Holes

Before reading this book, I thought it would be like other ordinary young adults’ novels which feature exciting plots but usually lack introspective issues for us to reflect on and then expand our perspectives. However, after reading this novel, I realized it is a book not only about survival but also about confidence, love, and simply everything that relates to the daily lives of us teenagers.

The story begins with an overweight boy, Stanley Yelnats IV, who was mistakenly convicted of stealing. He blamed all the trouble on a ridiculous family curse, brought by his great-great-grandfather, who had stolen a pig from a one-legged Gypsy. As a punishment for his mistaken conviction, he was sent to a prison camp, Camp “Green Lake”, where there was in reality no sign of a “lake”, or anything “green”. All he could see was a cracked, unlively, desolate wasteland with numerous holes on it. There was no knowing that it could be a life-changing adventure to the naïve boy, and that everything happened to him would date back to his ancestors and the history of Camp Green Lake.

The growth of Stanley’s mentality and confidence totally impressed me. Confidence is such a significant element to make a person mature and strong. Stanley used to lack confidence in his appearance, which was why the other students and even his teacher made fun of him. In my view, such self-loathing does a person no good but harm. There are several examples of people living happy lives even though they are not in a good shape. Take Susan Boyle for example, a singer who achieved overnight fame in Britain’s Got Talent. The audience laughed at her as soon as she appeared on the gallant stage in her modest homely attire, telling the audience that her aspiration was to become as successful as Elaine Paige. However, the moment she commenced singing, she startled them with her gifted amazing voice. Beyond doubt, no one on earth is useless; some people just have not had the chance to discover their own value. The experience in Camp Green Lake offered Stanley a great chance to ascertain his value and to build his confidence. In the beginning, he did not believe that he could ever finish digging any hole or even become part of the group, but with many efforts, he did make it! That is because he started to keep the faith in himself after going through all the hardship and challenges, and it strengthened Stanley’s belief to approach the Big Thumb and discovered the hidden family treasure in the end.

What also amazed me was the love between Stanley and his parents, and the friendship that Stanley and Zero had developed. Starting a new life in a completely strange place can be frustrating and being separated from family can be regarded as one of the most difficult things to endure. At that time, family was Stanley’s only support, but he chose not to complain about how tough the life was in the camp while writing letters to his parents; he lied instead, because he did not want them to feel worried. I reckon it as the highest extent of love: Hoping the beloved ones to live happily. Many people did not realize how important a role that family plays until they left and started to live by themselves. Parents are the only two, who would love you unconditionally and ask for nothing in return indeed. In addition, friends are also the people whom we can rely on. The plot that Stanley carried Zero to climb up The Big Thumb is the most touching part of the book. Stanley could have abandoned Zero and reach the refuge easier, but he did not do so because “Share and Share alike” is what real friends do with all their hearts.

From Holes, I can see my own reflection. I used to doubt about myself and was scared to step out of my comfort zone. After I summon up all my courage to take an adventure, what I was afraid to do in the past seems to become trivial in comparison to my overwhelming change, which has made me more confident to face any upcoming challenges. Faith is the key to break through the barrier we set up before trying. Therefore, when faced with unfamiliar tasks, just do it! You would never know what you can obtain from the process that you devote all yourselves to make the best of it.