This trimester was my favorite by far. I got to spend a class doing what I love to do: reading and thinking about the real messages novels are trying to give. It was really nice to have control of what books I was going to read, rather than having books assigned to me. I tend to lead toward realistic fiction or fantasy, which is somewhat obvious because of my book choices. Overall, I think this class was really beneficial and helpful for my growth as a reader.
This class has helped me have time to read. I always read before bed, but it's usually only a couple of pages before I fall asleep. Having this independent study has given me a specific time for reading and analyzing text. I have never felt more excited to be at school in the morning. I have begun to read more mature books this trimester(the Jungle, and the Things They Carried), and I have fallen in love with some of the wiser lessons and ideas. I think this will help me make the leap from childhood chapter books to adult novels. At the beginning of the class, I was only analyzing the books by summarizing the plot, but now, I am creating themes and ideas that I would have never realized were there.
An independent study of analyzing literature is something I think I needed. I am now prepared to read novels in college and write papers on the important lessons and ideas within them. The skills I have acquired are what will help me through many English classes in the next four years, and I am glad I had this class to prepare me for them.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Safe Haven
The final book that I have read for my independent study was a book called Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. The main character was a woman who was named Erin. After fleeing from her abusive husband, she created a new identity and changed her name to Katie. She settled down on a little town on the east coast. The first man she met in town was Alex, the town grocer. He and Katie began to spend time together and gradually transformed their friendship into a relationship together. While Katie was spending her time in Southport, her ex husband, Kevin, was on lookout for any trace of Erin. When he finally locates where she is, he goes there to take her home. He is a drunk and has a way of making poor choices when he is intoxicated. He nearly kills Alex while trying to take Katie back with him. In the end, Alex and his children take Katie into their family with open arms, and Kevin has passed away.
There were a few things that I was able to learn from the novel. The first thing, which I am very guilty of doing, is running from your problems to avoid them. No matter how far you run from your problems, when you eventually stop running, your problems envelope you once again. One's problems are not stationary, they are always on the move, one step behind you. When Katie landed in Southport, she had not decided to stay. Katie was always looking for an escape plan. But when she began to fall for Alex and his two children, Kristen and Josh, she decided to make roots, and that's when her previous problems had returned.
When I think about my own life, I see a decision that needs to be made in the near future. It is a choice that will impact my life for a long period of my life. Many people have made a similar decision in their life, but I'm sure that my two choices have different advantages and disadvantages than any one else has ever had. My decision is where I will be attending college. I have two acceptance letters sitting at the bottom of a stack of pamphlets and brochures from both universities. I have moved this pile from my nightstand, where I would see them every day, to a place under my desk, where no one can see them without looking for them. I have avoided my problems. I have made myself busier to give myself an excuse for not sitting down and making the decision that needs to be made by May first. This will not make my decision easier. I need to face my fears and take action against my problems. I will be decided on a college in two weeks because I want to keep living my life without a dark cloud hovering above me, just waiting to strike.
The book has also taught me that anyone is strong enough to stand up for themselves. Erin left her husband who had said he would kill her if she tried to escape again. She also faced him when he came to Southport. She kept him from hurting her or Alex's children. There are people out there who do not feel they are strong enough to protect themselves; but yet, there are children everywhere that have abusive homes or inconceivable living situations that they rise up against. How can children defend their lives and themselves, but grown adults feel they are imprisoned to their situations? I know that I will never feel that I am stuck in a horrible situation. If someone truly wants out of a difficult situation, they will find a way.
This book has taught me so much. It has helped me reflect on my tendency to run from my problems, and it has led me to the conclusion that in order to dissolve my problems, I first must find the courage to come at them head on. After doing that, I have to remember to be strong, and to do whatever it takes to make the choice that is best for me. Anyone can defend themselves against every situation. It isn't a matter of how bad you have it. It isn't a matter of how strong you are. It's a matter of how much you want to get out of the situation, and how hard you are willing to work for it.
There were a few things that I was able to learn from the novel. The first thing, which I am very guilty of doing, is running from your problems to avoid them. No matter how far you run from your problems, when you eventually stop running, your problems envelope you once again. One's problems are not stationary, they are always on the move, one step behind you. When Katie landed in Southport, she had not decided to stay. Katie was always looking for an escape plan. But when she began to fall for Alex and his two children, Kristen and Josh, she decided to make roots, and that's when her previous problems had returned.
