Emma Myers~ Assistant Editor
Photo retrieved from https://depositphotos.com/photos/books.html
For many students at the University of Lynchburg, books are the windows to the world.
Sophomore Lauren Radack said, “I feel that books are a way of sharing thoughts and emotions. A book can leave a profound impact on people, influencing the way they view / experience life.”
Radack goes on to explain that books are a wonderful way of teaching people about the world, whether or not they are for school or pleasure.
A series of books that influenced Raddack was Marina’s Tales by Derrolyn Anderson, a series she began reading at eight years old and continues to return to.
Marina’s Tales is a fantasy series set in modern day Santa Cruz, California. Marina, a teenage girl who has grown up traveling the world with her scientist father, is sent to live with her Aunt and cousin for her final years of high school after her father decides to pursue a research opportunity in Afghanistan. Living in Santa Cruz, Marina discovers family secrets about her deceased mother, makes friends, navigates high school, finds love.
Raddack added, “When I first read the series, the fantasy aspects drew me in. Now the incredible character development from the main character and supporting characters is what has maintained my interest.”
English Professor and published author, Kelly Ann Jacobson said, “The Martian Chronicles [by Ray Bradbury] was the first book of linked stories in the science fiction genre that I ever read.”
Jacobson admired the way that Bradbury moved between planets and species’ perspectives in different chapters and was heavily inspired by his story when writing her own novel, Weaver.
“Bradbury showed me that it’s possible to blend literary fiction and science fiction in a way that can deepen rather than distract from the greater meaning of the piece,” continued Jacobson.
Destini Baccus, junior, explained the love she has for A Taste for Rabbit by Linda Zuckerman.
“It was about this animal society that had recently undergone evolution. The rabbits had basically evolved overnight and became sentient beings with thoughts and emotions. They were able to start families and all that,” said Baccus.
She continued, “The foxes had been sentient longer. I guess, for the longest time (in the reality of that world) prey animals hadn’t had sentience… To me that book was fascinating for ways I can’t quite put into words. I really liked all the characters.”
Although Baccus originally read the book as a child, in adulthood she realizes the themes that are present within the story such as what people are willing to for money and food.
Books inspire and enrich, and have made lasting differences on some of the faces you see around campus. If you are ever curious about what to read, just ask your neighbor… What book changed your life?
