How To Read Literature

Reading and writing are one’s tools to identifying their true self. Growing up, we step into a world where we are taught lessons about morality, good versus evil, and right from wrong. As children we are taught these lessons, but it’s only once we become young adults that we really experience these lessons. Throughout my adolescent years, I have really begun to understand what it means to have an identity, and how to connect with it. One of the main ways that helped me understand who I truly am was reading literature. Genres such as fantasy and mystery became a way to help me escape the limitations of social expectations and would let me be whoever I wanted to be, whether that was a savvy 16 year-old detective with incredible observation skills,
or a teenager who is tasked with saving all 10 territories in the universe. Everyone goes through his or her teenage years trying to find their true identity but in reality, our identity is engineered to change. From the moment we are brought into this world, nature requires us to adapt to our circumstances and our surroundings. We are constantly challenged to become the most successful and inspirational in our society. Although we are nurtured and coddled in the beginning of our lives, the competition erupts in middle school where the “popular” seats are often fought over. The few who succeed, or even get close, move forward with more confidence and so called “happiness”.
I found my identity and character during my English class in the eighth grade.
As we studied a myriad of literary pieces, one in particular captured my interest, Kristin Cashore’s “Graceling”. Cashore dragged me into her fantasy world and really introduced me to the fantasy world. “Graceling” in particular intrigued me because it was about a vulnerable yet strong protagonist who was ostracized for her specific “Grace” or talent. And yet, she had to learn how to really unlock her potential and use her talent for good. I identified with Katsa (the protagonist) so well, that I began to learn the same lessons she did in her own world. Because of this, I really believe it began my interest in fantasy fiction. I believe fantasy literature to be one of the most pleasurable genres of novels because it allows your imagination to engulf you into a story, to paint the setting and visualize actions of characters. Primarily it is because your imagination is unique and nobody else can conceive an identical image. I’ve often compared my thoughts on novels with those of friends and have found this activity to be most enlightening in that you begin to understand a book through different perspectives, in ways your mind may never have
envisioned.