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Book Reviews

By Selina Demetrick

Whether your way home is a two-day long journey across the world, a few hours between neighboring countries, or a short car ride, books have always been a preferred method to pass time. While the classics provide deep-rooted metaphors and dynamic characters to communicate the authors’ assessment of society, modern popular literature presents fast-paced action and varying storylines that makes time fly.

As for current day pop culture books, though they rarely provide material for the brain to dissect, they are interesting enough to equate to junk food for the mind.  They are entertaining on a shallow level, but reliable as a method of passing time with exciting scenarios and short-lived emotional connections. The Fault In Our Stars, the well-known John Green novel, for example, provides a slightly predictable plot, through John Green’s repetition in endings and his need to always be creating a new conflict, as well as shallow themes that require minimal analysis to comprehend fully . However, the perspective on Hazel and Augustus’s experience with cancer and their relationship introduces a refreshing take on the worldview of today’s youth.

Additionally, books such as Game of Thrones, whose on-screen adaptation has climbed its way to one of the most successful series on television, are peppered with exhilarating plot-twists and unpredictable storylines. Long flights or road trips are certain to pass by much quicker with the fast-paced scenarios George R. R. Martin injects throughout his five book series. If you’re simply seeking a story to keep you interested, Game of Thrones, as well as the rest of the series, provides a convenient amount of exciting plot, but without much character depth or development, which can be attributed to the vast expansion of characters throughout the story.

Additionally, the third book from the renowned Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, has created a stirring effect, in both the literary and cinematic world. The novel features the ending of a seemingly Utopian, post-modern world. Suzanne Collins presents a gripping tale to illuminate the subject of corruption and exploitation, through an original storyline decorated with strong metaphors and character relationships.

In regards to the aforementioned classics, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy is a feast for the mind in all aspects. Tess of the D’Urbervilles brings forth an unusual perspective (given that it was written in 1891), for a young woman and the trials she is presented with that leave her subjected to the mercy of societal expectations for her as a woman. The vivid description and powerful relationships portrayed by Thomas Hardy allow for a new view on society’s standards.

In comparison, Harper Lee’s timeless novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is an absorbing work of literature that stood out for sparking controversy from its first publication in the 1960s. Lee’s story draws a parallel to the refreshing take on society’s perception that Hardy’s provides in his work. To Kill A Mockingbird follows the point of view of a young girl, showing the innocent and simple perspective that becomes lost by adulthood, suggesting the pressure society holds on one’s individual opinion. The character development and beloved metaphor between Tom Robinson and a mockingbird are a delightful ornamentation to the overarching plot.

The contrast between famous classics and pop-culture literature provide varying degrees of entertainment. Though the latter provides simple themes and symbolism, expeditious plot makes for an exciting, lively read. For the analytical minds and picky readers however, a time-honoured novel is the most convenient method to get past those tedious ways of transportation, whatever they are.

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