Goodreads

This semester, I am taking almost all English classes. So far I have loved them! In my Shakespeare class, we have already had what my teacher calls a 'relief society style' potluck breakfast [he said it wasn't elders quorum style, because nobody would bring anything then. HAH!] which was fun. Its been interesting so far!

I am also taking a literary drama class, in which we are studying different types of theatre and plays. We have started with Greek theatre, where much of the entertainment we experience today comes from. So far we have read the Bacchae, and Antigone, both of which are Greek tragedies. After reading these, it makes me wonder what kinda crack they were smoking to be able to come up with these awful and graphic things; its given me a greater appreciation for my knowledge of God -that he is to be loved and followed, not just feared. B/C let me tell ya, if God was how he is in these Greek myths, we would all be in big trouble cuz lets face it, they are vindictive, irresponsible and nuts. But I have high hopes for this class-later we are focusing on more recent things, from Arsenic and Old Lace to stories that make you think like the play Doubt. It should be good.

The other English class I am taking is Young Adult Literature. Initially, I was a little worried. For this class alone, we have to read 30 novels before the class is over. And although I love to read, Young Adult literature is not my favorite, especially current ones. They just seem to all center on the struggles of teens, such as depression, anorexia, peer pressure, drugs and then the more rare problems, like rape and gang warfare. Of course I know that it has its place in our world and can be helpful to some, but I was worried that by the end of each book I would feel like I wanted to cry for days. But so far, I have been totally wrong. Two of the four I have read so far I would like to recommend.

The first is surprisingly a graphic novel called "American Born Chinese". It follows three separate story lines, and then connects them in the end in an incredible, unexpected way, leaving you with a simple, beautiful message. Read it if you can-like I said, its a graphic novel, so it only takes like an hour, but it is an hour well spent!

The second is called "The Adoration of Jenna Fox". Seriously, this book blends so many different genres of writing so seamlessly-it starts out as a coming of age story, but quickly turns into a mystery, along with a level of science fiction and poetry. It is GREAT and it keeps you guessing the whole time. READ IT. It will challenge you, and make you think about things that perhaps you haven't-but ultimately you will walk away feeling grateful for what you have and like it was well worth it.

Now here is my little disclaimer-keep in mind that these ARE young adult books. They are not meant for anyone under the age of 12, and sometimes even above that. With American Born Chinese, it is simple and I could see a kid seeing the pictures and being interested. But there are derogatory racial terms in it, used to add to the story and prove a moral-some young kids may not be able to understand that, unless I suppose the parent were to use it as a teaching moment to show that what is being said is not ok. The second book I mentioned I think is for like late high school or up, simply because of the topic; I myself probably wouldn't have liked it before age 15.

Lastly, I want to turn you guys to an awesome site that can help you if you are ever looking for books to read. It is called goodreads.com and its free. You just make up an account and you are free to explore literally thousands of books. It has basic information and summaries, pictures [if any], and best of all, honest reviews and ratings from people who have read them [both pro critics and just the general public]. You can easily make 'book shelves' of books you want to read, have read, or are currently reading, and you can always add your reviews to others. Being an avid reader, I am seriously now hooked to this site.

Well, this is more then I ever meant to say about my classes or reading. But what can I say-I love it, and I want you guys to feel that love to haha! Until next time!