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A Timeless Novel Passed Down

Many of you have probably read Harper Lee's famous novel To Kill a Mockingbird in school, or at least heard of it. It is a timeless American classic and one of my favorite books. That is why I was especially excited when I heard that Lee would be publishing a second book! For years, Lee has stated over and over again that "I wrote one good book and that was enough" and now, at age 88, she will release her second book Go Set a Watchman on July 2015 of this year. It was a lost manuscript recently found by Lee's Lawyer according to the New York Times that was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird. Now it will  be published as a new book depicting Scout's life in the 50's and the racial injustice that took place in that time.

I first read To Kill a Mockingbird sophomore year and my teacher, Mrs. Giovanetto, brought the book to life for me. We spent a lot of time on the book having debates, watching the movie, starting in depth discussions, etc. and it made me see how important and good the novel was. It became my favorite book. I later found out that it is also my grandma's favorite book! My grandparents are visiting us for a couple of weeks, so I thought it would be the perfect chance to chat with my Grandma about the book and the new book that is coming out.

When was the first time you read To Kill a Mockingbird?
-"Many, many years ago! I probably read when it first came out."

What made you like it?
-"It spoke of the issues of the day and it was so poignant."

Why do you think other people should read the book?
-"It has a good storyline and it spoke of the issues of the day."

Will you read Go Set a Watchman when it comes out?
-"I will because I am interested in the rest of the story."

Do you think it will be as good as To Kill a Mockingbird?
-"I don't know how it could be, but Harper Lee is a good author, so it has to be good."

What do you hope is in the new book?
-"I would like to see that race relations have improved significantly."

For more information on the lovely and talented author, check this out: http://www.harperlee.com/bio.htm

Quote of the Month: February

“One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.” 

 ~Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel

A Book Review: Eleanor & Park

I overheard the title of this book in many conversations at school and I had no idea that it was a book my peers were chatting about. I kept wondering: Who is Eleanor and Park? And why do people care so much about them?! I finally saw the novel on display at the book store and I bought it right away not even aware of the main plot. I am very glad I did though, because it is one of my favorite books. I read it a while ago but thought it was the perfect time to share my thoughts on it because it is Valentine's Day! After all it is a love story.


It is probably obvious already but the book centers around Eleanor and Park. Park has lived and gone to the same school in the town of Omaha, Nebraska all of his life. Eleanor is new and the first time they meet is on the over-crowded school bus and the only seat left is one right next to Park. They don't hit it off right away but over time they realize that they have a unique connection.


The first thing I realized about this book is that it does not take place in present day, but in the eighties, which I thought was quite awesome. It made it a more unique read and I enjoyed the references to comic books and music. Eleanor and Park seem to bond over the music and comics a lot and the author did a great job of reminding the reader subtly through those references that it took place in the past. The intro actually makes the reader aware that Park is reminiscing on these times and that he actually ends up being separated from Eleanor. I was kind of put off by the fact that it was not going to end happily, but I will get back to that.


One of the main themes in the book is family. Park lives in a nice house with his brother and his very in love parents. They are essentially a close and happy family. Park's father is very in to sports , but Park has other interests, making him feel like his father will never accept him. Eleanor lives in a poor home with her mother, younger siblings, and Step-Father Richie.


Unfortunately, Richie is often drunk and abusive, making Eleanor's home life miserable. Eleanor finds solace in Park and in his calmer household. Park finds peace with the fact that Eleanor accepts him for who he is. It is their differences that bring them together essentially.


Another evident theme is bullying. Eleanor is not as thin as the other girls, tall, and has a massive amount of red curly hair and her peers are not very accepting and neither is Park at first. He spends a lot of his life keeping quiet and avoiding conflict and to be friends with most bullies target was out of the question. But, as time goes on, his connection with Eleanor over powers his need to fit in. He defends Eleanor on many occasions actually and it tightens their relationship even more.


I particularly loved Eleanor's character. She was so unique and her hair sounded fantastic. She had her own sense of style and was not afraid to show people who she was. Plus, her life was particularly hard but she was courageous and wise in how she handled it. I find her to be admirable and the author, Rainbow Rowell, did an excellent job illustrating her.


Like I said, they end up separated in the end, but it is not as bad as I thought. And don't let that stop you from reading the book either. The journey leading up to the end was lovely. Eleanor and Park's relationship is not the same as other high school relationships and is far from shallow. They both deal with mature obstacles and over come them together with courage and devotion. They are not only in love but loyal friends too, who stick together until the very end and on. The end is actually my favorite and I still think about it today. You must read it to understand and I encourage you to do so.


