Month: August 2019

A book I read this summer was ‘Heartless’ by Marissa Meyer. It centres around the story of the cruel and ruthless ‘Queen of Hearts’ featured in Lewis Carrol’s book ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Meyer’s tells the tale of an ordinary girl, Catherine before she transforms into the ‘Queen of Hearts’.

Anyone who has watched the movie adaptation of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ will most likely remember the classic, “off with you head!” This has become one of my favourite books because it borrows a character with a reputation of being callous and unforgiving, and introduces her story from a completely different perspective.  As readers, when we learn of the hurdles and injustice she suffered growing up, and go through them with her, we began not only to see her in a completely new light but also began to root for her. Eventually by the end, it becomes easy to sympathize with her and make excuses for the heartless and vindictive decisions she makes.

Personally, one of the most unique aspect of this book for me, was that it showcased a perspective of a character that was generally hated by everyone and by the end compelledme to adore her. Many times in life, we automatically judge people by certain actions of theirs and put labels on them. I myself was guilty of simply dismissing the ‘Queen of Hearts’ as power hungry and assuming that she was cruel without reason, when I first learnt of her. However, the truth is that we cannot even begin to imagine everyone’s entire story. Therefore, the image of others that may be presented to us may not always be completely accurate. What’s more, while we may simply assume the motivation behind their actions, it is very possible that we are blissfully unaware of the truth.  Catherine started off as an ordinary girl with a dream and whole life ahead of her, only to be sucked into an unfortunate whirlwind. I think ‘Heartless’ displays two very important ideas. The first that people do grow and change over time, and the second that it is always important to know the entire truth  before we decide to label them.

I can’t remember the first time I read a book. However, the earliest experience I can recall dated back to preschool. On the first day I had cried when my mom left me to sit in the bus. I made one of the first friend’s over there. She shared the bus with me and showed me her book to distract me. I clearly remember her opening her ‘Dora the Explorer’ book and ever since then I was fascinated. I would ask to read it every morning, until finally when my family had decided to move to Singapore, she had given it to me as a gift. Ever since then, I have never stopped reading. To me reading is an opportunity to escape my world and enter another, where I can be whoever, be wherever and do whatever. Every book teaches me something different and gives me the chance to explore yet another world that is undiscovered. What’s more, I am able to meet unique characters and learn from them.

While I enjoy fantasy, science fiction, mysteries and love stories, which are some of my favourite categories of books to read, I’m always open to a different type of book. Recently, I’ve even begun to dabble into the classics – The Great Gatsby, Pride & Prejudice and Frankenstein, and am also currently reading a self-help book – 5 AM Club, which I never would have thought to try.

While I go through my books like boxes of chocolates, I do struggle to properly convey my views on texts through writing – for example in literature lessons, etc. My hope for this coming year is that I get a chance to start exploring some new genres, as well as learn to articulate my thoughts on pieces of texts better.