https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2 Essentially a crazy amount of fiction, and maybe something else en-us 2018-05-21 14:17:00 UTC 2018-05-22 19:08:35 UTC hello@padlet.com 2070651 https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262374475 I remember reading all 7 books in less than 2 weeks in 4th grade, and being obsessed with the fictional world that J.K. Rowling created.  I loved being able to let my imagination fly as I thought of what would happen on the next page, in the next chapter, or even the next book.  When I was younger, I simply loved the plot and characters, but now I've come to realize what it all stands for, and the themes and symbols incorporated perfectly.  It is something I can always come back to, always reanalyze, and always love reading.  I also love the story of the author, and it has inspired me to think creatively, keep writing, if I put my mind to it and work on my writing, I can publish anything.  ]]> 2018-05-21 14:22:33 UTC https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262374475 2070651 https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262379348 Also in elementary school, I remember always wanting to reread this book, to enjoy the story all over again, and see if I could spot all the hints that the author dropped along the way. This novel, along with the Nancy Drew books, inspired my love of "digging" through novels to analyze what is going on, and finding clues to solve the mystery. Had I not fallen in love with fantasy a year or so later, I might be an aspiring mystery or thriller writer. ]]> 2018-05-21 14:36:11 UTC https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262379348 2070651 https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262381755 Before 5th grade, I read all 3 novels throughout the summer, and this instilled in me a love of complex plots and story lines that connect even over the course of at least 1000 pages. I also loved how a fictional world had been created, but with a rich history and culture, and diverse races with their own traditions, etc. It was incredibly involved, and something that I aspire to recreate with my own writing and ideas. Although not novels I repeatedly come back to because I want to reread them, I'm always interested in learning more about the history in the novels and the whole fictional world, and do enjoy rereading certain parts.]]> 2018-05-21 14:42:16 UTC https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262381755 2070651 https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262700704 Similar to The Things They Carried, this was a more realistic and "gritty" read that exposed the dangers of countries with war, segregation, and any type of internal conflict.  This has made me much more sympathetic and open to ways to change these horrors.  Although horrific, the imagery that the author used was remarkable, as well as descriptive language.  In my own writing, I am now not afraid to add political elements, as well as new types of conflicts.]]> 2018-05-22 14:11:26 UTC https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262700704 2070651 https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262700895 The Things They Carried was a very different read for me, as it was the story of the author and his fellow troops throughout the Vietnam War. It definitely was a more emotional read for me, as many of the stories involved the loss of his friends, and tragedies of the war. It was a very eye opening read, as it exposed me to a true story, not some fantasy that won't impact my life. This however, still impacts my life and the world today, and brought to my attention the devastation in countries brought about by war. I have an even deeper respect for troops fighting for their survival, and humanitarians protecting their rights.]]> 2018-05-22 14:11:58 UTC https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262700895 2070651 https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262700988 This is a very recent novel, read sophomore year as an English assignment, however I found that I would enjoy it even if I read it outside of school.  While I thought the plot was a tad excessive, and originally wasn't a fan of Janie constantly leaving her husbands, she did so to pursue happiness, independence, and equality.  As a young woman, I firmly believe in these ideals, and think that Janie is a great figure in literature for standing up for her beliefs. As this was a recent read, the content of this novel hasn't fully changed my life, but I have no doubt that it will in the near future.]]> 2018-05-22 14:12:10 UTC https://padlet.com/2070651/ppmw38mgnga2/wish/262700988