Hope, and Lots of It

In the past few books I've read such as the Life of Pi by Yann Martel, hope has become a reoccurring theme. For Pi, the main character in the book, hope came in the form of a Bengal Tiger, a whistle and a buoy. However, for Amir in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini hope comes in a very different form.

Throughout the book Amir and his best friend Hassan are subjected to violence. For example, Hassan must endure through the slurs about his mother from soldiers scattered throughout Afghanistan. Amir is also occasionally neglected by his ignorant father, who repeatedly says behind Amir's back, "Why can't he be more like me?" The two boys constantly face many hardships yet they succeed in maintaining a spiritual mind and never lose hope. With hope, they gain courage and optimism that there will be a "brighter day" than before. But how is it that they keep hope with so much despair and difficulty in their lives? What benefits does anyone receive from hope? Is it purely what keeps people going; an idea that the next day will be better than the previous? As I continue to read, I look forward to revealing the true meaning of hope. In the mean time, what are your opinions and thoughts on it?

The Kite Runner and What Makes a Book, Good

For most readers, a good piece of literature is one you can connect to. Whether it's the character or setting, most most people a book is much more enjoyable when you can say, "This I can connect to." However, after beginning to read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, I've began to re-analyze how a book becomes a good one in my opinion.

From what I've read so far, The Kite Runner is about two boys, Amir and Hassan, growing up in the third world country of Afghanistan in 1975. In the war driven country, Amir and Hassan must deal with violence, poverty and sexual abuse. None of which, am I able to connect to. Yet the compelling and gripping book has me turning pages after pages. In no way am I able to make a connection which drives me to read. So, I've reconsidered the etiquette of a good book. For one, description of the characters and settings is always in a well written book. It is the key behind what makes the "movie" in our head, continuous. For example, "The early-afternoon sun sparkled on the water where dozens of miniature boats sailed, propelled by a crisp breeze." Also, the book is extremely informative in all areas so you never get "bored." Although we rely on connections in books in order for it to be readable, there is much more than just this and finding these attributes is all worth wild.

The Color Orange

As Simon Van Booy, a British author once said so precisely, "Coincidences mean you're on the right path." Across the book, "The Life of Pi" by Yann  Martel, Pi comes along many items and, many animals. Afterall, his father is the owner of a zoo. However many of these are the color orange such as a tiger, a whistle and a buoy.  Is it just a coincidence that these things are orange or is it more? Maybe, it's a symbol.

The tiger, whistles and buoys are all orange and all have a potential to save Pi from the shipwreck (which they do because he does survive.) The tiger poses a threat to Pi, weighing several hundred pounds more than Pi, it probobly kill him with one strike. However, not only does the tiger pose a threat but also does the hyena and the orangutan. Potentially, the tiger could decrease the threat by killing the other two animals. Maybe this is how Pi survives. Maybe it is the tiger who helps Pi survive. On the life boat Pi also finds a few orange whistles attached to the many life jackets he finds. Along with the whistles he finds and a couple orange buoys. If a ship managed to come close to the life boat, Pi could signal to a boat. If the sea ever got to rough, maybe Pi used them for stability.

The color orange in the book symbolizes hope as seen by the tiger, whistles and buoys. But it also symbolizes something else. After Pi is rescued, which I don't know how yet, he moves to Canada where he starts a family. He also adopts an orange cat. Maybe the cat symbolizes survival and the hardships Pi had to face.

Child Soldiers

Organizations such as the United Nations and UNICEF have not until recently entered the controversial topic of the child soldier epidemic. In a recent analysis, reports state that over 300,000 children seventeen and under are used as soldiers in more than seventy-five percent of the conflicts worldwide. According to the article, “Children at War” by P.W. Singer, almost eighty percent of the conflicts being currently fought which children participate in use children ages fourteen and under. Eighteen percent of these conflicts also use children ages twelve and under. Most of these 300,000 child soldier victims are forcefully recruited, abused and are subjected to the use of drugs.

            At the age of thirteen, Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier in the war driven country of Sierra Leone, was attacked in his village and was separated from his family members when they were killed. Ishmael along with several other children who survived the rebel attack on their village went to a military base for protection but instead they were “forcefully recruited.” Ishmael later said in the CBS interview that the soldiers at the military base threatened him with death if he didn’t join. In many third world countries particularly in parts of Asia and Africa, child soldiers are ideal for war because according to a military commander from Chad they, “Don’t complain, they don’t expect to be paid- and if you tell them to kill, they kill.” Some children are even sold into war by their parents for money while others are separated from their family and by last resort join a side in the war.