When I think about my own life, I see a decision that needs to be made in the near future. It is a choice that will impact my life for a long period of my life. Many people have made a similar decision in their life, but I'm sure that my two choices have different advantages and disadvantages than any one else has ever had. My decision is where I will be attending college. I have two acceptance letters sitting at the bottom of a stack of pamphlets and brochures from both universities. I have moved this pile from my nightstand, where I would see them every day, to a place under my desk, where no one can see them without looking for them. I have avoided my problems. I have made myself busier to give myself an excuse for not sitting down and making the decision that needs to be made by May first. This will not make my decision easier. I need to face my fears and take action against my problems. I will be decided on a college in two weeks because I want to keep living my life without a dark cloud hovering above me, just waiting to strike.
The book has also taught me that anyone is strong enough to stand up for themselves. Erin left her husband who had said he would kill her if she tried to escape again. She also faced him when he came to Southport. She kept him from hurting her or Alex's children. There are people out there who do not feel they are strong enough to protect themselves; but yet, there are children everywhere that have abusive homes or inconceivable living situations that they rise up against. How can children defend their lives and themselves, but grown adults feel they are imprisoned to their situations? I know that I will never feel that I am stuck in a horrible situation. If someone truly wants out of a difficult situation, they will find a way.
This book has taught me so much. It has helped me reflect on my tendency to run from my problems, and it has led me to the conclusion that in order to dissolve my problems, I first must find the courage to come at them head on. After doing that, I have to remember to be strong, and to do whatever it takes to make the choice that is best for me. Anyone can defend themselves against every situation. It isn't a matter of how bad you have it. It isn't a matter of how strong you are. It's a matter of how much you want to get out of the situation, and how hard you are willing to work for it.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Hunger Games
My favorite novel, behind the Harry Potter series has been the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The book is about a government who controls twelve districts. Each year, one girl and one boy from every district is chosen to compete in a competition called the Hunger Games. The competition is where the children battle to the death until one is left. They are the winner, and the title is very prestigious. In the book, Katniss, who lives in district twelve decides to take Primrose's place when she is chosen because it is her little sister and she wishes to protect her. The boy competitor from district twelve is a boy named Peeta that has loved Katniss for forever. In the competition, the pair teams up to try keep each other alive.
The first thing I learned from the book is that in some instances, defiance is necessary. The games are supposed to be entertainment for the districts, but it's hidden reasoning is to show the districts that the government has complete control. This reminds me of dictatorships and communism. It makes me think that people in those types of nations should stand up to their leaders. If two teens can defy a government by deciding that since they were the last two to survive they were not going to kill one another to send a message, how can a large group of civilians not want to rebel against the government?
Another thought that occurred to me while reading the book is about poverty. More than fifteen percent of our nation is living in poverty. In Panam, whole districts were living in poverty; yet, the government decided not to do a single thing to help them. In the United States, we do things to try to help the people living in poverty. The government gives out food stamps, cell phones, and even unemployment. These things may seem great, but the people who are receiving these benefits are not avidly searching for a better life. They are not looking for jobs; they are not looking for cheaper homes; and they are not looking to lose their benefits either. If they sit at home and do nothing, they still receive benefits. If they go out and get a job, they will lose their benefits and then they will have to go to work everyday. I can see why they wouldn't want to search for a better way of life. They already think they have the best life possible. In Panam, government help may have been necessary, but in the United States, I don't think that is the case.
Defiance and poverty are very easily seen when reading the Hunger Games, but I think there was another message to be seen. Think about CEOs of companies. Do you see a strong man with a briefcase and a nicely tailored suit? Most people do. That's where the story of Katniss comes in. She is a strong woman that could do anything she set her mind to. Women need to see themselves as strong and capable of achieving dreams they had never imagined. Katniss stood up and volunteered as a tribute for the hunger games. She was strong enough to go into a competition where the odds were against her for coming out alive. She also thought of the idea to defy the capital. Katniss was the one who picked the poison berries that her and Peeta would pretend to eat to seem like a double suicide. Because of their act, the capital panicked and announced that two winners would be celebrated so that they wouldn't end up with all of the tributes dead. Katniss is an intelligent woman who didn't need the male character, Peeta to save her. Most stories pose the female as the helpless one, but now children will see that woman can be the hero too. They can support themselves, and even save the males.
