Buy the Letter

[Galena May]

F - Five Go to Mystery Moor by Enid Blyton.

When I was in school and about 9 years old, we had a weekly library period during which we could visit the school library, which housed books in thousands from heavy encyclopedias and reference books to children's stories and even magazines and newspapers. During this period, up until fifth or sixth grade, I used to read stories in the library, but from seventh grade onwards, I used it to study (which is a pity ). One of my favorite story book series therein were the short stories by Enid Blyton. The shelf with her books was my favorite haunt. Enid Blyton, as an author, simply knew how to appeal to what a child's mind likes to listen to. Her stories had brownies and elves, morals, and naughty children and good children. During one such escapade, I discovered a whole new genre by the talented Enid Blyton in the library, the two detective series - The Secret Seven and The Famous Five. Both were about children, seven and five respectively, who formed a secret society that solved mysteries like a group of ace detectives. I read the entirety of both series from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Five Go to Mystery Moor was my favorite mystery adventure in the Famous Five series, the reason being that it had the most intriguing, awe -inspiring, dramatic, and suspenseful plot of the whole series. The name Mystery Moor matches the setting of the story which is also the source of the mysterious plot that goes well with the murky and foggy moor. The beginning of the story indicates a mysterious tale of the disappearance of a whole family of sand miners in the thick fog of the moor, following a railway derailment orchestrated by the gypsies on the moor, in the past. The plot thickens with a more modern mystery which involves strange, heavy thudding sounds on the moor at night. There are gypsies involved on the evil side of the story, but one particular gypsy boy to whom our protagonists are kind, breaks off from the gypsies to help his benefactors in the midst of the climax. It was a fascinating and descriptive taIe that kept me glued to the pages throughout the book, eager to read more, and I found myself unable to put it down even after the library period ended, so I was forced to borrow it for a week and take it home. It is one of those stories that I best remember out of the several stories of Enid Blyton that I have mostly forgotten. One of my favorite characters, as I remember, was George, the tomboyish sister among the children. Unlike the other tomboyish girl, Henry, she wasn't as rude and vain. Another of my favorite characters was Sniffer, the miserable gypsy boy who felt unloved in his own band, and showed signs of childish innocence capable of reforming into a better lifestyle. It was also intriguing that his only most important wish, despite lacking the more important necessities of life, was a very innocent and childish one - a red bicycle. I love the happy ending that Enid Blyton gave Sniffer at the end of the story.

I haven't re-read it since, but that's mostly because of not getting a chance. If I could re - read it several times even now, I would. I may now find the writing style a bit childish (which in itself is the hallmark of a marvellous children's author of the esteem of Enid Blyton), but I would love to read it again and again all the same. What I think about the book now is that although the Secret Seven and the Famous Five stories were written for only slightly older children, the book was ample proof that Enid Blyton could easily write an adults' detective mystery novel. She had what it would take to do so. The book was so well put together a mystery novel, that with some change of the writing style, it could itself be an adults' book very easily. I still love and appreciate the fact that Blyton really understood children, but somewhere I wish she had actually attempted to write for adults as well (I know that a few will differ here, because it would then spoil her legacy).

[Galena May]

M - Matilda by Roald Dahl

I read this book when I was in my tenth grade.
I remember feeling a bit cringe back then because the descriptions of the Principal of the school, Mrs. Trunchbull, were very unsavory. Matilda was an extraordinary little woman with heightened intuitive abilities and extraordinary intelligence. Her parents were also unsavory characters, who ignored her (but it could have been worse given what was revealed about them in the end). Matilda could read and write at a younger age than normal and voraciously read up a whole library at a very young age. In school, she showed advanced abilities that could have easily promoted her to a higher grade skipping many grades in between. But, Principal Trunchbull, the very "Cruella-de-vill like" materialistic and outright wicked villain of the story, prevented her from doing so and tortured all the students in the school. The person who actually loved Matilda was Matilda's teacher and the niece of Trunchbull, whom Trunchbull had cruelly deprived of her rights. I loved the good ending of the story, and how everyone got their rights in the end, and, though reluctantly, I also made peace with Matilda losing her powers for a certain reason, after she got what they truly needed. But, to be honest, I found the whole thing, a bit, uh, unsavory and cringe. For a children's story, I thought that the story of Matilda and those in it had a very dark reality that could easily have been true and a horror, though the story is only a fiction.

