Letters About Literature Home >> 2008 National Winners and Honorable Mentions >> Level 1 National Honorable Mention: Anne Le
LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE
Letters of 2008 National Winners and Honorable Mentions
Level 1 National Honorable Mention: Anne Le
Dear Mr. Rafe Martin,
You may encounter a book at some point in your lifetime that
serves as your special companion, even remaining as a permanent
part of your soul. I experienced this while reading your most
recent work of fiction, Birdwing. Throughout my school
years, others' attitudes toward me made me feel that some part
of me wasn't acceptable and would not allow me to fit in with
everyone else. Therefore it was practically impossible that someone
would be interested in my friendship. I was not "popular" like
the majority of the students at the schools I attended. Although
my teachers always praised me for my exceptional schoolwork and
conscientiousness, everyone else behaved as if it was something
to be disgraced about. I was regarded, according to the socialites'
guidelines, as a social misfit. I wouldn't be spotted at a party
hosted by a popular girl. Even when I had those occasional buddies,
I could only gaze at the other girls wistfully while they gathered
together, engrossed in a conversation I could never partake in,
and only long for that to happen to me someday.
I have always been reserved and independent -- a recluse. I
had an unusual interest in reading while others preferred math
or physical activity. I usually went to the local library after
school hours and borrowed books from higher grade levels. Most
of the books I read were depressing and contained numerous gloomy
parts. Eventually I began reading different books with uplifting
spirits -- mainly fairytales. And one day I noticed Birdwing.
As soon as I finished skimming the summary on the back cover,
I thought, Wow. This Ardwin and I are very similar people. He
won't be accepted in his kingdom as I'm not accepted by my schoolmates.
I shut myself up in my bedroom and read for hours until I completed
the entire book. I pondered over the parts when Ardwin was criticized
because of the swan's wing in the place of his left arm, and
I could barely tear myself away from the intriguing journey he
undertook to find acceptance. I also discovered many resemblances
between me and Ardwin. We are two people with different ages
living in different eras, but our personalities and life experiences
were alike. As I'm struggling to find a place in my school, he's
excluded from his kingdom because of his wing. He can't even
fulfill his aspirations of becoming an archer or even be respected
by the swans. Life seems to be unbearable for both of us.
I then realized at the end of the book that being different
was nothing to be shameful about. The term "being different" is
also synonymous with being unique. I learned throughout your
book that you should not conform and be like everyone else --
if you are innovative and original in your own distinctive way,
it makes you stand out from others. My perspective on myself
before I read Birdwing completely changed once I had finished
it. Your story has helped me to feel more confident and believe
in myself. It has restored my love and faith for the true human
being inside me. That is how I finally gained sincere friendships.
Thank you, Mr. Martin, but most importantly, dedicate my gratitude
to the character of Ardwin that you have invented. Although he
only thrives on paper, I know him as a long-lost friend. Continue
to write about Ardwin -- it is truly he who has made all the
difference in my world.
Anne Le
Letters About Literature Home >> 2008 National Winners and Honorable Mentions >> Level 1 National Honorable Mention: Anne Le
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