Log #1

Pages Read: 1-80

   For the first book of this semester, I chose " The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender" by Leslye Walton. Published in 2014, the book is a tale that Ava Lavender, a girl born with wings on her back, tries to discover where her wings are from and endeavors to fight against the prejudices the world places on her. I chose this book because I love tales and the cover caught my attention when I wandered in the book store. The plots look nice, too. However mostly, it is because I planned to finish it last semester but I failed. I feel that I have the responsibility for it. After this book, I hope I can find the courage and confidence to live my life paying no attention to others' judgement.

  From page 1-80, Ava dated back her family history, from her grandmother to her mother. Her grandmother's family was rooted in France in the beginning. Nevertheless, their happy and peaceful days were torn into piece as they moved to America, where they had expected prosperity. Leading a miserable life, Ava's grandmother was believed to be cursed since everyone near her passed away, including her lover, parents, and siblings. Ava's mother, though born under such tough situation, looked on the bright side and actively face what her fate brought her. What brought her down was her boyfriend, who promised her to write her letters from college but disappeared in the end.   

  I appreciate Ava's grandmother's and mother's attitude toward life. Knowing that nothing would happen, they themselves decided to change their mindset. For every difficulty I encounter, I expect myself not to be afraid. Instead, I want to see it as a challenge where I can grow and make myself better. 

  One thing I want to mention about the book is that I really don't enjoy it to talk about the long story of one thing just to show the weak connection. For example, the author spent chapters talked about the house Ava's mother lived afterwards, which is of no importance. Oh a waste of pages, and time. Well, I guess I am practicing my patience.