            Not only are boys recruited to fight but also girls. Unfortunately, many are subjected to all kinds of abuse including sexual abuse. Out of the armed forces that use child soldiers, thirty percent use girls as well as boys. Many girls  are given the duty of cooks or messengers. Often, these girls are the victims of sexual abuse such as rape by their own military commanders. Another kind of abuse inflicted upon child soldiers is emotional abuse. Like the military commander from Chad said, child soldiers will do anything you tell them to do. If they don’t then they’re faced with the consequence of death. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo child soldiers are forced to, “Burn down huts,” and “Pound newborn babies to death.” In the Palestinian area and in Israel children as young as eleven are used to smuggle explosives into different countries. Children being used as suicide bombers has become so frequent that some people have began to manufacture and sell children sized denim jackets used to conceal explosives.

        Killing was not easy for Ishmael Beah when he was first recruited. In order to cope with the enormous amount of trauma as a result of the war, Ishmael’s military commanders gave him drugs ranging from marijuana to brown-brown, a mixture of heroin and gunpowder or cocaine and gunpowder in order to “numb” himself. However, after the initial use of drugs and once addicted, military commanders would stop giving child soldiers drugs. Ishmael said in the interview, “You had to find them to take them yourself.” Child soldiers like Ishmael were forced to take drugs and then became addicted and would do anything to gain possession of the drugs.

            Although child soldiers have committed countless atrocious acts ranging from smuggling explosives to killing an innocent person in cold blood, one must remember that if they didn’t do these horrible things they would be killed. Ranging anywhere from ages five to seventeen, you can’t expect them to say no for an answer. These children are forcefully recruited, sold into the war, abused and are forced to use drugs. Therefore, child soldiers are victims and not perpetrators.  

The Meaning of Life

We meet many people over the course of our lives, some extremely inspirational while others disincentive. These are the people who shape our human character. For Pi Patel in the “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel however, it is more than just that. It is the meaning of life.

At a young age, Pi was mocked for his name. When he stood towards the wall many would say, “You’re facing the wall. Are you pissing?” Other times children would say, “Where’s Pissing? I’ve got to go.” The general reaction for many in this “flight” or “fight” situation would to respond and “fight” back. However Pi reacted by ignoring the harmful mocks, pretending that he never heard them. From what I’ve read so far in the beginning of the book Pi seems resilient and may be because of these people. Pi’s father was a zoo keeper and at an early age Pi bonded amongst the other animals. As a result of his inspirational father Pi later went into zoology.    

Although I have only started the book it seems to me that the meaning of life for Pi is to physically, mentally and spiritually grow with other people. Hopefully, as I continue to read the book I’ll find more examples of this.

Love and Loneliness

As I continue to read the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling I come upon more and more themes. However, they always relate back to a particular subject matter, the backgrounds of the characters. In this case the theme was how did the backgrounds of the characters later affect their personality and ego. When I looked back into the books to find characters with interesting backgrounds, I wasn’t surprised how they turned out.

An interesting character with a very fascinating background was Tom Riddle who would later be known as Voldemort. Because he was seen as different by the other children at the orphanage where he spent his early childhood until he was taken to Hogwarts by Dumbledore, he was neglected and was often teased for his powers. Could it be that the taunting of Tom that turned him into a ruthless and cold-hearted killer? Or was it something deeper? Something so powerful that even a man who could kill another with the touch of his hand couldn’t live without. Could what caused Tom Riddle to become Voldemort be love?

A Leader Who's Somewhat Of A Hot-Head

As a child your parents and family have the biggest affect on your character throughout the rest of your life. They are the most influential people you will ever encounter in my opinion. However, their influence can veer your development of character in the wrong direction. Harry, in Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling grows up with his step parents and of course Dudley. Harry is neglected and is treated horribly. This turns Harry in to what he is throughout the books.

Growing up, Harry was always told he couldn't do something. He was always told to stay in the cupboard. He was always told that a pair of old and worn socks was more than enough for his birthday present. Could it be that this sparked the leader and fiery temper in the Harry Potter that we see in later years? Maybe, after so many years of being told no that this was how Harry "wiped off" his emotions and feelings. To prove to his step parents and his awful cousin that he was a leader and that he would never be told that he was wrong. Is the reason for his leadership skills and choleric self all because of the influential power of his family? What do you think?

A Dangerous Task

As I continue to read, The Giver, by Lois Lowry, Jonas and I the reader learn more and more about his utopia society. Things that he never would have known if it wasn't for his placement as the new Receiver of Memory, a very difficult and painful job that however, earns high honor in the community. However, some of the things that Jonas will learn will cause him to suffer just like the previous receiver.

At the ceremony where Jonas was given the responsibility as the new receiver, the elder told him that this was a very painful job. After a few lessons, Jonas asked, the giver, "What causes you pain?" The giver responded by saying, "Let's go once again to a hill, and a sled." Early in the book I learned that once yo reach a certain age in the community you are "released." I believe that the giver will show Jonas what happens after you are released. Death. I think that death is not accepted in the community because people would suffer. This is the pain Jonas will have to endure. However, I don't think that Jonas will be able to endure this and will flee from his community to "beyond the hills" that he expressed curiosity of.