For more information about the book and its brilliant author, check out her cite!


http://rainbowrowell.com/blog/

A Book Review: The Beginning of Everything

I think it is a coincidence that the title of this book review is about beginnings because this is one of my first blog posts ever. I really don't think I could have picked a better novel. I first saw this book on my local library's website as a commonly checked out young adult novel and did end up checking it out that day. But, it fell behind some other books and I had to return it. It was not until a few weeks ago that I decided to buy it when I saw it again at the book store and I must say YOU HAVE TO READ IT! I really loved this book (if you can't tell already). It was an easy read, had a lot of twists and turns, and many excellent music references (Vampire Weekend to be exact...is it not ironic his name is Ezra?). But it was that sneaky underlying message that the author, Robyn Schneider, snuck in that really made me fall in love with this novel. I'd recommend reading it first before I reveal that message though.

The book follows Ezra, the main character who tells us the story of how his life "began". He believes that one event happens in every person's life that indefinitely changes it forever, and after the said event, life truly begins. Its a lovely theory and when I read the first chapter I actually agreed. I still believe everything happens for a reason, but I also thought that those things are what changes, controls, and defines our lives just as Ezra did. But, as the book goes on, Ezra's point of view changes and I, the reader, start to see how very, very wrong his theory actually was.

The first chapter explains our protagonist's situation and that is, that during his junior year, he was the star athlete of his bland suburban town and was dating the prettiest girl in school. Sounds great, right? But then his life changes after he finds out his girlfriend is cheating on him and then gets in a horrible accident shattering his knee. He basically lost everything...or so he thought.

The book then transitions into the first day of his senior year and first appearance at school after the accident. He is no longer the "golden boy" and has lost both his popularity and his friends. That is when Toby, his old grade school buddy confronts him at a school assembly like they had not stopped talking for six years. He is not one of the so called "popular kids" but is exactly what Ezra needs at the time- a friend. One of the things I really liked about this book was watching Ezra and Toby's friendship redevelop and how Ezra sees how real friends treat each other. Before he was friends with the other jocks on his tennis team only having tennis in common with each other and never forming that deep bond. Ezra and Toby rediscover all the fun things they did as kids and remember what held their friendship together in the first place: trust, loyalty, reliability, depth, and actually having something in common.

Toby is the guy that leads Ezra to another high school experience altogether. Ezra is put in debate class and is signed up for the team too by, none other than Toby. He meets new friends and a new girl, Cassidy Thorpe. She is charming, impulsive, and unique, but nothing like the attractive but shallow Charlotte, yet Ezra falls for her. I won't say if they get together, etc. but she does affect Ezra's life. She is probably the one who shows Ezra that there is more beyond the suburbs and that there is more in life besides tennis, like books, knowledge, and exploration. She changes Ezra's life for the better. He discovers his dreams, goals, and aspirations. He really learns something new about himself and can see who he wants to be and who he is meant to be.

This leads back to Ezra's theory before and how it is proven wrong. It is true that if Ezra was not in that accident he probably would not have spoken to Toby or found Cassidy or realized new things about who he was, but if Ezra would not have made the decision to hang out with Toby and just went back with his old friends, it would not have happened either. Ezra's decisions are what changed his life. The accident was just a tiny beginning or door to what Ezra would discover. So, I learned that is not what happens to a person that defines how their life is going to go, but the decisions that they make. Yes, big life changing events do lead people in different directions and open new doors, but it is our own decisions that define us and take us forward.

For more information about this book and its lovely author, check this cite out!
http://www.robynschneider.com/

Welcome.

When you pulled up my blog and saw its name, you may have thought:

"What does 'lit' stand for?"

Well, lucky for you, I have the answer! "Lit" is just short for literature. Lit(erature) is what inspired me to start this blog. I have had many hobbies over time (rock collecting, piano lessons, dance classes, etc.), but over all that time, the only hobby that stuck was reading. I owe my love of reading to a few people: my mom, who read me stories when I was little and my grandma, who lent me book after book when I'd visit. But, my 2nd grade teacher, Miss Pepperell, taught me just how powerful and amazing words really could be and how they could come alive on the page. I read so much that year and I have not stopped since!

So, I have decided to dedicate an entire blog to literature and I will share my thoughts on books I have read recently. Some posts will be reviews, but I'll also add lists of my favorite books/characters, quotes of the week, things I have learned from reading, etc. In addition to books, I also love music (I play guitar) and movies. I will review new albums, make music playlists, and review movies. I also hope to share different independent musicians, authors and artists in the film world that are just not appreciated enough and you must hear about.

You already know I love books, music, and movies but here are some other facts about me:

1. I am currently a senior in high school and I will be attending college in the fall.
2. I really like coffee.
3. My favorite band is Vampire Weekend. (I will try not to refer to them too much...)
4. I live in the southwest and (as of now) can not imagine living elsewhere. Its warm and beautiful in a unique and whimsical way.
5. My favorite book is a three way tie between To Kill a Mocking Bird By Harper Lee, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, and Ramona and Beezus by Beverley Cleary.
6. I have two younger sisters and one little brother.

 

I am always open to suggestions when it comes to what to read or what you would like to see reviewed. I encourage you to comment on my posts as well and I am always interested in  your thoughts.

I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts with you soon!