Seven years later, when I picked up the book again, I thought it was carelessly put together and it felt like the story aimed to be deliberately cruel and unsavory, as if the author was throwing a very dark story at me under the guise of a fantasy fiction children's book, almost like delivering the most unsavory horror news or a cringe piece of bad and dark information, with a benign, genial smile. Anyway, I didn't enjoy it even this time and put it down. I re-encountered it as an animated short story for little children on Youtube, well into adulthood, but although they had slightly altered the story to make it less horrific and more palatable, reading the book earlier had convinced me enough not to watch the movie based on the book. I hadn't the courage to tolerate a cringe movie based on a cringe book, and the thought that the possible dramatization in the movie could make the details from the book even more unsavory and cringier, made me puke in my head and abort mission of watching the movie immediately.

How do I feel about it now? I still think that if the dark plot and darker characters could have been delivered more directly, without disguising it as children's fiction, the whole thing would have been less cringey, and could have potentially made a great thriller based on human emotions for adults to read. I would like to clarify that I respect Roald Dahl as an author and for his ability to deliver beautiful children's stories that children love to read because of the interesting elements and that sneakily hide morals and dark realities underneath (think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), but with Matilda, I think Roald Dahl went a bit overboard with Mrs. Trunchbull as the villain, and I would have even tolerated Mrs. Trunchbull if Matilda had better parents. Having unsavory elements and characters on all sides, made the story a little difficult to digest for me.

[Galena May]

T - The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

I read this book quite a few times, a translation when I was seven years old and barely understood anything of the story and the biggest curiosity I had was what exactly were musketeers, then again when I was a little older, about 12 years old, and then again when I was 15 years old. Each time I understood a bit more, and during the last one, I caught a few elements of the political history of that period and picked a few things about the culture of that time. It took me a while to realize that D'artagnan was the main protagonist, for I was not very fond of him. Instead, I saw all the musketeers as important heroes and had a special fondness for Porthos.

As an adult, I failed to re-read the book, although I should. But, I saw the Barbie movie that had Barbie starring as the female version of D'artagnan, when I was either in my first or second year of college (I know, I could sometimes agree that I actually appear to age backwards when it comes to my tastes in books and fiction), and I absolutely loved the story. That was actually when I first realised and felt that D'artagnan was the real protagonist. The main theme song stuck with me, particularly the tagline "All for one, and one for all" like a earworm.

How do I feel about the book now? I think that the book was overall a great drama thriller with lots of action and politics in it, and for once focused on musketeers in the lead, instead of the Kings and Queens, despite the main plot being ironically based severely on royal drama. There were mystery romances, matters of honor, scandals, secret plots, betrayals, unwavering loyalty and brotherhood, and inner political drama involved. One thing I realized was that I had failed to notice that the book had women indirectly being the main center of many plot elements. If one was to actually pay attention to the role played by the women in the drama, one would notice that the book had a slightly feminist tinge to it.

[Emily Spencer]

F-(The) Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

The basis of the story is this: janie’s seemingly perfect life was turned upside-down when she picked up a milk carton at school, never realizing that this small act would change her life forever. The school was running a ‘have you seen this child’ program, with pictures of missing children posted on the back of the milk cartons. This time, however, Janie recognized the face on the milk carton; it was her own. Everything she thought she knew about her life is revealed as a lie, and the parents she adored are not who she thought them to be.

I first read this book about 5 years ago, and I enjoyed it greatly. The story captivated me from the first page and did not disappoint. However, despite being captivating, it was also extremely disquieting and unsettling, so it was something that I had to read in small doses at a time. In fact, it was the first book in a series and I never read any of them after the first book. I meant to, but somehow never could make myself do so.

How I feel about it now:

My feelings have not changed; I still have the same disquieting sensation when I think about reading the book again. Don’t get me wrong, I want to, I really do, but something always stops me from picking it up and re-reading it and continuing on with the series. One of these days, I will take plunge, so to speak, and return to Janie’s story.

In an odd way, I liken it to anything written by V.C. Andrews. Not that they are even in the same genre, and Andrew’s stories are much darken in nature, they leave me with much the same feeling. They are stories I enjoy, but I cannot make a steady literary diet of them. They leave me with a general feeling of unease, and I learned from experience that it is not in my best interest to plough through them. So yes, I plan on rereading this book..someday.

