My Most Memorable Reading Experiences

1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger is one of the best books I have read in high school. I know it will be one of the books I will remember for a long time. Holden Caulfield to me is a character that everyone can relate to at some level. I will remember Holden because of the sadness, confusion and other emotions he goes through, and how those feelings feel so real.  While it is fiction, it feels so honest and real.

2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The tragic and inspiring story of Mariam and Laila remind us of the importance and power of love. While it seems so easy to get caught up in our own problems it is so hard to be unselfish. Mariam reminds us of the sacrifice an individual can make in the name of love.

3. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a story of tragedy and personal growth. The moving words and storytelling bring tears to my eyes still. It easily connects to the reader and highlights terrible feelings of regret and suffering.

4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The unlikely and genuine friendship of Huck Jim is one of the most memorable relationships. The growth and bond that forms regardless of other pressures is one of a kind. I think the unique dynamic of their relationship can stand on its own without the other events.

5. The Redhunter by William F. Buckley. Being able to see a different viewpoint and side of the Notorious Senator  Joe McCarthy is not easy. The Redhunter successfully gives McCarthy a personality and a story that show a more human side of McCarthy that is rarely seen. I never thought that by the end of the novel I would end up feeling sympathetic towards McCarthy.

6. 1984 by George Oswell takes us into a different and overall unpleasant world. While I was hoping throughout the entire novel that he would find someone to help him escape--if not overcome-- his society and government, I was still left satisfied at the end. The complete terror in watching the brainwashing and its results left me with chills. One of the only books that has actually disturbed me.

7. Twilight By Stephanie Myer- Even though it's slightly embarrassing to admit, I'll never forget spending my first week of Christmas break Sophmore year reading the entire Twilight Saga. While the writing wasn't great and the plot got progressively worse, the fact that it kept me going all the way till the end is pretty memorable. The most reading I have ever done in 4 days.