Oct 31 2011
Dear Mr. Groff,
Reading is starting to become one of my favorite pastimes. Before this semester I was rarely caught with a book in my hand. Now I'm always packing a one around, stopping to read every chance I get.
About two weeks ago I completed the literary text, Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The novel maintained my full attention from beginning to end with its captivating story about a young boy's fight for survival.
Pi Patel survives the sinking of a cargo ship and finds himself aboard a lifeboat with a hyena, orang-utan, zebra,and Bengal tiger. If I was ever put into a situation such as the one Pi is in, I would like to think that I would be able to survive as good as he did.
Its hard to imagine how we can handle tragedy, stress, or loss when we never have had to before. People can say that they know what you are going through, but do they really know? Everyone deals with tragedy differently, so no one can relate directly to another persons adversity. They can provide support, but in my opinion no one has the right to claim that they know what a person has been going through, unless they have actually been through the exact same sequence of events. Most individuals who have experienced some form of tragedy desire support, not input. A friend or family member who is willing to listen will be appreciated more by the individual than someone who attempts to relate to their life changing experience. A individual who is there when you need them, and will leave when you need time alone, is the best kind of person to have around when dealing with a tragedy.
If you happen to be the person providing support to a friend or family member, that is also a tough situation to be in. All you can do is let them know you care. A kind gesture such as a card, text or bouquet of flowers is a friendly, yet thoughtful, action to remind that individual that you will be there for them.
The literary fiction, Life of Pi, ends with an interesting twists. I will not ruin the ending for those who desire to read the novel.
Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen is the book I am reading now. It can be described as a dark and beautiful story based in a crumbling circus. Jacob gives up all of his hopes and dreams when jumping on a train one night. What makes people so willing to sacrifice ambitions just for the chance to experience an adventure? It may be the excitement behind the concept, or the fact that everything is left for fate to decide. Acting in a daring way can be an exhilarating feeling. As we live our lives, following the routines we have created, we begin to desire more. We yearn to explore the world, escape the tight grasps of our parents, and become independent. So maybe risking hopes and dreams can refer to risking the hopes and dreams of someone else in order to discover our own. Do we stray onto our one paths or follow what is expected of us? It is all up to us to determine the answer to this question.
I look forward to completing this novel and discovering more hidden messages.
Sincerely,
Chantel Matlock
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