Although the novel written by Suzanne Collins was a piece of fiction, it has very real lessons. The book can be related to poverty in the United States, defiance against strong governments, and even the rise in strong women. These are all very important things that should be thought about while reading the Hunger Games. It is a book that I would highly recommend for children and adults alike.
The first thing I learned from the book is that in some instances, defiance is necessary. The games are supposed to be entertainment for the districts, but it's hidden reasoning is to show the districts that the government has complete control. This reminds me of dictatorships and communism. It makes me think that people in those types of nations should stand up to their leaders. If two teens can defy a government by deciding that since they were the last two to survive they were not going to kill one another to send a message, how can a large group of civilians not want to rebel against the government?
Another thought that occurred to me while reading the book is about poverty. More than fifteen percent of our nation is living in poverty. In Panam, whole districts were living in poverty; yet, the government decided not to do a single thing to help them. In the United States, we do things to try to help the people living in poverty. The government gives out food stamps, cell phones, and even unemployment. These things may seem great, but the people who are receiving these benefits are not avidly searching for a better life. They are not looking for jobs; they are not looking for cheaper homes; and they are not looking to lose their benefits either. If they sit at home and do nothing, they still receive benefits. If they go out and get a job, they will lose their benefits and then they will have to go to work everyday. I can see why they wouldn't want to search for a better way of life. They already think they have the best life possible. In Panam, government help may have been necessary, but in the United States, I don't think that is the case.
Defiance and poverty are very easily seen when reading the Hunger Games, but I think there was another message to be seen. Think about CEOs of companies. Do you see a strong man with a briefcase and a nicely tailored suit? Most people do. That's where the story of Katniss comes in. She is a strong woman that could do anything she set her mind to. Women need to see themselves as strong and capable of achieving dreams they had never imagined. Katniss stood up and volunteered as a tribute for the hunger games. She was strong enough to go into a competition where the odds were against her for coming out alive. She also thought of the idea to defy the capital. Katniss was the one who picked the poison berries that her and Peeta would pretend to eat to seem like a double suicide. Because of their act, the capital panicked and announced that two winners would be celebrated so that they wouldn't end up with all of the tributes dead. Katniss is an intelligent woman who didn't need the male character, Peeta to save her. Most stories pose the female as the helpless one, but now children will see that woman can be the hero too. They can support themselves, and even save the males.
Although the novel written by Suzanne Collins was a piece of fiction, it has very real lessons. The book can be related to poverty in the United States, defiance against strong governments, and even the rise in strong women. These are all very important things that should be thought about while reading the Hunger Games. It is a book that I would highly recommend for children and adults alike.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I have always loved the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. From the moment I picked up her first book in sixth grade, to the last tear I shed after reading the final words of the last book. I recently decided to read the series over again. I obviously had to start with the first novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It is an amazing book that is not only entertaining, but has a few messages along the way.
The first message that I will provide is one that was not fully explained until the final book, but was the first that occurred. When Harry's mother died, she was protecting him because she loved him. Her love is what sent Voldemort away. If he had not poured his soul into multiple other horcruxes, he would have died. The lesson behind that is that love can win over anything. Lily's love for Harry beat the magic of the most powerful wizard in the world. If that doesn't show that love can do anything, I don't know what will. If you are in horrible situations, or something tragic has just happened, all you have to do is lean on those who love you because love helps heal all. You will rebound with more force and happiness than ever before. Just believe in those around you and the love you share, and all will return to normalcy.
Another lesson is that true friends are those who are willing to put their life on the line for you. When Hermione was in the girls bathroom and the troll came in, Harry and Ron did whatever it took to save her. The children knew that they were taking on something that not many adults can come out of unscathed, and yet they did it for their friend. If I saw my best friend in dire trouble, I would do whatever it took to get to her and save her from the situation. I don't think that I would have to face an enormous troll, but there are perils that I would put on the same level. If it is truly your best friend that is in trouble, they shouldn't even need to ask you for help, you should realized the situation and understand that your friend needs you. I think most friendships in one's life are not strong enough to pass this test, but I do believe that two or three people in your lifetime have the ability to show you a serious friendship that you will value for the rest of your life.
