If you guys haven't already read part 1 of this post, I highly suggest that you read that first before reading this. If you haven't read the book yet, then I suggest you do that as well. Lol. There are major spoilers. Now, if you've read both (or don't care about the spoilers for the book) then I hope you enjoy reading the parts of this book that really made me reflect on life. I always said that this book reminded me of a modern day The Catcher in the Rye (even though I definitely hated that book in high school. Lol.).
The style of writing, the letter format, the ending...Was I the only one who couldn't spot the plot twist? Either way, the story and the writing are what made this book special for me. I 10/10 recommend. Now let's get into the quotes: "I think it's bad when a boy looks at a girl and thinks that the way he sees the girl is better than the girl actually is. And I think it's bad when the most honest way a boy can look at a girl is through a camera. It's very hard for me to see Sam feel better about herself just because an older boy sees her that way." "...the scientists found out was that the rat of mouse would out up with a lot more voltage for the pleasure. Even for the food." (This concept was interesting to me because it makes you realize that even for animals, where their survival is based on pure instinct, happiness in life holds more value than even survival. Things such as money, (food for the rats) a steady job, etc. don't matter if you're not enjoying the life you're living, even the little things. Imagine if we chose pleasure all the time?) Thoughts: Charlie says he wants to be anonymous but the first thing he mentions is the death of his friend "Michael" by the cause of suicide. Since it was such a huge event at his school doesn't he think who he's writing to will know who he is since she was there? December 21, 1991 -after he read the poem- "And I think they knew." "And I think that's all you can ever ask from a friend." (Looking back on this quote I can't help but think what did they know? Did they know about Helen?) Thoughts: December 26, 1991 What happens to him after he found out Aunt Helen died? "I would die for you, but I won't live for you." (I love this.) "I think the idea that every person has to live for his or her own life and then make the choice to share it with other people. Maybe that is what makes people "participate."" (…And this.) "I just want you to know that you're very special...and the only reason I'm telling you is that I don't know if anyone else ever has." "I think that should be the tradition. The kid gets gifts from everybody, and he buys one present for his mom since she was there, too. I think that would be nice." (I love his use of simple words to describe an emotion so deep. "nice".) "...called me a "teacher's pet" in the hallway after Bill's class, but I didn't mind because I think he missed the point somewhere." (I wish I even had simple words to describe this emotion.) "It's strange the times people choose to be generous." "Remember when we all felt infinite?" (The first time it was said had an impact but when this was said and the "remember" is what hit me. There was nostalgia for such a glorious moment in his life but also so much pain and longing.) "I just remember walking between them and feeling for the first time that I belonged somewhere." (I love that feeling. That feeling of "I love you", "I love me", "I love this life" because this makes me feel ALIVE.) "I thought that your being sad was much more important to me than Craig not being your boyfriend anymore. And if that meant that I would never get to think of you that way, as long as you were happy, it was okay. That's when I realized I really loved you." (What is love? Is it this like he described? Is it what Sam told him it really was? How do you know?) "If somebody likes me, I want them to like the real me, not what they think I am. And I don't want them to carry it around inside. I want them to be able to do whatever they want around me. And if they do something I don't like, I'll tell them." (Authenticity.) "I wasn't being honest. So, why would I care whether or not he loved me when he didn't even really know me?" (Sadness.) "I'm going to be who I really am. And I'm going to figure out what that is." (We all have those moments. The journey never ends. We continue to grow.) "But right now I'm here with you. And I want to know where you are, what you need, and what you want to do." (We all need people like this.) "I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn't try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have." (Being a good person can have a long lasting impression on someone, no matter how small.) Thoughts: I wonder if her life changed after getting these letters. I hope she read them. "And I was really there. And that was enough to make me feel infinite." Until Next Time! With love, Arianna
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AuthorI'm an 21 year old girl who lives in NY. I love to read and write and fashion is my life. Follow me to find out more! Archives
January 2023
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