The initial thought of choosing three books to represent me, or represent my literary background sounded challenging. But as soon as I got thinking, I was not racking my brain for memories, or even scamming my bookshelf at home – these three books came to mind almost instantly. This is because ultimately, they have all impacted my literary background as well as the person I am today.
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Imagine a world where society was never separated into “black” or “white”. Instead, into “noughts” and “Crosses” based on skin color. Sephy is the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country, and she is a Cross. Callum is second-class, and he is a nought. In this hypothetical world, Noughts and Crosses do not mix. Until, of course, Sephy and Callum fall in love. Blackman writes a story of “love, hate and hope”. Similar to the themes of Romeo and Juliet, this novel was dramatic right up until the end. Sephy and Callum take turns narrating each chapter. This allows the reader to experience two perspectives with insight into the emotional frustration that each character is experiencing.
I was in year 6 (5th grade) when I first entered Blackman’s world of Noughts and Crosses. I read it as a member of a book club that met at lunchtimes. This was my first adult book – or book that specifically said “not suitable for young readers” under the blurb at the back. Although I was a mature 10-year-old, I had never read a book with so much anxiety, tragedy, and conflict in such a realistic scenario. Now, even though there were multiple chapters that ended in tears on my behalf, I think the unusual intensity of this novel is what appealed to me. Despite the fact that on the surface, I had nothing in common with the characters in Noughts and Crosses and their situations, there were many life lessons embedded in the text that connect to my life. It also exposed me to conflicts in society that I had never thought of as more than a distant idea. It taught me that the world is a scary place and that not ever story has a “happily ever after”.
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
The play, The Tempest was written by Shakespeare in his old age. The entire story takes place on an island which Prospero, a philosophical old magician, owns. Prospero creates a tempest off the shore of his island in order to punish his enemies. He leads them, confused and shipwrecked, onto his magical island. His work is both hindered and helped throughout the play by Ariel and Caliban, natives of the island. His beautiful, naive daughter Miranda along with the jester Trinculo are among the other characters that help to build up the momentum of the story. Often categorized as a comedy, The Tempest is a magical piece of romance, conflict, and reconciliation.
To read an unabridged version of one of William Shakespeare's plays is a task for anyone. To understand and analyze it is an even greater challenge. I read The Tempest in year 7 (6th grade). I had a wonderful english teacher whose motto was that we were never too young for good literature. So, slowly but surely, page by page, as a class we read the marvelous play. My capability to understand the plot and the characters brought The Tempest to a new level. I began to recognize the humor in the acts and relate to the characters. The ability to see those things made my introduction to Shakespeare unbeatable. Not only can I say that I have read one of his entire plays, but that I really "got it" too.
Rules of the game by The Diagram Group
"The most spectacular book ever published" is the phrase to describe Rules of the game on the book's front cover. It is the complete illustrated encyclopedia of "all the sports of the world" (in other words, to the 1976 olympics) The purpose of the book is to aid the reader's understanding of the world's major sports. By doing so, the book attempts to increase the enjoyment of both spectators and players! The encyclopedia contains over 150 sports which are categorized into 13 types (ie. Athletics, Water, Court, Team, Air...etc), 400 events and 2500 illustrations "in color!". This abundance of visuals are included in order to help with comprehension.
You may be asking yourself why this is the third book I have chosen to write about to represent my literary history. Well, that answer is simple. Rules of the game has played an important role in making me the person I am today. I discovered this ancient book (©1975) in a bookshelf at home about 3 years ago. As I sat there, on the floor of our living room, flipping through the pages, I was fascinated by all the sports, and just as much so, by the explanations provided. The book even includes "appropriate dress" for each activity right down to a headband (to "keep sweat away from the player's face"!) Through the years, from long-jump to breath-stroke, without ever having rehearsed the event, I have been able to compete in them, and be successful after having referred to the particular section in Rules of the game. I used it for volleyball and basketball when I came to CA and for how to be a goalie last year. Even with pages falling out, and fading colors, I can honestly say that Rules of the game is a treasure.
As far as my expectations for grade 10 English are concerned, I am looking forward to a mix of classic english and the basics complemented with a modern up-to-date outlook on the subject. Hopefully, the homework will be comprehensive and rewarding...but brief.
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