A big challenge with a new book
Choosing to read The Handmaid’s Tale-a completely new type of book to read-was a big challenge.
For me, a book’s cover is one of the most impactive factors in selecting a book. Though people say, “never choose a book by its cover,” I have always chosen one by its cover. The Handmaid’s Tale was the first book I chose not by its cover, but for other reasons. Now having read the first chapter, I still don’t understand the cover with a woman wearing some red dress from the 60s and a Vietnam-style white hat, but I’m expecting to see interesting connections later in the book. What would they symbolize? Reading as concentrating on the symbols on the cover is an interesting experience, as I usually do not put much attention on it after the first impression.
I usually read Fantasy or Crime novels, which usually starts intense and ends intense. They never lose the tension. However, The Handmaid’s Tale, was different as it concentrates more on emotional narratives than keeping the story tense. However, Atwood interestingly writes these scenes that can turn rather lose and boring by going back and forth the timeline. Even though there aren’t actions or fighting taking place, the meticulous change of heart of Offred takes me deeper in the story.
Since I got to make my own choices in reading books, I haven’t read ones that are more than just entertainment. The initial reason I chose The Handmaid’s Tale was because of my English teacher’s recommendation and her enthusiasm in talking about it, but I don’t regret choosing it. Just as she said, it’s a great book by a great author. Now I’m excited to find out what happens to Offred and how she will change in the cruel society.
Think 