Category: Project

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Rediscovering Calm: A 60-Day Meditation Journey and Its Impact on My Life

Embarking on a personal experiment, I initiated a meditation routine on April 17, 2024, marking my second attempt at incorporating meditation into my daily life. My previous endeavor was short-lived, plagued by impatience and a lack of observable benefits, which led me to prematurely abandon the practice. I have always struggled with activities that require stillness and patience, such as watching movies or simply sitting still, with my media consumption largely limited to YouTube.

Prompted by a burgeoning curiosity, I revisited meditation. The nagging thought of potentially missing out on significant benefits simply because I disliked remaining stationary was unsettling. Determined to explore the unknown possibilities of meditation, I decided to give it another earnest attempt.

Driven by widespread claims of meditation’s benefits, I set a 60-day goal for myself for this attempt, hypothesizing that a fixed timeframe might encourage persistence. I established parameters for tracking my progress, deciding to monitor my sleep quality, weight, heart rate, and daily meditation adherence via the Finch App.

As noted in my April 20 entry, I faced significant challenges in maintaining a consistent meditation practice early in the project. My grade school memories of enforced brief morning 3-minute meditation sessions, which were agonizing, seemed to haunt me. I had a habit of doing something when I was supposed to sit still and meditate, such as reading. Cunningly, I started to think about piano music in my head, which still got me in trouble on multiple occasions. My teacher often scolded me for not doing the meditation seriously back then.

As an adult, my problems from childhood persist. Thoughts, particularly daily tasks, intrusively disrupted my attempts at mental clarity. I had to get rid of the garbage of my thoughts. Data analysts often use the word GIGO (Garbage in, garbage out.) I decided to purge my thoughts before I started meditation. I strategized around this by scheduling meditation after morning journaling and daily planning, which improved my focus on physical sensations like body temperature and breathing patterns. However, I often struggled to sustain attention during the sessions, which typically lasted between 5 and 15 minutes in the mornings and 10 to 20 minutes at night.

Mondays proved particularly difficult due to early work commutes and abbreviated morning routines. In the bigging, I woke up at 5:15 am, 15 minutes earlier, to do all my morning routines, including this meditation. Now, I had difficulty concentrating because my time was too tight. On such days, I managed only five minutes of meditation in the morning, compensating with a slightly longer session in the evening.

Over time, I observed an interesting shift in my mental processes during meditation. Although I still doubted the correctness of my technique, I began to experience moments of detached awareness, where my frustrations and concerns appeared as if belonging to someone else, akin to watching a movie of my own thoughts. This experience may last for a few minutes – I think. I was too worried to get out of this experience, so I hesitated to open my eyes. This new perspective, emerging sporadically, was fascinating.

I saw some changes in my data, which I corrected over time. Physiologically, I noted a significant reduction in my average resting heart rate, a benefit possibly augmented by general weight loss, which I also monitored throughout the experiment. My relationship with food also transformed; meditation diminished my cravings, particularly emotional eating, which I had abstained entirely from since starting the practice. This change, coupled with increased exercise and meticulous dietary logging, contributed to a weight loss of 5 pounds in May. However, the hot weather also played a role in this by increasing water loss.

Regarding my sleep, while my overall sleep quality improved by 6 points in May, with a slight increase in REM sleep durations of 5 minutes, deep sleep remained elusive. I have way too much REM sleep and less deep sleep, according to my sleep log, than I would like. So, I aspired to more deep sleep, believing it to be crucial for my well-being.

Reflecting on the potential health benefits of meditation, I turned to authoritative sources like the Harvard Medical School website, which confirmed that consistent practice could significantly lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels, provided the sessions lasted at least ten minutes (Meditation Offers Significant Heart Benefits, 2023). My meditation routine, particularly the evening sessions, aligned with these recommendations, potentially explaining some of the physiological improvements I observed.

Contrary to my physical health gains, my sleep quality saw only marginal improvements; my result was inconsistent with some academic findings, such as those by Rush et al. (2019), which questioned the impact of meditation on sleep after analyzing metadata consisting of 3,303 total records and 18 trials from 1654 participants. Their research suggested that while some immediate benefits might be noticeable, they could not see the effect on sleep quality from mindful meditation intervention (p.7).