[River Fenwick]

F - Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

I first read this book in middle school, as it was part of the Divergent series I had read previously. My opinion will be biased here because I wouldn't say I liked this book. Four is a character in the series, and this book is told from his perspective, giving more background to his character and insider information about how he felt during some of the scenes from the previous books. I found it incredibly dull, but I felt like I had to finish it to say I completed the entire book series. I reread pages countless times as my mind would begin to wonder from how bored I was reading this book.

Needless to say, I still have a grudge against this book. It's a book I would absolutely never reread, as it was painful enough trying to sit through it the first time. I enjoyed the character in the other three books, but this one just put me off so much, even to this day.

[Adeline Morior]

F - Fallen by Lauren Kate

I do not remember when I read this book. Probably a good 8 to 10 years ago. So Fallen is the first book of a five book series. It was the second angel based story I have ever read so I wasn't an expert. I can say that I did enjoy this book. I liked the mystery and had my imagination run off with me as to the potential of the story and where it could lead. It was again one of those books I just randomly picked out in a book store looking for something new to read. I would probably read it again if given time and opportunity.

I do have to add, it has some bad reviews. Ones I don’t all agree with since I did actually enjoy the read. The story does lose a bit of its flair as it progresses in the other books but this one I still enjoyed. I would recommend everyone to decide for themselves. Knowing a bit more about books I can say it wasn’t the best writing but the story is interesting enough through the series that it could be a nice inspiration on improvement for any writer. Or at least that’s my opinion. (Do not watch the movie before reading the books, it was terrible).

[Adeline Morior]

T - The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff

So this is a book on what would probably be known as Western Taoist. I got this book when my sister-in-law moved and she gave it to me. Without giving much away, it looks at the story of Winnie-the-Pooh and applies Taoist ideas to it and the importance of bravery. I have read it a good two times and was very enthusiastic about it when I first got it. I would definitely read it again.

I really like this book and would recommend it. It really helps emphasize important things like knowing when to let go and let ideas and inspiration come to you without forcing it. It also speaks of the importance of finding one's own inner bravery in the midst of fear. It is calming and cute as the author takes us into some of the instances and stories for comparison.

[River Fenwick]

WARNING: This book depicts violence and death

M - Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This is a book I had to read for school, and at the time, I wasn't thrilled about it. I had never been into mystery books before, and being forced to read one for a grade irritated me to no end. As the name suggests, there was a murder on a train, and the book revolves around trying to solve that murder. The book was first published in 1934, so it contains some timely elements that only made it more unappealing.

Nowadays, I love this book! It's probably one of my most reread books, and I enjoy the aspects that put me off when I first read it. I became more appreciative of how history is captured in books, even in works of fiction. I regard this as one of my favorite books now, which is the opposite opinion of what I ever thought I'd have about it.

[River Fenwick]

T - Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

A friend recommended this book and its series when I was in middle school, and the same friend made me watch the movies. Quite frankly, I couldn't see the appeal. Vampires and werewolves didn't particularly interest me at the time as I was heavily into more dystopian books, so perhaps I was biased from the beginning. It took me a long time to read the book fully, as I wasn't interested in the plot or the characters, so I never read any of the other books and fell asleep through the movie marathon my friend had put on.

I still hold the same opinion of the book today, and everything I see about the series, though usually in movie form, is purely against my will. I still don't see the appeal and find it somewhat creepy, though there are some great jokes made about the series. Sorry to all the Twilight lovers out there, but I will never be joining you in that sentiment.

[Luna Ravenlong]

F-Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

I first read this book when I was in my mid teens, and really enjoyed it. I loved the narrative structure and the switching viewpoints between Victor Frankenstein and “The Monster.” I thought the characters were really well developed, and that it really played well with the idea of which character actually is “the Monster.” Is the damage and destruction the Creature caused justified, because of how Victor treated it?

I’ve read it a few times since, and think I get more out of it every time. It’s especially interesting to compare it to the current rise of AI and the idea of machines being able to begin to have their own thoughts and developing past the point you’d want them to. Just because we CAN do something doesn’t necessarily mean that we SHOULD. I think this novel is rightfully regarded as not only a gothic horror, but as one of the first science fiction.

