 1987 address, ``I conducted a small survey in preparation for today. Half of my sample could not remember who their commencement speaker was.'' Colen (Peas and Honey, not reviewed, 1995, etc.) and Boyko provide an introduction and brief biographies for each speaker. (b&w photos) (Anthology. 16+) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up?A collection of recent college baccalaureate speeches by 20 prominent Americans (some recently deceased). The speeches represent a multicultural, cross-section of individuals, both male and female. Wisdom and common sense are evident in the addresses of Cathy Guisewite, Billy Joel, and Robert Fulgham. Humor characterizes the advice of Neil Simon and Dr. Seuss. Others included are Jimmy Carter, Arthur Ashe, Wilma Mankiller, Marian Wright Edelman, and Colin Powell. Brief biographical sketches and photos precede each entry. This is an updated, balanced collection of very readable speeches, sure to inspire other commencement speakers. It is similar to I Am Honored to be Here Today... (Oceana, 1985; o.p.). The audience for Boyko's title may be limited, but the reading is lively and interesting.?Judy R. Johnston, Auburn High School, WA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0439237041
• ISBN 13: 9780439237048
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 230
• Editor: Boyko Carrie