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.