When I first enrolled in this course, I’ll admit it was simply for the literature credits, and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. On top of that, I wasn’t sure how the whole contract grading thing would play out, as it is a new concept for me. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it would feel like a lot of work doing so much reading, especially on top of my readings for other classes, but turns out reading as homework is right up my alley; it never felt like a chore at all.

Weeks later, a book that still stands out as one of my favourites is “Bonjour Tristesse” by Françoise Sagan; I think I especially appreciated this novel because it is centred around a young woman, and written by a young woman who was the same age as the protagonist at the time. Many of the novels we’ve read this semester are coming of age ones, and the manner in which this text carefully illustrates the complexities of growing up, and having difficulty adjusting to change, and to a semi-stable life the protagonist has never had the opportunity to lead before, is very touching and certainly relatable at specific points of the book. I also really enjoyed “The Society of Reluctant Dreamers” by José Eduardo Agualusa, its fascination with the act of dreaming, and its revolutionary background. Moreover, many of these novels, despite being translated from their original languages to English, are chalk full of the most stunning styles of prose, each different, yet individually gorgeous. I’ve kept a list of my favourite quotes throughout the semester, and suffice to say, it has grown incredibly long, and has almost extended beyond the confines of my notes app into something simultaneously monstrous and ethereal (in the best way possible).

Most of these texts I would have never discovered, let alone elected to pick up in my own time. I’ve said before that I’m grateful to be pushed out of my comfort zone in this course, but I’ll restate it now; the opportunity to read entire novels each week has been an incredibly nourishing and enriching experience. I want to extend a big thank you to Professor Beasley-Murray, Patricio, and Jennifer for their teachings and guidance this semester. I have learned so much, and remain open to exploring a wide array of literature I would not ordinarily explore, as you never know what you’ll garner from a new text.

Did this course also push you out of your comfort zone? If so, in what way?