december 2020 /january 2021

reading ladder

The Book of Negroes

A novel by Lawrence Hill

Pages 491 /511 

Rating: ★★★★★

This emotional novel captures the story of Aminata Diallo as she is captured from her African village and sent across the Atlantic as part of the slave trade. The story explores the multitude of violations incited by the slave trade. The first person narrative explores Aminata, now Meena, as she travels across the sea wishing to see her family again to her time on an Indigo plantation in South Carolina to the American Revolutionary War and etc. The novel vividly captures Aminata’s raw psychological response and causes the reader to feel incredible emotion; both pain and anger. I strongly recommend every high school student to read this book: it is a must read! This book does deserve five stars without a doubt. During times such as ours, I think we must be reminded of our history and move forwards to bring change not hatred. Some parts describe horrible horrible events which left me disturbed. However, I think that was the point. We are supposed to be disturbed when reading this book because these things happened in real life, and we must acknowledge that and move towards reconciliation. 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

By Mark Manson

Pages 210/210

Rating: ★★★

This is not your typical self-help book. On that note, it is an indirect self-help book. I don’t think anyone would understand what I mean without reading the book. While reading the book, it is like you are having a conversation with the author. You are not reading tips to improve your life; you are having a discussion with Mark Manson and with your conscience. This book summarizes how to redirect and use your energy productively: care about the things that matter to you while ignoring the materialistic jealousies that exist in our social media worlds. I did agree with the tips the author made in the book. However, I don’t think it inspired me to the level that I will change my tendencies (maybe that is because I am stubborn). Don’t get me wrong, it was a good book. I just don’t like self-help books. I want to read about mystery, action and suspense and not about what is wrong about the way I carry myself. 

A Walk to Remember

By Nicholas Sparks

Pages 207/207

Rating:★★

Ths novel follows the relationship of high school seniors, Landon and Jamie. It is a beautiful story following two individuals who come together out of fate. The emotional rollercoaster, results in a bittersweet ending. That is why I rate it two stars. For one, I think a book about romance should have a romantic happy-ending. Second, I don’t really like romance books. Even though the book carried a powerful message, I would much rather read an action-packed and suspenseful book. 

Total Pages This Month:  908

Pages Per Day:  22

 pages divided by 42 days (December 1-January 11) equals  pages per day

I see a drastic decline in the number of pages I read in December and January even though I have been reading consistently for the past month and a half. I think this is because I have been busier than usual with school and work. However, I tried to maintain my reading habits throughout online learning and winter break. As the semester comes to an end, this is my last reading ladder. This class has helped me build the foundations for daily reading because I did see a change in my ELA mark throughout these couple of months. It also helped me learn about what type of reader I am. I like to read suspenseful and historic-fiction novels (The Nightingale is one of my all-time favorites now). I am excited about expanding the genres I read and reading more in general in the upcoming months!

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