Illuminated by Amanda

Illuminated by Amanda - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

I have to admit, there are many, many books that all high school students should read before graduating. I sat down and thought long and hard about this question. All the books I've read have opened my eyes to new worlds and possibilities. I could hardly put them down.

One book, however, that lingers in my mind would have to be Everything is Illuminated, by Jonathan Safran Foer. This novel takes the traditional book format, and introduces a unique twist. It is a framework of many intertwining stories in one story. Each is as beautiful and enlightening as the rest.

This book really challenged my thought process, and had me engaged until the very end. I sat for hours, reading, and re-reading, piecing together the puzzle pieces in my mind. I was intrigued, and as soon as I believed I had figured out which part connected where, another detail was introduced. I feel that this novel is written in such a way that it tests the reader's mind, gently probing it to life. Each student, I believe, should experience this intellectual stimulation.

Hidden within the novel lies a stash of wisdom and life lessons. Each meaningful quote is seemingly disguised with humor, wit, or sadness. Yet, it lies in wait for the reader to pull apart life's mysteries, and discover the knowledge within. This gives the impression that wisdom can come from anywhere. Students need to learn that every day, they experience something new. They gain experience from everything they do. A great life lesson can come from anywhere. All the student really needs to do is to delve deeper and search for these little rays of wisdom.

This novel features unique characters, each with their various quirks and faults. The most important thing about these characters, is that they are real. They are not perfect, and the variety among them guarantees that the reader will at least relate to one of them. These characters are tangible, and this, in turn, would teach students that it is alright to be yourself. More often than not, the story progressed in a positive direction when the characters were simply acting like themselves, rather than trying to prove themselves.

A touchy subject is also addressed, the extermination of Jews during the World War Two era. The main characters, it is revealed, all share a deeper relationship with each other in light of this tragedy. The fact that the story bases its plot-line in this subject in history is extremely important, because it helps to educate the graduating high school students on the horrors of the past. Foer attempts, and succeeds, to bring the past to life, and make it relevant once more. I believe this is something that must be seen by high school students everywhere.

Of course everyone will have their own opinion, however, I stand by mine. I believe this novel has plenty to offer to high school students, complete with humor, creativity and relatable life lessons. This book has truly opened up my eyes. It is definitely an 'illuminating' experience, and I highly recommend that each high school student find this book on their required reading. They might even find themselves purchasing a copy for themselves, and re-reading it on cold, rainy days, as I often do.