Life changing experiences becomes a necessity. However not all life changing experiences are for a good cause but for me it was intellectually stimulating. In 2004 while in the student library I came across a book entitled " Forged By Fire". What cought my attention at first glance was the cover of the book, the cover of the book so happened to be my favorite color and at that time I wanted everything that was in red. Little did I know, this book was going to change me and the way I view things.
The real reason why I believe this book changed my life is because it was the very first book that I've ever understood completely. Usually I would read and by the end of the book I couldn't tell you the true meaning behind the book or the main message behind it all. What I loved about the book was that It didnt start out boring, when you turned to the first page it was action right their. It had gotten to a point where me and my teacher got into a confrontation because she wouldn't allow me to continue reading while she was teaching.
The book was about was about a young boy who witnessed his step father beat his mother on a daily basis. After his mother was taking away from him he witnessed nothing but heart ache and struggle. The boy in the book was exactly my age and I couldn't believe the things he was going through but then again I related to him in so many ways. It wasn't until after I read the book when I started to realize what was going on around me and how I was going to make a change as an individual.
I too grew up watching my little brother father beat my mother, and just like the boy in the book I was afraid to help, I was afraid to move. The only difference is, in the book I can fast foward, rewind or even stop the story but in reality I couldn't stop, rewind, or foward what was going on in my home. I felt the boys pain, I felt the exhaust, I felt the burn. After reading the book I began to speak up about what was going on and eventually told my little brothers father boy to man how I felt about the situation.
This book means so much to me because believe it or not it made me part of the man I am today. Forged by Fire is a very emotional book and I believe that no matter what you been through, if you pick up this book, it will open up your third eye just as they say weed does. you will find what was missing in your life and what needs to be changed within you and the world as a whole.
It is weird to think that a simple book or a movie can truly change a person. I am glad to hear after reading this you were able to stand up for what you believed in. It was interesting to hear how you were able to connect to the book so well and how you just happened to come across this book in the library just because it was your favorite color. Its strange how much you can relate to characters in the book you are reading.
ReplyDeleteI understand exactly what you mean. I would read just for the point of reading; understanding was a different thing. I only skimmed through the books I would have to read for my classes. It was very rare that I got into a book that a teacher gave me. I had the exact same understand experience with Fahrenheit 451. I understood the book from beginning to end, unlike any other book I had read before. It made me want to read more, and now I tend to completely understand the majority of the books I read.
ReplyDeleteYou sound just like my grandmother. She would tell me how her father would beat her mother and stuff. In your writing i hear your pain just like i heard my grandmothers. i would definitely be looking into that book.
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