As my 60-day trial concludes in 10 days, I remained committed to continuing meditation beyond this initial period. Despite the challenges and ongoing uncertainties about the ‘correctness’ of my technique, the general sense of well-being it imparts is undeniable. Moreover, having not missed a single day of meditation throughout the trial is a personal achievement that motivates me to maintain and refine my practice.

In summary, while the empirical benefits of meditation, particularly concerning sleep quality, remain a topic of some debate, the personal gains in terms of stress management, heart health, and overall well-being are compelling. As I look forward to continuing my meditation journey, I am curious and hopeful about the deeper insights and health benefits a sustained practice might unlock.

References

Meditation offers significant heart benefits. (2023, August 1). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/meditation-offers-significant-heart-benefits

Rusch, H. L., Rosario, M., Levison, L. M., Olivera, A., Livingston, W. S., Wu, T., & Gill, J. M. (2019). The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1445(1), 5–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13996

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Reflecting on “Thirteen Reasons Why”: A Novel’s Impact on Teen Issues

In the United States, a number of books have been challenged or banned in schools and libraries. Among these, “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher caught my attention when I saw it on a list of 100 banned books. I chose this book not for any specific reason but because it was readily available.

The story begins with a high school student, Clay Jensen, receiving a mysterious package. Inside, he finds several tapes recorded by his deceased classmate, Hanna Baker. The tapes reveal thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life, and each tape is dedicated to a different person who contributed to her decision. Clay follows a map Hanna left behind as he listens to the tapes, uncovering his peers’ often painful actions and choices.

Throughout the book, issues such as betrayal, bullying, underage drinking, and sexual assault are explored. These topics start with a rumor about Hanna that spirals out of control, impacting her profoundly. Despite her attempts to seek help, the lack of adequate support reaches a breaking point for her.

Clay’s tape does not accuse him of harming her. Instead, Hanna wanted to share her feelings with him because he genuinely cared for her. This part of the book made me ponder whether I could have been as supportive as Clay tried to be, especially if I faced rejection. In the end, Clay hesitated to help her after the rejection – which I could not really blame him.

“Thirteen Reasons Why” was one of the top ten most challenged books in 2012, primarily because of its raw depiction of sensitive issues like teen suicide and bullying, which some thought inappropriate for young readers (Gomez, 2018). These concerns led to its removal from some school libraries and even bans in certain districts.

Despite having yet to experience high school in the U.S., the book paints a realistic picture of teens’ pressures and challenges. It might resonate with many young readers who see aspects of their own lives reflected in Hanna’s story.

As I read, things might have been different for Hanna if the adults around her had offered better guidance. Her parents’ constant arguing and the ineffective advice from her school counselor added to her sense of isolation. Those thoughts made me question why more supportive measures, like counseling helplines and better communication, were not available to her.

The book is undeniably provocative and presents an opportunity to address the real issues it raises. Research indicates these problems are widespread, with studies showing that bullying, drug addiction, and alcohol issues are major concerns among teens. Additionally, over 20% of teens have considered suicide (Pappas, 2023), highlighting our lack of infrastructure and emphasizing a critical need for better mental health support in our schools (Stamm & Assefa, 2023).

Banning the book doesn’t solve these underlying issues. Instead, we should focus on improving our social support structures for distressed young people. The story “Thirteen Reasons Why” is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, particularly when addressing sensitive issues among teenagers.

In conclusion, Jay Asher’s novel is a powerful tool that encourages deep reflection on how to better support our youth. Rather than shying away from complex topics, we should use stories like these to spark meaningful conversations and push for changes that genuinely help those in need. Despite its controversies, I hope that this book will be read by many, whether they are parents, educators, or simply individuals who care about the well-being of young people.

