Final Blog Post :(

* What strikes you as important in all the discussions we have had? What have these texts made you think about, reconsider, or wonder?


This semester in Women's Literature has forced me to read a lot of books that I would not have normally picked out. But surprisingly, I enjoyed and truly learned a lot from the selection of books. Initially in this course, I was not as interested in the themes of women because the first two books we read were not as interesting or influencing. Krik Krak and 19 Varieties of Gazelle were good general books about women's stories and challenges, but it wasn't until we got further into the reading list that the books began to inspire me and really hit home for me. Many of the stories that we have read in class are about women's struggles that are not identified or directed on a daily basis or even heard about once in a while, so reading these repeated themes drive them into your heart and show their significance in society. Some themes that I found were important in these books and important as a young woman to read, were being oneself, the importance of a support system, and taking charge of ones own life. These themes and their role in each book has caused to rethink and wonder about my own life: whether or not I am living up to my fullest potential and what I would do in these characters' situations. Reading these books has also caused me to be thankful for my own life and all of the people I am surrounded by. Whenever I feel that I am falling off course of my own life, I should reconsider how I can get back on track by looking back to these stories. Although realistically I know these books aren't going to be the first things that pop into my head, I know that what they have instilled in me will help guide me subconsciously. 
Some of the books that I found most helpful in leading me towards finding my womanhood and sense of self security and path were: The Vagina Monologues, I am an Emotional Creature, Push, and Two or three things I know for sure. These books were most influential to me personally, although I found other books to be just as interesting. The Vagina Monologues, and I am an Emotional Creature were the first round of books that initially threw me off guard for their bluntness, but once I got past that reaction, I realized how helpful they are.  Reading books such as these force you to hear stories about women and girls that may make you cringe, but by reading them, I felt empowered through them. The characters who went through rape, incest, sexual discovery, and family problems are just like any other person but what they went through made them stronger and if they can be that strong, then why can't I? I know that many of my peers did not like I am an Emotional Creature, but I found that it doesn't hurt to hear stories of younger girls, especially when you went through all of that and felt the same. It's always good to know that other people have the same thoughts or feelings than you: we're all related in a sense. Push was an extraordinary book that every possible theme and horrible situation combined in one book and one character. This book showed me the importance of courage and dedication, but also the importance or influence of a support group. Precious was in the worst possible situation that I could have ever imagined, but she took the initiative and went to this special school where she met incredible women who helped her find her true potential and path in life. I would like to think that an epilogue for this book would be a happy ending for Precious, maybe it is my optimism or that her self esteem would continue to grow with her support group and take her to new levels.  Two or three things I know for sure is a book that I was really into. The little quotes of advice she game before telling a new anecdote really cause me to reconsider their advice in my own life. I have learned to appreciate these books in unique ways, and overall this course. A women's literature course was empowering for me. It taught me to listen to other stories of women and learn from them and each of their experiences. These books were all very helpful and caused me to wonder a lot about life and women and their rights, I really enjoyed this class!