[Luna Ravenlong]

M-Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I first read this book after the first Hunger Games movie was released (so when I was about 19) and thought it was a brilliant end to the trilogy. I felt it really described well some of the horrors that can come with a rebellion, that people aren’t always necessarily what you think they are and that even people that are fighting on your side aren’t always “good.” I also like that it showed at the end that Katniss hadn’t completely recovered from what happened, and may never fully. But that that’s OK, and normal after such an horrific experience.

I’ve read this several times since, and do still enjoy it. I think that it holds up, and still is a very well written and relevant dystopian story. As I’ve gotten older, I probably think less about Katniss’s perspective, and more about the parents having to watch their children go through this- especially Katniss’s mother having to see her daughter be a figurehead and how risky that was. And for all the parents of children who were too young to have taken part in the Hunger Games fighting so their kids could have have a better future.

[Luna Ravenlong]

T-To Kill a Mockingbird

I first read this when I was 14, as it was assigned for my GCSE’s. I loved this book, and had read it on my own three times before we got through it as a class. It tackles incredibly difficult subjects in a very tactful way-most evidently racism and racial bias in the justice system, but also sexism and classism. I think having the story being narrated by an adult looking back at her childhood is a very good narrative choice, as it means you essentially get two different perspectives. It does a very good job of getting across the idea of “walking in someone else’s shoes” without being overly preachy.

I haven’t read it in a number of year, but I do still think about it regularly. I feel I’m due a reread, but from what I remember it still holds up well. I think that Atticus Finch’s closing speech is still one of the best things I’ve ever read, and the message of the novel is still incredibly important today.

[Emily Spencer]

M-Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

*****WARNING-SOME ADULT THEMES *****
(Nothing too graphic; ratings state that it is suitable for 13+)

I read this book shortly after it was first published, so I was about 17-18. The story reads like an autobiography; in fact, when I first read it, I was pretty sure it was just that. Color me surprised when I found out it was a work of fiction. Granted, it was a very well researched book (kudos to the author) but a work of fiction all the same.

The story is told from the perspective of Sakamoto Chiyo, who was sold by her father at the tender age of 9 to a geisha boarding house. Her sister was not so fortunate, and ended up being sold to a brothel. At any rate, Sakamoto begins her training, which is brutal, taxing, exhausting, and beautiful. Through years of frustration, tears, and exhaustion, she manages to master the craft and becomes one of the highest and most sought-after geishas in the city. As one can expect, this fueled a rivalry with her fellow geishas, and the book captures not only the drama but the emotional roller coaster of feelings perfectly.

Needless to say, I LOVED this book. It captivated me from the very first page and interest was held to the very end. In fact, I hated to see the book come to an end.

How I feel about it now:

Though I haven’t read the book again, my feelings have not changed. I am sure that if I read it again now, I would still feel the same sense of awe. Entering into the private world of the geisha was an experience not soon forgotten; and the author has the uncanny ability to draw you totally into that world and the narrative being told. It’s hard to explain, but you it ignites your senses to the point of where you can actually see, hear, and smell the scenes being described. You walk with Sakamoto and her story, in an odd way, becomes your own. I hadn’t thought about it in awhile, but writing about it now has made me want to read the book all over again!

[Emily Spencer]

T-That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton

I read this book many moons ago when I was about 13-14. I was super excited to read it, as I had just finished The Outsiders by the same author which I fell in love with instantly. In fact, it remains one of my favorite books of all time. But back to the book at hand..

It tells the story of Mark and Bryon, two best friends who are actually more like brothers. In fact, when Mark’s parents die, he is taken into Bryon’s household and treated like one of their own. And then, Bryon’s mother becomes ill and the family finds itself in dire financial straits. That is the catalyst for the slow destruction of Mark and the friendship between the two. The boys follow very different paths, and the rift widens until it is impossible to knit back together. Nothing, in fact, is ever the same again.

I wanted to like this book, and on a superficial level, I suppose I did. Hinton is a master storyteller, and the book does not disappoint on that score. For me, however, the feelings were all too real and close to home, and I actually got physically sick while reading the book. I think it affected me in a very personal way, thus diminishing my enjoyment of it. Put it this way, I made it through (by the hardest), and have no desire to live through the experience again.