 

References

Gomez, B. (2018, September 17). Banned Spotlight: Thirteen Reasons Why | Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week. https://bannedbooksweek.org/banned-spotlight-thirteen-reasons-why/

Graf, J. M. H. and N. (2019, February 20). Most U.S. Teens See Anxiety and Depression as a Major Problem Among Their Peers. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/02/20/most-u-s-teens-see-anxiety-and-depression-as-a-major-problem-among-their-peers/

Pappas, S. (2023, July 1). More than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide. Psychologists and communities can help tackle the problem. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/07/psychologists-preventing-teen-suicide

Stamm, K., & Assefa, M. (2023, June 1). There aren’t enough psychologists trained to treat kids in need. Here’s why. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/psychologists-needed-to-treat-teens

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Exploring the Irony of Banned Books in Key West

During my trip to Key West, I had an unforgettable experience at The Studios of Key West, located at Simonton Street and Eaton Street. The building caught our attention with its modern design and stylish window displays. Knowing my passion for books, my husband pointed it out during our first encounter with the place. Although we initially passed it by due to a planned visit to Hemingway’s house, we returned later.

Inside, I stumbled upon an intriguing book titled “Read These Banned Books,” published by the American Library Association. Flipping through it, I discovered a list of 100 books, some of which were familiar to me as dystopian novels, like “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley, “1984” by George Orwell, and “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins.

The term “banned” doesn’t imply that these books are entirely unavailable in the United States. They can be bought or borrowed from someone who has them, though they might not be found in your local library or school. Interestingly, The Studios of Key West had these books on display, reinforcing the belief that literature should remain uncensored.

It struck me as ironic that books like “Brave New World” and “1984,” which portray worlds plagued by extreme censorship, are themselves banned. If “Fahrenheit 451” were also on the list, it would complete the books I’ve discussed in a previous blog about literary censorship.

As someone who cherishes reading, I find banning books disheartening. While I’m no book critic or expert, I trust my ability to recognize compelling literature, which often leaves me with mixed feelings about banned books.

Now, I’d like to share a darker story and caution sensitive readers to proceed with care. In 2012, a book was published under a pseudonym by an author, Shonen A, who confessed to committing murders in Kobe, Japan, in 1997. The author was underage, and the name was not released. The victims were grade-schoolers, and the book was released without the knowledge of the victims’ families. I personally choose not to read or purchase such a book, as I cannot support profiting from others’ tragedies. The important thing is that I decided not to read the book.

Despite not being a professional critic, my curiosity drives me to explore these controversial books, many of which are influential yet banned. This exploration is not just about reading; it’s also about understanding the reasons behind their bans. I came across a lecture series titled “Banned Books, Burned Books Forbidden Literary Works,” which I plan to follow while I delve into these banned books.

There are 100 banned books on the list. It will take time to read them all, but I am committed to reading them slowly and with intent. My goal is not just to read but also to research and understand the context of their bans, ultimately forming my own opinions on whether these books deserve to be censored.

This journey through banned books is not only about discovery but also a personal statement on the importance of freedom in literature and the right to choose what we read, regardless of the controversy surrounding the content.

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Tofu Adventures: From Taste Tests to Homemade Delights

Lately, I’ve had a strange craving for Okara, which is odd because it’s not something you typically find on the shelves here in North America. Okara is a byproduct of tofu production, which is a staple in Japan but seems to play hide and seek in my local stores!

Growing up in Japan, I ate a daily parade of tofu and Okara. It’s hard to recall a single day without them. However, things changed when I moved to Canada; my tofu escapades became infrequent visits to Chinatown. The tofu here had a different vibe—it just didn’t taste like the tofu I was used to back home. I later learned that it’s because they use a different coagulant here. As for Okara, it seemed to have vanished completely.

Fast forward to 2018, after relocating to Tennessee, we discovered a Korean grocery store a mere 20 minutes from our house. Tofu has improved its shelf life in the last decade, prompting us to buy it more often. Here’s the twist: my husband isn’t exactly the president of the tofu fan club—he claims it tastes like a sponge! To win him over, I introduced him to Ma Po Tofu; believe it or not, he liked it! Sadly, the quest for Okara still came up empty.

Okara isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with fiber and bioactive compounds, making it incredibly healthy. According to Healthline, adults under 50 should aim for 38 grams of fiber daily for men and 25 grams for women. Over 50? You’re looking at 30 grams for men and 21 grams for women. Plus, you can toss Okara into a variety of recipes, like using it as a burger filling—talk about a fiber-filled treat!

Okara offers more than just fiber. Science Direct tags it as a nutritional superstar, rich in protein, oils, and soluble and insoluble fibers—the health booster your wallet loves. Unable to find it locally, I decided it was time to get my hands dirty by making my own tofu from scratch!

