Genre Plans

I believe my remaining genre requirement is historical fiction. To fulfill this requirement, I plan to read The Help, as recommended by my friend.

As my first requirement, I read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Even though I didn't think I would enjoy this book, I ended up getting really into it. The suspense of the complicated plot really captured my interest, especially because it was different from what I was used to reading. I liked it so much that I continued with Dan Brown books and read Angels and Demons next.

For my next requirement, I read The Last Lecture, an autobiography by Randy Pausch. I loved this book. Before reading this book, I always associated non-fiction with boring stories that don't truly affect me. The Last Lecture clearly proved me wrong. As Randy Pausch recalled his exciting, despite his fatal disease, life I was captured by his words. I realized that his autobiography was not for other people to learn about him, but instead to learn from him.

Next, I read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as my classic genre requirement. I did not really enjoy reading this book. Though I have not tried reading many, I find that I do not really like to read classic books. I find it hard to relate to the older time period settings, which makes me feel uninterested as I read. I realize that I may just have to give other, less challenging classics a chance.

My favorite book this quarter is the one that I am in the process of reading. It is called Saving Henry by Laurie Strongin. It is a nonfiction story written by a mother who did all she could to save her son from a fatal, unusual disease. This book stands out above the others because the words carry such genuine emotion. Though I cannot imagine being in her situation, I believe that I can feel Laurie's distress as I read her story.