How I feel about it now:

Though my emotions about the subject matter are not as raw anymore, I still have no urge to read the book again. Never has a book made me feel more uncomfortable, vulnerable,and gut-punched as this one did. In fact, I honestly don’t think I could read it now. Again, that has nothing to do with Ms. Hilton’s storytelling abilities, but rather my own personal history which made it extremely hard to enjoy. Not even the mention of characters from The Outsiders is enough to make me go down that road again, though it was the one time in the book that I actually smiled.

I would suggest it, ironically, as a good book to read, especially if you enjoy family drama and social upheaval. Seriously, even though it’s a ‘teen’ book, it would still hold adult attention. I hope my own reservations about the book have not turned anyone off of reading it!

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

Buy the Letter is now in our fourth week!

What books can you find that you've read whose names begin with G, J and O?

Again, here are reminders of 'what to do' and 'with what', as you proceed to find your books:

What you write will have two distinct parts:
First you write about the book, sort of like a book review, but you are telling us what it was like when you read it. Did you like it? Was it something about which you had great enthusiasm or was it something that you finished and never intended to pick it up again ever? When did you read this book? A year ago? Ten years ago? Last week?
Second - write how you feel about the book now. Do you have a different opinion of it? Have you since re-read the book, perhaps several times, and gaining appreciation of it each time? Or do you wish you'd never read it?

The minimum number of words, total, for the first and second parts, is 100 words (excluding the name of the book and the author). You are welcome to write more, of course.

Also, please remember to make sure that the books of which you write are HOL appropriate. As stated in our introductory post -- "Ideally, you should be posting about things that are suitable for even our younger members to read (the later Harry Potter Books are generally a good guide for the level of threat, language, and violence that is advisable)." Even if your book meets the 'appropriateness guide for younger members' of HOL, if you believe your book tackles darker or emotional themes then please include a disclaimer so that everyone can make an informed choice.

Remember, you have 6 to 7 days to write your reviews and then we will be giving you the next set of 'letters to buy'.

Have fun!

[Galena May]

It's an incredible set of letters this month.
G - "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift (I was very indecisive between picking this one and picking Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, seeing that Pip is still one of my most favorite characters, but since I am going to write about Charles Dickens in my 'O' post, I'd better write about Gulliver's Travels here).

There was this clever and huge man called Gulliver, (either giant stranded in a community of short people, or a normal person in a community of people that are very short like gnomes, no more than six inches tall, depends on who wrote the original version of the story - just joking, the story actually mentions that the Lilliputians were only about six inches in height and that Gulliver was a normal Englishman) and he gets washed ashore on the island of the Lilliputians. They are skeptical at first but then realise that Gulliver is a friendly giant and allow him ample food, drink, and respect. His sheer size makes him very useful mechanically and strategically to the Lilliputians, following which he even helps them defeat their plotting neighboring kingdom and earns huge favor with the Lilliput king.

My childhood has been o so full of classics, that it takes me a while to find love in a contemporary book, especially when feeling washed thoroughly in nostalgia. "Gulliver's Travels" was something recommended as well as bought for me by either my parents or my aunt from the annual bookfair that I visited regularly and I was about 1-8 years old back then, like in third or fourth grade at school, more likely to be third. I used to get picked on at school for my height and I somehow absolutely hated the Lilliputians for the same reason. You can see that I have got over it enough to be securely writing about it here. The story, for some reason, still held an incredible appeal for me. Throughout the pages, I could put myself in Gulliver's shoes and imagine how awkward and difficult it could be to get stranded in a foreign, strange land, where the people are not even your own size and are additionally not trusting you or even potentially afraid of you. When I read it for the first time, I was scared every moment that the Lilliputians would attempt to harm Gulliver in his sleep, out of fear of his power over them due to his advantage through his size. I remember saying to myself that how could Gulliver trust the Lilliputians and eat the food they brought him and live in the (giant to them) house that they constructed for him. I expected them to get rid of him any moment. At the same time, I was also intrigued by how quickly Gulliver won their trust by showing them his good manners and good intentions, and his character impressed me for the same reason. The internal problems of the Lilliputians were a bit difficult to understand for me, because I could not see the point of their rivalry with the neighboring kingdom. Gulliver's Travels was my dominant bedtime read for quite some time and I read it several times, but I don't remember reading it later in life.

