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What is the most important purpose for the act of reading, according to the novel?

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What is the most important purpose for the act of reading, according to the novel?

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Reading is a part of everyday life. Whether it is reading a sign or reading a 500 page novel, everyone finds out something from reading. Most of the time, reading can even serve as an escape when one has lost all hope. In the novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, reading helps the characters stay positive during the war.

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Don't all great novels serve a deeper purpose?

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Don't all great novels serve a deeper purpose?

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Well of course they do. That is exactly why this novel must stay on the list. During the time of World War II, Juliet writes a newspaper column called Izzy Bickerstaff Goes to War. These series of columns are created into a book for all those to read. The people fall instantly in love with how real Juliet is in her writing. Her book not only shifts people's minds away from the war but also expresses to the reader the impact of reading. We as readers can relate personally even if we never experienced the war. The author of this novel, Mary Ann Shaffer, lets the reader know that in times of darkness, light can always be found.

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"I honestly thought everyone would be so weary of the war that no one would want a remembrance of it-and certainly not in a book. Happily, and once again, you were right and I was wrong" (Shaffer 15).

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"I honestly thought everyone would be so weary of the war that no one would want a remembrance of it-and certainly not in a book. Happily, and once again, you were right and I was wrong" (Shaffer 15).

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In the quote above, one can obviously tell that war negatively affected the lives of the people. In her letter to Sidney, Juliet seems surprised that people are actually reading. The people of Guernsey are reading her book and they become inspired. Reading means everything not only to Juliet, but to the people of Guernsey as well.

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Inspired by the People to Write her Next Book

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Inspired by the People to Write her Next Book

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Since this novel is a series of letters, one is able to see each character's point of view. As Juliet resides in Guernsey seeking to write her next novel, random fans write to her. For example, an animal lover (that's what she signs her name as), writes to Miss Ashton and tells her about her own books she has written. Since Juliet wants to write about people's lives during the war, animal lover tells her the truth about the animals. She goes on in her letter to explain the horrible manner in which the people in Guernsey treated the animals. Cats and dogs were brought to St. Andrew's Animal Shelter where they were put to sleep. Animal lover ends her letter with, "That's all I want to say, but put it in your book" (Shaffer 143). This quote highlights the goal of Juliet's book: to apply to the people's lives. The realism targets Juliet's audience to desire to read more. Reading is not just something for fun, it is an eye-opener to everyone else in the world.

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"On the page, I'm perfectly charming, but that's just a trick I learned. It has nothing to do with me" (Shaffer 159)

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"On the page, I'm perfectly charming, but that's just a trick I learned. It has nothing to do with me" (Shaffer 159)

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This short quote is an example of how Juliet is able draw in her audience. They all relate to reading her book because she knows how to charm people with her words. Reading has a lot to do with how the author chooses to write. Her writing style shows why people enjoy reading her book.

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Lastly, Reading Takes the Mind Away from "Distractions"

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Lastly, Reading Takes the Mind Away from "Distractions"

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In the book, the characters have multiple things on their minds. The Guernsey people are facing the impact of the war, but Juliet is busy too. There are many things besides writing that Juliet is dealing with. On top of being an admired writer, she is stuck in this "love triangle" with Dawsey and Mark. She loves Mark, but hasn't known him long and is hesitant when he proposes to her so many times. Dawsey, on the other hand, appeals more to Juliet. She feels that she is really in love with Dawsey. It is actually her proposing to him at the end of the story that brings them together. The novel's power of reading is relevant today, especially when speaking of distractions. Today, there are so many distractions with phones, social media, and school work. Many teens today rarely take the time to relax their minds and read a book. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society can serve as an example that no matter the situation, a book can add light-hearted humor during a time of stress. This is especially helpful for teens who can use some time away from their "distractions" to read a book with an empowering message like this novel.

This is a perfect example of Jim trying to distract Dwight: