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Essay / Final Project - 780
The first two books I chose were relatively similar; so I had to choose another book, which I had reread a few years ago to some of my daycare girls. The books were completely different, but they each had a lasting effect on their readers, effects that stayed with us for many years. Little Women is a classic. There is nothing comparable to the values conveyed by this family novel. If ever there was a brand for wholesome, effective, loving entertainment, it would be this book. I love reading this to girls when they are old enough to follow and enjoy the story. The lessons of spirituality, family bonds and love are things that are often misplaced in our society today, values that can quickly be hijacked in our technological world and rush to take control of every emotion and of every movement we make. The fact that Mr. March is a member of the ministry and instills his beliefs within his family is phenomenal (Alcott, 1995). The way the family continues to give, even in times of need, shows the true meaning of spirituality and proves that family love can and does transcend bloodlines. This book spoke to me a lot because it reminds me that we must remember our roots and that what matters is not what we have or don't have, but truly what we do with our lives. Compared to my other book, this one contained almost no violence. “Of Mice and Men” is another classic novel. Although on a different level, this book also shows us what family is and how the love of a family unit, no matter how big or small, blood or friendship can save our lives (Stenibeck, 1965). The love that George and Lennie have for each other is immense, carefully considered ... middle of paper ... challenged in a negative light. It didn't show that some mentally challenged people are very intelligent in certain areas. “Little Women” was, for me, all positive, but it’s a favorite. This is one of my “comfort” reads. If I were to step back and try to look at it negatively, I would have to say that in some ways it could have shown life a little more realistically. However, at the time the story takes place, times were simple. Life was not “having” as it is today and people were not insensitive to their environment (Lasn, 2000). This novel is just a good read, simple and pure. It's sad that there aren't more stories like this in today's world for young people to read. We must refocus our young people on the importance of family and on the fundamental values that they can sometimes only acquire from their family or their community (Schaefer, 2011).