How do I feel about it now? I am still impressed by how Gulliver made himself a name in the unknown land of the Lilliputians through his communication skills and by being friendly and offering his help wherever needed. More than the size, I think that the story is more about fitting in into an unknown and strange place where you are different from all the others. I think that the moral of the story is that no matter how unique you are, the rules of friendship are still the same - mutual respect, good communication, and being there for each other. No matter how different, people are always ready to accept you and help if you can show that you are not hostile. You may even end up earning their favor if your uniqueness becomes an attribute that becomes useful to them in some way. As for the war with the neighboring kingdom, whose king wanted to capture the Lilliputians' land, I find the rivalry comic, because Gulliver could have been a hostile giant, and then they would need each other as allies. But, then, considering the current state of the world that we live in, maybe some higher being more powerful than all of us, finds our international feuds and our world wars comic like I did in the case of the Lilliputians. Would I read it again? I wouldn't mind.

[Galena May]

J - The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.

Rudyard Kipling was a British author who wrote about the villages and forests he noticed in his surroundings during the time the British had colonized most of the world. The story follows an infant boy named Mowgli, who gets lost and separated from his parents, when his woodcutter mother is pursued by a tiger named Shere Khan (the main antagonist of the story). Mowgli's mother thinks that Mowgli has been eaten. Mowgli turns up in a wolf's den, where the she -wolf has just been suckling her own newborn litter. Mowgli, being innocent and young, and accustomed to the surroundings in a jungle thanks to his mother's occupation, is unafraid of the wolves and joins the litter. The wolves adopt Mowgli and hide him from the tiger, Shere Khan, who wants to eat Mowgli because human babies are delicious to him. Shere Khan spends his whole life looking for chances to hunt and eat Mowgli. Mowgli finds companions in Baloo, a bear, and Bagheera, a black panther, and is adored by his wolf siblings and wolf parents. With his human intelligence, he helps the animals and the animals protect him from harm in return and teach him the ways of the jungle and almost human-like morals. Eventually, the story brings up that just like good and bad humans, the forest is divided into good and bad creatures (and not necessarily because of power, think Bagheera) because Mowgli has both friends and family as well as enemies among the animals in the forest. When Mowgli grows up, he finds the Blue Flower, discovers the 'different' human part of him, and defeats the enemy of the jungle - Shere Khan.

I would have written about Jane Eyre, but the Jungle Book was one of the first ever books that I voraciously read in my childhood because I enjoyed it very much. I was about 9 years old when I begged for it to be bought for me from the - yes, you guessed it, the annual bookfair. I liked how the story showed Mowgli eventually realizing that he is fundamentally human, although he was brought up and can survive best in the jungle. It shows how he comes to terms with his dual identity and how he eventually gets back at Shere Khan. Throughout the story, I loved how Kipling emphasized that even the jungle had rules, such as not looking at a dancing python, not hunting humans, and storing food for the winter, and universally known codes such as when birds fly, danger is near, and one must always be alert in the jungle, no matter how silly these rules may seem to humans. Kipling clearly loved the jungle very much because he attempted to bring out that the jungle is more alike humans than we give the animals credit for. It was a page - turner for me and I was glued to it day and night, once I had bought it. I even got scolded for reading it all day before my exam.

How do I feel about it now? I still absolutely adore the narration style and the plot. I haven't re-read it, mostly because it will be time- consuming because it is long and I still remember how glued to it I can be. The story has a nostalgic feel to it for me even now. I love how Kipling ensured that readers understood that if humans are good to animals, then they can be good to us in return, and how not all animals are bad like Shere Khan. He showed how Mowgli's intelligence was useful to the animals in the forest and how the physical jaws and paws of the animals protected Mowgli, in contrast to the bad humans who hunted animals with their guns and the bad animals who attempted to eat Mowgli. The whole story itself was a lesson in morality. Mowgli's upringing, though by animals in the forest, wasn't devoid of the basic values and morals such as empathy, kindness, compassion, and loyalty that human kids should be taught but necessarily aren't. It may be absolute fiction about the animals having feelings and being good versus bad like humans, but the story has a point. It is us humans clearing out trees and depriving animals of their habitat. If we learnt to co-exist, they would probably be way more useful as well as friendly to us in their own capacity. In the days of Rudyard Kipling, over-hunting for sport and poaching were overwhelming issues and I totally see why Kipling needed to write this story at that time.