After identifying these themes, I decided to reflect on my own relationships. Many people have come into my life, and a great deal of them I consider to be great people. These people may have good morals and ideas, but that doesn't mean that I think they would put their lives on the line for me. I would give up everything for a few certain people. These people include my family. My family has always been there for me, and always will be. They deserve the best and I would do anything for them. But the novel I read has really helped me analyze my friendships. The book has helped me think about who will always be there for me, and who I always hope to be there for. Friends are the ones who don't always have to be there, like family, but choose to spend so much time with you anyways. It is truly amazing that you can find people who you will always share stories, excitement, and sorrow with. True friends are the ones who can sense the tears from miles away. They would drop whatever they were doing just to comfort and console you. The conclusion to my reflection is that I do have friendships that will last forever, and I couldn't imagine life any other way. Friendships, relationships, and their love for you will always be the most important aspect of your life, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has helped me realize this.
The first message that I will provide is one that was not fully explained until the final book, but was the first that occurred. When Harry's mother died, she was protecting him because she loved him. Her love is what sent Voldemort away. If he had not poured his soul into multiple other horcruxes, he would have died. The lesson behind that is that love can win over anything. Lily's love for Harry beat the magic of the most powerful wizard in the world. If that doesn't show that love can do anything, I don't know what will. If you are in horrible situations, or something tragic has just happened, all you have to do is lean on those who love you because love helps heal all. You will rebound with more force and happiness than ever before. Just believe in those around you and the love you share, and all will return to normalcy.
Another lesson is that true friends are those who are willing to put their life on the line for you. When Hermione was in the girls bathroom and the troll came in, Harry and Ron did whatever it took to save her. The children knew that they were taking on something that not many adults can come out of unscathed, and yet they did it for their friend. If I saw my best friend in dire trouble, I would do whatever it took to get to her and save her from the situation. I don't think that I would have to face an enormous troll, but there are perils that I would put on the same level. If it is truly your best friend that is in trouble, they shouldn't even need to ask you for help, you should realized the situation and understand that your friend needs you. I think most friendships in one's life are not strong enough to pass this test, but I do believe that two or three people in your lifetime have the ability to show you a serious friendship that you will value for the rest of your life.
After identifying these themes, I decided to reflect on my own relationships. Many people have come into my life, and a great deal of them I consider to be great people. These people may have good morals and ideas, but that doesn't mean that I think they would put their lives on the line for me. I would give up everything for a few certain people. These people include my family. My family has always been there for me, and always will be. They deserve the best and I would do anything for them. But the novel I read has really helped me analyze my friendships. The book has helped me think about who will always be there for me, and who I always hope to be there for. Friends are the ones who don't always have to be there, like family, but choose to spend so much time with you anyways. It is truly amazing that you can find people who you will always share stories, excitement, and sorrow with. True friends are the ones who can sense the tears from miles away. They would drop whatever they were doing just to comfort and console you. The conclusion to my reflection is that I do have friendships that will last forever, and I couldn't imagine life any other way. Friendships, relationships, and their love for you will always be the most important aspect of your life, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has helped me realize this.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
The Things They Carried
The second book I finished was called, The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien. The book was written in the setting of Vietnam during the war. The narrator is telling the reader about a group of soldiers who travel the countryside. Each man has his own story, his own past, and his own superstitions. Every man has a lucky charm of some sort. One man had stockings from his girl back home. Another had moccasins. Each of these items were added to the already extensive list of mandatory items in their heavy backpacks. The book was more than just superstition; the men in the story all had such different lives, and the book expressed the message that every man's story is different and that's why we can never judge anyone but ourselves.
A very memorable section of the book for me was when the narrator described the death of Kiowa. He was a Native American who passed away by drowning in a field of mud, or what the soldiers thought was mud. The book had many different accounts of who was responsible for his death. The author confused the reader as to who was responsible to make the reader make their own judgement on who was responsible. This was O'Brien's way of proving that people pass judgement on things they have never witnessed. In high school, and probably any other place in the world, what someone tells us is ALWAYS true. There doesn't need to be proof before we believe statements, and then we pass our judgement without knowing the full story.