The process of making tofu is akin to cheesemaking. You’ll need soybeans and a coagulant—choices range from Nigari and Gypsum to Lemon Juice and Vinegar. I prefer Nigari, which adds a slightly sweet taste to the tofu. However, it’s originally a salty byproduct containing magnesium chloride.

My tofu-making skills were supposed to be honed in a home economics class in Japan. Still, I missed that crucial lesson due to a competition. I have zero knowledge! Thankfully, I stumbled upon a fantastic YouTube tutorial by Food for Wellbeing Kawashima-ya. It was in English and used Nigari—perfect!

 

To make tofu, you’ll need:

  • 280g of Soybeans
  • 20ml of Nigari mixed with 50ml of lukewarm water
  • A blender
  • A straining cloth
  • A simple tofu press
  • A weight (a bottled water works just fine)

 

The process involves soaking the dry soybeans overnight, blending them with just enough water, and then heating the mixture before straining it to separate the milk for tofu and the Okara. Once heated, mix the soymilk with Nigari and let it sit, covered, on low heat. A simple tofu press and a water bottle for weight can give you that perfectly firm tofu.

Please check out the video for a more detailed walkthrough:Youtube Video on Tofu Making

Making my own tofu was thrilling, especially since it was my first experience. From this adventure, I produced about 400g of Okara. I made some Okara dishes with the Okara, half of which I shared with fellow Japanese friends. 

 

References

Food for Well beingKawashima-ya (Director). (2021, September 6). How to Make Tofu at Home | Easy Homemade Tofu with just Soybeans, Nigari, and Water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga37W4_zRfY

Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber: What’s the Difference? (2017, August 22). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/soluble-vs-insoluble-fiber

Okara—An overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/okara

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Jam-packed Saturday: A Dash of Sweet, A Pinch of Spicy

It’s Saturday, and you know what that means—adventure time! After my usual morning sprint, scribbling in my journal, and wrestling with German verbs, we zoomed off to the farmer’s market at Frankly Factory. Though it’s only 8 AM, the place buzzes like a beehive with folks snagging the freshest local goodies. Our mission? A glorious bucket of strawberries. Yup, it’s jam-making day!

These strawberries are not just berries; they’re possibly the sweetest I’ve ever tasted. Making our own jam is the way to go because, honestly, who wants mystery ingredients in their jelly? Today’s spicy-sweet concoction requires about 1.5 pounds of crushed strawberries and, surprise—a half cup of jalapeño peppers. I couldn’t wait until I got home; I snuck a strawberry—super sweet!

With my trusty strawberry pit remover (a magical gift from my hubby a few years back), I prepped 4 cups of berries in no time. It’s a game-changer, making the task so much easier! Next up, I mixed in some sugar and let it work its magic to draw out the juicy goodness. Then came the jalapeños, which always make me sneeze my head off. To avoid a jalapeño chunk catastrophe, I blitzed them in the blender—no tears or sneezes!

Strawberries are low in pectin, so tossing in some high-pectin lemon helped set the jam just right. I’m not much for using commercial pectin. With the jam looking good, I sanitized some bottles (carefully—they’re hot!) and bottled up six little jars of my homemade delight.

Even after all that jamming, I still had over 2 pounds of strawberries left. I chopped them up, sealed them in bags, and prepped them for my next jam session. The rest? We’re munching on those sweet treats for the next few days.

What a sweet and spicy start to the weekend!

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Exploring the Calm: A 60-Day Meditation Journey

Recently, I decided to give meditation another try. The main reason? I was curious about its effects. I’ll be honest—meditation has always been a challenge for me. Actually, this is the second time I’ve tried this project. It’s tough to sit still in one spot without doing something productive. For instance, I can’t just watch a movie; I must take notes and analyze the plot to enjoy it.

Despite knowing some benefits of meditation, I’ve been reluctant to dedicate time to it. This time, I’ve committed to a 30-day trial of consistent meditation, followed by 30 days of analyzing my experiences—a total of 60 days.

Contrary to my feelings toward meditation, meditation offers numerous benefits for the mind and body. According to Sharma (2015), it helps mentally and physiologically by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and high levels can lead to various adult health issues. Meditation also boosts blood flow to brain areas involved in cognitive processes and emotion regulation (Jumah & Dossani, 2024). I put some of the benefits I found from the Journal written by Sharma:

Mental Benefits: Stress deduction, Decreased Anxiety, Decreased  Depression, Reduction in Pain, Improved Memory, Increased Efficiency

Physiological Efficiency: blood pressure, Heart rate, lactate, Cortisol, epinephrine, metabolism, breathing pattern, oxygen utilization, carbon dioxide elimination, increased melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone surface, skin resistance, blood flow to the brain.

When I meditate, my mind tends to race with thoughts, mainly my to-do list. It was so overwhelming at first that I started to meditate right after my morning routine. After my run, I jot down everything I need to do on a few pages of notes, which helps to clear my mind for meditation. I still found meditation to be challenging. I tried to focus on my breathing. Focusing solely on my breathing still didn’t help, so I began visualizing beautiful scenes from places I’ve visited, sometimes even imagining muses dancing in these settings. This has allowed me to keep distracting thoughts at bay for at least 20 minutes.

Over the next 60 days, I plan to learn more about meditation. I don’t know how this journey will unfold or if I’m practicing meditation correctly. But experiencing what it’s like to be in tune with my body is reason enough for me to undertake this project.

 

References

Jumah, F. R., & Dossani, R. H. (2024). Neuroanatomy, Cingulate Cortex. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537077/

Sharma, H. (2015). Meditation: Process and effects. Ayu, 36(3), 233–237. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.182756

 

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Maximizing Time Alone: A Cleaning Journey While My Partner’s Away

Written on March 23, 2024

My husband will be away, spending quality time with his siblings in the upcoming days—a trip I wished to join if only my schedule permitted. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been more inconvenient. With the completion of consolidation reports, nearing the end of financial audits, and the final touches to our financial statements, my work as the sole accountant for our company has been more demanding than ever. The looming task of handling corporation tax still awaits me. Given these circumstances, taking time off was hardly an option. However, I managed to secure a single day to cherish moments with my husband before his departure.

After confirming my husband’s trip, I strategized to use this period to clean our home thoroughly. Although work obligations spilled into the weekend, I seized the chance for a comprehensive cleanup. My husband’s absence made this task more straightforward, allowing me to dive right into it with my trusted trio: vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid.

Admittedly, I often feel a pang of guilt for not maintaining a cleaner home. While my husband contributes to daily upkeep, my efforts are usually reserved for spot cleaning and tackling the bathroom and kitchen over the weekend. Yet, this often needs to be improved. The desire to clean windows, wallboards, and doors weighed on me, especially considering the recent surge in pollen, which likely invaded every corner of our house.

Determined, I dedicated four hours to an intense cleaning spree, focusing on our showers, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, and sideboards. The result was a significantly tidier home that not only looked better but also made me feel better.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s wisdom. She often said that cleaning could clear one’s mind, which resonated with me deeply during this cleaning endeavor. Indeed, as I navigated through the chores, the clutter of my mind seemed to diminish alongside the physical clutter. This experience underscored the value of finding tranquility and satisfaction in the simplicity of household chores, particularly during solitude. It served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clean home and a clear mind, especially amidst the hectic pace of professional responsibilities.

 

While the initial motivation for this cleaning marathon was born out of necessity and the opportunity presented by my husband’s absence, it evolved into a therapeutic exercise that brought clarity and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, in the quiet moments of solitude, we find the space to rejuvenate and realign ourselves, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with a renewed spirit and a cleaner home.

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Exploring the Delicious World of Nanbanzuke: A Japanese Delight with European Roots

RE: A Culinary Saturday: Embracing the Bustle with Love and Food

My husband wrote about Nanbanzuke, and now I want to write a blog about it.

Nanbanzuke, a dish celebrated in my hometown in the southern regions of Japan, carries a rich history that traces back to the Muromachi Period (1336AD-1392AD). Though it’s widely believed that the concept of Nanbanzuke arrived in Japan from Spain or Portugal around the 15th to 16th centuries, its essence has been deeply rooted in Japanese culinary tradition ever since. Initially inspired by Escabeche, a European dish of marinated fish or meat cooked in an acidic sauce with spices, Nanbanzuke has evolved to suit the Japanese palate.

The term ‘Nanban’ referred to Europeans during that era, highlighting the influence of European technology and culinary practices in Japan, particularly in Kyushu Island. Japanese adaptations of European dishes, like Nanbanzuke, reflect cultural integration and showcase local innovation in culinary arts.

Nanbanzuke, especially popular in the hot and humid summers of my small hometown, is cherished for its ability to prolong the shelf life of food, thanks to the vinegar in its marinade. While the local favorite is Chicken Nanbanzuke, I prefer using salmon, offering a delightful twist to this traditional dish.

Here’s how to create Salmon Nanbanzuke, a dish that marries the robust flavors of Japan with the zesty charm of European cuisine:

 

****

Ingredients:

Salmon (1 lb)

1 carrot

1 bell pepper

½ red onion (sweet or yellow onions are also suitable)

1 TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP cornstarch (adjustable to preference)

2 TBSP potato flour (adjustable to preference)

Seasoning of choice (e.g., Slap Ya Mama)

 

For the Pickled Sauce:

1 Cup Dashi (Japanese soup stock, available at oriental stores)

2 TBSP Soy Sauce

3 TBSP sugar (adjust according to taste; I use a bit more than my parents did. Brian likes a bit sweeter)

½ tsp salt

Sliced dry Japanese chili for an extra kick

 

Preparation Steps:

Prep the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Coat the Salmon: In a bag, combine 1 TBSP olive oil, cornstarch, and potato flour. Add the salmon pieces and shake well to coat evenly.

Cook the Salmon: Though traditionally fried, use an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes for a healthier option. This method ensures a crispy finish with less oil.

Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the carrot, bell pepper, and red onion, which allows the vegetables to blend seamlessly with the pickled sauce.

Simmer the Sauce: Bring the pickled sauce ingredients to a boil in a pot, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.

Combine and Marinate: Layer the cooked salmon and vegetables in a glass container and pour the hot sauce over them. Seal and refrigerate.

Serve Chilled: The flavors of Nanbanzuke intensify overnight. It’s best enjoyed the next day and can last for a few days when refrigerated.

Salmon Nanbanzuke is a testament to the beautiful blend of cultures and the versatility of Japanese cuisine. This dish pays homage to its European roots and celebrates the unique adaptation that makes it distinctly Japanese. Whether you’re a fan of traditional recipes or enjoy experimenting with flavors, this dish will surely delight your palate and introduce you to a world where culinary traditions merge seamlessly.

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Unmasking ‘If We Were Villains: A Dark Dance Between Shakespeare and Suspense

The book “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio is an extraordinary tale that had me hooked from the start. After being captivated by “The Secret History,” this contemporary dark academic book seemed the perfect next step in my literary journey.

The story takes place in a prestigious Shakespearean acting program and follows a close-knit group of seven drama students. As they delve deeper into their roles, they become entangled in a web of deceit, fixation, and sorrow.

The story starts with our main character, Oliver Marks, who’s just finished a ten-year prison sentence for a crime that we have yet to learn. As the book goes on, we’re left wondering who’s pretending and who’s not — after all, everyone in the story is a skilled actor, making things even more exciting. There’s also a mystery around a student’s death. This element is cleverly added to the story, keeping us guessing what happened until the end of the book.

Like the iconic “Interview With The Vampire” by Anne Rice, “If We Were Villains” switches between two timelines: Oliver’s present reflections and the past that led up to the catastrophic night that forever altered his life.

We journey with Oliver back to his formative years at the Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a prestigious art school renowned for its rigorous Shakespearean program. He paints vivid portraits of his six fellow troupe members, each with unique personalities and talents. Their shared love for Bard’s works forges a close-knit group resembling a family.

Their commitment to the craft amplifies as the students dive deeper into their roles. They blur the lines between their on-stage personas and their actual selves, leading to tangled relationships filled with love, friendship, rivalry, and even betrayal. The intensity of these relations keeps the true happenings of the fateful night a mystery until the end.
However, no matter how expertly one can act, stress and tension inevitably surface when a catastrophe occurs in the group. This tragic event triggers a domino effect that irrevocably transforms their lives. Secrets come to light, loyalties waver, and the line separating truth from fiction becomes perilously thin.

