Responses to First Semester Literature

The Catcher in the Rye : I personally really liked this book because I could relate my own life experiences that were similar to Holden's. What I really thought was interesting throughout the book was that the journey of Holden's realization was shown and how in the end he came to a conclusion. This book showed how the stage of adolescence has a lot more complications and confusion associated with it then it seems. Due to this, I really found this book relatable to myself because of course I am technically still a child. Lastly, what I thought was a new experience and quite fascinating was the character of Holden and how an individual could have such a different perspective from society. Therefore, I learned a lot from this book and found it to be entertaining.

First They Killed My Father: Quite honestly, I thought this was one of the best books I have read so far. Also, this is one of the most different type of novels than of which I have read because it is non-fiction. This was my favourite book throughout first semester because I got the chance to look into a unique story of a poor,Cambodian family during times of war. The story throughout the book kept motivating me to keep reading on. I really did not get bored while reading. Overall, I found this book to be extremely intriguing and have a different perspective on the privileges I own in my life.

Inherit The Wind:
To be honest, at first I was not looking forward to reading this play at all becaue I did not find the background information interesting. Although, later on in the play I realized how differently creationism and religion were viewed back then and now. Due to the differentiating time period, it motivated me to keep reading on and find out which side actually wins in the end. Therefore, at the end of the play despite the fact that I did not really find it that entertaining, I still learned a really good lesson.

A Midsummer Night's Dream : This play was my second favourite from all the literature we have read first semester. This play was truely entertaining to read because since we got to listen to the audio tapes in class it was really easy to understand. Since we read a lot of it in class and did not have to read much of it at home it was also an advantage because we got to discuss a lot of it. This play was funny, entertaining and promoted a great lesson at the same time which was to love wisely . Due to all those reasons I really enjoyed this play.

My Antonia : At the begining, it took me a while to understand where the book was trying to go with it's storyline . Also, from the exposition it did not really interest me much . Although, throughout the rest of the book it showed the journey and the importance of relationships. Therefore, at the ending of the book my opinion actually completely changed and I was inspired by Antonia's character . Antonia's character inspired me to try my best to fulfill all my dreams in life while maintaining responsibility. Although I did not have the most positive perception of the book at the begining, throughout and at the end of the book it actually turned out to inspire me to fulfill my dreams.