Blog Post #1: My top five
Salutations readers, my name is Elle. Throughout the years of my life I have had many hobbies, especially now, as a Freshman in College. The one hobby, that I have arguably enjoyed the longest, has to be reading. What I enjoy about reading, besides that I find it relaxing, is it allows me to tune out the chaotic, distracting world, and allows me to fully immerse myself into another. For the interest of time, I will describe my five most notable books/series I've ever read, as well as my take on it. WARNING: the author cannot in good conscience fully promise that the following won't contain spoilers.
Enjoy:)
1. Percy Jackson
One of the most notable book series in my book, that I enjoyed as a preteen and early teenager is Percy Jackson. The plot follows Percy Jackson, a 12 year old boy being a child to a the Greek God Poseidon, and him saving the world from evil God's and other demi-gods that desire to bring Kronos back to life. One of the things I enjoyed the most out if this series is the aspect of the character that you're reading about grows up with you throughout the series. (My personal argument for why Harry Potter grew to be so well loved) and that is exactly what Rick Riordan does in this action packed, Greek mythology themed novel.
The plot itself aside, the dialogue is pretty direct, yet still immersive, which is good for any audiences. Although the subjects discussed and the language between the characters is more geared towards a younger audience, an older reader looking for something more wholesome, yet equally as riveting, or as a page turner as this series, this could definitely be the series for you.
2. The Odyssey
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The aspect of being a young person around the same age as the character that you're reading about that grows up with you is so intriguing. (My personal argument for why Harry Potter grew to be so well loved) and that is exactly what Rick Riordan does in this action packed, Greek mythology novel.
Based off of the renowned, age-old poem "The Odyssey" written by Homer, award winning Gareth Hinds took the story and masterfully illustrated the poem into a graphic novel. In this version, all the dialogue between the characters is still written in Homer's time, but it is still simple in a way that it's immersive, but easy to follow.
The plot follows a Man named Odysseus, who has been away from his home for nearly twenty years, who stranded on an island with the Goddess Calypso. Because he knows that it is time for him to journey home, the two say their bittersweet goodbyes, and he begins his journey home. On his sea voyage home, he fights tooth and nail to return, to his beautiful wife, and family, who must also keep their wits about them before he returns home as well.
In total, the graphic novel captures the scenery in a beauty I've never seen before. My only qualm of this book is I wouldn't recommend it to younger audiences, because it has some peril, themes of death, and some brief sexual content.
3. The Giver
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Stepping away from Greek mythology, and into a Dystopian world, this story follows a young man named Jonas who lives in this community ran by Counselors, essentially, that eliminate all possibilities of choice. Everyone's jobs are chosen for them, babies born by women assigned to give birth as their job, there is no color, and families are work like a unit with a biological male as the father, a biological female as the mother, and one boy and girl.
When Jonas receives his job, he is chosen to be the Giver, and is the one who is taught and shown all the things the people in his community don't feel.
When drove my attention to this book was it's philosophical themes. It's themes of the power of choice, government, oligarchy as it opened my mind in ways no book ever had. This is a great piece for a young teen, because although the language and sexual content is mild, if existent at all, the themes of infanticide and strong philosophical themes may be a little difficult for a child to understand. If an person were to enjoy a dystopian, philosophical, literary piece, this is definitively my recommendation to you.
4. The Book Thief
Taking place in Munich Germany in the late 1930's to the beginnings of WW2, a young girl named Liesel Meminger is living with her foster mother and father. To explain the title, she is called the book thief because throughout the book she steals books. Whether its from book burnings, her Mayors house, or even one as a gift from a Jew living in her basement. In this story, from Death's perspective, we see firsthand the disgusting side of war, loss, poverty, Genocide and Fascism.
What interested me the most was watching Liesel grow up and experience Death, because that perspective was, in the highest respect, genius. In the sense of how Death seemed to be lurking so strongly in the shadows it was almost among those impacted by the Second World War.
With the length of this book, as well as the emotional turmoil discussed in this work, it isn't geared towards younger people, or the faint of heart. Although it isn't by any chance, a happy book, it is still a poignantly captivating work that will take your time and break your heart. If a raw, captivating, heart-wrenching story of love, and loss, is what calls to you, this is the book for you.
5. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
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For me it was almost impossible to put down, with twists, and cliffhangers at every turn. It is a quick read, but not necessarily ridden with simple concepts and dialogue. That among it's themes of minors drinking, having sex, partying, sexual assault, and suicide all under the larger theme of a murder investigation. Conclusively, this book is not meant for children. However, if you are an older person looking for a gripping, delicious and quick read, this may hit the spot. As one can see, my interests are quite diverse, which I hope can be beneficial to as large of an audience looking for something new to try, or to relate as a fellow fan. Happy reading!
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