Upper
Arlington High School
2006 Teen Read Week Favorite Book Essay Contest
Zak
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
If you haven’t heard about Hunter S. Thompson yet, then you’ve been living under a rock. He is one of the most influential journalists of this century. His work has certainly influenced countless fans around the world; I know I’m one of them. Possibly his most famous book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is also my favorite book of all time. The picture Thompson paints in your head is as vivid as a painting by Picasso. The character that I most identify with would have to be Raoule Duke. Unlike his partner, Dr. Gonzo, Duke is reserved and very careful. His mind is constantly talking back to him and reasoning with him several times before he actually acts. He is definitely a risk taker like myself but he also knows his limits and is always pushing those limits. Duke is always working hard to keep his partner in crime in check; similarly to the way I am with my friends. Raoule Duke remains as one of my favorite characters of all time as well as a character beloved by thousands of fans. Read this book!
Ashley
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie. My hero. My friend. My true love. Myself. The main character of this novel is exactly what the title describes: a wallflower. He watches from the sidelines as other people live their lives, and contemplates how he wants to live his. Is this wrong? Well, if it is then every high-schooler, myself included, is guilty of the same crime. For who has not, at one time, stood on the outskirts and observed, too afraid to take the risk for themselves? I’m as guilty as Charlie is, but just as he grew in the novel, I have grown through my own high school experience. I began as the typical timid freshman, afraid of everything, too scared to even try. Now, just as Charlie learned to live his life, I have learned to live mine. I have gone from being the wallflower to being someone who experiences every moment completely. Charlie and I have grown together. We’re both your typical high school kid, just trying to figure it all out. So, thank you Charlie. Thank you.
Bridget
Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer
I wonder if it’s odd that I identify myself more with a barnyard animal than another human being. Yet no one represents me better than a small, female pig in Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer. We both love matching our clothes and consider the search for the perfect outfit an endless one. Olivia is also enchanted by the idea of a fireworks band in this particular episode, and as a staunch band member, I couldn’t agree more. She loves to come up with crazy schemes and proclaim ideas in loud voices, often to the annoyment of those around her. But she doesn’t care: this little piggy holds her head high. But most importantly, like me, Olivia dreams big. She ponders becoming a Supreme Court justice, a ballet dancer, or whatever else strikes her fancy. We both feel that nothing’s impossible if you’re passionate enough. Although Olivia and I may be of different species, we’re cut from the same mold.
Tommy
The Stranger by Albert Camus
The title of this text provides deep insight into the events, actions, and protagonist of Camus’ work. Meursault is “strange” in every way to the reader, and to his peers. His emotions and outlooks are foreign and queer, his apathy peculiar. “The Stranger” in the protagonist of Meursault leads a life unique in all senses, unmoved by death and murder. Only when his life is near its end, when the guillotine beckons, Meursault is liberated. Only at this point does he comprehend the beauty of existence. While “strange” upon first examination, Meursault is truly an inspirational and complex individual.
Chloe
Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
The power of one is a simple, but compelling idea. Bryce Courtenay’s novel, the Power of One, portrays the perseverance of the main character, Peekay, who manages to survive trying situations in which he is both the youngest and smallest. Peekay and I are similar in our abilities to fend for ourselves and make people look past our small statures towards our goals. Like Peekay, I have learned how to remain strong when told that I am incapable of accomplishing goals due to my size. More importantly, I have realized my height only limits me when I allow it. As long as I remember Peekay’s rule, “first with the head and then with the heart, that’s how a man stays ahead from the start” (Courtenay 103), then I can achieve whatever I set my mind to, and that is the power of one.
Rachel
Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
When I first read Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse in second grade, I immediately knew that Lily and I are alike. Similar to Lily, I had a teacher, Mrs. Gibson, who inspired me to want to be a teacher. We got our love of learning from our teachers and through their guidance we learned the importance of creative expression. Additionally, both Lily and I get enjoyment over the small things in life such as sharpened pencils, homemade snacks, and shoes clinking down long hallways. Lily is a character that shares my career dreams and love for life.
Samantha
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The classic cliché, don’t judge a book by its cover, hardly applies to Shel Silverstein’s illustration of The Giving Tree. Illustrating the moral of this classic children’s story, the book cover focuses upon the benevolence of the kind and generous Tree. The jacket consists of a green background, a young boy, and the Tree. At first glance, it may appear that the boy is simply catching a fallen apple, but when examined more closely, the Tree is bestowing an apple upon the boy, allowing him to eat the fruit. Along with the illustration of the Tree’s generosity, the Tree towers over the young child as if to shelter the innocent youth. Not only does the magnanimous Tree want to provide for his youthful friend, but sincerely cherishes their relationship.