Since I'm only a third the way through my next book, [which I will hopefully finish tomorrow], I have the opportunity to write about something I stumbled upon this week. It is the Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge [hence the title. sorry that it's not a surprise]. Being a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, it's only perfect that I should find this list. I scored a measly 40/339, but the good news is that I have quite a few of those on my reading list already.
For those who are not familiar with Gilmore Girls, it is the story of two women on a trip to find themselves. Lorelai Gilmore, beginning motherhood at 16, struggles with herself, her parents, and just life. Meanwhile her daughter, Rory, is growing up and challenged by relationships, academics, and still being a youth. The two of them are the perfect pair as they grow together.
The reason this reading list is more expansive and interesting is because Rory is a Harvard student, a young feminist, journalist, and an avid reader. This list, surprising to myself, is very encompassing to all these aspects of her character. Although television does not always remain consistent, if this list is correct, then Rory is, in fact, built upon the things she is filmed reading.
I need to re-watch all these seasons and find the books I've read. Probably, that will never actually happen, but you never know.
http://www.listchallenges.com/rory-gilmore-reading-challenge?ref=share
Hopefully this list can give you some insight on what to read next.
Emily
Here's #1: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
I can tell you already that my reaction to this book was extremely emotional. It came to a point where I was up until 3am wondering how in the world I have EVER complained about anything in my life. Set in Afghanistan from the 1970s all the way through the early 2000s, the story of Mariam and Laila walks through the crumbling of the country. War, grief, oppression, and devastation hit both of these women from every angle: physically, mentally and emotionally.
Without giving away any significant details of the plot, I will start here: both Mariam and Laila end up married to Rasheed. Through this man, it is understood what it means to be a woman in Taliban controlled Afghanistan. An attempt to run away ends up with a beating, walking the streets without a male family member [mahram] deserves a beating, speaking the truth is worth a beating, disappointing your husband is, again, a beating. Laila says at one point that "[she] never would have believed that a human body could withstand this much beating, this viciously, this regularly, and keep functioning" (287). And even though this work is fictionally based on history--one does not doubt the truth of these events. Reading the novel, I never once doubted that this happened/happens all across the Middle East.
On a personal level, I had to stop reading and just wonder: how in the world did I get so lucky? How in all the world was I blessed enough to be born in a time and place without war? Physically--it's easy enough to understand: a couple got pregnant and had a child by choice. But what are the chances? I could have, just as easily, been a bi-product of an Afghan household in the last forty years. I beg the question to powers of the universe, God, Allah, or whatever deity and ask why. How am I so lucky that I never look at a belt buckle in fear? Why I am I lucky enough to have a father that has never hit me hard enough to bruise? Why do I take for granted the physical freedom to show my face? Mariam, who is the hero in this story, is undeservingly punished throughout her life. It puts petty difficulties into perspective and brings to light great perseverance. Born so blessed, A Thousand Splendid Suns leads to a question: what can I do for the betterment of those who suffer?
Even though this story has a plethora of unfortunate events, the amount of love between Mariam and Laila is enough to make it worth it. Love touches the heart, just as much as the beatings make it ache. I highly suggest the read. Also, the title is perfect for the content. Props to Hosseini on that decision.
grateful and blessed,
Emily
Here's the first post of, hopefully, many. It's where I tell you want I plan on doing, and we all get on the same page. Maybe even literally.
My New Year's Resolution was "Be Happier". In a effort to give myself a sense of purpose and project, here I am starting a blog that I assume will be never read. But it is something to do, it will enhance my writing and diligence, and it will be another fill-in to an empty line on a resume. As I am soon approaching my undergrad graduation, my mind dwells on the lack of skill and ability that college gave me to the competitive job market. In a scurry of regret, lost opportunities and bad judgement, I have made a blog. Hey, one can hope.
In these simple beginnings, I only wish to review, talk and express [probably drastic emotions] of the literature I chose to read this upcoming year. I made the goal of 30 books [novels, religious texts, historical letters in a binding, etc.] and this is one way to keeping track. Especially since my older sister challenged me to a race. It turns out that she is also aiming for 30. I have no hope to beat her, she is an incredibly fast reader. However, I'm competitive. Book tracking here I come or, here I am.
Anyway, either to my silly self who is in a panic, or to the real people in the world--thank you for reading. I would love for suggestions on what to read, and to talk about the great works of our world.
With sincerity and silliness,
Emily
