I’ve never had a conversation with my classmates that didn’t end with them telling me how much they hate the book they’re reading in English. The simple statement, “I still have to finish reading Chapter Seven” triggers groans and complaints from everyone, something I used to be guilty of too.
For many students, completing a reading assignment feels like a chore that needs to be crammed between algebra and chemistry homework. I’d never questioned this mindset until the night before my English class began reading Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” A friend texted me about how interested she was in the novel after seeing it on multiple banned books lists. So different from the usual chatter surrounding homework, that conversation made me realize how lucky we are to read novels like “The Handmaid’s Tale” in school while many students in other parts of the country can’t.
Books are often banned because they present controversial ideas, but these topics help us learn if we push ourselves to examine them critically. English class gives us a dedicated space to do that.
Being challenged by mature, controversial subjects in an educational environment helps students understand them thoroughly and thoughtfully. Although many dislike it, annotating is one of the best ways to engage with the text. While many students feel like annotating is an unnecessary step, it prepares students for future assignments by giving them time to think about the text on their own before class.
Annotating forces students to slow down and fully comprehend the text. It helps them notice patterns, ask questions and overall prepares them for better writing and discussions.
Sure, reading “The Handmaid’s Tale” may have added an extra half hour to my nightly homework load, but if I had not slowed down and spent time annotating outside of class I would have missed the important details Atwood used to illustrate the cruelty of Gilewad, the fictional regime from the novel. These details grew my understanding of the story.
I understand why many students wouldn’t consider the purpose behind each assigned novel, but just being aware of the reasons why we’re given these books makes it easier to appreciate the privilege we have in reading them.
We’re fortunate to be able to read texts intended to challenge us and help us grow, but this opportunity dies when we don’t take time to analyze the text. Don’t waste an opportunity to learn from your books. It’s one that has been taken from so many others.