Hello, RMST 202! This is the last blog of this course, which saddens me, and I must say I will miss it.

The journey through RMST 202 has been unique and transformative for me. Initially, I anticipated the course to be predominantly focused on exploring themes of romance and love. However, it explored themes beyond just love, touching upon a variety of different books focusing on war, politics, memory, identity, childhood, time, and a lot more. The amazing course structure, the setting of the classroom, and the diverse materials we engaged with broadened my perspective on literature as a whole. I am so grateful to have Professor Jon and the TAs, without whom this course would probably not have been the same. I am also grateful for the way this course expanded my horizons and challenged my initial expectations, offering a richer, more varied exploration of literature. Exploring the blogs was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the diverse range of interpretations and perspectives my classmates brought to our discussions on the novels. It was fascinating to see how differently each person could view the same piece of literature, bringing unique insights and drawing varied conclusions. This variety enriched our collective understanding and pushed me to consider viewpoints I might not have otherwise encountered.

This class has changed the way I read. It has made me more interested in the intricate details of writing, bringing to light things I had missed before. I’ve learned to respect the subtleties of language, the complexity of characters, and the importance of context by digging deeper into the text, making reading more enjoyable for me. This new way of thinking has not only helped me become a better analyst, but it has also helped me understand and enjoy books in general. The course’s focus on critical thinking and analysis has made me a better, more thoughtful, and more grateful reader.

My favourite novel will probably be The Book of Chameleons because it very well stood out to me. It undoubtedly deepened my appreciation for authors who push the boundaries of conventional narrative structures. I would say I was not a big fan of Combray because it was quite hard to understand, especially for a first read, but I might give it a try again, probably in the summer.

A big thank you to all my amazing classmates, TAs and professor. All the best for the finals, and have an amazing summer ahead!

Question: What was your favourite book?