What inspired you to read the book?
I always thought that all books, had the same type of writing style. Following the common flow of beginning, middle and ending, just a regular story. I know that each writer puts their own thoughts, voice, and words into their writing. But the more I read, book like this one, I realize how many different styles of writing exist. This book is written as letters, and brief descriptions of the environment of when, and where the letter was written. It is written in a different style that continues to inspire me on my journey as a reader.
What you learned from reading the book?
This has been the most challenging book I have read. It is written in such a flowery way that everything has a double-triple meaning, more meaningful than what I am sure I understood. This is a book that I hope to re-read in a couple years when I am a better reader, as I am sure I will understand it a lot better. The book is a non-conventional love story. It hits the heart very closely for me, as it is based on love letters. I am unsure if it’s normal for people to relate so much every time one reads a book, or if it just me sitting in jail, but I find stories speak to me. Since being in jail I have written many letters. It seems almost weird how letters were once the primary form of communication. Life long relationships were lived, on letters alone. The book Pride and Prejudice comes to mind, on the feelings, and importance of receiving, and reading a letter. Our world and technology has lost this, a text or an email, regardless of how much it says “I love you,” can never compare to the power of a hand written letter. This at least, I am happy to be able to send to my loved ones while being in jail.
How the book will influence your life and prepare for success upon release?
With this book I have learned at least fifty-seven new words, in just the last forty pages. I am not sure how awful that speaks of my vocabulary. I learned that simple words like “shoot,” not only means to shoot a target, but means a new branch, like in a plant. I also learned words like “gilt,” that means golden or gold plated. There are many other words that I was unable to find in my dictionary, so one day I will look them up. By writing new vocabulary words every time I read, I am able to grow my knowledge, and helps me develop a better vocabulary for writing and speaking in the future.
What was the most inspiring quote? “Some things matter more than wining”