The Problem With Novel Study

Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that I get to read books as part of high school. I really love when I’m given a good book, and get to be productive while still being able to indulge in something I love. Here’s the problem though; for me, it always ruins the book. 

Let me explain. This year, we’re studying the book Atonement by Ian McEwan. I’ve never read it before, but I was instantly intrigued. And that ending… That was a Gone Girl level twist, I didn’t see it coming AT ALL. Except, I did. Our teacher gave us a plot summary, so I knew what to expect every step of the way. The twist wasn’t a twist, because I knew it was coming, and as I read all the things leading up to it I read it differently to a first-time reader. I understand, she had to spoil it so we could start studying it. For me, though, it ruins the book a little. 

Besides, necessary reading is never fun. Whether it’s for school, or a review book, you go into it expecting the worst. It’s more a pleasant surprise when it’s good, instead of disappointing when it’s bad. Atonement is actually really good, but I’ve studied things like the Silver Sword, Children of the Dust, and plenty of Shakespeare, all of which have really good ratings. Those first two are honestly the worst books I’ve ever suffered through, and Shakespeare was something I dreaded having to read. As I’ve gone through more of my schooling I’ve found a new appreciation for these sorts of books, and poetry, but just a year or two ago I found myself hating them. So, again, although I like the idea of reading, forcing me to read never seems to work out well!

I guess what is really good is that I can get out of my comfort zone, and so can everyone else. I’m reading things I would usually never pick up, or books I’ve never even heard of because I have to, and from that I might find something new I love. Like with Atonement, there’s always a chance I’m going to really enjoy a book, and want to read it again out of a stressful school environment. With something like Shakespeare, I’m getting a new appreciation for a different time period, and a different style of writing. So while it might ruin a book for me, there’s also a flip side that comes along every once in a while. 

Here’s what I’m saying – studying books isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, encouraging young people to read is amazing all of the time. Just for me, it can sometimes seem like the worst thing in the entire world. My review for Atonement is to come, so you can hear my proper thoughts on it!