My Literary History! ♥

Throughout my lifetime, I have read many books. Three, however, had more of an impact and were more significant to my life than the rest. Each book appealed and related to me in some way, which made them even more special. These books are Chalk and Cheese, My Sister’s Keeper and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

Chalk and Cheese
By Adele Geras

When I was six or seven years old, in the first grade, I read a book called Chalk and Cheese by Adele Geras. I remember this book appealed to me for several reasons. Firstly because it was a chapter book but also included many pictures, which I enjoyed. Also, it was about two sisters who are completely different, one being a girlie-girl and the other a tomboy. The girlie-girl loved ballet while the other was into judo. They argued quite a bit but in the end they came together and helped each other, which was one part that made me love the book even more! This book related to me and for that reason it was very appealing and meaningful. At that time, my little sister was born and so I felt like the book made sense and fit my situation since it was about two sisters as well. Along with that, I had just started taking ballet lessons, and just like one of the sisters in the book, I had many performances and practices to attend. Chalk and Cheese was significant to my life because it was my first chapter book as well. After I had read this book, I was no longer afraid of chapter books and from there I started to read thicker books with less pictures. Out of the many books that I read during my elementary years, this book is one that I will always remember throughout my life!

My Sister’s Keeper
By Jodi Picoult

Over the summer holiday, I read My Sister’s Keeper, as many of my friends had recommended it. My inspiration basically came from them and their mothers since they all really enjoyed reading it. I also wanted to read it because I had heard that the movie would be coming out in theatres, so I decided I would read the book then watch the movie, and I did. The story is about two parents that have a daughter called Kate who has a rare case of leukemia. In order for Kate to live, the doctors need a bone marrow match, so the parents decide to give birth to another girl called Anna. After years of donating bone marrow, Anna decides to sue her parents and not donate the kidney that her sister needs to survive. It is a very heartbreaking story and it was even more emotional for me because I have a younger sister and I cannot imagine anything that happened in the book. It also made me realize how strong a bond between sisters can be and made me feel bad that I fight and argue with my own sister quite frequently. I rarely cry from reading a book, but My Sister’s Keeper made me cry quite a bit because I had so much empathy for the younger sister, Anna, and the whole family in general. I think it had an impact on me, because it made me realize that this story has the possibility of being true and could happen to any ordinary family. Also, the love shared between the two sisters and their mother was very touching; it made me want to change my attitude towards my sister and mom. Although it was very depressing, I really enjoyed it and consider this book as one of my favorites. I know that when I grow up and have a family of my own, this story will still be significant in my life!

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens
By Sean Covey

Another book I read over the summer was The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. My mom had just bought it for me because she wanted to get rid of some of my bad habits through reading the book. This book was appealing because inside it included pictures, quotes and poems along with stories of teenagers, my age, facing similar problems. You would think that it would be boring and a waste of time, but I really enjoyed going through each chapter and learning a new great habit. At the end of each chapter there are goals, tips and advice written and since it was made for teenagers, I feel like I can really relate with all the matters it talks about. After reading this, I felt like I should really work on changing myself in the ways suggested, or just simply following the advice. And it has helped me with one of my worst habits, procrastination. There are all sorts of quizzes inside too, that help you get to know your character and personality better. I now feel that if I ever have any problems I can look back at a certain chapter and just read what they advise me to do or look at a quote, picture or poem. Basically my whole book is highlighted because I like it so much! Soon I think I will read Sean Covey’s father’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People!

Expectations of G10 English:
Overall, I am quite excited for a whole new year of English! I like the different types of assignments we will be doing such as playwriting, poetry podcasts and commentaries. I hope to improve my writing skills especially with commentaries and articles because those were my weaknesses in the past. I want to learn more but have fun at the same time! Other than that, I’m looking forward to my English class!