I Beat the Odds by Michael Oher and Meathead’s World Famous Memphis Dust Rub
Recipe: Click here
Considering I am a Southern girl, I was at a loss as to what to make with this book (which takes place in Memphis, TN). I found a Memphis Mud Pie but it was too similar to Mississippi Mud Cake. I thought about barbecue but didn’t want to have to go to the store. Therefore, I settled for a rub that I could use on my pork chops. What I love about this rub is it makes enough for future uses. It was really good and was a hit with the family. Do note, however, that there is no salt in the rub, so you will need to rub down your meat with some salt before applying.
Now for the book…
This was one of two Goodwill books I bought two weeks ago (or last week…who’s counting…). I think many of us are familiar with the movie The Blind Side. I loved the movie. I thought it was a very uplifting, inspirational, emotional story. Sadly, though, many did not feel that way. I knew someone who said the movie was trying to show that the “black kid wouldn’t be anything if not for a white family.” I was appalled at the insincerity shown and disgusted that someone would think they could speak “confidently” on a story she really knew nothing about. I would love to give her this book to read! After reading this book, you will quickly understand that thought is “bologna.”
This book is not about the movie (even though he does point out some scenes in the movie that were true and some scenes that were not true). This book is predominately his life before the movie – his life in the ghetto. He discusses what drove him to think differently- how he wanted more in life than what he knew but the difficulties due to the lack of stable and supportive relationships (home life and school). Through the book, he tells kids, who are in similar situations, that they can strive for more than what they were born into (that being born into poverty does not have to define who you are). What I loved about this book, though, was understanding the mindset of why so many in impoverished areas do not make the choice to get out. He focuses a lot on the cycle of poverty that is difficult to break when you only know one aspect of life. Although I do not teach in an inner city school, I believe reading his thoughts of life in an unstable home and in the foster system will help me relate to my students who may be in similar situations. Although I may not fully know the students who may be in foster homes or under different guardian situations, I do know how my perspective on their struggles can indirectly “label” them (in their perspective) and unintentionally discourage them more. One aspect of school I have been trying to remind myself is students are more than grades! If I only focus on the grade part, the relationship part will struggle which will, in essence, affect the grade part. I loved reading how his 4th grade teacher was the first to encourage him that he could succeed. However, he makes it clear this was not the case later on in high school (in the public school system) when he had teachers who would pass students to get them through, who only taught to get a paycheck.
Michael Oher is very clear in the book that it is by the grace of God that he was able to make it out of the ghetto and into college and later the NFL. However, it wasn’t just one family who believed in him and supported him (as we may think because of the movie) but many who gave him shelter, food, and support before his life portrayed in the movie The Blind Side.
If you are a teacher or anyone who works with inner city students (or any impoverished area), I believe this book is important to read to give an aspect on life that you may not possibly fully understand. I also believe this is a book that schools should have for a required reading OR to have in stock to hand out to the students who think there is no hope for a different life. I have read Reading with Patrick and The Other Wes Moore but was left with always wanting to know “what do we do from here?” Although this book does not give you all the answers or solutions, it did help me empathize with inner city struggles. This book also helps at-risk students to consider they can be more.
I came across a quote by Toni Sorenson who said, “Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes isn’t as much about the walk or the shoes; it’s to be able to think like they think, feel what they feel, and understand why they are who and where they are. Every step is about empathy.” I believe this quote truly sums up why I loved this book!
Interview
Additional photos of the rub:
