Book of the Fortnight
“40 Rules to Love”
Recommended by VTSU Castleton exchange student, 40 Rules of Love follows Ella, a middle-aged protagonist. Ella, after reading a manuscript regarding thirteenth century Sufi poet, Rumi and the Shams of Tabraiz and his forty rules of love, begins her journey.
With central themes of love and spirituality, the novel outlines the key rules of love in tandem with a compelling story. Mishkat categorises this novel as highly recommended, as the story truelly connected to her soul.
Indeed, the timelessness of love is explored in this novel, as thirteenth century rules transcend centries to be applicable today.
“1984”
A classic novel and compelling critique of society, Orwell’s 1984 comes highly recommended by VTSU Randolph Freshman, Daniel Sprano.
The book “encapsulates the growing threat of technology and totalitarianism in the modern world,” noted Sprano. The dystopian story line certainly draws parallels to current crisis facing the world.
The fascinating narrative is supplemented with curious characters, “you don’t know if you like them or not, these are realistic characters with human flaws rather than blatant protagonist.”
“Wonder”
This book, transformed into a motion picture in 2017, follows a young boy born with facial differences. “It gives a perspective on someone who struggles with a disability,” explained Cheromiah, Sophomore at VTSU Johnson.
The book is uniquely structured, with various perspectives driving the narrative. Cheromiah enjoyed this aspect, as “the book switches points of view” to provide a wholistic reading that underlines the experience of those with disabilities, as well as their family and friends.
More Stories
Are these unwelcomed signs?
Jesus, show me a sign, but not that one. I like to know where I am going in life. Both physically and mentally. And when I am feeling lost, I look around hoping that a sign will pop up. I say this because I was driving back to campus the other day and I saw […]
I came to Castleton for the nature: A Japanese student speaks of why she came to VTSU Castleton
Akane Minamino is an international student from Japan who writes about her experiences attending school a world away from home. What do you think brought me here Castleton? I have a lot of reasons why I came here, but one of them is that Castleton is a rural area. Why was living in a countryside […]
My place within a man’s world
I had just parked to put gas in my Audi. As I was pumping, this guy on the other side of the pump, under his breath said, “Who lets a woman drive a car like that?” Another time, I had just pulled in to my father’s auto shop and this guy pulls up, goes up […]
Book of the Fortnight
“The Hounds of Baskervilles” by Arthur Cohan Doyle The infamous detective Sherlock Holmes promises tales of adventure, surprise, and genius. Recommended by VTSU-Castleton senior Charlie Cisneros, this Sherlock Holmes novel is an “easy read, so you’re not lost but you don’t know what’s going to happen next.” This third iteration of Doyle’s crime novels allows […]
What music does for our souls
For an Intro to Media and Communication assignment, students were asked to write about the impact of specific songs or music in general has had on their lives. Below are excerpts from their work. A song that has a lot of meaning to me is “Burn it to the Ground” by Nickelback. Nickelback is one […]
Skiers take on Costa Rica
The Castleton men’s Alpine Ski Team finished their season on an incredible high; dominating the winter sport across the east coast and nationally. Following such success called for a drastic shift in climate, activity and geography. Indeed, a surf adventure to Costa Rica was determined appropriate for two vacation groups amounting to 12 members of […]