Author: Avery

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic coming-of-age novel published in 1868. The story follows the lives of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they grow up in Civil War-era New England. The novel talks about themes of family, love, independence, sacrifice, and personal growth. The story begins with the March family living in modest circumstances after their father goes off to fight in the Civil War. Despite their financial struggles, the sisters share a deep bond and face life’s challenges together. Each sister navigates her personal ambitions, flaws, and relationships. Jo struggles with her desire for independence, Meg learns to balance family life with her aspirations, Amy pursues her artistic dreams, and Beth’s quiet strength influences everyone around her. 

“Touched to the heart, Mrs. March could only stretch out her arms, as if to gather children and grandchildren to herself, and say, with face and voice full of motherly love, gratitude, and humility–‘Oh, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this!'” (p. 578)

It reflects her immense joy and fulfillment as a mother. The context of this moment highlights her dreams for her daughters’ happiness, love, and unity as a family. When Mrs. March stretches out her arms, it symbolizes her desire to embrace all her children and grandchildren both literally and emotionally. Her words express a heartfelt blessing, wishing them the same happiness she feels in that moment. The combination of “motherly love, gratitude, and humility” shows the blessings in her life and her selfless devotion to her family.

Kathleen Glasgow’s fictional book Girl in Pieces explores themes of trauma, recovery, and self-discovery. The story follows 17-year-old Charlotte “Charlie” Davis, a girl who has experienced immense pain, including the death of her father, her mother’s neglect, and losing her best friend to suicide. Struggling to cope, Charlie turns to self-harm as a way to manage her emotional turmoil. After a particularly traumatic event lands her in a mental health facility, Charlie embarks on a journey to rebuild her life. She relocates to Tucson, Arizona, where she begins working at a coffee shop. There, she meets an eclectic group of people, including Blue, a tough yet supportive co-worker, and Riley, her brooding but troubled boss. These relationships become pivotal in her journey toward healing.

You think you know someone in the sunlight, but you don’t. There’s something about the dark that makes people lie. You can see their faces but not their hearts. You can hear their words but not their thoughts. And sometimes the dark makes us strangers to ourselves, too. (p.178)

I chose this quotation because It is something I think about constantly. You truly never know what someone is feeling or thinking. You think you know someone when, in reality, they could be the complete opposite of what you think they are like.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic novel exploring themes of love, class, family, and personal growth. Set in early 19th-century England, the story centers on the complex relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth initially views Darcy as arrogant and proud, while Darcy sees Elizabeth as beneath him socially. Over time, they both learn to see past their first impressions.

“I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding— certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of other so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.” (pg. 52)

In this quotation, Darcy admits he has flaws, but he believes his judgment and intelligence are sound. This suggests a self-awareness but also a sense of pride in his insight and intellect. He acknowledges that he is stubborn and inflexible, perhaps unwilling to conform to societal expectations or to compromise easily. This inflexibility can be seen as both a flaw and a mark of personal integrity. I picked this quotation because I think it is realistic since not everyone is perfect.

Elvis and Me is a book written by Priscilla Presley. It explains what her life was like with Elvis Presley. The book explores their relationship, from their initial meeting when Priscilla was just 14 years old, to their marriage, life together, and eventual divorce. Their relationship was controversial due to the big age gap. Priscilla has even made a movie about their relationship to show people what Elvis Presley was actually like. Priscilla struggled to have friends while dating Elvis, and this continued even after they had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

“You have so much to share, you have so much to tell, you have so much you want to expose, so much that’s inside that you’ve learned from that life period. There are really very few people I can share that with.” (p.116)

Priscilla Presley says this quotation. It reflects a deep sense of personal experience and wisdom. The quotation speaks to both the desire to connect with others and the challenge of finding people who can genuinely relate to one’s life journey. She believed few people understood her and appreciated what she had to offer.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is set in the 1950s and is narrated by a young man, Holden Caufield. Holden makes it clear that he is undergoing treatment at a mental hospital after having had a rough life. Holden suffers from borderline personality disorder, which is a condition identified by an extended period of emotional irregularity. The events he narrates take place a few days between the end of the fall school term and Christmas when he is sixteen years old.

“Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behaviour. You’re by no means alone on that score; you’ll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now.”  (p. 208-209)

This quotation is said by Mr. Antolini, who is the antagonist of the book and Holden’s former teacher. He explains this to Holden, saying he is not alone in his feeling of disgust for human behaviour, but many people have shared the same honesty about the culture they live in. Holden goes to Mr. Antonili because he feels he can trust and confide in his former teacher, however, this is the event that precipitates his breakdown. He is left unsettled and unsure.

 

 What Would Audrey Do? a book written by Pamela Clarke Keogh. It is a lifestyle guide that explores how Audrey Heburn’s timeless elegance, kindness and poise behaviour can inspire modern women. Through anecdotes and lessons from Audrey’s life, the book offers advice on fashion, relationships, grace, and self-care. It delves into her approach to challenges, personal style, and values like generosity and empathy, encouraging readers to embody her sophistication and kindness in their own lives. The book paints Audrey as more than just a Hollywood icon but a role model for living a graceful and fulfilling life.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. I have learned how to live and be in the world and of the world.” (p.148)

Audrey Hepburn was a loving mother to two boys. She has inspired many women, including me. She believed nothing was impossible and you should always follow your dreams. She also believed inside beauty was more important than outside beauty, which I find truly inspiring.  In this quotation, she explains that not only is helping others important, but also helping yourself.

“Coco Chanel, An Essence of Mystery” written by Isabelle Fiemeyer. Coco Chanel is the founder and namesake of the luxurious brand Chanel. She had a brief career as a signer before her first clothing shop opened in 1910. She grew up in a time when women were expected to wear confining pieces, but her goal was to design classy articles of clothing that were fashionable but also comfortable. Instead of offering corsets and lace frills, she designed wide-leg pants and sailor shirts.

“It’s not the appearance, It’s the essence.

It’s not the money, It’s the education.

It’s not the clothes; It’s the class”

This quote is special because Coco Chanel would say it all the time. She has made a fashion staple and inspired many women to do the same. Her clothes have revolutionized the fashion industry. She may not be alive anymore, but her legacy still stands strong and holds value throughout people’s lives.