Jane Eyre

When I read Jane Eyre, I was way too young. I hated the book because I was not old enough to really understand everything in it. It's very long, written in old english, and the plot is a little boring. But the characters are so amazing. Now, when I look back at the book, I realize that Jane was such a strong person, and she was so different from the usual women portrayed during that time. It was very interesting to see that type of life from an unprivledged, average girl when I'm used to looking through the eyes of pretty, wealthy girls in their beautiful carriages surrounded by all of their beaux. I understand now that I must go back and reread the book because I believe I can learn a lot from it.

Zen, Motocycles, AAAHHH!!

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence. The title explains it all. I have started reading this book but am unable to continue. It is basically philosophy and let me tell you, it's deep. It's the first philosophy book I've tried to read and it almost scares me. In a way I love it because I gain so so so much more insight on life, but at the same time I can feel my entire "being" change because of a simple sentance. The power the ideas in this book have over me in immense and kinda frightening. I am determined to finish the book; hopefully I'll make it out unscathed.

Shelly's Favorite Book

So Pride and Prejudice is officially my favorite book. I've read it who knows how many times, and am really wanting to read it again right now! I always manage to gain more insight every time I read it. The purity and innocence of the characters inspire me and urge me to be better. Elizabeth is AMAZING and probably my biggest role model even though she's only a character. And Mr. Darcy...well, he is perfect. I'm not sure what else to say about him. The love the way Jane Austen writes, and after reading as many of her books as possible, I believe she was probably and extremely sensible person, not to metion and amazing author!! I recomend the book to everyone!!

True Art

So this week I am going to start reading a book called O Pioneers! I'm really excited; mostly because I'm not entirely sure what to expect. I've read a lot of books and history about pioneers, but never a classic like this. I am constanly amazed by the beauty and depth a great writer can put on a subject that is initially, well...kinda boring. And I don't mean only in this book, but also in many of the books I've had the opportunity to read. The true artistry is when an author can simply write about life, but make it into a beautiful work of art.

Humanity vs. Inhumanity

Ok, so this week I'm not going to write about direct quotes, but more of an entire book in general.

I recently finished reading The Grapes of Wrath for a second time and I was amazed at the insight I gained when rereading. The book has so many themes and so much depth; it was hard for me to focus in on something to write about. But to me, the biggest theme in the book is mans humanity and inhumanity to man. Throughout the entire story there are contrasting examples of love and cruelty. Though men continually become more brutal and uncaring, families pull together and their love grows more than ever. I believe our world is becoming more like this today. The darkness continues to grow, and along with that so does the light that shuts it out.

Man Emerges Ahead

Read: "Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments."
The Grapes of Wrath

Ponder: Have you ever wondered what separates us from every other living thing in the universe? What is it that makes us different from the bacteria, the plants, the apes?

Pursue: Even with all the proven science of evolution and DNA, people are finding a hard time swallowing the fact that our physical make up isn't all that different from many of the animals we look down on. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't believe we came from bacteria or apes or anything, but evolution is real and the facts are all around us. What people don't understand is, that even though we share so many similarities with "lower level" organisms, we are 100% different. What animal "grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments?" I believe that only humans have that ability. The truth is, man is special, man is different. Man shows compassion, love, empathy, growth. Man has the potential to change the world; we cannot ignore that.

We the people....MUST STAY TOGETHER!

Read: "The bank is something more than men, I tell you. It's the monster. Men made it, but they can't control it."
The Grapes of Wrath

Ponder: What happens when something gets out of control, when a man made "thing" no longer depends on man? We've seen it so many times: Terminator, Wall-E, you get the picture. But in The Grapes of Wrath, the problem is less tangible. When it's a bank taking over lives, who's to blame?

Pursue: We need to learn from books like the Grapes of Wrath. We need to realize that the hard times are caused by banks, credit, stocks, and fear. If we as a people can come together and show compassion to one another, we will have control and we wont be at risk of defeat by uncontrollable forces. Yes, hard times will always come, but we can overcome more if we are together.