The book really touched me because I have done so many of the things that O'Brien accuses society of. We will never know how hard someone has it without actually being them, which is impossible. So who are we to judge one another. Someone may look at me and think, why would a seventeen year old need a pager. Actually, people have thought that. They have also thought I don't pay enough attention to my illnesses. I never talk about them, or manage them in front of people. What those judgmental observers don't know is that I don't have a pager, it's my insulin pump. I do care about my illnesses, I just don't like talking about it because it is a negative subject, and I could have it much worse so why dwell on it. I also manage my illnesses in private. I don't like people seeing me differently, so I don't tell people about my diseases until after they know me well enough to know that I will be upset if they change the way they treat me. I have looked at people around me, people in my school, people I work with, and people I catch a fleeting glance of on the street, and judged them all. I have come conclusions about every one of them without ever asking about their lives. Even if I were to ask, I don't think I would ever have the right to judge because I have not lived what they have lived through. This is a message that I think most people need to learn -- myself included.
O'Brien's book was revolutionary because of its ability to take you behind the scenes of the Vietnam war. The novels lessons are something that I will always remember. I felt connected with the story, not because of the war, but simply because of the way it was written, and the lessons it was trying to teach me. It brought out thoughts that I had never had. To me, a truly great novel is one that can make you look at the world differently, and O'Brien's The Things They Carried has done that for me. It is one book I will always recommend to those who are looking for their next read.
A very memorable section of the book for me was when the narrator described the death of Kiowa. He was a Native American who passed away by drowning in a field of mud, or what the soldiers thought was mud. The book had many different accounts of who was responsible for his death. The author confused the reader as to who was responsible to make the reader make their own judgement on who was responsible. This was O'Brien's way of proving that people pass judgement on things they have never witnessed. In high school, and probably any other place in the world, what someone tells us is ALWAYS true. There doesn't need to be proof before we believe statements, and then we pass our judgement without knowing the full story.
The book really touched me because I have done so many of the things that O'Brien accuses society of. We will never know how hard someone has it without actually being them, which is impossible. So who are we to judge one another. Someone may look at me and think, why would a seventeen year old need a pager. Actually, people have thought that. They have also thought I don't pay enough attention to my illnesses. I never talk about them, or manage them in front of people. What those judgmental observers don't know is that I don't have a pager, it's my insulin pump. I do care about my illnesses, I just don't like talking about it because it is a negative subject, and I could have it much worse so why dwell on it. I also manage my illnesses in private. I don't like people seeing me differently, so I don't tell people about my diseases until after they know me well enough to know that I will be upset if they change the way they treat me. I have looked at people around me, people in my school, people I work with, and people I catch a fleeting glance of on the street, and judged them all. I have come conclusions about every one of them without ever asking about their lives. Even if I were to ask, I don't think I would ever have the right to judge because I have not lived what they have lived through. This is a message that I think most people need to learn -- myself included.
O'Brien's book was revolutionary because of its ability to take you behind the scenes of the Vietnam war. The novels lessons are something that I will always remember. I felt connected with the story, not because of the war, but simply because of the way it was written, and the lessons it was trying to teach me. It brought out thoughts that I had never had. To me, a truly great novel is one that can make you look at the world differently, and O'Brien's The Things They Carried has done that for me. It is one book I will always recommend to those who are looking for their next read.
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Jungle
Dreams are defined as something that is most desirable or ideal. In Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, the main characters dreams are evident from the very beginning. The Rudkus clan is comprised of: Jurgis; his father, Dede Antanus; his fiancee, Ona; Ona's Aunt, Elzbieta; Elzbieta's children; and Ona's cousin, Marija; and Ona's uncle, Jonas. The entire group are Lithuanian immigrants who have come to Chicago in the early twentieth century. When they arrive in America, they believe they are just a small step from achieving their dreams of a better life, but in all reality, they couldn't have been further from it.
Jurgis is a strong man who believes that hard work pays off. He dreams of a nice home for his new wife Ona, and a happy family. When they are advised to go to the packing district called, "Packingtown", he soon learns that these dreams are unattainable to him.
