A couch, television, and an iPad within my reach. These things would give me hope. I don't want my housemates to suspect me of being a professional Instagrammer after posting several photos that were taken during my holiday in Portugal a few weeks ago. David remarked about my lengthy posts on the churches and houses, all of which were centuries old. I missed paper writing, he said. It might be the case, but it was a subconscious thought. After all, I would get lost in unfamiliar places in minutes. I also loved long stories of a place with a storied past. There may not be a rhyme on it, but I believed my message was clear.
Iris Murdoch's works came to mind. My tutor thought her books would give readers some hope. I was baffled after reading the first few chapters of "The Bell". Where was the optimism in a lay community? Furthermore, the events took place after the war. I almost forgot to include Murdoch's dark philosophic tones. I didn't want any of it during my time away from home, as the Mediterranean sun would focus on cheerful thoughts. And there weren't any paperbacks in my backpack.
My tutor was curious about my stoic reaction, prompting her to ask me about the books that would give me hope. She chuckled in less than a minute. The titles were the typical books that a teenager would look for. Moreover, I wouldn't pretend to be high and mighty. The Bard would be good for the term, but not in this heatwave. But I'm veering off from the topic. Here is my shortlist:
Harry Potter. It took me a day to read the first book, and it didn't take several chapters to suspect that Harry Potter would live to tell his story. Normal won't be a commonly-used word in Hogwarts, which would give hope to those who dare to be different. It doesn't mean that I would march to the beat of my own drum, but artists loved to show their creativity. I preferred individuality.
A Series of Unfortunate Events. It was a shame that the big-screen adaptation of the first book didn't garner a lot of attention. Blame it on Harry Potter, who was cursed with good luck. It wasn't the case with the Baudelaire siblings, but someone up there liked them. Otherwise, Count Olaf was laughing all the way to the bank. Mr. Poe won't be called a neglectful guardian. And I wouldn't know Carmelita Spats' version of the alphabet song.
The Adventures of Pinocchio. I believed many readers have different interpretations of this charming novel, but I would see one thing. Only a young boy could make a wish. This made me wondered if an adult couldn't hope for a better life. A different world, which would be better than the previous one. I might have to read the book one more time.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Good lads would finish first. And it won't be wishful thinking.
The Heroes of Olympus. Not even a grim prophecy would be immune to a hopeful heart.
I could read these titles again, but it won't happen during the season. I had the urge to post another photo on my Instagram gallery.