[Galena May]

O - Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

Disclaimer: Oliver Twist is in general suitable for children of age 8-11 years, but contains themes like crime, corruption, thievery, pickpocketing, illegal trade, and murder.
Charles Dickens has written so many novels that are absolutely worth it. The themes that he chose to highlight in his stories mostly included atrocities of the world during a certain period. Oliver Twist was also about the atrocities of the world when it came to kindness versus money. The main theme is greed, as well as corruption and crimes arising from greed and poverty, and how hostile and unkind the world can be to the ones who are poor. Oliver was born an orphan in a very poor household. Having lost his only tie to any surviving family by losing his mother's pendant to the corrupt and greedy keeper of his orphanage, he is mistreated and starved like all other orphans in the orphanage. He turns out to be the brave scapegoat when he is the only one who dares ask for more food, and is about to get a beating when he runs out and escapes, only to be alone and starving again. He is adopted by a gang of pickpockets and their ringleader Fagin, who are involved in stealing purses from people's pockets. Oliver, due to his innocence and young age, often finds himself the scapegoat when others escape. Oliver finds a motherly figure in Nancy who attempts to protect him from the cruelties of the criminal life. After a series of incidents and with some luck, Oliver is eventually adopted by a kind man and even learns the identity of his aunt, finally gaining a normal childhood and a proper life.

I read Oliver Twist when I was in seventh or eighth grade, about 11-12 years old. It took a while to read and understand but I was even then full of sympathy for Oliver. I was a little put off by the themes of crime and excessive corruption and greed, and I could feel myself being angry whenever Oliver was mistreated or made the scapegoat and whenever the corrupt officials or the criminals schemed and plotted only for greed without any consideration for the poor people or the people they were scamming. It was turned into a play staged at the annual function of our school, when I was in my ninth or tenth grade, and although I didn't participate, I got to see the preparations and rehearsals. The movie was played on our school's projector monitor, and the participants were required to act with the help of the scenes in the movie. I thought that the story was rich with drama, and overall it did have an appeal for me. I haven't had time to read it again, but it was good when I read it and saw it acted out for the play.

How do I feel about it now? I feel the same way about the story. Looking back, I had only been put off by the crimes, but now I see them as issues to be discussed and addressed, especially the corruption in the orphanage. I still find the starving of the orphans to satisfy the greed of the already rich, very offsetting, but it is true that reality still consists of such scenarios in many places across the world. It is done in secret but it is prevalent all the same. I find myself impressed by Dickens bringing up these social and economic issues through an excellent piece of literature. I would have him write more novels about the current state of crime and corruption across the world, lending his excellent narration skills, if I had the chance, because we do at present need a social awakening against these ills. Would I read it again? Of course. I would never tire of it, because it is written really well.

[River Fenwick]

WARNING: This book depicts some adult themes, violence, and death

G - The Giver by Lois Lowry

This is yet another book I first read in school, specifically around 12 for this book. I wasn't too keen on the book when I first started reading it, but as the plot went on, I absolutely loved this book! It's about a young boy named Jonas, who lives in a society where once children reach the age of 12, they get assigned their roles in the community, such as their jobs. Jonas receives a unique role: to train under The Giver. The role consists of holding onto memories from the past, both the good and the bad, that have been hidden away from society.

I still hold this book in high regard, though I've never watched the movie or read the rest of the series. I've always thought it was a well-written book, though looking back, I likely would've changed the ending some, as it seems more unfulfilling to me now than it did when I first read it. That's my only complaint about the book, though some would find it slow-paced.

[River Fenwick]

O - The Owl Service by Alan Garner

It's been quite a long time since I read this book, though I remember being interested in its plot and finding that it left me feeling uneasy. The story is about Alison, a girl who hears scratching sounds from the attic above her room. After going into the attic to investigate said noises, only some plates are found, though Allison traces the flower pattern from the plates and finds that they make owls. From there on, some strange events begin to occur, opening a mystery that needs to be solved.

Looking back at the book now, I was likely interested in it because I was younger when I read the book. It no longer holds my intrigue, and if I were to reread it now, I'd find it much more dull and uninteresting than I did then. Some of the characters have traits that I was more willing to overlook but now would kill the memory of the book.