He gets a job in a factory based off of his muscular build and becomes part of an efficient process of harvesting meat. He earns a wage that seemed preposterous, even at that time. Even though Jurgis is only making a minuscule amount, he continues to work because of the family's small income. Jurgis also knows that he must save enough money to have a proper wedding ceremony. After the wedding ceremony, they are in an even tighter pinch for money. Jonas takes off, they lose his income, and Dede Antanus passes away from a rattling cough that he developed from the pickling room. The family loses their home when Jurgis gets arrested for beating a man who took advantage of his wife, Ona. The dream of a financial stability and a beautiful home for Ona, soon escapes him.
When Jurgis was released from jail, he still had the hopes of a happy family. Jurgis walked through the door of the boardinghouse where his family had been renting a room, and realized his wife was in labor with their second child. The odd thing was that the women will not let him go see his wife and be the first to greet his new child. Something horrible happened and the birth was not going to be easy for Ona. Jurgis rushed to find a midwife, despite his lack of payment for her. Although Jurgis found a woman to help, Ona and the baby don't survive. Jurgis pushed through the pain and turned to alcoholism. He worked at the fertilizer plant and suffered conditions that one can only attempt to understand. One day he returned home and found that his first son, little Antanus had drown in the streets; his last remaining family member had died. Jurgis's goal of a happy family had been demolished.
These horrible events were carefully drafted by Upton Sinclair to plant certain ideas in the minds of his readers. The book was published during a time where these events were quite common in large industrial towns. Meat was processed in such horrible conditions, and The Jungle properly portrays the process of meat packing and the lives of the industrial workers during the early twentieth century. This book has touched my heart, and forced me to look at large industries through different eyes.
Jurgis is a strong man who believes that hard work pays off. He dreams of a nice home for his new wife Ona, and a happy family. When they are advised to go to the packing district called, "Packingtown", he soon learns that these dreams are unattainable to him.
He gets a job in a factory based off of his muscular build and becomes part of an efficient process of harvesting meat. He earns a wage that seemed preposterous, even at that time. Even though Jurgis is only making a minuscule amount, he continues to work because of the family's small income. Jurgis also knows that he must save enough money to have a proper wedding ceremony. After the wedding ceremony, they are in an even tighter pinch for money. Jonas takes off, they lose his income, and Dede Antanus passes away from a rattling cough that he developed from the pickling room. The family loses their home when Jurgis gets arrested for beating a man who took advantage of his wife, Ona. The dream of a financial stability and a beautiful home for Ona, soon escapes him.
When Jurgis was released from jail, he still had the hopes of a happy family. Jurgis walked through the door of the boardinghouse where his family had been renting a room, and realized his wife was in labor with their second child. The odd thing was that the women will not let him go see his wife and be the first to greet his new child. Something horrible happened and the birth was not going to be easy for Ona. Jurgis rushed to find a midwife, despite his lack of payment for her. Although Jurgis found a woman to help, Ona and the baby don't survive. Jurgis pushed through the pain and turned to alcoholism. He worked at the fertilizer plant and suffered conditions that one can only attempt to understand. One day he returned home and found that his first son, little Antanus had drown in the streets; his last remaining family member had died. Jurgis's goal of a happy family had been demolished.
These horrible events were carefully drafted by Upton Sinclair to plant certain ideas in the minds of his readers. The book was published during a time where these events were quite common in large industrial towns. Meat was processed in such horrible conditions, and The Jungle properly portrays the process of meat packing and the lives of the industrial workers during the early twentieth century. This book has touched my heart, and forced me to look at large industries through different eyes.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The Guardian
My first book for my independent study was a realistic fiction novel written by Nicholas Sparks, and it was called, "The Guardian". The novel begins by introducing the main character, a recent widow, who is given a puppy for Christmas as one of her husband's last wishes. She begins dating about two years after her husband's passing. The main character, Julie, soon realizes that the one man she would ever want to be with is her late husband's best friend. As they embark on their journey, jealousy begins to turn their lives upside down. I won't give any more away, but it is an exhilarating story full of tragedies and also happiness.