Freedom and Virtue

Imagine a small community where all the power lies in the hands of a few. Imagine that in the community everyone's life is already planned ahead. Your name, what you will receive for every single birthday, and even what job you'll have. There is no sickness, no issues whatsoever. Everything is perfect. Everything is perfect in this utopia community in which Jonas, an eleven year old boy has to experience in the book, The Giver by Lois Lowry. Although I have only read the first few chapters of the immaculate page turning book, the subject of the matter has already got me regarding the flaws of a utopia society.
When I first thought of utopia, I thought of no complaints. Everything would be perfect, therefore what's to complain about. However, as I continued reading the book and investigating Jonas' feelings toward his community I realized that I was wrong about a utopia society. Jonas has no freedom, no liberty. He does not get to make his own decisions for they are chosen for him by others. The only thing I could see as a positive about Jonas' community was that he's safe. Although safety is always important, in this case the more safety you have the less freedom you have.
We all make mistakes. It's part of being human. But it's okay because we all make mistakes. But most importantly we learn from these mistakes. In Jonas' community everything is perfect. No one make mistakes therefore he can't learn valuable life lessons that we learn from our faults. That's why freedom is so important. Without it we wouldn't know between wrong and right. As St. Thomas Aquinas once said, "freedom is the condition for the possibility of virtue."

Spectrums and "Normal"

Over time society has discriminated against certain groups of people because of behaviors or characteristics that society doesn’t see as normal. One of these groups is homosexuals who are harassed to the extent of occasionally committing suicide. This is the issue Bruce Coville tackles in his short story, “Am I Blue?”, which is about a sixteen year old boy named Vincent who’s determining his sexuality with the help of his fairy godfather, Melvin. Vincent is uncomfortable facing the situation. He feels as though he would be in the unpopular minority if he was gay. Because of this he tries to hide the possibility that he might be gay from the people that view homosexuals differently. He tries to conform to what society sees as normal, to avoid discrimination, because he doesn’t realize until the end of the story that “normal” is a spectrum.

In the story Vincent tries to act like he’s straight when he’s still determining his sexuality. For example, after Vincent meets Melvin they decide to go to a café to discuss things over. When walking, Vincent notices that Melvin has a certain “swish” to his walk and says, “Do you have to walk like that?” Vincent is embarrassed being seen with a person that is openly gay and therefore tries not to be seen with Melvin. Another time Vincent tries to act straight or conform to society’s idea of normal is when Vincent and Melvin are in the café. Melvin begins to tell Vincent how he was killed by gay bashers, and that the reason for his visit was to make Vincent more comfortable with deciding his sexuality. However, right after, the atmosphere between Melvin and Vincent drastically shifts. Melvin, “leaned back in his chair, glanced around the room, then winked at a nice-looking college student sitting about five tables away from us.” Seeing this Vincent becomes suddenly anxious and  responded to Melvin’s action by saying in a firm tone, “Will you stop that!” Clearly, Vincent was “afraid of guilt by association” and did not want to be seen as homosexual. He was worried that if he did, he would be discriminated and possibly even gay bashed.

In the beginning of the story Vincent is baffled. He has mixed emotions about his sexuality. This is all before Melvin makes Vincent more comfortable with the idea that if he is gay he wouldn’t be alone. Melvin proves this to Vincent by giving him gaydar, which allows him to see gay people with blue faces. Astonishingly to Vincent he sees more people than he ever would have expected to be blue. This comforts Vincent into making him feel that he’s not alone.  In the end, Vincent realizes that one person may have one idea of normal and the other might have a completely different idea, but its ok because there is no one idea of normal. 

The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

Recently, I have read a gripping and a very insightful short story called "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" by Ray Bradbury, which tells the tale of a 14 year old boy named Joby, a drummer boy for the Union army caught in the Civil War. Joby is like the many men fighting under Ulysses S. Grant, hoping and praying that they’ll return to their family and friends safely. Through noticing these feelings and emotions in Joby and the soldiers, I began to interpret a theme that is very common in stories relating to war. Many if not all soldiers most likely wanted to return home to see their family and friends. This was most likely the case for the Confederate Army too. Both sides, didn't want to kill one another. Both sides, were afraid to die. In most dire situations such as war, both groups of people in this case the Union and the Confederates are more alike then they are different.

