Who are you?

The novel I chose to read for the AP English research project was Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. While I do realize it was not on any of the provided lists of critically acclaimed novels, I believe it has had a major impact of literature and society. The novel is often ranked among notable existential novels and has created a significant following among its readers. The novel criticizes aspect present in the lives of everyone living in this society and era. For such reasons, I believe this novel has made a significant contribution to literature.

In our consumerist society, it is easy to lose oneself in the values established by the media. The novel criticizes the importance of materialism in our lives by stating, “...you're not how much money you've got in the bank.  You're not your job.  You're not your family, and you're not who you tell yourself.... You're not your name.... You're not your problems.... You're not your age.... You are not your hopes.”  ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 18. The novel causes one to question one’s true self when what is defined by our ego is disregarded. If it seems incredibly hard to describe oneself without the description of one’s past or one’s surroundings, it shows how attached we are to our ego.

I would recommend the novel to anyone and I think it would be a great choice to be read in an AP English class because of its contemporary value. As seniors, many of us are overwhelmingly concerned with what college we will attend, which will allow us to get the job we want, which will ensure we have enough money to buy things we really don’t need. Its always good to pause and question our goals and whether our plans will end in material wealth or happiness.

~Vanessa S :D

Before It's Too Late

Although I admit that I procrastinated a lot in reading this novel, I can definitely say that it will stay in my list of books to remember. The Poisonwood Bible reminded me of one of the lessons that is, for the most part, overlooked in today's fast-paced lifestyle: cherish what you have, work to keep it with you and be content, before it's too late and you lose it. From seeing others, and being an example myself, I can say that some (if not a lot of) people easily take the things they have for granted.

Sometimes, like Orleanna, they remain passive and act only once that object is compromised or gone. Ruth May's, or even any of the daughters' deaths, was already expected in her mind, but she really did nothing to prevent it until it was too late.

Or sometimes, we can be like Leah. Or in more extreme cases: Nathan. They become too idealistic and and become impatient or selfish when what they see isn't exactly what they envisioned it to be. They try to push it to what they want it to be, even though it is really difficult or sometimes even impossible, and they become blind.

Of course, I am not saying that everyone is like this. This is more of a warning and a chance for a little introspection for any reader. Do not make the same mistakes the characters in the novel made, for it can be extremely difficult to mend. Nevertheless, this is only one of the numerous insights the novel provided, and one that I will most likely carry on through the years.

~Lian C.