The author included some interesting ideas. Sparks included his thoughts by narrating them as the character's own thoughts. The first quote that captivated me, was about dwelling on the past. "People come in two varieties: those who look out the windshield and those who stare in the rear view mirror." Just take a moment and think about that quote and relate life and its experiences to driving. When driving, you should focus on the road in front of you. You should look for obstacles that may be put in your path, rarely looking behind you. With that said, you should still take a fleeting glance at the road behind you to help you decide how to move forward. When you look back on life, you shouldn't dwell on what happened, you should focus on what you learned from your experiences. That will allow you to move or drive forward in a better way than before. No one should aspire to be a person who only looks in the rear view mirror. If that is all you wish to do, you will soon find yourself in a horrific accident and possibly find yourself physically or mentally destroyed. There was another quote that drove home the point of looking to the future instead of the past, that stated, "Gotta focus on the future, not the past, because that's the only part that's still up for grabs."
Sparks uses his unique voice to share an opinion with his readers on control in one's life. "Most people lived under the illusion that they were in control of their lives, but that wasn't completely true. Yeah, you could decide what to have for breakfast and what to wear, all those little things, but as soon as you stepped out into the world, you were pretty much at the mercy of everyone else around you." This quote is a great conversation piece. Many people may try to rebut this statement, but I believe it to be true. Just when you have your life going down your desired path, someone or something can derail your life tremendously. This has happened to me many times. Just this summer, I was looking to have a great year at horse shows, but my plans quickly changed when my horse got severely injured. I thought I had full control of my life, but I can now say I didn't. Another example is one that breaks everyone's heart, but can still happen to anyone. Drunk drivers who crash into other cars is something everyone has heard about. You can be the best driver, but if someone else on the roads is under the influence, your life is in their hands; they have the capability to end your life. Maybe the best thing for us to do is to admit that we have very little control of our lives and our lives may become dramatically less stressful.
This book may have been about a woman getting over heartbreak and learning to love again, but I got so much more out of it. The ideas that I developed from these quotes will be what I truly remember. That is what we need kids and teens to realize. They shouldn't read to discover an interesting plot, they should read to challenge their thinking and the preconceived ideas on life.
The author included some interesting ideas. Sparks included his thoughts by narrating them as the character's own thoughts. The first quote that captivated me, was about dwelling on the past. "People come in two varieties: those who look out the windshield and those who stare in the rear view mirror." Just take a moment and think about that quote and relate life and its experiences to driving. When driving, you should focus on the road in front of you. You should look for obstacles that may be put in your path, rarely looking behind you. With that said, you should still take a fleeting glance at the road behind you to help you decide how to move forward. When you look back on life, you shouldn't dwell on what happened, you should focus on what you learned from your experiences. That will allow you to move or drive forward in a better way than before. No one should aspire to be a person who only looks in the rear view mirror. If that is all you wish to do, you will soon find yourself in a horrific accident and possibly find yourself physically or mentally destroyed. There was another quote that drove home the point of looking to the future instead of the past, that stated, "Gotta focus on the future, not the past, because that's the only part that's still up for grabs."
Sparks uses his unique voice to share an opinion with his readers on control in one's life. "Most people lived under the illusion that they were in control of their lives, but that wasn't completely true. Yeah, you could decide what to have for breakfast and what to wear, all those little things, but as soon as you stepped out into the world, you were pretty much at the mercy of everyone else around you." This quote is a great conversation piece. Many people may try to rebut this statement, but I believe it to be true. Just when you have your life going down your desired path, someone or something can derail your life tremendously. This has happened to me many times. Just this summer, I was looking to have a great year at horse shows, but my plans quickly changed when my horse got severely injured. I thought I had full control of my life, but I can now say I didn't. Another example is one that breaks everyone's heart, but can still happen to anyone. Drunk drivers who crash into other cars is something everyone has heard about. You can be the best driver, but if someone else on the roads is under the influence, your life is in their hands; they have the capability to end your life. Maybe the best thing for us to do is to admit that we have very little control of our lives and our lives may become dramatically less stressful.
This book may have been about a woman getting over heartbreak and learning to love again, but I got so much more out of it. The ideas that I developed from these quotes will be what I truly remember. That is what we need kids and teens to realize. They shouldn't read to discover an interesting plot, they should read to challenge their thinking and the preconceived ideas on life.
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