In the climax of the story, Joby is contemplating his thoughts about the war and his family when General Grant walks up to him. He begins to tell Joby how both sides are hoping for the same thing to occur. He says, “Both sides figuring the other will just give up.” Both the Union and the Confederate Army desired the same thing which was for one side to retire and for the war to end. The idea of two groups of people killing one another over a disagreement is immature. Grant continues his thoughts on the war by saying, “And the war done in weeks and us all home.” Family is another way that both the Confederate and Union army are very similar rather than they are different. Many if not all soldiers in the war wanted to reunite with their family safely. The families of the soldiers too were worrying whether or not a brother, cousin or other loved one would return.

At first Joby is afraid. He is all alone among the other groups of soldiers. One reason is because he is a drummer boy without any weapon or shield to protect himself. Joby believes that sooner or later he'll die. However, General Grant sees Joby’s purpose completely differently. He believes that Joby is the one who leads the army. He believes that every time the stick hits the drum he puts a piece of steel on every soldier. He believes that without Joby beating a steady upbeat rhythm, the Union Army would surely lose. Grant then says, “So there you are, that’s it. Will you do that, boy? Do you know now you’re general of the army when the general’s left behind?” Inspired by General Grants words he overcomes his fear of dying and prepares to become the Drummer Boy of Shiloh that Grant wants. Maybe there was a drummer boy fighting with the Confederates as well. Maybe he too was wondering about his family and maybe he was overcoming his fear of death like Joby. So maybe in dire situations it is others going the same problems that help us manage and cope with the same issues.

Romance and War

Suddenly having interest in classical books I searched on the internet, "Top 100 Classical Books." As I went through the list I found "Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway in the top ten. Previously reading "The Old Man and The Sea", another classic by Hemingway I decided to pick it up at my local library. After all it was a "Gripping war story." However, after a few chapters in I realized that although the story was based during the first world war, the book primarily focused on the romance between Lieutenant Frederic Henry, an American working for Italy's army, and Catherine Barkley, a British nurse. Even though it was a romance novel it was still gripping. And romantic books are just not my genre. So why am I drawn to this book? There's only one answer, the author had a writing technique.


One thing I noticed from both of Hemingway's books was that most of his sentences are very long. This, depending on the reader, could either make the book more interesting or very slow. Another technique that made me personally more entertained was his use of dialogue. Particularly in the beginning of the book, there was quite a lot of dialogue. With short lines and constant questions from each character you can't resist to keep reading. For example, when Frederic and Cathy first begin to date they often questioned one another as they were suspicious of one another, not knowing anything about one another other than they were fighting on the same side. As well as long sentences and short dialogue Hemingway used descriptive language. For example, "In the bed of the river there were pebbles and boulders, dry and white in the sun, and the water was clear and swiftly moving and blue in the channels." As I continue the book I look forward to finishing it and finding out what happens and what other techniques Ernest Hemingway uses.

A Very Emotional Book

Over the summer, I was fortunate to stumble upon a book that would later move me quite drastically, in a good way. In the dual-narrative book, A Long Walk to Water, written by Linda Sue Park, Nya and Salva are two relatively young children growing up in the same country. However, there always comes a twist with a dual-narrative. Salva, is growing up in 1985, while Nya is placed in the year of 2008. Little did they both know that one day they would meet each other and both their lives would be changed forever. During the 1980's, many countries in Africa had revolutions. Many citizens were frustrated with their country's dictator.Unfortunately for Salva the war would separate him and his family, for over a decade. For many years, Salva wandered from refugee camp to refugee camp all over Ethiopia and Sudan, until Salva met an American, volunteering at a camp who became friends with Salva. When the American told Salva that the camp was sending over 3,000 refugees to America, and that Salva was one of them, Salva instantly burst into tears. In NY where Salva was adopted by foster parents and was taken good care of. But there was one thing, that Salva couldn't get off his mind, his family back in Sudan. But Salva wants to give back to Sudan, so he raises money to help people in Sudan like Nya, who have to walk to a dirty pond that's a couple miles away twice a day, everyday for the whole year. With tickets payed by his foster parents, and money raised to help families get clean water, Salva heads off to Sudan. In the end, Nya and Salvas family, as well as many other Sudanese people were helped by Salva and his organization called Water for Sudan.

While reading the book, I noticed a theme that's very common in many war stories. That war is absurd. The idea that two people or two groups of people killing each other over a difference between the two is mind boggling. In the end, killing someone or many people over a disagreement does not help anyone. Many citizens of Sudan wanted freedom from their government. That's what started the war in the first place. Why fight and kill someone when there is such an easier way of dealing with these situations. Obviously, both sides, in this case Sudans government and the citizens would probably be willing to give the other side something that they wanted. For example, the citizens could agree that they would move South (at the time Sudan was divided into two parts. The North which was where Sudans government was based and the South, where many poor citizens lived) so that the government could have more. In return Sudan could have given Southern Sudan independence. With a little negotiating an agreement like this could have prevented the war long before it started.