The Book Life of Hana

Eighth grade has been a fantastic year for me. I studied hard and did well on my projects. But that wasn't just what I did. I also have been reading much more than I have ever did in each of my school years. I really never expected to read 25 books this whole year or 50. But when I was told we had to read 50 books by the end of the year I knew I had to read a lot or else I would never be able to finish reading 50 books. Like from my old school it was probably 5 books each quarter so I didn't read much. But here, I must read 30 minutes a day or more so I am able to read 50 books by the end of the year. Then I had to write journals every day in 8th grade, reflecting on what I just read. Then at the end of the term I must write an essay about two books I like, why I liked them, and reflect on it as well. It sounds like a lot and torturous but it's actually pretty fun. Being in this humanities class with Mr. Locker teaching has made reading a different experience.

After eighth grade in UNMS humanities you look at reading differently. I use to just read (enjoy it) and then write an essay about it but now I focus more on the book. It's not only for entertainment or because schools say you have to read (my opinion). You know how some people don't read at all because they are to busy or just don't like reading but others love reading; so I always thought reading was just for entertainment but it's more than that and I realized this now (8th grade). I focus more on the characters, how they feel, the author's purpose of writing this and that, and I notice that book titles are a big part of the meaning of the books. Now books have meanings to me, it's just not for me to enjoy from but also learn from; I have to figure out what the author is trying to tell me. That's what so interesting about books. It's like the author has something important to say but instead of straight forward telling it, they make it more interesting by weaving it into a story (fiction books). But I have to admit, sometimes it's hard to figure out what the author is getting at. The first time I really realized book titles had a big part in the meaning of books, was when I was reading "Speak" (by Laurie Halse Anderson), because the girl (Melinda) had a problem that she kept to herself, the problem was caused by a boy at her school. She never told anyone but towards the end she started telling people about what happened to her and when the boy who did something to her tried to do something to her again, she was able to speak and tell him no; she was able to escape from him. Then I interpreted that the title meant Melinda was able to finally speak and stop what the boy was doing, overcome the problem she was keeping to herself and tell others what happened to her.


Reading also gives me ideas. What I mean by this is that if you have a certain problem there's always advice in what to do. Like maybe an article of how to cook something or if you have a family problem you could find a book about a person going through the same thing and see how they overcame it so you got an idea on what to do. For instance, I was online on MSN Messenger when I go to see what's new in this box that tells me about famous people, tips on stuff, and news. I click on an interesting article that catches my attention. It's pretty embarrassing but it's tips for teen girls on flirting or something between those lines. You see, it was for future references to know what do to in certain situations. I asked my friend to read it but she wasn't interested in reading it and getting tips. So you see reading to many people has different meanings to them.
Eighth grade has made me enjoy books the most in my life. Every time I finish a book, I feel like I have accomplished something good it makes me very happy. I will tell my mom how I love books and then ask if or tell her I want to go to a book store. My favorite book store in New York is Strand. Cheap, good quality books. They have it nice and neat in genres and in alphabetical order by authors' last names, I believe, for half the price. I'm able to find books I really enjoy which I never heard of or thought of finding such as a fantasy book called "Hollow Kingdom" ( by Clare B. Dunkle, which really got me into fantasy). Another thing I like about books from Strand is finding stuff left in the books from people who owned the books. I don't throw it away, it's like a kind of treasure someone forgot (hope that doesn't sound weird). Come to think of it, it could tell you what sort of person read the book you are reading. Other than Strand it has to be the library. But it's a pain that you have to go back and return the book especially if it's late there's a fee. It just causes you to walk more so you feel like you just want to own the book (especially if it was a good book) but others might want to read it and you will have to pay for the book. If books are good, I just want to read them ASAP because suspense builds up on me to know what will happen next; sometimes I try reading in class when I'm waiting around but later I'm told to put the book away. And sometimes when I go out to eat or go visit my Aunt, I will bring my book along to read. But in restaurants I try to read as much as I can because I don't want to be rude to the person I'm eating with and not strike up a conversation.
I will never stop reading if it's a book or a newspaper e.t.c. I'm glad for my ability to read because back in the old days or to those who can't get an education now they may not be able to read and probably would like to learn. Reading will will stick with me until the end of my life.