Jonathan Livingston Seagull Rediscovered

Jonathan Livingston Seagull Rediscovered

 

One of the things I love the most about books - well actually GOOD books is that every time you read a book over and over you always discover something new about the book or about yourself. There are books that you can read at different stages of your life and understand something different about yourself or about the person you were in the past, about the book or the world. An example of this was my experience with reading  Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.

My 6th grade computer teacher Ms. Vazquez gave me this book at the end of that school year because I was a good student in her class and because I loved to read. I struggled so much as a 6th grader in being interested in a book about a bird who would stubbornly rather fly then eat. I didn't think I could relate to Jonathan or what he was trying to do.  I kept that book for years because I was grateful that she bought it for me. Growing up I couldn't afford to buy books and so when I received a book it was a precious thing.  I lost the book in the many moves of my childhood and the other day found it in goodwill while book shopping for my students. 

I decided to give the book another try and what I discovered was the story of a simple bird with a big dream. Jonathan faces ridicule and being shunned by his family and friends because instead of just living a monotonous life of pursuing food he wants to fly as high as possible. His love of flying and his desire to fly higher and faster then any other bird is what motivates him to keep going. There are moments when he questions whether he should give up or keep going but his heart won't let him quit. This story is inspiring because it talks about how it's ok to be different from everyone else. Jonathan is different but he doesn't let their criticisms stop him. It's also about how powerful and rewarding it could be to pursue your dreams. It's hard work, but as they say nothing worthwhile is ever easy. 

I've been thinking about how I've decided to truly pursue my dream of being a writer and how scared I am. I'm scared I won't be good enough, or that I won't be able to get into a creative writing program. I'm thinking about how I'll be able to afford it. But I don't want to give up because I've already lost so much time being afraid. I know people will also think I'm foolish and that there's no money in that career. I already have a career. This is my dream and dreams don't always have to be profitable. Even though how dope would that be? If I got published. I will get published I have to believe like Jonathan Livingston Seagull that my dream will come true.

Also I am grateful to all the teachers who have touched my life because they fostered in me a love of reading and learning. I think by giving me this book Ms. Vasquez was sending me a beautiful message about not being afraid of being my true self at a time I was so shy and struggling with how different I was from everyone else. Thank you Ms. Vasquez! As a teacher I am always bringing books into my classroom and I hope one day students are touched by one of them too.

Which book will you re-read?