The author does a great job of creating complex connections among the characters. Oliver’s flashbacks teach us more about what led to that tragic night. These memories show us how the group interacted with each other and the effects of their actions. As we get closer to the end of the book, the mystery grows more and more, leading us to the surprising truth behind why Oliver was imprisoned.

“If We Were Villains” is a densely layered and meticulously plotted novel investigating art’s power and the intricacies of human relationships. It explores the depth of loyalty, identity, obsession, and the cost of ambition, and all staged against a Shakespearean canvas of drama and tragedy.

While thoroughly engrossing, the book does lean heavily on Shakespearean references. While I recognized some, many others required additional research on my part. You’ll likely get more out of these intertextual connections if you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast.
Nevertheless, despite its darker themes, “If We Were Villains” is an excellent book I highly recommend to any passionate reader. It’s a compelling narrative, and its unique premise makes it a read that is hard to put down!

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Censorship: A Dystopian Critique on Fahrenheit 451

I recently finished reading a disquieting dystopian fantasy book, “Fahrenheit 451,” by Ray Bradbury. After completing it, I had to pause for a day to collect myself and soak in all I’d read.

 

The story throws us into a dystopian future where the lead character, Guy Montag, is a fireman. But hold on; these firemen have an interesting job – they ignite books instead of extinguishing fires. Strange, right? This is because the governing body in this world prohibits books from suppressing the propagation of diverse ideas.

Montag never questioned his job until he met his new, inquisitive neighbor. This young lady nudged him to reassess his life, work, and societal norms. He decided to bring a book home, initiating a clandestine collection. This risky adventure into reading pushed him to question his society’s dictatorial rules.

Things take a turn when Montag’s distant wife uncovers his secret. Out of dread, she betrays him by reporting his book collection to the firefighters. Montag’s life gets turned upside down after this. The book is a hard-hitting critique of censorship and conformity, underlining the significance of literature, critical thinking, and individual freedom.

 

Conformity

Conformity refers to the social behavior where people align their attitudes, beliefs, or actions with those of their group. It’s a common way of creating a uniform society or group, but it does take a toll on freedom of thought and behavior. It discourages individuality and creativity.

In “Fahrenheit 451”, the dystopian society is an outstanding example of conformity. Citizens willingly accept oppressive rules, including the book ban and the preference for trivial entertainment over intellectual conversations. Montag’s wife is so engrossed in her shallow life that she doesn’t realize she’s stopped being human.

Information in this society is strictly controlled. People need books or encouragement to think critically to stop thinking. When Montag starts questioning these norms, his wife’s response is a mix of fear and denial.

Ironically, at the end of “Fahrenheit 451”, the city that prohibited books from suppressing knowledge is destroyed by an atomic bomb. The society that tried to prevent chaos by limiting individual thought crumbles to ruins due to the war, perhaps due to its suppressive measures and failure to promote critical thinking and learning.

Despite this bleak scenario, there’s a glimmer of hope. The intellectual outcasts, who have memorized entire books, survive. They hold within them the knowledge that the old society tried to extinguish, demonstrating the resilience of human thought and ideas.

The book leaves us with a potent commentary on the cyclical nature of human civilization and the ongoing struggle between censorship and freedom, ignorance, and knowledge. Despite the challenges and risks, the book-loving survivors are determined to build a society based on enlightenment rather than suppression.

Conclusion

In the past, certain governments suppressed intellectual freedom, such as the Nazi’s book burning in Germany and the Cultural Revolution in China. Here in the US, we enjoy more freedom but must be vigilant of any subtle censorship driven by group or political interests.

The book “Fahrenheit 451” was like a warning claxon in my mind. I believe it’s vital to understand the ‘why’ behind the label of evil rather than just accepting the ‘what.’ It brought home the scary thought of people forgetting how to question the reasons behind labeling something as evil as information has been filtered for us.

On a lighter note, this book makes for a great summer read despite its heavy theme. Its captivating tale of a future dystopian society is quite engaging, not to mention a bit spine-chilling. So go ahead, try it, and let it make you ponder!