Reading Journal 2

A Step from Heaven
By: An Na

When reading this book I felt just about every emotion possible; which was great!

I was happy to see such a close family choosing to do something they believed would better them. I then began to be angry for Young; she seemed lost with the language, culture, and adaptation of a new place. Then my emotions turned to strength and frustration as she struggled through different trials in America. And just when I really got mad with Young’s situation and felt she was almost helpless, I felt happiness to see that it was possible to make it through such rough times, and come out whole. I thought this book faced some very real situations happening today and they were topics that I feel need to be addressed.

As she began to stand up for herself, I couldn’t help, but feel this book was meant for young girls to read. It was so empowering to read about a girl struggling to find herself, while being true to her family. I felt all girls could relate to Young, because everyone struggles with family, while discovering themselves and their place in our world. It was also eye opening for me, as others, who have never gone through the trials of facing a new culture while holding on to your own. This was something that all people should learn about and come to respect and understand. This book is great for girls, people, who have gone through facing a new culture or are going through it presently. So much can be learned about a family just moving from another country and making their way in a new place.

My few concerns with this book are that some of the language was difficult to interpret. This was something I worked through pretty easily, but wonder if younger readers would loose interest do to struggling with some of the ‘mixed’ language. Also there were situations in the book that I could see being a concern for parents; having their children read. I thought the book dealt with those areas appropriately, but wonder what the best way to address some of the contents of the book with parents, so students would be allowed to read this.