My Summer Reading Journey...

Well, first off, I must say that I am such a procrastinator!! I put off most of my summer homework until two weeks before school started, but luckily, I managed to finish it all!
The books I read this summer were Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte and The Return of the Native, by Thomas Hardy. I enjoyed both of these books a thoroughly, although I'll have to admit that at times they were kind of confusing! I always look for a hearty and interesting story in the books I read--a catchy beginning, with an exciting plotline, adventurous characters, and an unexpected ending --Wuthering Heights definitely had an exciting plotline, although most of the story was a flashback. My favorite part in the book would have to be the part where the younger Catherine writes secret letters to Linton, since she is forbidden to meet him in person. I was very upset at Heathcliff's character about half way through the book--I couldn't believe he had become so evil! It just made me really upset that he was unnecessarily venting his anger and desire for revenge upon his own son and Catherine! I would have to say that I liked The Return of the Native a lot better than Wuthering Heights. Initially, the author led me into a lengthy and prosaic description of the setting, Egdon Heath. Only later, was I able to understand the significance of these descriptions--the moods and qualities of the characters actually were a reflection of the setting in the story and that was really interesting for me! It was so adventurous and I often found myself literally angering at the characters for doing stupid things (like Christian gambling off the ginueas to Wildeve) and laughing at their quirks and actions (Eustacia dressing up like a boy to see Clym). I loved this book overall and it was a great and different reading experience!