The subtle knife START OF Q2!

Last week, I was reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I was excited to read it, especially because so many people have told me how good it is, but I couldn't really get into it. I also tried this book because there was some historical content in it. However, the entire plot didn't really interest me and I was actually quite bored. Finally, by around the eighth chapter, I did learn more about why the book is called the Kite Runner and I also learned a lot more about the culture of people in Afghanistan. I was learning a lot throughout the whole book and it was interesting to relate to what I learned last year in Global (about rival religions and cultures in this part of the world), but I wasn't really intrigued by the book. I am happy I gave it a try, but I don't think I am going to stick to it.
This week I also started reading The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman. It is a big change from The Kite Runner; this fantasy book really gets my creative thoughts flowing and my imagination running. It has been a while since I have picked up a fantasy book on my own (especially not one that involves alternate worlds) but The Inferno, which we are reading in class, reminds me of this book. I am just at the beginning of The Subtle Knife, but it is attention-grabbing to imagine kids being transferred into a complete different world. It is fun to imagine myself in the world that Will and Lyra find themselves in. They are both on their separate missions in this world, called Cittagazze. This also reminds me of Odysseus in The Odyssey because there are so many things he completes on his journey before he goes home. In the book, Will needs to find his father, who is in this alternate universe, meanwhile Lyra is on a mission of her own. This is a really fun book and I am enjoying it a lot!

The stanger (ending) and The Kite Runner

I have finally finished up the last few chapters of Stranger and I actually am left a bit perplexed. Of course, I am surprised that by the end of the book Meursault stops bothering to question his future/execution. But I am also very refreshed by his character. In a lot of books I read, the ending seems to be dragged out, however Meursault takes life for what it is without pondering why every minute detail occurred the way it did in his life. Sure, he was shocked by his death penalty sentence and even panic a little. At first, he says, "All I care about right now is escaping the machinery of justice"(108). However, later on in the chapter, he realizes that he may actually be facing his death in the near future and he excepts it. He doesn't try to look to a source of inspiration or courage (he is atheist and refuses to looks to God's help) or desperately try to repent for "sinning". The very last sentence in the book interests me yet also leaves me baffled, "I only had one wish that there be large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate"(123). He has a very interesting point of view and is definitely a confused young man. How is he able to accept his horrible fate? It also seems like he is against himself and wants people to look down on him. This book has left me in a state of consternation.
This week i have also started The Kite Runner. I'm finding it interesting so far I have learned many subjects from the book in my Global class. It is fascinating to see how the history I learn in class actually comes to life and impacts the characters in the book. In the beginning, the main character, Amir, talks about an account in his childhood he claims that it "made me what I am today"(2). I am excited to learn more about this event and how it effected him.