得獎感言

A surge of excitement captivated my mind as the final result was announced. It is, indeed, such a great honor for me to receive this award.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Bookman for holding this competition. And of course, thank you, dear judges, for your appreciation and the precious award. Secondly, I would I like to credit my improvement in English to my teacher, Emily, who leads me into the wonderland of English literature and broadens my horizons. Last but not least, I am grateful that my classmates as well as my elder sister are always willing to share afterthoughts and discuss the book, The Giver, with me. Without them, I would not be able to present my work.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have developed a profound interest in English. My father is a fan of U2; thus, I am accustomed to listening to English songs. My elder sister and I used to sing English songs together as a daily routine, and that was how I began to learn English. There is definitely no shortcut in learning foreign languages. And among all methods, I found listening and reading the most interesting.

After entering high school, I got a perfect chance to read various kinds of fascinating English books. My teacher ushered my classmates and me into the beautiful, charming, and poetic world of literature. There, I make friends with the naïve Little Prince and his acquaintances from peculiar planets. I get the chance to daydream with romantic Anne of the Green Gables. And I can always seek consolation from ‘’The Chicken Soup for the Soul’’ when I am overwhelmed with despair. Initially, the words in the books seemed unfamiliar to me. However, the exceptionally polished written words were gradually instilled into my sponge-like mind and nourished my soul. On weekends, my friends and I would often watch inspiring movies and discuss the plots in English. Each good movie is just like a book full of philosophical thinking. To me, this is the best part of learning English.

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”, said by the well-known writer Ernest Hemingway. Certainly, there are times when I feel stressed out by the piles of assignments on my desktop. There are also times when I am knocked down by my poor report card. Nevertheless, I still hang in there because of the magic world, the unlimited sky I have explored in the books. They can always change hours of weariness into moments of delight. In the fantasy world, I am always able to forget my trifling troubles.

I am truly blessed and grateful that I have come into contact with all kinds of wonderful books on my life’s journey. Also, I feel flattered at Bookman’s compliment. It means a lot to me. I will absolutely continue to sharpen my English skills, continue to explore more about literature, and of course, continue to share my afterthoughts with all who love books.

Everyone dreams of living in a paradise where no pain or sorrow exists. The idea of Utopia is quite captivating to me, and the image of Utopia is intensely seared to my mind. However, as I flipped open the book, The Giver, I realized not every Utopia is so appealing.

The story was set in an imaginary place called the Community. There, residents lead immutable lives regulated by only a small group of people. The life there is without color, pain or love. Everything is perfect, and under control. Lois Lowry is ingenious in writing the tale in a way that lets her readers steep in the world of the protagonist, Jonas. As Jonas turns twelve, he was given the role as the Receiver of Memory, meaning he was the successor of The Giver. Jonas was singled out. During his training, it gradually dawned on him that he had been living in a fraud for the past twelve years. The truth was that underneath the tranquility of the world he had been used to, were endless lies. Facing such a radical shift in his life, determined and dauntless, Jonas escaped from the artificial Utopia.

I felt myself plucked out of my seat and thrown into a world without love, color and delightful music as I read the book. The world, which Jonas lived in, was so plain and so aerial that I could hardly breathe. Indeed, residents in the Community need not worry about wars or poverty, and the well-organized system ensured them a carefree life. Throughout the story, Jonas inevitably enchants me. His tenacity and detailed observation made the insipid Community different. He is, indeed, extraordinary and gifted. I think Jonas’s tenacious valor is remarkable. Had it not been for his bravery, he could have gone insane and lost faith like Rosemary, who was overwhelmed by the memories of pain and released herself. I doubt whether I would be as intelligent as Jonas if I were to endure such somber memories. Those memories of brutal wars, magnificent despondency and helplessness wrench my heart.

As the author said, “The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.” The Giver eased his tension by burdening Jonas. The share of both bright and dark memories changed Jonas, and I feel the same. Intrigued by the memory of a family, Jonas loved the warmth and laughter in the memory so much that he desired to be loved. Even if my life is not always smooth-sailing and often disappoints me, I would rather take on all the ups and downs than living in a place like the Community. I might get hurt on my path, but that is the true calling of life. The Community is nothing but a cold and relentless place. I wonder how one could experience happiness if they took pills to paralyze pain and sorrow. Moreover, how could one possibly feel warm and consolatory when others are so ignorant? Through Jonas, I have learned we are not born to survive; instead, we are to thrive. To my relief, Jonas took the plunge and escaped from the Community with Gabriel.

The result remains mysterious, while I believe Jonas and Gabriel have found their paradise. Places like the Community are terrible, and Lois Lowry did show the darkest side. Though some might consider this book too critical and cruel for teenagers, I hold an opposite opinion. Lowry’s book teaches us that we should never forget the past and that we should learn from the past mistakes. “History repeats itself” and we certainly do not want to recommit the same error. Besides, just as Jonas was willing to help ease The Giver’s burden, he as well as The Giver was no longer lonely; Jonas gained the power of love to move on because he knew he was not alone. After finishing this book, I believe the future is not all doom and gloom; we should always pluck ourselves up and strive to the end. After all, we are never alone on the journey of life and love is invariably with us.