Alright, today I would like to stimulate some discussion. I’ve been trying to think of an interesting book to discuss, and decided to write on several of my favorite tragedies. The kind of stories that leave your chest aching because it was so close to being something great – or it is a great book, but in a way that leaves you yearning.
One of the first books that came to mind was “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hester Prinn’s story is one of the deepest tragedies I’ve ever read. In many ways I think her story lives on because her story envelops other’s stories. She was young and carless, and made a choice in her life that she couldn’t go back and “fix.” “The Scarlet Letter” is a story of devotion and endurance, where principles seem turned upside down, and where a young girl grows into a woman despite extreme social opposition.
One of the first books that came to mind was “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hester Prinn’s story is one of the deepest tragedies I’ve ever read. In many ways I think her story lives on because her story envelops other’s stories. She was young and carless, and made a choice in her life that she couldn’t go back and “fix.” “The Scarlet Letter” is a story of devotion and endurance, where principles seem turned upside down, and where a young girl grows into a woman despite extreme social opposition. 
Another favorite is “Ivanhoe” by Sir Walter Scott. Although I will always adore the beautiful tale created here, there will always be that sense of loss. The book ends the way it should, Ivanhoe marries the girl he has loved all his life, but there is always a sense of a love triangle – part of his heart that will always remember a young virtuous Jewish girl. Enough from me, what are some of your favorite books, and why?
My first real favorite book ever was "A Little Princess." Dear Sara Crew and I became fast friends over the course of a few weeks. I remember getting close to the last few pages and wanting to stop reading realizing that my friendship with Sara was going to have to end.
ReplyDeleteNot entirely end, but all the adventures we had would stop and I would have to find another book to replace this one to get that same feeling again.
Sara was a great role model. I so many ways she showed me how to be a princess. Not the kind that lives in a castle and takes care of a kingdom, but rather being kind and thoughtful, caring for those around her who needed a friend. Standing up to unjust people. Using her vivid imagination to lessen the heartache of her desperate situation.
Sara was the best kind of person. She truly was royal not by birth, but by goodness and integrity. Something so many in positions of leadership need to learn.