“We read literature to know we are not alone.”
This quotation remains with me to this day. With the focus in education shifting to more testing, factual information, and reading passages instead of complete works, I worry that people are moving away from novels. Personally, I felt misunderstood most of my life (still do) and being immersed in a novel made me feel safe. People often say “fiction is fake,” but nothing can be farther from the truth.
Think about the documentary we viewed on James Baldwin, I am Not Your Negro. In every interview, he tries to explain his experience and no one on the panel appears to understand. I can see why fiction became such a valuable outlet for him, another way of trying to make others see the world as it exists. Reading between the lines is vital, especially with the landscape we live in now.
I have never been much of a phone person, and I do not use social media. This year, I replaced scrolling through my phone with carrying a physical book with me. As a result, I have read four major novels and two works of nonfiction since January. I read To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, reread Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, explored Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, as well as revisited Anna Karenina by LeoTolsty. For nonfiction, it was The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Nand Aron and Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life by Joshua Fields Millburn. In every case, I found myself questioning the world around me and discovered answers in a book. I also reconnected with drawing and painting. Playing guitar. This came from literature. Reading helped me focus, see what is important and move away from daily minutiae. I hope you will continue to read literature in your life, disconnect from the anger in the world and find peace.
Whatever you choose to do in the coming year, do your best to recognize the “ghosts” and make the best decisions for you. Be kind to yourselves. If you see an opportunity to travel – take it! Explore the world. Remember, “We all came out of Gogol’s Overcoat. One day you will understand.”
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Mr. P.
Directions: In this space, please share your experiences in A.P. English. What works had an impact on you? What discussions? Lessons? Blog discussions? Anything to share to improve the course would be welcome, too.
