Books of pride
Is there a book you feel proud to have read?
Mine is “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand because, I think, of its length.
My mom purchased it for me when I was just starting college or was in college because — if my memory is correct — the Ayn Rand Foundation offered scholarship to students who wrote essays about the mammoth text.
I chipped away at the 1,000+ page book one summer. I can’t remember if I even wrote the essay. I certainly didn’t win.
A year or so later I decided to try again. This time I was more focused and read more pages at a time. I’m guessing it’s for that reason that I became more engaged in the story, which addresses taking responsibility and demonstrates the chain reaction one industry has on others — something that seems relevant to today’s economy.
“Moby Dick.” I would tell anyone who has attempted this book and failed to just skip the chapters concerning anatomy of whales or other lengthy descriptions of whales. Using this approach I finished the first time and subsequently read the book in its entirety. I enjoy the writing style very much. Melville’s Billy Budd is on my current short list.
I’m intrigued by the concept you described of using books as a basis for essays leading to scholarships. I like that concept. Also, I’m much older than you, and have made a point to re-read those texts required in high school 25+ years later. If only I could re-read the essays I actually submitted for grades back then…
My only exposure to “Moby Dick” was in an American lit class in college. We only had to read a chapter; I forget what the point of that was. Maybe when I’m brave I’ll try to read the entire book.
Thanks for the comment!