To be honest, I hate being forced to read a book for the sake of a project or a “book report” and yes I know what you’re thinking – get used to it. Though despite the fact that I have been doing book reports since I was around eight years old- ten years later I still equally (if not more)detest being forced to read a novel I am not interested in. Especially Canadian authors, I have never had any interest in reading fiction novels either, they do not appeal to me what-so-ever. So obviously, when I got wind of what the ISU was, needless to say I was a little less then enthused.
However, when I came across my novel "Life After God" by Douglas Coupland, I was curious and yet a little angry. The title intimidatly spoke to me, not because I thought it might be interesting - but because I thought it was one of those "anti-religious/God" books I find revolting. So without a thought I picked up the book and glanced at the back cover and the first line I read to myself was " We are the first generation raised without God." Automatically I was ready to argue that statement, because not ALL of us have been raised without god. But as I read a bit further down - "How do we cope with loneliness? Anxiety? The collapse of relationships?" Then I thought to myself... "maybe I shouldn't judge a book by its cover" or better yet - title. I thought to myself maybe this could be an interesting and insightful book - but even if it weren't id still have a strong opinion in it either way.
To my surprise, this novel possessed a very strong and inspiring message. That we as humans are not beyond god (or a higher being). We are still fragile creatures that search for answers to our millions of questions we have on a daily basis. I found this to be a different approach to what is considered a "fiction" novel in the sense that - it wasn't some lame love story that had a predictable plot or ending. It actually has something many novels do not have - SUBSTANCE! For the love of god, finally a fictional novel with an ACTUAL morally based and insightful outlook on the human existence, Hallelujah! Couplands Novel "Life After God" is a refreshing and pleasure to read, I would strongly recommend this novel to anyone - believer or not.
If choosing a novel to read from your own country feels like you're being "forced", then you are probably on the wrong pathway. University is going to be especially challenging to your outlook. Furthermore, if you think the ISU is a "book report", then you have woefully misunderstood the purpose of the ISU. Mercifully, Coupland met your approval and rose above "what is considered a "fiction" novel in the sense that - it wasn't some lame love story that had a predictable plot or ending." Really, if this is the sum of your experience with fiction, then you need to read a lot more. By the way, all novels are fiction. Regardless of this oversight, it's encouraging when one can overcome prejudice and appreciate the value of a work with contrary perspectives. It's certainly a beginning point on a journey to inner wisdom and enlightenment. You might want to check out the spelling of "personal" in order to establish a credible tone from the get go.
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